General Description: Eastern Collared Lizards (Crotaphytus collaris) have big heads and big powerful jaws. With the ability to run on their hind legs, these Velociraptors of the desert are easily recognized by the two black neck bands. There are bars and lots of little white spots on the back. During the breeding season, the ground color becomes green, yellow, and blue. The head may become bright yellow, and in some places, the feet are yellow. The tail is round in cross-section.

Taxonomy: Collared and Leopard Lizard Family (Crotaphytidae). Formerly referred to as the Common Collared Lizard

Diet: These lizards are voracious predators that can run on their hind legs to capture prey or escape other predators. They feed on insects, lizards, small rodents, berries, and leaves.

Habitat: Sparsely vegetated desert areas

Range: Arizona and southeastern Utah, east to central and Texas.

Breeding:

Similar Species: Great Basin Collared Lizard does not get bright colors during the breeding season, and the tail is not round in cross-section.

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