Laredo striped whiptail facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Laredo striped whiptail |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Aspidoscelis
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| Species: |
laredoensis
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| Synonyms | |
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Cnemidophorus laredoensis |
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The Laredo striped whiptail (Aspidoscelis laredoensis) is a cool type of lizard. You can find it in the southern United States, especially in Texas. It also lives in northern Mexico, in places like Coahuila and Tamaulipas.
Scientists think this lizard might be a mix of two other lizards. These are the Texas spotted whiptail and the six-lined racerunner. What's super interesting is that it's one of the few lizards that can have babies all by itself! This special way of reproducing is called parthenogenesis.
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What Does the Laredo Striped Whiptail Look Like?
The Laredo striped whiptail is a medium-sized lizard. It usually grows to be about 6 to 11 inches long. This measurement includes its body and its long tail.
Its body color is often dark green or dark brown. It has seven bright stripes that run from its head all the way to its tail. These stripes are usually yellow or white. The underside of its body is white. This lizard has a thin body and a very long tail.
Daily Life and Habits
Like other whiptail lizards, the Laredo striped whiptail is diurnal. This means it is active during the daytime. It is also insectivorous, which means it mostly eats insects.
These lizards are very careful and quick. They are always moving and darting around. If you get too close, they will quickly run for cover.
Where Do They Live?
The Laredo striped whiptail likes to live in places with sandy soil. It also prefers areas where there aren't too many plants. You can often find them in farm fields and open pastures.
Life Cycle and Reproduction
The Laredo striped whiptail has a very special way of reproducing. It uses a method called parthenogenesis. This means that the female lizard can lay eggs and have babies without needing a male.
In the middle of summer, a female whiptail can lay up to four eggs. These eggs are not fertilized by a male. The baby lizards will hatch from these eggs in about six weeks.
- Genus Aspidoscelis at The Reptile Database
