Zebratail Lizard

Zebra-tailed lizards are native to the Nearctic region, occurring throughout the deserts of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Their geographic range includes the Mojave, Great Basin, and Colorado deserts. They are especially common in western Texas, southern California, Arizona, southern Utah, Nevada, and northern Mexico. Three subspecies of zebra-tailed lizards are recognized, which differ in their geographic range. Colorado zebra-tailed lizards occur in southern Nevada, southwestern Utah, southeastern California, and west Arizona. Northern or Nevada zebra-tailed lizards are found in central Colorado. Eastern or Arizona zebra-tailed lizards are distributed throughout central Arizona.

Biogeographic Regions: nearctic (Native )

Snakes are common predators of zebra-tailed lizards and include red coachwhip snakes, pine snakes, glossy snakes, eastern kingsnakes, western patch-nosed snakes, and long-nosed snakes. Various species of rattlesnakes may also feed on zebra-tailed lizards, including horned rattlesnakes, western diamondback rattlesnakes, speckled rattlesnakes, and Mojave rattlesnakes. Larger lizards such as leopard lizards also feed on zebra-tailed lizards. Predatory birds include roadrunners, Swainson's hawks, American kestrels, and red-tailed hawks. Mammals that may prey on zebra-tailed lizards include kit foxes, coyotes, and gray foxes.

Callisaurus draconoides is well-camouflaged due to its gray-brown coloration. The bright, vivid colors of its tail are only seen on the ventral surface. In order to blend into its surrounding, it rests the bottom of its tail on the ground. Most lizard tails are autonomous, and can be shed or lost without incurring physical injury. This likely helps C. draconoides escape predators. Tail displays also are known to momentarily distract predators, allowing time for the lizard to escape. Tail wagging also may indicate individual fitness to the predator.

Known Predators:

• leopard lizard, (Gambelia wislizeni)
• red coachwhip snake, (Masticophis flagellum piceus)
• roadrunner, (Geococcyx californianus)

Anti-predator Adaptations: cryptic

Callisaurus draconoides is a relatively large lizard, with males ranging in snout to vent length from 70 mm to 93 mm. Females are slightly shorter, typically ranging from 65 mm to 75 mm. Overall body length in both sexes ranges from 152 to 232 mm. Compared to other species of iguanids, both the tail and hind limbs of C. draconoides are considerably longer. In addition, the tail of C. draconoides is flattened. Subspecies of C. draconoides differ slightly in body measurements, particularly tail and hind leg length relative to overall body size.

Zebra-tailed lizards can be distinguished from similar species by their coloration and markings. Their dorsal surface ranges from gray to brown with yellow blotches. They have dark spots on both sides of their mid-dorsal line that extend from their neck to the bottom of the tail. The limbs and tail have 4 to 8 dark lateral cross bands separated by lighter areas, giving zebra-tailed lizards their distinct “zebra-striped” look. The intensity of coloration typically changes with temperature. Under higher temperature conditions, colors become much lighter; under mid-range temperatures, coloration typically matches that of their habitat.

Zebra-tailed lizards are sexually dimorphic, and males and females show differences in coloration and body markings. Both sexes have dark throats with radiating black lines; however, this pattern is particularly noticeable in males. Males also have sky blue to navy blue patches on both sides of the belly; these give way to two diagonal black bars that fade into brown on the sides of the body. Females are similar to males but lack the black and blue patches on the belly and have only faint black coloration on the sides and body. During breeding season, males exhibit a patch of metallic green-blue, sometimes orange and yellow, on the sides of their bodies and the lighter areas on their throat become pink.

The appearance of juveniles also differs from that of adults. Juveniles have dark dorsal spots that disappear as they age. These spots are completely gone once males reach sexual maturity. Young males also lack the black belly markings present in adult males.

Zebra-tailed lizards are similar, in some regards, to earless lizards and fringe-toed lizards. These three groups are sometimes referred to as “sand” lizards. These genera all have small scales on their heads, small granular scales on their backs, and folds of skin across their throats. In zebra-tailed lizards, these scales vary in size and texture across their bodies. Dorsal scales are small and smooth. Ventral scales are large, smooth, and flat. Scales on the head are small compared to those covering the rest of the body. Unlike earless lizards, both zebra-tailed and fringe-toed lizards have external ear openings. Belly markings also differ among these groups, with fringe-toed lizards having a single large blotched marking on the belly. Both zebra-tailed and earless lizards have two crescent-shaped belly markings. Belly markings in zebra-tailed lizards vary by location, occurring at or in front of their mid-body region.

