The tiger whiptail, Aspidoscelis tigris, occurs throughout much of the western United States, from Oregon and Idaho southward into northern Mexico and Baja California. The species can be found throughout most of Utah, primarily in sparsely vegetated desert and shrubland habitats. During cold winter months, tiger whiptails often occupy underground burrows created by rodents or other lizards.
Ten Facts about Tiger Whiptail
- They are belong to the family of teiidae, Whiptails.
- Their size up to 8-12" (20.3-30.5 cm).
- Slender; 4-8 light stripes, often with many dark spots and lines on light gray or tan. Stripes and spotting sometimes faded or absent.
- Mates April to May. Clutch of 1-4 eggs is laid in June in northern range.
- Arid and semiarid desert to open woodlands; where vegetation is sparse enough to make running easy.
- They are found in Baja California and California to e. Oregon and s. Idaho, south to extreme nw. and sw. New Mexico and into Mexico.
- Insects, scorpions, spiders, and daddy-long-legs are eaten.
- This is an alert, fast-moving, ground-dweller that actively forages during the day.
- This wary lizard can be difficult to capture. It is usually very conscious of its proximity to the pursuer and is careful to stay just out of reach.
- Predators: Wide variety of lizards, snakes, and birds prey upon this species.
