20 Lizards in Colorado (With Pictures and Identification)

Colorado is dwelling to every kind of lizards that keep in many various habitats, from deserts and grasslands to rocky mountainsides. These reptiles can be found many shapes, sizes, and hues, making them attention-grabbing creatures to review and observe.

This textual content explores 20 widespread lizard species current in Colorado. It consists of clear footage and helpful identification concepts for each species, along with particulars about their conduct, consuming routine, and habitats. This data is good for nature lovers and anyone all for locating the fascinating lizards of Colorado.

Species of Lizards Current in Colorado

Frequent Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus collaris)

The Frequent Collared Lizard is probably going one of the vital visually inserting reptiles in Colorado, merely acknowledged by its vivid inexperienced to yellowish physique, large head, and the two black “collar” bands spherical its neck. Adults can develop as a lot as 15 inches prolonged, with virtually two-thirds of that measurement being tail. Males are typically brighter than females, notably by the breeding season, when their colors develop into far more intense.

This species is assumed for its daring and full of life conduct. Not like many various lizards that scurry away, collared lizards usually run on their hind legs to flee predators—giving them a dinosaur-like gait. They’re territorial and aggressive hunters, usually seen basking on rocks the place they preserve a lookout for every prey and rivals.

Frequent Collared Lizards are carnivorous, feeding on bugs, completely different lizards, and typically small rodents. They like dry, rocky areas paying homage to canyons, mesas, and foothills, considerably in southeastern Colorado. A pleasing reality: this lizard is the official state reptile of Oklahoma, a neighboring state the place it moreover thrives.

Prolonged-nosed Leopard Lizard (Gambelia wislizenii)

The Prolonged-nosed Leopard Lizard stands out with its prolonged snout, large head, and observed physique. Its cream or light gray coloration is adorned with darkish brown spots, giving it a leopard-like pattern. It should presumably develop between 8 and 13 inches prolonged, along with its tail. Juveniles usually present reddish bars on their backs and tails, which fade as they mature.

These lizards are sit-and-wait predators, which suggests they usually preserve motionless and ambush prey with a quick burst of tempo. They’re solitary and largely full of life by the day, notably in hotter months. When threatened, they might puff up their our our bodies or open their mouths massive to intimidate potential predators.

Prolonged-nosed Leopard Lizards devour various bugs, spiders, and even smaller lizards. Typically, they’ll eat plant supplies. In Colorado, they’re largely current in desert shrublands and arid plains throughout the western part of the state. An attention-grabbing reality is that females can change coloration all through breeding season, with their undersides creating reddish-orange patches.

Lesser Earless Lizard (Holbrookia maculata)

The Lesser Earless Lizard is a small, slender species with a straightforward, scaleless ear opening—subsequently its title. It typically ranges from 4 to 5.5 inches prolonged, with sandy or grayish-brown coloring and lightweight spots or bars on the once more. Its coloration helps it combine utterly into its setting, making it laborious to determine.

This lizard could also be very fast and agile, usually darting quickly all through open ground to evade predators. It prefers flat, open habitats like sandy prairies, shortgrass plains, and dune strategies. All through the most well liked components of the day, it ought to usually burrow into the soil or take shelter beneath rocks to steer clear of overheating.

Lesser Earless Lizards feed completely on small bugs paying homage to ants, beetles, and grasshoppers. They’re usually current in southeastern Colorado, the place dry soils and sparse vegetation current splendid circumstances. A pleasing reality: this species lacks exterior ear openings, which helps cease sand from moving into whereas it burrows.

Texas Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma cornutum)

The Texas Horned Lizard is known for its toad-like physique, spiny look, and fast tail. Rising as a lot as 5 inches prolonged, it is lined in sharp horns on the top and spines alongside the physique. Its brown and tan mottled coloring helps it combine into dry, sandy environments.

This species is assumed for its distinctive defensive behaviors. When threatened, it might truly flatten its physique to look larger, hiss, and even squirt blood from the corners of its eyes—a unusual means used to discourage predators. It is often slow-moving and spends loads of its time basking or staying nonetheless to remain camouflaged.

Texas Horned Lizards feed almost utterly on ants, considerably harvester ants, though they might moreover eat beetles and grasshoppers. In Colorado, they occur largely throughout the southeastern nook, in open plains and grasslands. Satisfying reality: ensuing from habitat loss and pesticide use, their populations have declined, they usually’re thought-about a species of concern in some areas.

Larger Temporary-horned Lizard (Phrynosoma hernandesi)

The Larger Temporary-horned Lizard is a squat, broad-bodied reptile with fast horns and spiny scales all through its once more and sides. It is usually gray, reddish-brown, or light tan, counting on its setting, and grows to about 4 to 5 inches in measurement. No matter its small measurement, it has a fierce, dragon-like look.

