Crotaphytus collaris
The common collared lizard (Crotaphytus collaris) is a North American species known for its distinctive black bands around the neck and shoulders. Males are particularly colorful with blue-green bodies and yellow markings, while females are more muted. These lizards inhabit dry, open regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, preferring rocky desert landscapes and grasslands.
Key Facts
- ›Males exhibit striking blue-green coloration with yellow stripes and orange throats.
- ›Known for its ability to run on hind legs at speeds up to 24 km/h.
- ›Inhabits dry, open regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
- ›Diet consists primarily of insects and small vertebrates.
- ›State reptile of Oklahoma, where it is known as the mountain boomer.
- ›Highly territorial and diurnal, spending time basking on elevated rocks.
Eastern Collared Lizard, Oklahoma Collared Lizard, Mountain Boomer, Yellow-Headed Collared Lizard, Collared Lizard
Northern Mexico, Southwestern United States
Dry Regions, Open Regions, Rocky Desert Landscapes, Grasslands, Mountainous Regions
- Total Length From 8 To 15 Inches .
- Large Head and Powerful Jaws.
- Males: Blue-Green Body, Yellow Stripes On Tail and Back, Yellow-Orange Throat.
- Females: Light Brown Head and Body, More Muted Pigmentations.
- Juveniles: Duller Coloration With Pronounced Dark Brown Markings That Fade With Maturity.
- Two Distinct Black Bands Around the Neck and Shoulders.
- Sexually Dimorphic, With Males Having Larger and More Muscular Heads.
- Disproportionately Large Head and Long Hind Limbs.
Insects, Spiders, Small Lizards, Small Snakes
- Diurnal
- Highly Territorial
- Hypervigilant
- Can Sprint On Hind Legs To Escape Predators
- Males Engage In More Chase, Fight, Display, and Courtship Behaviors
- Females Exhibit Basking and Foraging Behaviors
- Males Defend Territories Aggressively To Monopolize Mates
- Use Social Displays To Advertise Superiority
- Exhibit Differential Aggression Towards Neighbors Versus Strangers
- Courtship Rituals Involve Specific Behavioral Patterns and Displays
About Crotaphytus collaris
Crotaphytus collaris: The Common Collared Lizard
The common collared lizard, scientifically known as Crotaphytus collaris, is a striking reptile native to the arid and semi-arid regions of North America. It is easily recognizable by the distinctive black bands encircling its neck and shoulders, which give it its common name. Males of the species are particularly notable for their vibrant coloration, often displaying blue-green bodies, yellow stripes along their backs and tails, and bright yellow-orange throats, while females tend to have more subdued brown or gray hues.
Habitat and Distribution
Crotaphytus collaris is primarily found across the southwestern United States, including states such as Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, extending into northern Mexico. Its preferred habitats are dry, open environments, ranging from rocky desert landscapes to grasslands and mountainous areas. These lizards often utilize elevated rocky outcrops for thermoregulation and to survey their surroundings for potential threats or prey.
Physical Characteristics and Behavior
These lizards can grow to a total length of 8 to 15 inches (20 to 38 cm), possessing a disproportionately large head and powerful jaws. A remarkable behavioral adaptation is their ability to run on their hind legs, reaching sprint speeds of up to 24 km/h (15 mph), typically used as an escape mechanism from predators. The common collared lizard is diurnal, meaning it is active during daylight hours, spending much of its time basking to maintain its body temperature. They are highly territorial, especially males, who vigorously defend their territories through displays and, if necessary, aggressive encounters.
Diet and Reproduction
As obligate carnivores, their diet consists mainly of insects, spiders, and other small vertebrates, including other lizards and occasionally small snakes. They are not well-suited to an herbivorous diet due to insufficient nutrient intake from plant matter. The reproductive season typically spans from mid-March to mid-July. Females lay clutches of four to six eggs, which are incubated in a temperature-dependent manner for 50 to 100 days. Hatchlings are independent upon emergence, as the species does not exhibit parental care.
Cultural Significance
In Oklahoma, the common collared lizard holds the distinction of being the state reptile and is also known locally as the 'mountain boomer.' The origin of this nickname is not definitively known but is speculated to stem from early settlers mistaking natural sounds for animal calls in the lizard's habitat. Despite this nickname, collared lizards are silent creatures.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the common collared lizard?
The common collared lizard, scientifically known as Crotaphytus collaris, is a species of lizard native to North America. It is recognized for its distinctive 'collar' of black bands around its neck and shoulders, and the vibrant coloration of the males.
Where does the common collared lizard live?
This species is primarily found in the dry, open regions of the southwestern United States, including states like Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, as well as parts of northern Mexico. They inhabit a variety of environments from rocky desert landscapes to grasslands, often preferring mountainous areas.
What does the common collared lizard eat?
Common collared lizards are obligate carnivores, meaning their diet consists mainly of insects and small vertebrates. They consume a variety of prey such as crickets, grasshoppers, spiders, other small lizards, and even snakes. While they may occasionally ingest plant material, it is not a preferred or sufficient food source for them.
What are the physical characteristics of the common collared lizard?
Crotaphytus collaris can reach a total length of 8 to 15 inches (20 to 38 cm). They possess a large head and powerful jaws. Adult males are typically more colorful, with blue-green bodies and yellow markings, while females and juveniles have more muted brown or gray coloration. Both sexes have two prominent black bands around their necks.
How does the common collared lizard behave?
These lizards are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day and often bask on elevated surfaces. They are territorial and vigilant, ready to sprint on their hind legs to escape predators or defend their space. Males are generally more active than females, engaging in territorial displays and courtship.
How do common collared lizards reproduce?
The reproductive season for Crotaphytus collaris typically runs from mid-March to mid-July. Females lay clutches of four to six eggs in burrows or under rocks. The eggs are incubated in a temperature-dependent manner, with hatching occurring from mid-July to mid-October. There is no parental care provided after hatching.
Why is it called the mountain boomer?
The common collared lizard is known as the mountain boomer in Oklahoma, where it is the state reptile. The origin of this name is unclear, but one theory suggests that early settlers might have mistaken the sound of wind in canyons for an animal's call in areas where these lizards were common. In reality, collared lizards are silent.
Related Lizards
Uta stansburiana
The common side-blotched lizard (Uta stansburiana) is a small reptile native to arid regions of the western United States and northern Mexico. It is distinguished by a unique mating system involving three male color morphs (orange, blue, and yellow) that engage in a "rock-paper-scissors" dynamic for reproductive success. These lizards inhabit rocky, arid environments and are known for their speed and territorial behaviors.
Acanthodactylus
Acanthodactylus, commonly known as fringe-fingered lizards or spiny-toed lizards, is a genus of lacertid lizards found across North Africa, southern Europe, and Western Asia. These lizards are characterized by comb-like projections on their toes, which aid in locomotion, and exhibit aggressive territorial behavior, particularly among males.
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