Baja Black-collared Lizard
Crotaphytus vestigium
Silhouette: Jose Carlos Arenas-Monroy · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassSquamata
- FamilyCrotaphytidae (Collared Lizards)
- GenusCrotaphytus (Collared Lizards)
- SpeciesCrotaphytus vestigium (Baja Black-collared Lizard)
About the Baja Black-collared Lizard
The Baja California collared lizard or Baja black-collared lizard (Crotaphytus vestigium) is a species of lizard in the family Crotaphytidae. The species is endemic to southern California (United States) and Baja California (Mexico).
The Baja California collared lizard is a large-bodied species of lizard with a broad head, short snout, granular scales, and two distinct black collar markings. The collar markings are separated at the dorsal midline by more than 12 pale scales. It is tan to olive-colored with broad dark crossbands on its body. Adults are between 6.9 and 11.2 cm (2.7 and 4.4 in) long (snout–vent length). Young lizards look similar to adults, but with more distinct banding. The males of this species have enlarged postanal scales, a blue-grey throat, and large dark blotches on their flanks.
C. vestigium is a powerful bipedal runner. Adults can inflict a painful bite. The Baja California collared lizard is uncommon. It prefers rocky areas, especially washes. No major threats to C. vestigium have been identified, and it occurs in several protected areas.
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Recent sightings of Baja Black-collared Lizard in Joshua Tree National Park
LIVEiNaturalistClosest Relatives at Joshua Tree National Park
Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua Tree National Park | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 2 | El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve | 🇲🇽 Mexico |
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a Baja Black-collared Lizard in Joshua Tree National Park?
About 10% of wildlife watchers report a Baja Black-collared Lizard sighting in Joshua Tree National Park, based on 59 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see Baja Black-collared Lizard in Joshua Tree National Park?
April has the highest sighting rate for Baja Black-collared Lizard in Joshua Tree National Park in our monthly data.