Desert night lizard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Desert night lizard |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Xantusia
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| Species: |
vigilis
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The desert night lizard (Xantusia vigilis) is a small lizard that lives in the deserts of North America. You can find it in places like southern California, Nevada, southwestern Utah, and parts of western Arizona. It also lives in Baja California in Mexico.
Contents
All About the Desert Night Lizard
What Does It Look Like?
This lizard is quite small. It usually grows to about 1.5 to 2.75 inches (3.8 to 7 cm) long from its nose to the start of its tail. Its tail is about the same length! Desert night lizards can be grey, yellowish-brown, or olive green.
Even though they are called "night lizards," they are actually active during the day. They are also good at changing their color. They might be light olive in the evening and turn dark brown during the day to blend in. This lizard is a good climber. It mostly eats termites, small insects, spiders, and other tiny creatures.
Where Do They Live?
Desert night lizards are shy lizards that live in dry and semi-dry areas. During the day, they often hide under fallen parts of desert plants or in cracks in rocks. They are often found near different types of yucca plants. This includes the tall Joshua Tree, Spanish Dagger, and Spanish Bayonet.
How Do They Behave?
Like all night lizards, the desert night lizard gives birth to live young. This is different from many lizards that lay eggs. A mother lizard usually has 1 to 3 babies between August and December.
These lizards are special because they form family groups. A father and mother lizard often stay together with their babies. The young lizards might even stay with their parents for several years before moving away. The baby lizards can find their own food. They also huddle together with their family members. Scientists are still learning why staying with their parents is helpful for the young lizards. The baby lizards are very well-camouflaged. They are not much bigger than a toothpick!
Types of Desert Night Lizards
One type of desert night lizard is called the yucca night lizard. Its scientific name is Xantusia vigilis vigilis.
