Family: Teiidae, Whiptails view all from this family

Description 9 1/2-12 3/8" (24.1-31.4 cm). Slender, with 6 light stripes separated by dark-brown bands; light spots in both stripes and bands. Small granular back scales, 5-8 scales between light stripes down middle of back. Belly uniform light gray to white; 8 lengthwise rows of large smooth rectangular belly scales. Tail blue-gray to green. Juveniles have orange tail and light spots in interposed dark bands.

Breeding Unisexual; no mating. Clutches of 1-6 eggs are laid June-August and hatch about a month and a half later.

Habitat Desert, desert grasslands, and mountain woodlands, especially pine-oak.

Range Se. Arizona and c. New Mexico south into w. Texas and Mexico.

Discussion Diurnal. This whiptail can often be seen foraging around the edges of shrubs and vegetative litter for insects.