Crotaphytus collaris
collared lizard

Crotaphytus collaris is native to the western states of the U.S. (Jones, 1997).

C. collaris inhabit rocky areas with sparse vegetation. Boulder strewn hillsides and rocky outcroppings are common in their living areas. Collared lizards dig under boulders to sleep and lay their eggs (Jones, 1997).

Length: 8-14 inches including tail.

Colors and markings are diverse in Crotaphytus collaris. They are sexually dimorphic. Males tend to be green to tan colored with patterns of dorsal spots and bars to a speckled pattern across the dorsum. Male C. collaris can also exhibit vivid yellow and orange head coloration. Female C. collaris tend to be less colorful except during breeding season when they exhibit bright orange side spots or bars. Both male and female C. collaris possess two prominent collar-like black bands at their neck, hence their name (Jones, 1997).

Collared lizards tend to be most active during the warmest part of the day. These lizards stalk their prey on the ground. They also like to bask on rocks (Jones, 1997).

Crotaphytus collaris is mainly insectivorous and carnivorous. Occasionally their diet may consist of plant matter. C. collaris does vary its diet depending on what is abundant. Food can range from grasshoppers to smaller lizards (Jones, 1997).

C. collaris is known for running rapidly upright on its hindlegs (Cogger and Zweifel, 1998). They also wave their tail in a cat like fashion before grabbing prey (Kaplan, 1995).