Common Spotted Whiptail
Aspidoscelis gularis
This long-tailed lizard reaches 6.5-11 inches in length. It has a pointed face and keeled scales on its tail. It is dark brown with 7 light stripes running from its neck…
How to identify
This long-tailed lizard reaches 6.5-11 inches in length. It has a pointed face and keeled scales on its tail. It is dark brown with 7 light stripes running from its neck to the base of the tail. There are often single rows of spots between the lateral stripes. Its tail is usually uniform pink or tan in color.
Range
Ranges throughout most of Texas, southern Oklahoma, and the southeast corner of New Mexico, as well as northeastern Mexico.
Habitat
This species usually prefers to live near a permanent water source in various semi-arid habitats, including grasslands, canyons, and rocky areas.
Variations
Males have a red throat while females have a pink throat. Males also have a blue belly and sometimes dark patches on their chest. Their stripes and spots can range from white to light blue or yellow in color.
Similar species
Looks most akin to the little striped whiptail (*Aspidoscelis inornatus*) or the plateau spotted whiptail (*Aspidoscelis scalaris*), both of which can overlap in west Texas. Also looks similar to the New Mexico whiptail (*Aspidoscelis neomexicanus*) or the six-lined racerunner (*Aspidoscelis sexlineatus*).
Name and etymology
Gularis: Latin for of the throat.
More illustrations
Common Spotted Whiptail Female
At a glance
Range
Ranges throughout most of Texas, southern Oklahoma, and the southeast corner of New Mexico, as well as northeastern Mexico.
Habitat
This species usually prefers to live near a permanent water source in various semi-arid habitats, including grasslands, canyo…
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap