Eastern Collared Lizard
Family:
Crotaphytidae (collared lizards) in the order Squamata (lizards and snakes)
Description:
A colorful, long-tailed lizard with a large head. Males are most colorful, especially during breeding season. Ground color is tan, yellow, green or bluish-green. There are usually some small light spots on the upper body and limbs and dark bands across the top. Males and females both have two dark brown or black irregular lines across the neck (the “collar”). Females are yellowish tan or light brown with faint light spots. Females heavy with eggs have red spots or bars on their sides and neck.
Size:
Total length: 8–14 inches.
Habitat and conservation:
In Missouri these lizards live among rocks on dry, open, south-or southwest-facing limestone, sandstone and granite glades. They overwinter in burrows 8–12 inches under large rocks. When habitats are marginal (shadier or cooler than optimal), reproduction decreases, and this species has declined due to loss of glade habitat, where trees are permitted to overgrow those desert-like areas. Wildlife managers and foresters are working to improve glade habitats in the Missouri Ozarks.
Foods:
Collared lizards eat a variety of insects such as grasshoppers, beetles and moths. They also eat spiders, small snakes and other lizards.
Distribution in Missouri:
Throughout most of the Ozarks and in glades of the St. Francois Mountains. Also in Boone and Callaway counties.
Status:
Populations have shown an overall decline due to loss of their Ozark glade habitat; a Species of Conservation Concern.
Life cycle:
Like all lizards in our state, this species is active by day, especially when the weather is sunny and warm (73–93°F). They are active mainly from April to September. Courtship and mating occur in May–June, and the territorial males are often brightly colored at this time. Eggs are creamy-white and leathery, and 2-21 are laid in a burrow under a large rock. They hatch 2–3 months later. Young lizards are sometimes still active into October.
Human connections:
These nifty lizards always generate interest because they are so colorful. Because they are an indicator species, when their numbers decline, we know that something is wrong with their habitat. In this case, it is human suppression of fires that allowed trees to overgrow their sunshiny glades.
Ecosystem connections:
This species preys upon a variety of insects, spiders and other small creatures, keeping their populations in check. These lizards are in turn preyed upon by snakes, hawks and, in southwestern Missouri, roadrunners. MDC's Mission, Vision, Priorities
MDC protects and manages Missouri's fish, forest, and wildlife resources.
We also facilitate your participation in resource-management activities, and we provide opportunities for you to use, enjoy and learn about nature.
Shortened URL
http://mdc.mo.gov/node/3201
