Crotaphytus reticulatus
Not specified·Oviparous (implied by female developing bars when about to lay eggs)
Crotaphytus reticulatus, also known as the reticulate collared lizard, is a moderately sized reptile native to semiarid, rocky regions of the Tamaulipan mezquital. It is characterized by a tan to brown body with distinctive reticulations and black pigmentation, and a faint collar. Unlike most of its genus, it is less restricted to purely rocky habitats and is protected from collection in the United States.
Key Facts
- ›Native to semiarid, rocky regions of the Tamaulipan mezquital in Texas and Mexico.
- ›Tan to brown coloration with reticulations and black pigmentation on its dorsum, limbs, and tail.
- ›Males develop bright yellow chest coloration during the breeding season.
- ›Grows to a total length of up to 41 cm (16 inches).
- ›Diurnal and primarily carnivorous, feeding on invertebrates and small prey.
- ›Protected from collection in the United States due to declining range.
Reticulate Collared Lizard
United States, Mexico
Semiarid Regions, Rocky Regions, Mezquital
- Tan To Brown Coloration.
- Reticulations Covering Most of Its Dorsum, Limbs, and Tail; Some Reticulations Filled With Black Pigmentation.
- No Color Difference Between Males and Females Except During the Breeding Season.
- Males Develop Bright Yellow Coloration On Their Chests During the Breeding Season.
- Faint Collars; Anterior Collar Is Complete Ventrally.
- Greenish-Gray Dewlap With Black Pigmentation In the Center.
- Female's Gular Area Is White To Yellow Without Central Black Pigmentation During Breeding Season.
- Symmetrical Black Spots Fill In Some of the Pattern.
- Ventral Surface Is White Or Cream-Colored.
- Total Length Up To 41 cm .
- Males Have Black Collars, Yellow Chest and Throat Markings.
- Females Develop Orange Bars Along the Underside When About To Lay Eggs.
- Small Pockets At the Base of the Tail and Folds of Skin Above the Front Legs.
- Lacks Postfemoral Mite Pockets.
- Black Oral Melanin.
- Black Femoral Pore Secretions.
Invertebrates, Other Small Prey, Other Lizards
- Diurnal
- Primarily Carnivorous
- Spends Most of Its Time Perched On Rocks, Basking In the Sun
- Quick To Flee If Approached
- Spends Life On the Ground
- Takes Refuge In Rodent Burrows and Under Brush When Threatened
Not Specified
Habitat Destruction, Climate Change
About Crotaphytus reticulatus
Reticulate Collared Lizard
The reticulate collared lizard, scientifically known as Crotaphytus reticulatus, is a species of moderately sized lizard belonging to the family Crotaphytidae. It is native to the semiarid and rocky regions of the Tamaulipan mezquital, with its range extending into the U.S. state of Texas and the Mexican states of Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas. Unlike many other species within its genus, C. reticulatus is not exclusively confined to rocky habitats, occupying a broader environmental niche.
Description and Characteristics
This lizard typically exhibits a tan to brown coloration, distinguished by intricate reticulations that cover most of its dorsal surface, limbs, and tail. Some of these reticulations are accented with black pigmentation. A notable characteristic is the absence of significant color differences between males and females, except during the breeding season when males develop vibrant yellow chest markings. The collars present on C. reticulatus are faint, and the dewlap, or gular area, is greenish-gray with central black pigmentation. Adult C. reticulatus can reach a total length of up to 41 cm (16 inches). The ventral side is usually white or cream-colored. During the breeding season, males display black collars and yellow chest and throat markings, while females may develop orange bars on their underside in preparation for egg-laying.
Behavior and Habitat
The reticulate collared lizard is a diurnal creature, spending most of its active hours perched on rocks and basking in the sun. It is primarily carnivorous, feeding on a diet of invertebrates and other small prey, including other lizards. While generally quick to flee when approached, it will seek refuge in rodent burrows or under brush when threatened. Its behavior is similar to that of closely related leopard lizards, spending much of its time on the ground.
Conservation Status
The geographic range of Crotaphytus reticulatus is reportedly declining, a trend attributed to habitat destruction and potentially exacerbated by climate change. In recognition of these concerns, the reticulate collared lizard is the only species within the Crotaphytidae family in the United States that is protected from collection, highlighting its vulnerable status.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the reticulate collared lizard look like?
The reticulate collared lizard is a tan to brown lizard with intricate reticulations covering its back, limbs, and tail. Some of these markings are filled with black pigment. Males develop bright yellow chests during the breeding season, while females may show orange bars.
Where can the reticulate collared lizard be found?
This species is native to the semiarid and rocky areas of the Tamaulipan mezquital. Its range includes the U.S. state of Texas and the Mexican states of Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas.
What is the diet of the reticulate collared lizard?
The reticulate collared lizard is primarily carnivorous. Its diet consists of invertebrates and other small prey, including other lizards.
What are the main threats to the reticulate collared lizard?
The geographic range of the reticulate collared lizard is declining due to habitat destruction. Climate change is also considered a potential threat to the species.
Is the reticulate collared lizard protected?
Yes, the reticulate collared lizard is the only species in the Crotaphytidae family found in the United States that is protected from collection. This reflects concerns about its declining range.
How large does the reticulate collared lizard get?
Crotaphytus reticulatus can grow to a total length, including its tail, of approximately 41 centimeters (16 inches).
Related Lizards
Crotaphytus bicinctores
The Great Basin collared lizard (Crotaphytus bicinctores), also known as the desert collared lizard or Mojave black-collared lizard, is a species endemic to the Western United States. It is characterized by its less vibrant coloration compared to the common collared lizard, with males exhibiting brown to orange hues and females being darker. This species inhabits rocky arid desert regions, favoring desert scrub and wash environments.
Algerian sand racer
The Algerian sand racer, scientifically known as Psammodromus algirus, is a lizard species found in southwestern Europe and northwestern Africa. It typically inhabits dense bushy vegetation and can be found at high elevations, though it is more common at lower altitudes. This species is characterized by its metallic brownish dorsal coloration with conspicuous white or yellowish stripes.
Algyroides nigropunctatus
The blue-throated keeled lizard (Algyroides nigropunctatus), also known as the Dalmatian algyroides, is distinguished by its keeled V-shaped scales and the striking blue throat of the males during the mating season. This species inhabits a range of environments across Italy and the Balkans, from Mediterranean shrubland to urban areas. Its diet consists primarily of insects and other small invertebrates.