Cnemidophorus sexlineatus viridis
The prairie racerunner (Cnemidophorus sexlineatus viridis) is a subspecies of lizard found in the midwestern United States. This slender-bodied reptile is characterized by its dark green or brown coloration, seven yellow stripes running the length of its body, and a tail nearly twice its body length. It is a diurnal and insectivorous species, most active in the early morning and seeking shelter as the day heats up.
Key Facts
- ›Found in the short grass prairie habitat of the midwestern United States.
- ›Possesses seven yellow stripes extending from head to tail.
- ›Has a slender body with a tail almost twice its body length.
- ›Active during the day (diurnal) and primarily eats insects (insectivorous).
- ›Most active in the early morning, retreating from the midday heat.
Prairie Racerunner, Six-Lined Racerunner Lizard
United States
Short Grass Prairie
- Slender-Bodied
- Generally Dark Green Or Dark Brown Coloration
- Seven Yellow Stripes Running the Length of the Body From Head To Tail
- White Underside
- Tail Nearly Twice the Length of the Body
Insects
Diurnal, Insectivorous, Most Active In the Early Morning, Hides As the Heat of the Day Rises
About Cnemidophorus sexlineatus viridis
What is the Prairie Racerunner?
The prairie racerunner, scientifically designated as Cnemidophorus sexlineatus viridis, is a subspecies of lizard recognized for its presence in the United States. It is genetically linked to the broader Cnemidophorus sexlineatus species, commonly known as the six-lined racerunner lizard.
Geographic Range and Habitat
This particular subspecies is endemic to the midwestern United States, where it thrives within the short grass prairie ecosystem. Its natural distribution spans across states such as Colorado and Nebraska, extending southward into northern Texas. A notable population also exists in Southern New Jersey.
Physical Characteristics
The prairie racerunner is characterized by a slender body. Its coloration typically ranges from dark green to dark brown, vividly contrasted by seven yellow stripes that extend the entire length of its body, from the head to the tail. A distinctive feature is its tail, which is nearly twice the length of its body. The underside of the lizard is white.
Behavior and Diet
Consistent with many whiptail lizard species, the prairie racerunner exhibits diurnal behavior, meaning it is active during daylight hours. Its diet is primarily insectivorous, consisting of various insects. The lizard is most active during the early morning hours and will retreat to shelter as the day's heat intensifies, avoiding the peak temperatures of midday.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the prairie racerunner?
The prairie racerunner, scientifically known as Cnemidophorus sexlineatus viridis, is a subspecies of lizard native to the United States. It belongs to the same species as the six-lined racerunner lizard.
Where can the prairie racerunner be found?
This subspecies inhabits the short grass prairie regions of the midwestern United States. Its range extends from Colorado to Nebraska, and south to northern Texas, with a notable presence in Southern New Jersey.
What does the prairie racerunner look like?
The prairie racerunner typically has a dark green or dark brown body, adorned with seven distinct yellow stripes that run from its head to the tip of its tail. It has a slender build and a tail that is nearly double the length of its body, with a white underside.
What is the behavior of the prairie racerunner?
Like other whiptail lizards, the prairie racerunner is diurnal, meaning it is active during the day. It is most active during the cooler parts of the morning and seeks refuge as the day's heat intensifies.
What does the prairie racerunner eat?
The prairie racerunner is an insectivorous species, meaning its diet consists primarily of insects. It actively forages for its prey during its diurnal activity periods.
Related Lizards
Algerian psammodromus
The Algerian psammodromus is a species of lizard recognized for its metallic brownish dorsal coloration often accented by conspicuous white or yellowish stripes. It inhabits dense bushy vegetation in southwestern Europe and northwestern Africa, preying primarily on terrestrial arthropods. This species faces threats primarily from habitat loss.
Blanus cinereus
The Iberian worm lizard (Blanus cinereus) is a limbless reptile resembling a worm, characterized by its small, underdeveloped eyes and smooth scales. It inhabits a variety of Mediterranean habitats across Portugal and central and southern Spain, where it lives a subterranean life. This species relies heavily on chemosensory signaling to navigate, detect prey, and avoid predators, compensating for its near-complete inability to see.
Crotaphytidae
The Crotaphytidae, commonly known as collared lizards, are a family of fast-moving, desert-dwelling reptiles native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. These lizards are characterized by their long limbs and tails, with some species capable of running on two legs at high speeds. Their diet primarily consists of insects and smaller lizards.