Western Whiptail- adult

Western Whiptail- adult

Western Whiptail (also known as Great Basin Whiptail) Aspidoscelis tigris spotted in Pine Creek of Red Rocks, Nevada in spring 2007. These lizards are difficult to approach. They are capable of quick bursts of speed into thick brush or holes. Their tail can reach up to two times the length of their body. This species ranges from Northcentral Oregon, southern Idaho, south through California and Nevada to Baja California, east Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, and west Texas up to 7,000 ft. (2,130 m).
Anya Jingle
on Nov 22, 2007 3:46 pm
Image Type(s): Wildlife
Image ID: 359092

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lcarreau

lcarreau - Nov 23, 2007 11:38 pm - Voted 10/10

Lovely Whiptail !

Great! This is the most abundant lizard, that we see here in Arizona. Above 5000 ft., we see
the Plateau Whiptail. (The latter has a light
blue tail.) They're hiding right now, but suddenly appear in late Spring. They are really amazing to watch, especially when they dart across the roads, and do "push-ups" over sandy stretches of the Sonoran desert. Thanks, Anya!!! !!! Awesome.

Anya Jingle

Anya Jingle - Nov 24, 2007 1:35 am - Hasn't voted

Re: Lovely Whiptail !

Thanks. Interesting what you say... I cannot say they are the most abundant here, but they are not that rare either. Kind of in between. They have eluded me so many times. Amazing runners! Cheers.

lcarreau

lcarreau - Nov 24, 2007 12:26 pm - Voted 10/10

Just to add,

extreme heat doesn't seem to bother
them. I've seen them on the hottest
days of summer. One way they stay
cool is to run across the desert;
at the same time raising their fore
legs and standing upright, like
miniature dinosaurs. Thank you!!!

Anya Jingle

Anya Jingle - Nov 24, 2007 3:39 pm - Hasn't voted

Re: Just to add,

Wow, that would be a great pose to photograph. I have never seen them do that. Thanks.

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