Alternate name: Colorado Checkered Whiptail

Family: Teiidae, Whiptails view all from this family

Description 11-15 1/2" (27.9-39.4 cm). Long and slender, with 6 faint light stripes separated by bold black checks, bars, or spots. Spotting faded in some populations. Back scales small and granular. Throat and belly white; small scattered black spots most prominent on chin and chest; 8 lengthwise rows of large, smooth rectangular belly scales. Tail yellow or brown, dark spots on sides. Juveniles have dark bands with a few light spots.

Breeding Primarily unisexual; only a few males have been found. Unmated female lays clutch of 2-8 eggs in June to July, which hatch in August.

Habitat Rocky locations on sand or gravel supporting grass or sparse brush.

Range S. Colorado and New Mexico, w. Texas into adjacent Mexico.

Discussion Diurnal. This whiptail is a more agile rock climber than others. Food includes scorpions as well as the usual insects and spiders. Many geographically localized color forms have been identified in this all-female species.