Mojave Black-collared Lizard
Description: Mojave black-collard lizards are one of the largest lizard species in Idaho. They can reach 13 inches in length including their tails. These desert-dwellers are usually light tan to gray, or can be reddish-brown, with light spots or speckles. They have light cream bellies, and males tend to have bluish-black colored patches on their throats. Mojave black-collared lizards lay eggs, usually around 3-8 of them.
Habitat
Mojave black-collared lizards live in arid (dry) climates. They also like to dwell in areas that have rocks and boulders with sparse vegetation. However, these lizards aren’t very good climbers, so the areas they choose to live in are usually full of smaller rocks and boulders. If you visit southwest Idaho, you may see them scampering amongst rocks and boulders along the Snake River Plain and surrounding Owyhee Mountain foothills. They also hibernate during the winter months.
Food
These reptiles eat insects and also other lizards. They have also been known to eat small amounts of flowers and leaves.
Fun Facts
Many people think that lizards lose their tails as an escape tactic when grabbed or attacked by a predator, but that’s not true for all lizard species. The Mojave black-collard lizards do not lose their tails when they are threatened or attacked.
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