Plateau striped whiptail
A species of Whiptail lizards Scientific name : Aspidoscelis velox Genus : Whiptail lizards
Plateau striped whiptail, A species of Whiptail lizards
Scientific name: Aspidoscelis velox
Genus: Whiptail lizards
Content
Description General Info
Description
The plateau striped whiptail (Aspidoscelis velox) is a species of teiid lizard found in Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico in the United States.
General Info
Lifespan
2-5 years
Diet
Plateau striped whiptail primarily sustains itself on a diet of insects, with particular preference for grasshoppers and beetles. Its swift hunting capabilities enable it to catch these quick-moving prey with precision.
Appearance
Plateau striped whiptail is a small, slender lizard with scaly skin. Its primary hue is a sand-toned brown, with darker speckled patterns creating camouflage in its desert home. Males display vibrant blue spots on their bellies during the breeding season. This species doesn't have any horns, wings, or unique tail. Young and adult look similar, and there are no noted subspecies variations.
Behavior
Plateau striped whiptail exhibits swift, active patterns and prefers solitary living, spending its time foraging, primarily on insects and spiders. This reptile frequently basks in the sun and has exceptional agility due to its teiid lineage. Noted for their lightning-fast reflexes and movements, plateau striped whiptail uses this speed advantage and conspicuous coloration defensively to escape predators.
Population
Stable
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Whiptails Genus
Whiptail lizards Species
Plateau striped whiptail 
AI animal expert in your pocket
Scan QR code to download
