Baja California leopard lizard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Baja California leopard lizard |
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| Genus: |
Gambelia (lizard)
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| Species: |
copeii
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The Baja California leopard lizard (Gambelia copeii) is a cool type of lizard. It is also known as Cope's leopard lizard. This lizard lives only in Baja California and a small part of southern California. It belongs to a group of lizards called Crotaphytidae.
What's in a Name?
The second part of this lizard's scientific name, copeii, honors a famous American scientist. His name was Edward Drinker Cope. He was a herpetologist, meaning he studied reptiles and amphibians. He was also a paleontologist, someone who studies ancient life forms like dinosaurs.
How to Spot One
The Baja California leopard lizard is about 8 to 14 cm (3.1 to 5.5 in) long. This measurement is from its snout (nose) to its vent (the opening near its tail). Its body is a smoky gray color. It has darker gray or black spots on its back. These spots often have lighter edges.
The spots on its back can look mottled or like small eyes. Light stripes cross its back. Its belly is light gray or white. This lizard has small, bumpy scales. Its head is large and stands out from its neck. The inside of its mouth and throat is a purplish-black color.
Young Lizards and Adults
Young leopard lizards look a lot like the adults. However, the stripes across their backs are much clearer. During the breeding season, female lizards get red-orange spots on their bellies. Male lizards have special pores on their thighs called femoral pores.
Life and Habits
The Baja California leopard lizard is not a very common species. It is known for being a very fast runner. It can even run on two legs! If an adult lizard feels threatened, it can give a painful bite.
These lizards prefer to live in chaparral habitats. Chaparral is a type of shrubland with dense bushes. They like areas where the ground under the bushes is open.
