Hobbies And Interests
Collared Lizard
The collared lizard is found throughout the western United States and is about 10 inches long when fully grown. Two black lines across the back of the neck give the collared lizard its name, but it can feature many other colors including tan, green, olive, blue and brown. It prefers rocky, dry habitats and is known for its remarkable speed. They will eat grasshoppers and other insects and even smaller lizards and spend much of their time basking in the sun.
Texas Horned Lizard
The Texas horned lizard has a range that stretches into Oklahoma as well as other states. At maturity, it is about 7 inches long and has a round body that resembles a toad's (which is why people often call it a horned toad). It is covered with spiky protrusions on its body, tail and head, especially two pronounced horns near the base of the skull. The lizards will suddenly become motionless when they sense danger and flatten their bodies. They can even induce skin color changes like a chameleon to blend in.
Green Anole
The green anole is a wide-ranged lizard that is sometimes called the American chameleon because it has the ability to change color from bright green to dark brown. Generally speaking, the lizards are about 6 to 7 inches long, and the males have a flap of skin called a dewlap under their chins that turns pink to attract females. They are insectivores and are active during the day. Green anoles can be kept as pets.
Western Slender Glass Lizard
The glass lizard is legless and looks very much like a snake, but it is not. External ear openings and eyelids distinguish them from snakes, which never have such features. It gets its name from its ability to shed its tail like a piece of glass breaking away. The tail will grow back over time, but large glass lizards rarely have complete tails. The glass lizard is harmless to humans and will feed mostly on insects.
Mediterranean House Gecko
As the name suggests, the Mediterranean gecko originally comes from Europe, but the creatures have ended up in the United States and have thrived in hot, dry climates like Oklahoma's because it is similar to their homelands. It is generally tan or light brown with dark spots and can be seen clinging to walls of houses. They are nocturnal and surprisingly capable of vocalizations like clicking noises. It can also lose its tail to escape a predator and eats a great number of insects.