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Common collared lizard (Crotaphytus collaris), Lake Meredith National Recreation Area, 2015.

These colorful lizards - named for the distinctive collar around their necks - can be spotted easily along sunny trails basking on rocks or waiting for prey. Most collared lizards are entirely insectivorous but some may eat small amounts of fruits or vegetables or even small mammals or other lizards. Collared lizards are capable runners, often lifting their front limbs to run on their muscular hind legs. Interestingly, they do not possess the common lizard trait of caudal autonomy, which is when a lizard releases its tail to escape a predator. These agile runners need their tails for balance while running and jumping. If you see the lizard performing push-ups, this is a warning to potential predators and you are too close.

U.S. National Park Service

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Lake Meredith National Recreation Area, Code: LAMR

National Park Service Facebook Photos

Title: Lake Meredith National Recreation Area
URL: https://www.facebook.com/lakemeredith

20150430

04/30/2015

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Organization: Lake Meredith National Recreation Area
Address: 4121 Veterans Blvd, Del Rio, TX 78840-9350

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