Baja California collared lizard
Kingdom
Phylum
Subphylum
Class
Order
Suborder
Family
Genus
SPECIES
Crotaphytus vestigium

The Baja California collared lizard or Baja black-collared lizard (Crotaphytus vestigium ) is a species of lizard in the family Crotaphytidae. The species is endemic to southern California (United States) and Baja California (Mexico).

Appearance

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 cm (2.7 and 4.4 in) long (snout–vent length). 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.

Distribution

Geography

Continents
Biogeographical realms

The Baja California collared lizard is uncommon. It prefers rocky areas, especially washes.

Habits and Lifestyle

C. vestigium is a powerful bipedal runner. Adults can inflict a painful bite.

Lifestyle

Diet and Nutrition

Population

Conservation

No major threats to C. vestigium have been identified, and it occurs in several protected areas.

References

1. Baja California collared lizard Wikipedia article - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baja_California_collared_lizard
2. Baja California collared lizard on The IUCN Red List site - https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/64013/12735353

More Fascinating Animals to Learn About