Collared Lizard

Facts about Collared Lizar. "Scientific name for Collared Lizard is Crotaphytus collaris". The Collared Lizard is a Crotaphytus type of lizard that comes from the Crotaphytidae family. Twelve species of collared lizards are in two genera (Gambelia and Crotaphytus) that belong to the family Crotaphytidae. The Collared Lizars are native to North America and they are also called as Common Collared Lizard or Oklahoma Collared Lizard. The Collared Lizar are largely found in Texas, Missouri, some parts of Arizona and Kansas, and in some western states of the United States. Collared Lizard is the state reptile of the state of Oklahoma, where it is recognized as the Mountain Boomer. The lizard attains its name due to its different coloration, which comprises of black-colored bands around the shoulders and the neck, which resemble a collar. Though there are many dissimilar varieties of Collared Lizards, the most prevalent lizard is the Common Collared Lizard or Eastern Lizard.

Features of Collared Lizar

Collared Lizard is a nonviolent reptile that attains a body length, ranging from 9 inches to 15 inches (22 to 38 cm), with a big head and influential jaws. The male Collared Lizard has a blue-green color body, with a pale brown-colored head, whereas the female ones have a light brown-colored body and head.

The Collared Lizars mostly live among the shrubs and rocks of the desert, and are extremely variable in their pattern, color, and even in personality. The Eastern Collared lizard has a blue or green color body, habitually with yellow color markings. The male lizard has a brightly colored body, whereas the females have invariably duller grayish beige, green or grey color body. Both genders usually have light cream or white color marked spots across their backs and include a light tummy.

The male Collared Lizard is known for its territorial displays of violence. In their natural home one male Collared Lizar will have a big territory, and will defend the female lizards, living within his limits. If another male Lizar crosses his path he will arch his rear, blow out his body sides in an attempt to make himself appear bigger and nod his head swiftly, which is followed by a sequence of push-ups

The Collared lizard has powerful rear legs that allow them to run at immense speeds. They can sprint in a vertical position, by making use of their rear legs to propel them. At complete speed, their pace is approximately three times their body length. This is as well, a hoax that assists them to flee from snakes, birds, and other unwanted predators. The Collared Lizar are famous for the skill to run fast at the rate of 16 miles per hour (26 kilometers per hour) on their back legs, resembling small theropod dinosaurs.

Behavior of Collared Lizar

The Collared Lizard is often tamed and maintained as pets. As soon as they are born in captivity, they are fairly passive and tolerant of communication with humans. They are extremely active and voracious lizards, requiring a huge area of place to run. Usually, the Collared Lizards prefer high temperatures, ranging from 105 degree Fahrenheit (40 cel) to 110 degree Fahrenheit (43 cel) at their relaxing spot and 80 degree Fahrenheit (26cel) elsewhere in their home during the day. When the Collared Lizars are not protecting of their territory, they can be seen basking on temperate rocks beneath the sun, and looking for insects to hunt.

Diet of Collared Lizar

Mostly, the Collared Lizard feeds on small quantities of vegetables and fruit, but they also prefer to feed on insects. They will also feed on vertebrate prey, including small creatures and other varieties of lizards. Similar to several reptiles, in captivity, the Collared Lizar are fed with a diet supplemented with additional calcium and a light resource with an Ultraviolet radiation to lessen the hazard of bone disorders.

Reproduction of Collared Lizar

The mating in collared lizards commences with the male lizard, moving his head up and down rapidly at the female lizard. The male will drag his hips and belly in circles on the ground, often the female will move her head up and down back in reprisal. The male Collared Lizar will bite the back of the neck of the female and mount her back to pin her down. When the female breed is not prepared to mate, it will bend her back part to stop his advances, or get on his back. When the female Collared Lizar is prepared to mate, she will acknowledge his advances and permit him to try to mate with her. Usually, eggs are laid and buried for 21 to 28 days, and afterward in dark, wet the burrows. Usually, the gestation period takes between 45 to 65 days. The average litter size is 5 to 6 eggs per reproduction cycle.

The average lifespan of the Collared Lizard ranges from 10 years to 15 years.