Plateau Striped Whiptail
This long, slender lizard exhibits dark and light stripes running the length of the body.
About This Species
Mostly found in southwestern Colorado's woodlands and riparian habitats. Like the Colorado checkered whiptail, the plateau striped whiptail is female-only and reproduces via "self-cloning" whereby they do not need fertilization for viable young.
More Information:
Physical Characteristics
Adults reach a maximum size of 8.7cm SVL (28 cm TL). Eggs average 15-16 mm x 6-11 mm. Hatchlings (33-37 mm SVL) have a bright blue tail.
Range
Mainly Southwestern Colorado below 7,500 feet, with populations found as far north as Garfield and Eagle Counties.
Habitat
Pinon-juniper woodlands, sagebrush, shrublands, and riparian areas are the main habitats in Colorado.
Diet
Any available arthropod.
Reproduction
This female-only species reporoduces by parthenogenesis. Clutches of 3-5 eggs are laid in late June through early July. Hatchlings begin emerging in mid-August.