Collared lizards are striking reptiles known for their vibrant colors, long tails, and the distinct black bands around their necks that give them their common name. These agile, sun-loving creatures are often observed basking on rocks, exhibiting a nimble and active demeanor.
Native Lands
Collared lizards are primarily found across North America, with a broad distribution spanning the southwestern United States and extending into northern Mexico. In the United States, their range includes states such as Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, and California. Within these states, collared lizards tend to concentrate in arid and semi-arid environments. Their presence also extends into northern Mexican states, including Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Nuevo Leon, San Luis Potosi, and Zacatecas.
Ideal Habitats
Collared lizards thrive in arid and semi-arid landscapes, frequently inhabiting rocky outcrops, canyons, and desert scrublands. These reptiles seek out open woodlands with abundant rock formations. The rocky terrain provides essential basking sites, allowing them to regulate their body temperature. Crevices within these rock structures offer shelter from predators and extreme temperatures, while elevated vantage points assist in hunting prey. Their preferred habitats are characterized by well-drained, rocky ground and sparse vegetation, allowing for clear lines of sight and unimpeded movement.
Distinct Species and Their Ranges
The term “collared lizard” encompasses several species within the Crotaphytus genus, each with specific distribution patterns. The Eastern Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus collaris) is widely distributed across the central and eastern portions of the collared lizard’s range, found from Kansas to northeastern Mexico, including plains and canyon lands. The Western Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus bicinctores), also known as the Great Basin Collared Lizard, inhabits areas further west. Its range includes southeastern Oregon, southern Idaho, northeastern California, Nevada, and western and central Utah. While similar in shape and size, the Western species typically lacks the bright colors of the Eastern Collared Lizard.
Environmental Influences
The distribution of collared lizards is shaped by environmental factors that create their specific habitat requirements. High temperatures and low humidity, characteristic of arid regions, are well-suited to these ectothermic animals. Sunlight is essential for thermoregulation, enabling them to warm their bodies by basking on rocks. The presence of suitable rock structures is also important, providing both shelter from predators and elevated perches for hunting. The availability of their primary insect prey, such as grasshoppers, crickets, and beetles, also directly influences where these lizards can establish populations.