CHIHUAHUA COLLARED LIZARD
Crotaphytus collaris – Say 1823
Crotaphytus collaris fuscus – Ingram & Tanner 1971
IDENTIFICATION:
DISTRIBUTION:
HABITAT:
Rocky Grassland Habitat, Hidalgo Co., New Mexico
NATURAL HISTORY:
This species is saxicolus and is most often observed perched on rocks and rock outcrops. Male and female Crotaphytus collaris fuscus display their breeding coloration in May and early June. Smaller lizards are a large part of the diet of Crotaphytus collaris. This species will bask during the heat of the day in temperatures that are too extreme for other lizards. When frightened, collared lizards have the ability to run on their hind legs (bipedal motion) for short distances.
TAXONOMY:
Some authors suggest that Crotaphytus collaris is a highly variable species with several pattern classes, but none of the various forms are sufficiently distinct enough to warrant recognition. I chose to retain use of the subspecific names until further notice.
TYPE:
PERSONAL NOTES:
I have seen the fuscus subspecies on several occasions, all in either Cochise County, Arizona or Hidalgo County, New Mexico. I have never looked for it in Mexico. At the two localities in which I have viewed this subspecies, it occured on rocks of ancient lava flows in Chihuahuan Grassland habitat. Other lizards common at these sites are Urosaurus ornatus (preyed upon by Crotaphytus), Sceloporus poinsetti, and Phrynosoma cornutum.
CONSERVATION STATUS:
Crotaphytus collaris is common, widespread and in no need of protection.
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