- Crotaphytus reticulatus
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Reticulate Collared Lizard Conservation status Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Sauropsida Order: Squamata Suborder: Iguania Family: Crotaphytidae Genus: Crotaphytus Species: C. reticulatus Binomial name Crotaphytus reticulatus
(Baird, 1858)The Reticulate Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus reticulatus) is a moderately sized lizard native to semi-arid, rocky regions of the Tamaulipan mezquital. Its range includes the American state of Texas and the Mexican states of Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas. Of all the species in its family, Crotaphytidae species, C. reticulatus is the only one that is not restricted to rocky habitat.[1]
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Description
Crotaphytus reticulatus is a tan to brown lizard with reticulations covering most of its dorsum, limbs, and tail. Some of these reticulations are filled with black pigmentation. Unlike the rest of Crotaphytus, there is no color difference between males and females except during the breeding season. During this time males develop a bright yellow coloration on their chest, The collars on C. reticulatus are faint and the anterior collar is complete ventrally. The dewlap, or gular area is a greenish gray with black pigmentation in the center. The gular area of the female is white to yellow without the black pigmentation in the center. Symmetrical black spots fill in some of the pattern. The ventral surface is white or a cream color. They can grow to a length of 16 inches (41 cm). They are sexually dimorphic during breeding season, the males have a black collar around their neck, and yellow chest and throat markings. Females develop orange bars along their underside when gravid. Collared lizards have small pockets at the base of the tail and folds of skin above the front legs. Mites and chiggers gather in these areas. C. reticulatus lacks post-femoral mite pockets that are present in the rest of the genus. This suggests that this genus broke away from the ancestral group first. C. reticulatus has black oral melanin and black femoral pore secretions, the rest of the genus, except C. antiquus, has gray secretions.
Behavior
Collared lizards are diurnal and primarily carnivorous, feeding on invertebrates and other small prey, even other lizards. They spend most of their time perched on rocks, basking in the sun, but are generally quick to flee if approached. C. reticulatus spends its life on the ground much like the closely related leopard lizards. When threatened, it will take refuge in rodent burrows and under brush.[1]
Conservation concerns
This species range is declining due to habitat destruction and possibly climate change. The reticulated collared lizard is the only Crotaphytid species in the United States that is protected from collecting.[1]
References
- ^ a b c "The Reticulated Collared Lizard". Collared Lizards of the Genus Crotaphytus. Desert Reptiles and Landscapes. http://www.desertreptiles.net/collaredarticle2.htm.
Categories:- IUCN Red List vulnerable species
- Collared lizards
- Reptiles of Mexico
- Fauna of Northeastern Mexico
- Reptiles of the United States
- Fauna of the U.S. Rio Grande Valleys
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