Gray checkered whiptail facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gray checkered whiptail |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Aspidoscelis
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| Species: |
dixoni
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| Synonyms | |
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The gray checkered whiptail (Aspidoscelis dixoni) is a type of lizard. It belongs to the family called Teiidae. You can find this lizard in the southern United States (in New Mexico and western Texas) and northern Mexico.
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About the Gray Checkered Whiptail
What is a Gray Checkered Whiptail?
Some scientists think the gray checkered whiptail is a smaller group (a subspecies) of another lizard. This other lizard is called the common checkered whiptail. However, other scientists believe it is its own unique species.
Why is it Called Dixon's Whiptail?
The name dixoni honors a famous American scientist. His name was James R. Dixon. He was a herpetologist, which means he studied reptiles and amphibians. Because of him, some people also call this lizard Dixon's whiptail.
Physical Features and Appearance
The gray checkered whiptail can grow to be about 20 to 30 centimeters (8 to 12 inches) long. This measurement includes its long tail!
It is usually gray in color. It has 10 to 12 white or yellow stripes along its body. Sometimes, these stripes have spots or a checkered pattern. This lizard has a thin body and a very long tail.
Behavior and Diet
Like most whiptail lizards, the gray checkered whiptail is active during the day. This means it is diurnal. It mainly eats insects, so it is an insectivorous animal.
These lizards are very careful and move quickly. If you get close, they will dart away to find cover. They are known for being energetic and fast.
Habitat
The gray checkered whiptail likes to live in rocky, dry areas. These places are called semi-arid. They prefer areas where there isn't a lot of plants or trees.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
The gray checkered whiptail has a special way of reproducing. It is parthenogenetic. This means that females can lay eggs without a male lizard. The eggs do not need to be fertilized.
Females lay these unfertilized eggs in the middle of summer. The eggs usually hatch in about six weeks.
