Common checkered whiptail
A species of Whiptail lizards Scientific name : Aspidoscelis tesselata Genus : Whiptail lizards
Common checkered whiptail, A species of Whiptail lizards
Scientific name: Aspidoscelis tesselata
Genus: Whiptail lizards
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Vicente Mata-Silva , used under CC-BY-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original Description
The checkered whiptail grows to about 4 inches in length. Their pattern and base coloration varies widely, with brown or black blotching, checkering or striping on a pale yellow or white base color. Their rear legs often have dark spotting, and their underside is usually white with dark flecking on the throat area. They are slender bodied, with a long tail.
General Info
Lifespan
5-10 years
Diet
Common checkered whiptail primarily feed on arthropods, such as insects and spiders. Their diet includes a variety of insect species, demonstrating an opportunistic and adaptive feeding behavior with a preference for larger prey when available.
Appearance
Common checkered whiptail is a small to medium-sized lizard with a slender body covered in scaly skin. They possess a long tail, which is typically twice the length of the body. Their base color is brownish-grey with a tesselated pattern of black and white squares. Males stand out for their coloration, having bright rusty sides and blue throats during the breeding season. They are known for their quick, agile movement.
Behavior
Common checkered whiptail exhibit a primarily diurnal and solitary existence, involved in foraging for vegetation and insect prey during the day. This species employs body whirling and tail vibration as defensive mechanisms when threatened. Dominant males establish territories, which they defend aggressively from rivals, using posturing and aggressive displays.
Population
Stable
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Whiptails Genus
Whiptail lizards Species
Common checkered whiptail