Red-Backed Whiptail

Range

Small range in south central Arizona and slightly across the border into Mexico.

Habitats

Inhabits the upland Sonoran Desert scrublands at elevations of 2000-4300 feet. Prefers rocky terrain on canyon slopes, and often lives near permanent water sources.

Identification

A slender lizard with a long tail and pointed snout that grows up to 4.5 inches from snout to vent. It has granulated scales on the body and keeled scales on the tail. Juveniles start out tan with 6-7 distinct light lines running from the neck to the base of the tail, and rows of light spots between the lines, with brick red tinting on their back. As they age, the lines disappear and break up into more numerous spots. Their legs also develop a light blue tint and the brick red coloration changes to orange or yellow. The head and tail are mostly tan.

Learn more with Schechter Natural History's Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians