The Greater Earless Lizard is a species of lizard found in the South-Western United States and Northern Mexico.
It’s characterized by its lack of external ears, which gives it its common name.
These lizards have a distinctive coloration, often ranging from grey to brown, with darker markings.
They inhabit arid and semi-arid regions and are well adapted to desert environments.
Greater Earless Lizard Taxonomy
In the Animal Kingdom, Taxonomy is used as the science and practice of classifying different species and sub-species based on their biological and genetic makeup.
Family
The family that the Greater Earless Lizard belongs to is called Phrynosomatidae. This is a diverse family of lizard’s native to North and Central America.
The species in this family live in a wide variety of different habitats from sandy or rocky deserts to prairies.
Some of the other lizards in this family include the Texas Horned Lizard and the Emerald Swift Lizard.
Genus
The genus that this species belongs to is called Cophosaurus. This is a genus of Earless Lizards.
In fact, the Greater Earless Lizard is the only species in this genus but there are a few recognised sub-species.
Species
The scientific name for the Greater Earless Lizard is Cophosaurus texanus and there are currently 3 recognised sub-species.
The nominate sub-species is sometimes referred to as the Texas Earless Lizard while the other two are the South-Western Earless Lizard and Cophosaurus texanus reticulatus.
This species was first described in 1852 by a German herpetologist named Franz Hermann Troschel.
Greater Earless Lizard Description
The Greater Earless Lizard typically has a flattened and elongated body, with a snout that is somewhat pointed.
They are relatively small, with adults usually reaching lengths of around 3 to 4 inches excluding their tails.
Their tails are often longer than their bodies, aiding in balance and movement.
The coloration of these lizards can vary depending on factors like their habitat and the specific subspecies.
Generally, they have a base color that ranges from grey to brown and they often have darker blotches or stripes running along their bodies.
These markings can help them blend into their surroundings and provide camouflage.
One notable feature of the greater earless lizard is its lack of external ears, which is where the name “earless” comes from.
Instead of visible ear openings, they have small scales covering their ear openings. This adaptation helps protect their ears from sand and debris in their desert environments.
Natural Habitat and Distribution
The Greater Earless Lizard is primarily found in the South-Western United States and Northern Mexico.
Its range extends across parts of Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma in the United States, as well as into the states of Sonora, Chihuahua, and Coahuila in Mexico.
Within this range, they inhabit various types of arid and semi-arid environments such as deserts, grasslands, scrublands, and rocky areas.
These lizards have adapted to thrive in these harsh conditions, where they can be found basking on rocks or sand to regulate their body temperature and seeking shelter in crevices or burrows to avoid extreme heat.
Greater Earless Lizard Behaviour
Like other species of lizards, the Greater Earless Lizard is ectothermic, meaning they rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature.
They are often seen basking in the sun on rocks or other surfaces in the morning to raise their body temperature for optimal activity.
These lizards are known for their territorial nature. They establish and defend their territories, especially during the breeding season.
The male Greater Earless Lizard will use visual displays to communicate with females and assert dominance over rivals.
They often engage in push-up displays, where they extend and contract their front legs while raising and lowering their bodies. This behaviour can signal their intentions to other lizards.
To avoid predators, these lizards often employ a behaviour known as “freeze-and-flee.”
When threatened, they might freeze in place for a moment before quickly dashing away to escape danger.
These lizards are primarily insectivores, feeding on various insects and small invertebrates.
They use their excellent eyesight to spot prey and their quick movements to catch it.
When pursued by predators, these lizards can use their remarkable speed and agility to escape into crevices, cracks, or burrows.