Little Striped Whiptail
Aspidoscelis inornatus
Adult length 6 to 9 inches, slender body. Typically black color with yellow or white stripes running from head to tail on dorsal side of body. Center stripe is typically…
How to identify
Adult length 6 to 9 inches, slender body. Typically black color with yellow or white stripes running from head to tail on dorsal side of body. Center stripe is typically lighter and less distinct than the others. Underbelly is light blue, tail is bright blue.
Range
Southwestern United States & northern Mexico.
Habitat
Variety of dry, arid habitats such as grasslands, rocky slopes, foothills, and scrub brush.
Variations
Males: Blue tail is more vibrant than females. Coloration differs occasionally to brown with dark patches, no stripes or blue color.
Similar species
Name and etymology
Genus
Aspidoscelis
Greek for shield (aspido) leg (skelos).
Origin
Sources
- Wagler, 1830. Nat. Syst. Amph., p. 154
Cnemidophorus. Wagler, 1830 - Nat. Syst. Amph., p. 154
Species epithet
inornatus
Latin for without ornament
Origin
Sources
- Baird, 1858. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia, Vol. 10, p. 255 ↗
Xantusia. Baird, 1858 - Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia, Vol. 10, p. 255
Explore more names in the etymology index.
More illustrations
Arizona Striped Whiptail
At a glance
Range
Southwestern United States & northern Mexico.
Habitat
Variety of dry, arid habitats such as grasslands, rocky slopes, foothills, and scrub brush.
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap