The Western Whiptail Lizard is a species of lizard found in South-Western United States and parts of North-Western Mexico.
It’s known for its slender body and long tail, which resembles a whip. These lizards are typically brown or grey in color with various patterns and markings.
These lizards are known for their agility and quick movements, making them fascinating creatures to observe in their natural habitat.
Western 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 Western 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 Western 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 Western Whiptail Lizard is Aspidoscelis tigris and there are currently 16 recognised sub-species at the time of writing.
It is possible that some of these sub-species will be upgraded to full species status in the future while others may even be removed as a recognised sub-species.
This species was first described in 1853 by an American and a French herpetologist named Spencer Fullerton Baird and Charles Frédéric Girard.
Western Whiptail Lizard Description
The Western Whiptail Lizard typically has a slender and elongated body, which allows for quick and agile movement.
Their head is relatively small and is often slightly wider than the neck. Their eyes are round and prominent, providing them with good vision to detect potential predators and prey.
The coloration and patterns of Western Whiptail Lizards can vary among individuals and populations.
Generally, they have a mix of brown, grey, and black colors, often forming irregular stripes, spots, or bands along their body.
These patterns help them blend into their natural surroundings and provide some camouflage. The coloration can also change with factors like temperature and stress.
One distinct feature of these lizards is their long tail, which is often more than twice the length of their body.
The tail is slender and tapers towards the end, resembling a whip, hence the name “whiptail” lizard. This tail plays a crucial role in their agility, balance and communication with other lizards.
Natural Habitat and Distribution
The Western Whiptail Lizard is found in Western United States with their range extending down into Northern Mexico.
Their range spans across various states in the United States such as California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico and parts of Colorado, Oregon, and Washington.
They are also present in Northern Mexico, particularly in the Baja California Peninsula and adjacent regions.
Within this broad geographical range, the Western Whiptail Lizard will inhabit a variety of habitats, ranging from deserts, semi-arid grasslands, and scrublands to rocky outcrops and canyon bottoms.
They prefer open areas with plenty of sunlight and areas that provide ample opportunities for basking and foraging.
Different subspecies of the Western Whiptail Lizard are adapted to specific regions and environments.
This has led to some degree of variation in their appearance and behaviour across their distribution.
This adaptability to diverse habitats has contributed to their relatively wide distribution across Western North America.
Western Whiptail Lizard Behaviour
The Western Whiptail Lizard is a diurnal species, which means they are active during the day.
They are known for their agile and quick movements, using their long tails to help them balance and change direction rapidly.
They are often seen basking in the sun to warm up their bodies, which helps with their overall activity and digestion.
These lizards are insectivores, primarily feeding on a variety of small insects and other invertebrates.
They use their keen eyesight to spot prey and their speed and agility to catch it. Their diet can include ants, beetles, spiders, and other small creatures.
The male Western Whiptail Lizard can be very territorial and may engage in displays and rituals to establish dominance and attract females during the breeding season.
They perform push-up displays and head-bobbing motions as part of their communication and courtship behaviours.
These lizards can shed their tails as a defence mechanism when threatened. The detached tail can distract predators, allowing the lizard a chance to escape.
Over time, the tail regrows, though it might not be as long or well-developed as the original.