Hobbies And Interests
Instructions
Look for large lizards. The subspecies of the common collared lizard known as the western collared lizard (Crotophytus collaris baileyi) is between 8 and 14 inches long, as is its close cousin, the Sonoran collared lizard (Crotophytus collaris nebrius). The Mojave collared lizard (Crotophytus insularis bicinctores) is slightly smaller at between 6 to 13 inches.
Examine the large head of these collared lizards. Their heads typically exceed lengths of 4½ inches. Their bodies are plump. Look inside the mouth if given a safe opportunity: The western and Sonoran collared lizard will have a dark mouth interior, but the Mojave collared lizard's mouth is much lighter on the inside, according to the "National Audubon Society Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians."
Inspect the black-and-white stripes that are present on the necks of collared lizards in Arizona. Two black stripes, with the area between them whitish, either completely encircle the neck or almost do so, depending upon the subspecies and the gender of the lizard.
Study the coloration of Arizona's collared lizards to aid in your identification of the species. The western and Sonoran collared lizards are gaudier, featuring shades of green, turquoise and yellow on the males, with the females being a dull tint of lime green to olive-brown. The Mojave collared lizard lacks any green coloring, but it does have yellow mixed into its mostly tan body.
Factor in where you discover a collared lizard in Arizona to help you determine its identity. The Mojave collared lizard occurs in the western deserts. The Sonoran collared lizard lives in the region of the Estrella Mountains south of the Gila River, states Bob Gaulden of the Arizona Herpetological Society. The western collared lizard has a wider range across eastern and central portions of the state.