Range mass: 9 to 18 g.

Range length: 152 to 232 mm.

Other Physical Features: heterothermic

Sexual Dimorphism: male larger; sexes colored or patterned differently; male more colorful

Although it is generally characterized as an insectivore, zebra-tail lizards consume plant material and the sloughed skin of other lizards. Common prey includes small invertebrates such as scorpions, flies, ants, spiders, worms, eggs, carrion, and other small vertebrates. Zebra-tailed lizards eat many different types of insect larvae, as well as leaves and flowers found throughout their geographic range. The diet of zebra-tailed lizards varies seasonally and regionally. Northern populations regularly consume grasshoppers during late summer and are more prone to eating vegetation during spring months when compared to other populations. More southerly populations regularly appear to prefer beetles and insect larvae.

Zebra-tailed lizards consume a majority of their food in the morning, however, they forage throughout the day as well. Zebra-tailed lizards are ambush predators. When prey nears, they cautiously approach with their tail raised and waving. During morning hours, they hunt for prey in the open, and during mid-day, they hunt for prey in more shady areas.

Animal Foods: mammals; reptiles; eggs; carrion ; insects; terrestrial non-insect arthropods; terrestrial worms

Plant Foods: leaves; flowers

Primary Diet: carnivore (Insectivore )

Callisaurus draconoides serves as prey for a wide range of species throughout its geographic range, including various snakes, birds, larger lizards , and some mammals. As insectivores, this species may help control insect pest populations. Parasites specific to this species are not currently known.

Callisaurus draconoides typically lives for 3 to 4 years in the wild, and adults rarely live past 3 years of age. Little is known about zebra-tailed lizards in captivity; however, closely related fringed-toed lizards reportedly live up to 8 years in captivity.

Range lifespan
Status: wild: 4 (high) years.

Typical lifespan
Status: wild: 1 to 5 years.

Callisaurus draconoides is a terrestrial lizard that lives in deserts or in semi-arid habitats with lose sandy soil. In rocky areas, this species is limited to sandy washes or occurs among boulders in canyons. In deserts, C. draconoides most often is found on the desert floor among shrubs, which are used for shade; rocks and boulders are used as perches for basking.

As a desert species, zebra-tailed lizards tolerate considerable variability in temperatures and rainfall. Throughout their geographic range, they experience high temperatures during the day and low temperatures at night. In the Mojave desert, temperatures range from 49°C (120°F) during the day to -7°C (20°F) at night. In the Great Basin, temperatures range from 14°C (57°F) to -8°C (18°F), and in the Colorado desert, temperatures range from 45°C (113°F) to -5°C (23°F). Because of this extreme temperature variation, zebra-tailed lizards tend to be diurnal, allowing periods of greatest activity during hours when the temperatures are most suitable. In addition, zebra-tailed lizards are capable of dealing with differing rainfall conditions. For example, in the Great Basin, rainfall varies from 2.3 to 3.0 cm per year; in the Mojave desert, it varies from 5.3 to 6.4 cm per year. In contrast, in the Colorado desert, rainfall ranges from 10.2 to 15.2 cm per year.

Range elevation: 80 to 1800 m.

Habitat Regions: temperate ; terrestrial

Terrestrial Biomes: desert or dune

As an insectivore, Callisaurus draconoides is valued because it helps controls insect pest populations. Like many other lizards, C. draconoides is often kept as a pet. This species is easily cared for but is short lived.

Positive Impacts: pet trade ; controls pest population

Like most territorial lizards, zebra-tailed lizards defend their territories using physical gestures like push-ups or head nods. A characteristic unique to zebra-tailed lizards is the display of their black and white striped tail. "Wagging" of the tail is the most common form of intraspecific communication. Tail wagging is also performed when a predator is nearby. Tail wagging may be used to alert conspecifics of the presence of a predator or to signal fitness to the predator. Males and females both raise their tails when threatened by potential predators; however evidence suggests that males perform tail displays more often. In addition, zebra-tailed lizards found closer to ground cover are more likely to hide, whereas those encountered in the open are more likely to tail wag. Partial loss or shortening of the tail does not impede the ability or frequency of tail displays to predators; however, it does affect communication among conspecifics.

