collared lizard

collared lizard
any of several species of long-tailed iguanid lizards of the genus Crotaphytus, of central and western U.S. and northern Mexico, usually having a collar of two black bands.

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      any of nine species of lizards (lizard) belonging to the lizard subfamily Crotaphytinae (family Crotaphytidae) found in hilly areas of the central United States and northeastern Mexico westward to the Great Basin. The coloration and pattern of collared lizards varies depending on species; however, coloration also varies with the season, temperature, and light intensity. Seasonal colour changes result from hormonal changes associated with reproduction. Males are typically much more brightly coloured than females and range from cobalt blue and green to tan, brown, and gray. Collared lizards frequently bring their front legs off the ground to run on their hind legs.

      The common collared lizard, C. collaris, reaches 35 cm (14 inches) long, and the tail alone accounts for two-thirds of the animal's total length. Males are larger than females. In the eastern part of its range, the collared lizard is often referred to as “the mountain boomer,” a name given by early pioneers who attributed loud noises coming from rocky hillsides to these animals. Collared lizards are nimble and active and possess relatively massive heads. They feed on large insects (insect) and on other lizards. After breeding season concludes in June, females produce clutches of 2–11 leathery shelled eggs (egg) that are deposited in the ground.

Laurie Vitt
 

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Universalium. 2010.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • Collared Lizard — may refer to: the Common Collared Lizard Crotaphytidae, the family of Collared lizards, of which the Common Collared Lizard is a member Collared iguanid lizard, Oplurus cuvieri, of Madagascar This disambiguation page lists articles associated… …   Wikipedia

  • collared lizard — col lared liz ard, n. any of several species of lizards of the genus {Crotaphytus} and the family {Iguanidae}, of the central and western U.S. and northern Mexico, having long tails and usually bearing markings on the neck appearing like a collar …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • collared lizard — noun any of several robust long tailed lizards with collars of two dark bands; of central and western United States and northern Mexico • Hypernyms: ↑iguanid, ↑iguanid lizard • Member Holonyms: ↑Crotaphytus, ↑genus Crotaphytus …   Useful english dictionary

  • Common collared lizard — A common collared lizard in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Scientific classification Kingdom …   Wikipedia

  • Common Collared Lizard — Taxobox name = Common Collared Lizard image caption = Collared Lizard in Albuquerque, New Mexico regnum = Animalia phylum = Chordata classis = Reptilia ordo = Squamata subordo = Iguania familia = Crotaphytidae genus = Crotaphytus species = C.… …   Wikipedia

  • Sonoran Collared lizard — Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Reptili …   Wikipedia

  • Baja California collared lizard — Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum …   Wikipedia

  • Grimser's Collared Lizard — Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Sauropsida …   Wikipedia

  • Venerable Collared Lizard — Crotaphytus antiquus Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Sauropsida …   Wikipedia

  • Collared Delma — Conservation status Vulnerable (IUCN 2.3) Scientific classification Kingdom …   Wikipedia

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