| Crotaphytidae | |
|---|---|
 Common collared lizard, Crotaphytus collaris | |
| Physical description | |
| Habitat | Desert, plains |
| Average Size | 3 to 5 in(8 to 13 mm) SV[1] |
| Diet | Omnivorous |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Reptilia |
| Order | Squamata |
| Suborder | Lacertilia |
| Infraorder | Iguania |
| Family | Crotaphytidae |
| Distribution | |
| Distribution of species | From Missouri, southern Idaho and California to Zacatecas, Mexico[1] |
Crotaphytidae is a small family of lizards native to the southwest United States and Mexico, containing the Collared Lizards and Leopard Lizards.
Description[]
Crotaphytids are usually short, stocky, and with robust heads slightly larger than that of normal lizards. Their limbs are well-developed, and throughout much of their body their scales are granular.
Taxonomy[]
There are 2 genera inside Crotaphytidae:
- Genus ᵀCrotaphytus - Collared lizards
- Genus Gambelia - Leopard Lizards
Behavior[]
These lizards are quite territorial, letting no male in sight of their territory and fighting for new land. Unlike phrynosomatids who bury themselves into dirt or sand, these lizards tend to hide under rocks, similar objects, or burrows[1]. Many of these lizards, such as the collared lizards, are remarkably fast, and are able to run on their hind legs to catch prey and evade predators. [2]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Stebbins, Robert. The Peterson Field Guide Series: A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians. 3rd Edition. Boston, NY: Houghton, 2003. Print.
- ↑ Common collared lizard (Crotaphytus collaris). Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Retrieved on 2011-07-28.