Whiptail lizard

Lizards: Whiptail Lizard, Images by Wernher Krutein and PHOTOVAULT®
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Taxonomy: Whiptail Lizard Family (Teiidae).
Technical Description: Body size to 4 in.; tail length to 9 in. Dorsal color blue-black with 4 tan stripes; sides tan with numerous blue-black bars. Snout pointed. Ear openings large.

This was a difficult species to identify, because the taxonomy of whiptail lizards in this precise area is so complex and confusing that a number of journal articles have been written about it.

Like other species of whiptail lizard, the Six-lined Racerunner is diurnal and insectivorous. They are wary, energetic, and fast moving, darting for cover if approached.

Infraorder Anguimorpha - (the monitors, Gila monster, alligator lizards, galliwasps, slow-worms and others)
Infraorder Amphisbaenia - worm lizards
Infraorder Gekkota - (the geckos)
Infraorder Scincomorpha - (skinks, whiptail lizards and common ...

of its potent venom cause rapid paralysis and respiratory failure among its favorite cold-blooded prey, snakes and lizards. It prefers tiny blind snakes throughout its range, but will eat shovel-nosed snakes, black-headed snakes and whiptail lizards.

It reaches a maximum length of 9.5". It is very active on hot days and most often during the warmest part of the day. At night and on cold days, it stays underground. It is sometimes called the Whiptail Lizard.

See also: Lizard, Whiptail, Gecko, Reptile, Komodo Dragon