
Marbled whiptail
A species of Whiptail lizards Scientific name : Aspidoscelis marmorata Genus : Whiptail lizards
Marbled whiptail, A species of Whiptail lizards
Scientific name: Aspidoscelis marmorata
Genus: Whiptail lizards
Content
Description General Info


Description

Found in Mexico and the United States, the marbled whiptail is a medium-sized lizard named after its skin that gives a marble-like sheen. This daytime hunter moves very fast and it’s often seen in semi-arid and dry environments with sparse vegetation. It’s a terrestrial species that feeds on various arthropods, particularly termites.

General Info

Lifespan
5-10 years
Diet
Marbled whiptail primarily subsists on insects and spiders. This lizard species utilizes its fast movements and visual acuity to actively hunt down these small arthropods, skewing its diet toward abundant and soft-bodied prey.
Appearance
Marbled whiptail is a medium-sized lizard with a slender body and shiny, scaled skin. Its coloration predominantly consists of a wide range of brown shades, often displaying a conspicuous marbled pattern that gives it excellent camouflage. It has a long, flattened tail, which is used for rapid movement and defense. Both the sexes and different age groups appear similar, with no significant visual differences.
Behavior
Marbled whiptail is a diurnal, solitary lizard primarily known for its basking tendencies. Mating, dominated by aggressive male courting rituals, occurs in spring. Its foraging strategy, characterized by actively hunting insects, pertains to its survival in arid habitats. While territorial, marbled whiptail does not display overt territorial marking actions.

Scientific Classification

Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Whiptails Genus
Whiptail lizards Species
Marbled whiptail