Pima County, AZ
SONORAN SPOTTED WHIPTAIL Aspidoscelis sonorae | |
DESCRIPTION: A small to medium-sized (up to 89 mm or 3.5" from snout to vent), slim, brown to black lizard with a long, thin tail, and a slim, pointed snout. The body is marked with six yellow to cream stripes and relatively few light spots. There area between the two central dorsal stripes usually lacks spots. The tail is olive to brown. The underside is plain and pale. Juveniles lack spots. The scales on the body are small and granular. The scales on the tail are large, keeled, and rectangular. The belly scales are large, smooth, and rectangular. The scales on top of the head are large, smooth, and plate-like. The Sonoran Spotted Whiptail's distinct stripes (particularly on the neck) and relatively spare spotting distinguish it from the similar looking Chihuahuan Spotted Whiptail. Its olive-brown tail and lack of spots between the two central dorsal stripes distinguish the Sonoran Spotted Whiptail from the similar looking Canyon Spotted Whiptail. |
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