DESERT GRASSLAND WHIPTAIL

Description:

DESCRIPTION: A small (up to 86 mm or 3.3" from snout to vent), slim, dark brown lizard with a long, thin tail, and a slim, pointed snout. The body is marked with six yellow to cream stripes. Some individuals have a partial seventh stripe on the top of the neck. The tail is a muted blue-gray or olive color. The underside is plain and pale. Some adults have a faint pale-blue tint on the throat and sides of face. Juveniles have a bright blue tail. The scales on the body are small and granular. The scales on the tail are large, keeled, and rectangular. The belly scales are large, smooth, and rectangular. The scales on top of the head are large, smooth, and plate-like. Its lack of spots distinguishes this lizard from many Arizona whiptails. Its relatively muted tail coloration distinguishes it from the similar looking Plateau Striped Whiptail. Its muted tail coloration combined with a lack of blue coloration on the feet and underside distinguish it from the Arizona Striped Whiptail and Pai Striped Whiptail.

Habitat:

HABITAT: Primarily an inhabitant of Semidesert Grassland but also follows drainages up into Interior Chaparral and the woodland communities. Frequents low valleys, mesquite-lined riparian corridors, floodplains, and moderate slopes. It is often encountered in disturbed areas and may be expanding its range as a result of overgrazing.

Notes:

This little lizard was crawling around in my backyard. I saved her from the clutches of death from our neighbor's cat. I have seen this little lizard on several occasions eating ants and other insects found on my property. She seemed healthy and vigorous when I released her near one of the grapevines growing near my home. A highly beneficial animal in my opinion.