DESCRIPTION: A large (up to 114 mm or 4.5″ from snout to vent), slim, burgundy-brown lizard with a long, thin tail, a slim, pointed snout, and a light orange tint on the lower back. The orange tint on the lower back is restricted to the upper surface and does not extend down onto the sides. The body and hind limbs are marked with light spots. The limbs are tinted with light blue. The tail is tan with small yellow spots near the base. Young animals are dark brown with six (possibly seven) distinct, light colored stripes on the neck and body. As the animal ages it acquires orange and blue tinting, the stripes break up into spots, and additional light spots begin to emerge from the dark spaces between the stripes. Adults are spotted and lack stripes entirely. On the sides of the body the spots often merge together into vertical bars. The scales on the body are small and granular. The scales on the tail are large, keeled, and rectangular. The scales on the belly are large, smooth, and rectangular. The scales on top of the head are large, smooth, and plate-like. The similar looking Tiger Whiptail is smaller and has dark gray or black mottling or reticulations on the sides and chest.

DISTRIBUTION: This lizard is found in south-central Arizona. Its range extends from the Estrella Mountains in Maricopa and Pinal counties, south through most of western Pima County, and into Mexico. In our state it is found at elevations ranging from about 2,000′ to over 4,300′.

HABITAT: Primarily an inhabitant of the Arizona Upland Sonoran Desertscrub community. Usually encountered in mountainous terrain along canyon bottoms and on rocky slopes. It also follows drainages out onto bajadas. It is often encountered near springs, tinajas, and other sources of water.

BEHAVIOR: This alert, fast-moving, ground-dweller actively forages during the day. It hibernates during the cold months of winter and late fall. When pursued this wary lizard is very conscious of its proximity to the pursuer and often stays just out of reach.

DIET: Prey consists of a variety of insects including ants, termites, beetles, and caterpillars. A variety of spiders are also eaten. 

By Thomas C. Brennan

Brennan, T. C., & A. T. Holycross. 2006. A Field Guide to Amphibians and Reptiles in Arizona. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, AZ

Brennan, T. C., & A. T. Holycross. 2005. A Field Guide to Amphibians and Reptiles of Maricopa County. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, AZ

Stebbins, R.C. 2003. A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians, Third Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, MA.