Range
Southwestern United States and northern Mexico; from southeastern California east to extreme southwestern Utah and southwestern New Mexico and as far south as southern Sinaloa and northern Baja California.
Habitats
Prefers areas with little vegetation including deserts, dunes, beaches, or floodplains. Will sometimes be found on rocky, shady areas at high elevations. Females lay eggs under natural protection like rocks, or underground. During breeding season, mature males exhibit bluish green colors on either side of belly. Zebra-tailed lizards are insectivores but may be found consuming plant material and shed skin of other reptiles. They hunt scorpions, worms, spiders, carrions and many other small invertebrates.
Identification
Dorsum is either tan or yellow; grayish brown blotches on middle of back. Displays long legs and tail. Each thigh has a dark, horizontal line. Namesake tail displays black and white horizontal bars similar to those of a zebra. Venter usually yellow. Snout vent length can reach as long as 102 mm.
Learn more with Schechter Natural History's Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians