The Sonoran Spotted Whiptail Lizard is a species of lizard found in the South-Western United States and Northern Mexico.
It’s known for its distinctive spotted pattern on its back, which is where the species gets its common name.
This species is part of the whiptail lizard family, characterized by their long tails and quick movements.
Sonoran Spotted Whiptail Lizard Taxonomy
In the Animal Kingdom, Taxonomy is used as the science and practice of classifying different species and sub-species based on their biological and genetic makeup.
Family
The family that the Sonoran Spotted Whiptail Lizard belongs to is called Teiidae. The lizards in this family are native to the Americas.
At the time of writing, there are 18 different genera in this family and around 150 different species.
There are actually a few species in this family that reproduce asexually, which is a form of clonal reproduction.
Genus
The genus that the Sonoran Spotted Whiptail Lizard belongs to is called Aspidoscelis. These species are referred to as Whiptail Lizards.
There are currently almost 50 recognised species in this genus which was only introduced in 2002.
Before this, many of the species were included in the genus Cnemidophorus but have since been reclassified due to differences between the two groups.
The name Aspidoscelis is derived from two Greek words and translates to Shield-Leg.
Species
The scientific name for the Sonoran Spotted Whiptail Lizard is Aspidoscelis sonorae and there are currently no recognised sub-species.
The species was first described by Lowe & Wright in 1964.
Sonoran Spotted Whiptail Lizard Description
The Sonoran Spotted Whiptail Lizard is a relatively small reptile with a slender body and a long tail, which accounts for a significant portion of its overall length.
They can measure anywhere from about 4 to 7 inches (10-18 cm) in length, with males generally being slightly larger than females.
Their coloration can vary, but they typically have a brown or greyish body with a series of distinct, round or oval spots running along their back and sides.
These spots can be various shades of brown, black, or even blue, and they contribute to their unique and recognizable appearance.
Natural Habitat and Distribution
The Sonoran Spotted Whiptail Lizard is native to the South-Western United States and North-Western Mexico.
In the United States, they can be found in states like Arizona, New Mexico and parts of South-Western Texas.
Their range extends into North-Western Mexico, in places such as the Sonoran Desert and adjacent areas.
They can be found in a number of Mexican states, including Sonora, Baja California and possibly parts of Chihuahua.
These lizards can be found in deserts and other arid regions, often favouring areas with rocky terrain and sparse vegetation.
Sonoran Spotted Whiptail Lizard Behaviour
The Sonoran Spotted Whiptail Lizard is a diurnal species which means they are most active during the daytime.
They often emerge from their shelters early in the morning to bask in the sun.
Basking helps them warm up their body temperature, which is important for their metabolism and overall activity.
Basking serves a dual purpose for these lizards as it helps them regulate their body temperature and provides an opportunity for them to absorb essential UV radiation.
UV exposure is vital to these lizards for vitamin D synthesis, which is important for their bone health.
The Sonoran Spotted Whiptail Lizard is primarily insectivorous, meaning they mainly feed on insects and other small invertebrates.
They are agile hunters and use their quick movements to catch their prey, which often includes ants, beetles, spiders, and other arthropods.
Like many lizards, they can exhibit territorial behaviour. Males might establish territories that they defend from other males, especially during the breeding season.
Territorial disputes can involve visual displays, posturing and even brief physical confrontations.