Little is known about perception in zebra-tailed lizards. They are believed to have well-developed vision and evidence suggests that taste buds may be used to identify individual females.

Communication Channels: visual

Perception Channels: visual ; chemical

Callisaurus draconoides is classified as a species of least concern on the IUCN's Red List of Threatened Species. It is abundant and maintains stable populations. This species occurs in many national parks and monuments, and as a result, its habitat is protected throughout much of its geographic range.

US Federal List: no special status

CITES: no special status

State of Michigan List: no special status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: least concern

Callisaurus draconoides eggs usually hatch in August or September. Hatchlings range in size from 28 mm to 32 mm. Hatchlings are nearly identical to hatchlings of side-blotched lizards, a related species, and are often mistaken for them. However, hatchlings of C. draconoides curl and wag their tails, a behavior distinct to only this species.

Zebra-tail lizards hibernate twice during the year. They emerge from their first hibernation in April. At this point, hatchlings are known as juveniles. Most growth occurs between April, May, and June. By July, zebra-tailed juveniles have reached adult size, typically about 70 mm in length, and show signs of gonad development and body cycles. Sexual dimorphism, however, is not yet evident. Size differences between males and females begin to appear by late August, just before the second hibernation. When zebra-tailed lizards emerge from their second hibernation, they are sexually mature, with fully developed gonads, and are considered adults. Adult body length ranges from approximately 70 to 92 mm, with males typically ranging from 6 to 12 mm longer than females.

There are no known adverse effects of Callisaurus draconoides on humans.

Zebra-tailed lizards are polygynous. The bond formed between males and a particular female may be strong or weak. Stronger bonds result in greater territory defense and greater duration of the male-female relationship. Once a bond is formed, the two court briefly, followed by copulation. It benefits males to mate with as many females as possible, typically resulting in higher hierarchical standing or rank. During breeding season, males attract mates by demonstrating that they are superior to other males. To do this, they perch themselves in an exposed area and perform a series of head bobs and push-ups. This is also used as a means of defending their territories. If a male enters another's territory, the resident male becomes highly aggressive.

Mating System: polygynous

Breeding season in Callisaurus draconoides begins in May and extends into August. Males reach peak reproductive state from May through July and show enlarged testes during this period. Females typically exhibit peak reproductive state from May through August. Both males and females reach reproductive maturity at about two years of age, with reproductively mature males (average snout-vent length = 70 mm) slightly larger than females (average snout-vent length = 65 mm). Like most other reptiles, C. draconoides is oviparous and has internal fertilization. Gestation lasts for 48 to 62 days. Females lay eggs in sheltered, humid environments to prevent desiccation. Average clutch size is 4 eggs, with each egg approximately 8 x 15 mm in size. Hatchlings are born with an "egg-tooth" - a tooth-like structure on their nose used to slice through the egg, which is lost shortly after hatching. Upon hatching, offspring are smaller but otherwise very similar in appearance to adults. Offspring are immediately independent of their parents.

Breeding interval: Zebra-tailed lizards breed once annually.

Breeding season: Zebra-tailed lizards breed from May to August.

Range number of offspring: 2 to 8.

Average number of offspring: 4.

Range gestation period: 48 to 62 days.

Average gestation period: 54 days.

Average time to independence: 0 days.

Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female): 2 years.

Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male): 2 years.

Key Reproductive Features: iteroparous ; seasonal breeding ; sexual ; oviparous

Like most lizards, Callisaurus draconoides provides little parental care to offspring. Only pre-hatching parental investment occurs and includes choosing an appropriate nesting site, laying eggs in moist environments, and covering or sheltering eggs to prevent dessication. Females defend the area around their nest until hatching.

