Crotaphytus collaris

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

C. insularis 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 insularis. 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. insularis can also exhibit vivid yellow and orange head coloration. Female C. insularis tend to be less colorful except during breeding season when they exhibit bright orange side spots or bars. Both male and female C. insularis possess two prominent collar-like black bands at their neck, hence their name (Jones, 1997).

Crotaphytus insularis courts and mates on the ground in spring to early summer. An average clutch size is 4-6 eggs and 1-2 clutches are produced per year. Eggs are deposited in underground burrows underneath rocks or loose sand (BISON-M, 1997). The incubation period for the eggs is generally 53-94 days. Adult C. insularis exhibit no parental care (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 insularis is mainly insectivorous and carnivorous. Occasionally their diet may consist of plant matter. C. insularis does vary its diet depending on what is abundant. Food can range from grasshoppers to smaller lizards (Jones, 1997).

C. insularis 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).