 |
|
Squamata, Sauria: Crotaphanidae - Collared & Leopard Lizards |
| Crotaphanids are North American lizards that form two genera and 12 species and are distributed in the Western USA from Oregon to the Mississippi River and southward into northern Mexico, and Baja California. Although there may be at least one population east of the Mississippi. All lay eggs, and the females have bright red or orange spots when they are carrying eggs. They are diurnal and feed mostly upon insects and small vertebrates. They range in size from 80-115 mm and prefer rocky habitats (Collard Lizards), with some species (Leopard Lizards) using flat grasslands or sandy areas. When running, they are usually bipedal. |
 |
The Eastern Collared Lizard, Crotaphytus collaris Say, 1823. Photographs of Arizona specimens. Adult body lengths to 116 mm. Collard Lizards are fast, running bipedal across grassland and rocks. They range from central Missouri westward to Utah and Arizona and southward into central Mexico. There is at least one population east of the Mississippi River in southern Illinois. Females are marked with red lateral spots when they are fertile (see second photo) and the red spots fade after the eggs (up to 14) have been deposited. They tend to eat larger insects, occasionally take small vertebrates and plant matter.
|
 |
 |
The Long Nosed Leopard Lizard, Gambelia wislizenii Baird and Girard, 1852. Photographed in Arizona. Adult body size to 146 mm. Leopard lizards use flat terrain with sparse vegetation. It runs bipedal, and will use ambush as a hunting strategy. Food includes a variety of insects and small vertebrates. This leopard lizard ranges from Washington and Idaho southward into Texas and Mexico.
|
| |
|
 |
|
| All text and photographs copyright © John C. Murphy. All rights reserved worldwide. The content of this site is made available for purposes of researching images offered for license by John C. Murphy. No image is to be copied, duplicated, modified or redistributed in whole or part without the prior written permission of JCM Natural History Photography. Email: jcm@jcmnaturalhistory.com |
|