Parental Investment: female parental care ; pre-hatching/birth (Protecting: Female)

Factores de riesgo

Una de las zonas donde habita C. draconoides es la Delta del Río Colorado presenta graves problemas de degradación de los suelos, hay cambio de uso de suelo para la agricultura, contaminación en la delta del río, reducción de fauna y flora por la introducción de especies exóticas como Cyprinella lutrensis e Ictalurus punctatus.

Situación actual del hábitat con respecto a las necesidades de la especie

Modificación del entorno, salinización de los acuíferos y degradación de los suelos, formación de canales. Reducción del aporte y calidad del agua dulce así como cambios hidrodinámicos en la cuenca baja. Contaminación por agroquímicos y descargas industriales y urbanas. Preocupa la contaminación producida por la actividad minera, contaminación por metales pesados.

Tamaño poblacional

14.5 C. draconoides por ha. en 1968, en 1969 12.5/ha. población de Nevada (Tanner, et al 1975).

Antecedentes del estado de la especie o de las poblaciones principales

El primer reporte significativo de la ecología de Callisaurus draconoides fue realizado 1893. Este reporte provee de información inicial del hábitat, comportamiento y hábitos alimenticios. Actualmente se conocen diez subespecies de está especie. (Tanner et al, 1975). A partir de esa fecha se han realizado numerosos trabajos que proveen de la mayor parte de información de la ecología de esta lagartija (conducta, relaciones de temperatura, dieta y reproducción, etc).

Relevancia de la especie

A pesar de que es una especie que se distribuye ampliamente en tres estados, podríamos no considerarla de una distribución muy amplia, actualmente como mencionamos, se conocen 10 subespecies, sin embargo, pudieran encontrarse más, por otra parte, es una especie fascinante ecológicamente hablando debido a su gran capacidad de adaptación a ambientes extremos.

Las lagartijas no emergen hasta medio día en la primavera, pero llegan a tener actividad a partir de las 7:30 am en el verano. Esta especie es sedentaria, los machos son más activos que las hembras. Su actividad es a partir de Marzo a Octubre en Nuevo México, con algunos individuos activos en el mes de Noviembre en días tibios (Degenhardt, 1996)
Las exhibiciones en esta especie, incluyen movimientos de cabeza, flexión de extremidades anteriores y la compresión lateral del cuerpo son hechos por ambos sexos.
Esta exhibición es innata, como Clarke (1955) observó con recién nacidos (a los 5 minutos de haber eclosionado). Estas lagartijas también frecuentemente enrollan su cola sobre su cabeza como parte de su conducta de exhibición, exponiendo el patrón bandeado negro y blanco en la superficie ventral.

Ámbito hogareño

El tamaño del rango hogareño varía no solo por individuo, si no también entre grupos. Los machos adultos tienden a tener áreas más grandes que las hembras. Se han encontrado intervalos de 0.60 ha y otros que varían desde 0.35 ha a 0.50 ha. Los intervalos de las hembras adultas son más pequeños y se sobrelapan al rango de los machos (Tanner et al, 1975).

No existe para la especie.

Callisaurus draconoides es una lagartija de talla moderada; los machos tienen un Longitud hocico cloaca (LHC) de 67-99 mm y las hembras de 63 a 87 mm (Pianka and Parker, 1972). Esta especie esta morfológicamente adaptada para vivir en la arena o en los desiertos. Las piernas son relativamente largas y el cuerpo delgado. Las aberturas externas del oído están presentes. Las escamas dorsales son pequeñas y las ventrales son grandes; todas van en un gradiente discreto en cada uno de los lados. Las escamas dorsales de la cabeza son numerosas y desiguales en tamaño y más pequeñas que las interparietales. Las aberturas nasales están localizadas al final del canto rostral, con sus aperturas ascendentes. Se puede ver una escama subocular muy grande. Mientras que las labiales son muy grandes y quilladas. El margen posterior de cada una es ondulado y se sobrepone a la siguiente escama, se extienden de manera diagonal con respecto a la línea de la boca. Las escamas labiales inferiores son similares morfológicamente pero menos pronunciadas. La escama mental es muy reducida en relación a las adyacentes labiales bajas. Un pliegue gular está presente. Estos tienen entre 14 y 23 poros femorales en cada muslo y los machos tienen las escamas postanales agrandadas.
El color de la región dorsal del cuerpo es terroso brillante a gris-café, manchado completamente con numerosos pero diminutos puntos crema a amarillo. Una serie longitudinal de pequeños puntos café oscuro se extiende posteriormente desde el hombro en cada lado de la línea media. Esos puntos son característicos en juveniles pero tienden a desaparecer en adultos; ya que se aproximan unos a otros y se funden posteriormente en el cuerpo y sobre la cola donde forman el componente dorsal de los anillos de la cola. Hay una línea negra dorsal característica en la superficie posterior del muslo bordeando por encima y por abajo con color blanco. La superficie del miembro dorsal es indistintamente barrado. Varias barras negras se extienden verticalmente del labio superior hasta encontrarse con el área central obscura de la garganta. La superficie ventral de la cola es distintivamente barrada con negra y estas barras se fusionan lateralmente con los anillos dorsales de la cola, existen dos barras negras prominentes en cada lado del cuerpo, las cuales comienzan lateralmente en la parte anterior a la mitad del cuerpo. Las barras anteriores se extienden verticalmente a la superficie ventral del cuerpo, mientras que, la barra posterior se extiende ventrolateralmente en la región de la ingle. En los machos esta barras se encuentran rodeadas con parches azul brillante; en las hembras la coloración azul se encuentra ausente y las barras son menos visibles. Durante la temporada de reproducción, los machos pueden desarrollar un tinte verdoso en los lados del cuerpo y en las áreas brillosas de la garganta un amarillo o rosa no muy intenso, en hembras grávidas existe un punto que comienza con una coloración rosa y amarillo/naranja, este se desarrolla a lo largo del cuerpo por los lados entre las extremidades anteriores, se extiende sobre la región dorsal un patrón que es claramente más oscuro (Degenhardt, 1966).

Historia de la vida

Ovíparos, ectotermos.

Actual

Regiones Prioritarias Terrestres: El Vizcaíno-El Barril

MEXICO / BAJA CALIFORNIA

En México se distribuye en la región norte del país, en los estados de Baja California Sur, Sonora y Sinaloa

MEXICO / SINALOA

MEXICO / SONORA

Histórica estimada

MEXICO

En México se encuentra en el estado de Sonora a lo largo de las tierras bajas costeras al Oeste de México hacia el sur de los límites con Sinaloa y también en la península de Baja California al igual que en varias Islas del Mar de Cortés.

NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2001

A amenazada

NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010

A amenazada

Callisaurus draconoides es oportunista, insectivoro; presenta la estrategia de forrajeo de sentarse y esperar y su dieta puede variar de acuerdo a la estación (Pianka, 1966), aunque ellos ocasionalmente también son cavadores activos para cazar con sus patas delanteras (Pianka et al, 1972). Otón (1955) reporta abejas y avispas y orugas como los más importantes componentes y arañas en la dieta de estos organismos. Escarabajos son ocasionalmente tomados, y hormigas raramente. Pianka y Parker (1972) encuentran escarabajos adultos (30% del volumen) y saltamontes (19% del volumen) que son importantes componentes de la dieta, seguido de lepidopteros y dipteros.

Esta especie se encuentra activa en porciones abiertas con arena, gravas y ocasionalmente en áreas rocosas con poca o sin cubierta vegetal. Esta asociado con Prossopis-Acacia o comunidades de vegetación de Larrea tridentata. Además ocurre simpátricamente con Cophosaurus texanus.

Macroclima

El clima es del tipo BW(h1) hw (e); es decir, muy árido, seco, cálido, con precipitación invernal superior al 10% del total anual. Enero y Agosto presentan los rangos extremos de temperatura ambiental 12°C mínimo a 24°C máximo, y 26°C mínimo a 44°C máximo, respectivamente. Habita cerca del nivel del mar hasta los 1520 m.

Uso de hábitat

Utiliza los espacios abiertos entre los arbustos del desierto (Tanner et al, 1975).

En Callisaurus draconoides la talla mínima a la madurez sexual es en machos es de 70 mm LHC y hembras 67 mm LHC (Tanner et al, 1975) y es activada durante la estación reproductiva siguiente a la primera hibernación. El apareamiento en lagartijas adultas comienza en Abril o Mayo y las hembras contienen huevos oviductales desde Mayo hasta Agosto. Cada hembra puede tener más de una puesta, y el tamaño está significativamente correlacionado con el tamaño del cuerpo; la media del tamaño de puesta es 4.5 huevos (Degenhardt et al, 1996). Packard et al, (1980) reportan un periodo de incubación de 30-32 días para esta especie.

Fecundidad

Se ha reporado una media del tamaño de la puesta de 4.5 huevos Stebbins, 1985).

Continent: Middle-America North-America
Distribution: USA (SW California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico), Mexico (Baja California, Sonora, Sinaloa) carmenensis: Camen Island, Gulf of Mexico, Mexico.
Type locality: California. Restricted to Cape San Lucas, Baja California by SMITH & TAYLOR 1950. splendidus: endemic to Isla Ángel de La Guarda. rhodostictus: California, Arizona, Baja California ventralis: Arizona, California, Nevada (fide BURT 1933)

Der Zebra- oder Gitterschwanzleguan (Callisaurus draconoides) lebt in Mexiko und in den südwestlichen USA, in Arizona, Nevada, im Südosten Kaliforniens und im Südwesten Utahs. Er bevorzugt vegetationsarmes, steiniges Gelände mit Hartböden. Die Art steht allein in der Gattung Callisaurus.

The zebra-tailed lizard (Callisaurus draconoides) is a species of lizard in the family Phrynosomatidae. The species is native to the Southwestern United States and adjacent northwestern Mexico. There are nine recognized subspecies.

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Callisaurus draconoides Callisaurus generoko animalia da. Narrastien barruko Phrynosomatidae familian sailkatuta dago.

Rengashäntäleguaani (Callisaurus draconoides) on heimoon Phrynosomatidae kuuluva liskolaji. Se elää laajalla alueella Yhdysvaltojen lounais- ja Meksikon luoteisosien tasangoilla ja aavikoilla. Rengashäntäleguaani kasvaa noin 15–23 senttiä pitkäksi. Se on nopea juoksija, jolla on litteä, hoikka ruumis sekä pitkät, kapeat jalat. Liskon vatsassa ja hännässä on mustavalkoista raidoitusta, josta se on saanut nimensä. Lisäksi koiraalla on rinnassaan turkoosinvärinen suikale. Rengashäntäleguaani on aktiivinen päiväsaikaan ja hakeutuu varjoon vain aivan kuumimpana aikana. Se pystyy myös hyppämään ylös maasta monta kertaa oman pituudensa verran napatakseen lentäviä hyönteisiä.

Le lézard à queue de zèbre, Callisaurus draconoides, unique représentant du genre Callisaurus, est une espèce de sauriens de la famille des Phrynosomatidae.

Callisaurus draconoides – gatunek jaszczurki z rodziny frynosomowatych (Phrynosomatidae), określanych w języku polskim nazwą zebrogonki.

Callisaurus draconoides é uma espécie de lagarto da família Phrynosomatidae. É a única espécie descrita para o gênero Callisaurus. Ocorre no sudoeste dos Estados Unidos e noroeste do México, incluindo diversas ilhas no Golfo da Califórnia.

Estes pequenos répteis de apenas 6-10 centímetros de comprimento vivem nos desertos e se alimentam de insetos e outros invertebrados. Ocasionalmente complementa sua dieta com plantas do deserto.

Dez subespécies são reconhecidas:

Callisaurus draconoides bogerti Martin Del Campo, 1943 Callisaurus draconoides brevipes Bogert & Dorson, 1942 Callisaurus draconoides carmenensis Dickerson, 1919 Callisaurus draconoides crinitus Cope, 1896 Callisaurus draconoides draconoides Blainville, 1835 Callisaurus draconoides inusitanus Dickerson, 1919 Callisaurus draconoides myurus Richardson, 1915 Callisaurus draconoides rhodostictus Cope, 1896 Callisaurus draconoides splendidus Dickerson, 1919 Callisaurus draconoides ventralis (Hallowell, 1852)

Callisaurus draconoides là một loài thằn lằn trong họ Phrynosomatidae. Loài này được Blainville mô tả khoa học đầu tiên năm 1835.