Fauna
Reptile

Desert Collared Lizard

Crotaphytus bicinctores

Also known as Great Basin Collared Lizard

The Desert Collared Lizard is a robust, long-legged lizard marked by two dark neck bands and a broad head. It watches from sunlit rocks, then sprints across open ground to capture insects or escape, sometimes running on its hind legs.

rock-dwelling lizardbipedal sprinterdesert predator
Desert Collared Lizard reference1 / 7
(c) Joe Decruyenaere, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyGrasshoppers, beetles, small lizards
Predators
  • hawks
  • snakes
  • coyotes
ThreatsDevelopment, road mortality, off-road vehicles, collecting, invasive grasses, and altered fire
HabitatsRocky desert, lava fields, canyon slopes, arid scrub, badlands, and open pinyon-juniper woodland
Life spanOften five to eight years
Classification
  1. FamilyCrotaphytidae
  2. SpeciesCrotaphytus bicinctores
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Do not chase or capture basking lizards, and leave rock shelters undisturbed.
Responsible observation
  • Markings: Look for two dark collars behind a broad yellowish head.
  • Approach: Stop well back before the lizard begins rapid escape running.
Related species

Related species have not been added yet.

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