The Zebra Tailed Lizard is a species of lizard that is native to the South-Western United States and North-Western Mexico.
They have a large geographical range, thriving in dry desert environments and there are a number of recognised sub-species.
These lizards are known for their ability to stand up and run on their hind legs in order to escape from predators.
Zebra Tailed 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 Emeral Swift 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 Speckled Earless Lizard.
Genus
The genus that the Zebra Tailed Lizard belongs to is called Callisaurus. This genus is monotype meaning that the genus contains only one species.
Species
The scientific name for the Zebra Tailed Lizard is Callisaurus draconoides and there are currently nine recognised sub-species.
This species was first described in 1835 by a French Zoologist named Henri Marie Ducrotay de Blainville.
Zebra Tailed Lizard Description
The Zebra Tailed Lizard is a species of small to medium-sized lizard that can reach lengths of up to 8 inches (20 centimeters), including their tail.
They have a slender, elongated body while their tails are notably long and have distinct black and white bands, which give them their common name “zebra-tailed” lizard.
The tail bands serve as a form of camouflage and help confuse predators when the lizard runs.
The dorsal coloration of these lizards varies depending on their habitat, but usually consists of a beige or light brown background with darker blotches or stripes. The ventral side of their bodies is lighter in color.
Natural Habitat and Distribution
The Zebra Tailed Lizard is native to the South-Western United States and parts of North-Western Mexico.
Its geographical range includes parts of Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah, and Sonora in Mexico.
These lizards are primarily found in arid and semi-arid regions with sandy or rocky soils, such as deserts, dunes, scrublands, and other dry habitats.
The sandy soils allow them to dig burrows for shelter and nesting. This soil is particularly useful for their unique escape behavior, where they bury themselves in the sand and leave only their tails exposed to confuse predators.
They will also seek out natural crevices in rocks for shelter and protection from predators and extreme temperatures.
Zebra Tailed Lizard Behaviour
The Zebra Tailed Lizard is a diurnal species, meaning they are most active during the day, relying on solar radiation to regulate their body temperature.
Like many other desert dwellers, they have developed various adaptations to survive in their harsh environment.
Their long, muscular tails play a crucial role in their survival. When faced with predators or threats, these lizards use their tails as a distraction mechanism.
When running, they often lift their tails, revealing the striking black and white bands, which can confuse predators and give the lizard an opportunity to escape.
This Lizard is an insectivore and primarily feed on a diet of small insects, such as ants, beetles, grasshoppers, and other arthropods.
They are fast runners, capable of reaching speeds of up to 18 miles (29 km) per hour to catch their prey or avoid predators.
Reproduction
During the breeding season, which typically occurs in the spring and early summer, the male Zebra Tailed Lizard will engage in territorial displays to attract females.
The males display a series of push-ups and head-bobbing motions to establish dominance and court females.
Females lay clutches of eggs in shallow burrows or depressions in the sand or soil. The number of eggs per clutch varies but can range from one to several eggs.
The eggs are left to develop and hatch without any parental care.