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

The Baja California collared lizard (Crotaphytus vestigium) 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 long. 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.

The Baja California collared lizard is uncommon. It is a powerful bipedal runner. Adults can inflict a painful bite. It prefers rocky areas, especially washes.

References

• This article is based on a description from "A Field Guide to the Reptiles and Amphibians of Coastal Southern California", Robert N. Fisher and Ted J. Case, USGS, http://www.werc.usgs.gov/fieldguide/index.htm.