The Desert Grassland Whiptail Lizard is a species of whiptail lizard found in North America.
It’s characterized by its long, slender body and tail, and typically has a mottled or striped pattern on its back.
This lizard is known for its parthenogenetic reproduction, where females can lay eggs that develop into offspring without the need for fertilization.
It’s well-adapted to desert environments, with coloration that helps it blend into its surroundings and behaviour that enables it to bask in the sun for thermoregulation.
Desert Grassland Whiptail 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 Desert Grassland Whiptail Lizard belongs to is called Teiidae. The lizards in this family are native to the Americas.
At the time of writing, there are 18 different genera in this family and around 150 different species.
There are actually a few species in this family that reproduce asexually, which is a form of clonal reproduction.
Genus
The genus that the Desert Grassland Whiptail Lizard belongs to is called Aspidoscelis. These species are referred to as Whiptail Lizards.
There are currently almost 50 recognised species in this genus which was only introduced in 2002.
Before this, many of the species were included in the genus Cnemidophorus but have since been reclassified due to differences between the two groups.
The name Aspidoscelis is derived from two Greek words and translates to Shield-Leg.
Species
The scientific name for the Desert Grassland Whiptail Lizard is Aspidoscelis uniparens and there are currently no recognised sub-species.
This species was first described in 1965 by Wright and Lowe.
Desert Grassland Whiptail Lizard Description
The Desert Grassland Whiptail Lizard has a slender and elongated body, usually measuring around 5 to 8 inches (13 to 20cm) in length.
Its tail is notably longer than its body and tapers to a fine point, giving it a whip-like appearance.
The lizard’s head is relatively small, with a pointed snout, and it has large, round eyes that provide good vision to help detect predators and prey.
The coloration of these lizards can vary quite a bit, but they often have a mix of earthy tones like brown, grey, and sometimes green.
This helps them blend into their arid and grassy habitat, providing camouflage from both predators and potential prey.
Some individuals may have stripes or patterns running along their bodies, aiding in their ability to conceal themselves.
Natural Habitat and Distribution
The Desert Grassland Whiptail Lizard is primarily found in the arid and semi-arid regions of North America.
Its range extends across parts of the South-Western United States and into Northern Mexico.
Specifically, you can find these lizards in states such as Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and parts of California, as well as in various regions of Northern Mexico.
Their distribution is closely tied to the availability of suitable habitats, such as desert grasslands, shrublands, and open areas with sparse vegetation.
Desert Grassland Whiptail Lizard Behaviour
The Desert Grassland Whiptail Lizard is diurnal, meaning they are active during the daytime.
They emerge from their shelters in the morning to bask in the sun and forage for food.
Sunbathing is an essential behaviour for these lizards. They will often climb onto rocks, logs, or other elevated surfaces to absorb heat from the sun.
This helps regulate their body temperature and enables them to be more active.
The diet of the Desert Grassland Whiptail Lizard mainly consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
They are skilled hunters and use their quick movements and keen eyesight to catch prey.
One of the most remarkable aspects of their behaviour is their reproductive strategy.
The Desert Grassland Whiptail Lizard is parthenogenetic, which means that females are able to reproduce without mating with males.
This has led to an all-female population, where eggs develop without fertilization.