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Mojave zebra-tailed lizard
A species of Zebra-tailed lizard Scientific name : Callisaurus draconoides rhodostictus Genus : Zebra-tailed lizard
Mojave zebra-tailed lizard, A species of Zebra-tailed lizard
Scientific name: Callisaurus draconoides rhodostictus
Genus: Zebra-tailed lizard
Content
Description General Info
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Description
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Mojave zebra-tailed lizard adopts a unique 'push-up' display behavior to establish territories and daunt predators, using the bright coloration on its ventral side as a visual warning. Furthermore, it has an incredibly diverse diet, spanning from small invertebrates to plant matter, allowing it to inhabit a broad range of North American desert ecosystems.
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General Info
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Lifespan
3-5 years
Diet
Mojave zebra-tailed lizard is inherently herbivorous, predominantly feeding on seasonally available, succulent desert plants. This species displays a proclivity for beetles, spiders, and other small arthropods when plant life is scare.
Appearance
Mojave zebra-tailed lizard is a small, slender lizard with granular skin. It has a vibrant yellow to orange body, brilliantly contrasted by a network of black lines and spots. Its tail, striped black and white, is as long as its body itself. The body color intensifies in males during breeding season, making them visually distinguishable from females. This lizard's distinctive zebra-like markings contribute to its distinct and vibrant appearance.
Behavior
Mojave zebra-tailed lizard is a solitary, diurnal lizard, known for its vibrant display during courtship. Using its throat frill, it engages in ritualized posturing to attract mates and dissuade rivals. Its diet includes insects, with striking speed and precision in capture. It basks in open sunlight to regulate body temperature. Notably, mojave zebra-tailed lizard exhibits an escape mechanism involving swift bipedal locomotion.
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Scientific Classification
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Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
North american spiny lizards Genus
Zebra-tailed lizard Species
Mojave zebra-tailed lizard