Baja California collared lizard

Baja California collared lizard
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Sauropsida
Order: Squamata
Family: Crotaphytidae
Genus: Crotaphytus
Species: C. vestigium
Binomial name
Crotaphytus vestigium
Smith and Tanner, 1972
Synonyms

Crotaphytus fasciolatus Mocquard, 1903 (suppressed senior synonym)[1]
Crotaphytus insularis vestigium Smith and Tanner, 1972

The Baja California collared lizard[1][2] or Baja black-collared lizard[3] (Crotaphytus vestigium) is a species of lizard in the family Crotaphytidae. It is found in southern California (United States) and Baja California (Mexico).[1][3]

Description

The Baja California collared lizard is a large-bodied species of lizard with a broad head, short snout, granular scales, and two distinct black collar markings. The collar markings are separated at the dorsal midline by more than 12 pale scales. It is tan to olive colored with broad dark crossbands on its body. Adults are between 6.9 and 11.2 centimetres (2.7 and 4.4 in) long (snout to vent). Young lizards look similar to adults, but with more distinct banding. The males of this species have enlarged postanal scales, a blue-grey throat, and large dark blotches on their flanks.[2]

It is a powerful bipedal runner. Adults can inflict a painful bite.[2]

Habitat and conservation

The Baja California collared lizard is uncommon. It prefers rocky areas, especially washes.[2] No major threats have been identified, and it occurs in several protected areas.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Hollingsworth, B. & Hammerson, G.A. (2007). "Crotaphytus vestigium". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN. 2007: e.T64013A12735353. Retrieved 7 June 2016.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Robert Fisher; Ted J. Case. "Crotaphytus vestigium — Baja California Collared Lizard". A Field Guide to the Reptiles and Amphibians of Coastal Southern California. U.S. Geological Survey. Retrieved 7 June 2016.
  3. 1 2 Crotaphytus vestigium at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 7 June 2016.
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