Kansas Collared Lizard
by Elizabeth Winter
Title
Kansas Collared Lizard
Artist
Elizabeth Winter
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
The Collared Lizard can be distinguished from other Kansas lizards by having a large head, one or usually two dark bands around the neck, small smooth granular scales on the back and belly, ear opening on the sides of its head, and four limbs. The belly is white. The throat is orange to yellow in males, and males are also more brightly colored (greens and blues) and grow larger than females. During pregnancy, females (usually on shades of tan and brown) developed transverse orange bars along the sides of their body.
No other lizards in Kansas is easily confused with the Collared Lizard. Its body form, patterns and colors, and behavior are all unique.
In those areas where they occur, you can see Eastern Collared Lizards perched atop large rocks during sunny warm days from late March to early November, when the air temperature reaches 70-90 degrees F. Like all other reptiles in the state, Eastern Collared Lizards are 'cold-blooded' and derive the energy necessary for their metabolic processes from the external environment. There is fierce competition among male Eastern Collared Lizards for the best rocks to occupy. This competition is generally non-violent, consisting of head-bobs and push-ups; however among two lizards similar in size, one may aggressively chase the other away.
They are active during the day, and at night retire to burrows or tunnels near or under their basking rocks where they sleep. In late October they retire deep into these same burrows to avoid freezing temperatures and await the arrival of warmer temperatures in late March to April.
Uploaded
July 8th, 2015
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Viewed 763 Times - Last Visitor from New York, NY on 04/22/2024 at 7:49 PM
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Comments (35)
Deb Halloran
What a fantastic capture, Elizabeth. The colors, light and detail are absolutely incredible. Nicely done. l/f
Karen Slagle
Fantastic image of this little cutie. We have them here but I've not been able to get a shot of one...f/l
Elizabeth Winter replied:
This guy wasn't shy in the least. I walked all around his rock and he didn't care! Thanks Karen