Cophosaurus texanus scitulus
A species of Greater earless lizards Scientific name : Cophosaurus texanus scitulus Genus : Greater earless lizards
Cophosaurus texanus scitulus, A species of Greater earless lizards
Scientific name: Cophosaurus texanus scitulus
Genus: Greater earless lizards
Content
Description General Info
Photo By sullivanribbit , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
Cophosaurus texanus scitulus demonstrates high adaptability in coping with harsh desert conditions. It is diurnal during spring and fall, but predominantly nocturnal during summer to escape extreme heat. Primarily insectivorous, cophosaurus texanus scitulus boasts a highly sensitive tongue, adept for detecting subtle vibrations from prey. Its complex burrow systems not only offer refuge from predators and temperature extremes, but also serve as pivotal microhabitats influencing local biodiversity.
General Info
Lifespan
5-10 years
Diet
Cophosaurus texanus scitulus predominantly feeds on arthropods, particularly spiders. It employs 'sit-and-wait' hunting strategy, ambushing prey quickly from its hiding spots due to its cryptic coloration and elusive behavior.
Appearance
Cophosaurus texanus scitulus is a small, sleek lizard with rough, granular scales. Its predominant coloration is matte brown, overlaid with dark blotches that form a checkered pattern. Unique to this species is the presence of a tail that has more black and white checkering than elsewhere on the body. There are no significant differences in appearance across age, gender, or subspecies.
Behavior
Cophosaurus texanus scitulus exhibits distinctive behaviors such as sun-basking to raise body temperature and crevice dwelling for protection. It exhibits solitary behavior, engrossed predominantly in insect hunting and capture. Notably, sexual dimorphism in this species manifests in differential territorial behavior: males are more defensive while females are largely non-territorial.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
North american spiny lizards Genus
Greater earless lizards Species
Cophosaurus texanus scitulus 
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