Keeled Earless Lizard

Range

The keeled earless lizard or holbrookia propinqua is primarily found in Mexico, in Tamaulipas and Veracruz. Its range also include the southern Texas in the United States.

Habitats

The habitat of the keeled earless lizard ranges from barrier beaches to sandy dunes. This species is diurnal and feeds on insects. The keeled earless lizard possesses femoral pores that are thought to be used for reproduction. The females are oviparous and have a unique coloring that ranges from orange to pink when carrying eggs. The hatchlings are about 1.5 inches in length and soon become blotchy as adults.

Identification

The adults of this species have a total length of about 5.5 inches and snout to vent length may be 2.5 inches. Its dorsal skin color is usually green-gray or brown. The dorsal scales of the keeled earless lizard are pointed, small and keeled. The ventral scales are smaller but similar in appearance. The males have blotches and stripes having white flecks and forelimbs with two dark diagonal lines behind them. The keeled earless lizard or Holbrookia propinqua has an unmarked venter.

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