This lizard is primarily current in elevated elevations compared with completely different horned lizards. It inhabits forest edges, sagebrush flats, and grasslands all through central and western Colorado. It is diurnal and typically basks by the morning sooner than retreating into vegetation or burrows to steer clear of extreme heat.

Like its Texas relative, the Larger Temporary-horned Lizard eats primarily ants nonetheless might also devour beetles, spiders, and completely different small invertebrates. It has associated defensive traits, along with the ability to squirt blood from its eyes if threatened. A pleasing reality: it might truly survive in cooler, mountainous areas the place few completely different lizards keep, due to its adaptability and want for rocky outcrops.

Roundtail Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma modestum)

The Roundtail Horned Lizard is a small, flat-bodied lizard merely distinguished by its rounded tail, in distinction to the spiky tails of various horned lizards. Its physique is pale gray or tan with darkish blotches, serving to it camouflage in the direction of sandy or gravelly soil. Adults usually measure spherical 3 to 4 inches in measurement, making it considered one of many smaller horned lizards throughout the space.

This species is shy and well-adapted to remaining hidden. When threatened, it ought to lie flat in the direction of the underside, making itself virtually invisible. Not like a number of of its kin, it infrequently reveals aggressive safety behaviors like blood-squirting. As an alternative, it will depend on stillness and camouflage to steer clear of predators.

Roundtail Horned Lizards feed completely on ants, nonetheless they might additionally eat beetles and completely different small bugs. In Colorado, they’re found throughout the extreme southern and southeastern components of the state, notably in dry grasslands and scrub deserts. A pleasing reality: this lizard’s tail is totally rounded, which helps distinguish it from all completely different horned lizard species in North America.

Sagebrush Lizard (Sceloporus graciosus)

The Sagebrush Lizard is a small, agile reptile with a tricky, scaly physique and a pointed snout. Its coloration ranges from gray to brown, usually with darker crossbands or wavy patterns down the once more. Grownup lizards typically develop to about 4 to 5 inches in measurement, along with the tail.

These lizards are full of life by the day and are most ceaselessly seen basking on rocks, logs, or fence posts throughout the morning photo voltaic. Males present good blue patches on their bellies and throats by the breeding season, which they use in courtship reveals and territorial behaviors. They’re quick to flee when approached, usually diving into crevices or beneath vegetation.

Sagebrush Lizards primarily feed on small bugs and spiders, which they actively hunt. In Colorado, they inhabit dry, open habitats at mid to extreme elevations, considerably in sagebrush-covered hills and open woodlands. A pleasing reality: they’re usually mistaken for a similar Western Fence Lizard, nonetheless the 2 are separated by range and refined bodily variations.

Desert Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus magister)

The Desert Spiny Lizard is probably going one of many larger lizards throughout the space, rising as a lot as 10 inches prolonged. It has robust, keeled scales and a thick, sturdy physique. Its coloration varies from gray to brown to purplish, usually with darker bands and shiny blue patches on the perimeters and abdomen, notably in males.

These lizards are daring and territorial. Males perform head-bobbing and push-up reveals to warn rivals or enchantment to mates. Desert Spiny Lizards are full of life in warmth temperatures and will usually be seen basking on rocks or partitions. When approached, they’re going to usually retreat quickly nonetheless might return to their perch after a short time.

Their consuming routine consists primarily of bugs like beetles, ants, and grasshoppers, along with occasional plant matter. In Colorado, they’re found primarily throughout the southwestern nook, the place deserts, canyons, and rocky outcrops provide the great and comfy, arid circumstances they like. A pleasing reality: they are going to change coloration barely to regulate their physique temperature—darker throughout the morning, lighter throughout the heat of the day.

Japanese Fence Lizard (Sceloporus undulatus)

The Japanese Fence Lizard is a medium-sized lizard with a tricky, spiny texture and a broad head. It is usually brown or gray with a set of wavy, darkish traces all through its once more and tail. Grownup measurement ranges from 4 to 7.5 inches. Males exhibit shiny blue patches on their throat and abdomen, which develop into additional vibrant by the breeding season.

This lizard is a robust climber and typically found on logs, fences, or tree trunks. It is diurnal and basks by the morning hours sooner than becoming additional full of life in foraging and territorial reveals. Males are recognized for his or her push-up reveals used to find out dominance or enchantment to females.

