Gray checkered whiptail


The gray checkered whiptail is a species of lizard in the family Teiidae. The species is native to the United States in southern New Mexico and western Texas, and northern Mexico.

Taxonomy

Some sources consider the gray checkered whiptail to be a subspecies of the common checkered whiptail, Aspidoscelis tesselatus, whereas others grant it full species status. It is one of many lizard species known to be parthenogenetic.

Etymology

The epithet, dixoni, is in homage of renowned American herpetologist James R. Dixon, which leads some sources to refer to it as Dixon's whiptail.

Description

The gray checkered whiptail grows to between in total length. It is typically gray in color, with 10–12 white or yellow stripes that go the length of the body, often with spotting or checkering on the stripes. It is thin-bodied, with a long tail.

Behavior and diet

Like most whiptail lizards, the gray checkered whiptail is diurnal and insectivorous. It is wary, energetic, and fast moving, darting for cover if approached.

Habitat

The preferred habitat of A. dixoni is rocky, semi-arid areas with sparse vegetation.

Reproduction

A. dixoni is parthenogenic, females lay unfertilized eggs in the mid-summer, which hatch in approximately six weeks.