Japanese Fence Lizards feed on ants, beetles, caterpillars, and spiders. In Colorado, they’re principally found throughout the southeastern portion, considerably in woodland edges and rocky clearings. A pleasing reality: these lizards have superior resistance to hearth ant venom in components of their range the place fireplace ants are invasive, showcasing excellent adaptability.

Ornate Tree Lizard (Urosaurus ornatus)

The Ornate Tree Lizard is a small, slender lizard with an prolonged tail and very good scales. It usually grows to about 4 to 5 inches in measurement. Its coloration is extraordinarily variable nonetheless usually consists of shades of brown or olive, with speckled patterns and customarily orange or turquoise markings. Males usually current a blue or inexperienced abdomen patch.

This species is a superb climber and spends loads of its time in low shrubs, bushes, or on vertical surfaces like rock partitions. It is full of life by the day and prefers warmth, sunny spots for basking. Ornate Tree Lizards are quick and alert, escaping hazard by dashing into cracks or up bushes.

Their consuming routine consists of ants, beetles, flies, and small spiders. In Colorado, they’re primarily found throughout the southwestern areas the place desert canyons and rocky outcrops are widespread. A pleasing reality: males are available in quite a few “morphs” with varied throat colors, all types exhibiting completely completely different mating strategies—a unusual trait amongst reptiles.

Frequent Facet-blotched Lizard (Uta stansburiana)

The Frequent Facet-blotched Lizard is a small, quick reptile typically measuring 4 to 6 inches prolonged. It has a tan to grayish-brown physique with tiny scales and a particular darkish blotch merely behind each entrance limb—its namesake perform. Males usually current shiny blue or orange throat colors by the breeding season, whereas females are additional subdued.

This lizard is assumed for its agility and tempo. It is extraordinarily full of life by the day, darting all through the underside within the hunt for meals or mates. It occupies open, sunlit areas paying homage to rocky hillsides, grasslands, and desert flats. Males are territorial and may have interplay in head-bobbing or push-up reveals to maintain off rivals.

Facet-blotched Lizards eat small bugs like ants, flies, and beetles, along with spiders. In Colorado, they’re found largely throughout the western and southwestern components of the state. A pleasing reality: male side-blotched lizards have three throat coloration morphs—orange, blue, and yellow—each linked to a singular mating method, making a pure “rock-paper-scissors” dynamic in evolution.

Good Plains Skink (Plestiodon obsoletus)

The Good Plains Skink is probably going one of many largest skinks in North America, reaching lengths of 9 to 13 inches. It has straightforward, shiny scales with a gray or tan background and darker edges that create a refined checkered look. Juveniles are black with shiny blue tails, making them easy to distinguish from adults.

This species is secretive nonetheless full of life by the day, usually found beneath rocks, logs, or particles. It is a ground-dweller and prefers areas near water sources, paying homage to stream banks, moist canyons, and grasslands. When threatened, it ought to quickly retreat to cowl or drop its tail to distract predators.

Good Plains Skinks eat various invertebrates, along with grasshoppers, beetles, crickets, and spiders. In Colorado, they’re largely found throughout the southeastern plains and foothills. A pleasing reality: no matter their title, they’re great climbers and swimmers, exhibiting a extreme diploma of adaptability for a ground-based lizard.

Variable Skink (Plestiodon multivirgatus epipleurotus)

The Variable Skink is a subspecies of the Many-lined Skink, recognized for its straightforward scales and thin, elongated physique. Adults typically attain 5 to 7 inches in measurement and have slim light stripes working alongside a brown or gray once more. As its title implies, its coloration and patterning can differ extensively, even contained in the equivalent inhabitants.

This skink is diurnal and prefers unfastened, sandy soils in grasslands, shrublands, or near rock outcrops. It usually hides beneath flat rocks or logs and emerges to bask or hunt in warmth daytime. When alarmed, it might retreat quickly or use its detachable tail to distract predators.

Variable Skinks feed on bugs, spiders, and completely different small invertebrates. In Colorado, they’re found throughout the southeastern and south-central areas, usually in transitional zones between prairie and canyon habitats. A pleasing reality: this skink has one of many very important variable appearances of any North American skink, which could make identification throughout the self-discipline an issue.

Many-lined Skink (Plestiodon multivirgatus multivirgatus)

The Many-lined Skink is a easy, slender lizard with fairly a number of slim stripes working from its head to the tip of its tail. It usually grows to about 4.5 to 6 inches in measurement. The physique coloration is often light brown or olive, and the stripes are white or pale yellow, creating a specific lined pattern.

This skink is secretive and prefers to stay hidden in unfastened soil, beneath logs, or beneath flat rocks. It is full of life by the daytime, notably in warmth local weather, and might usually bask briefly sooner than scurrying once more into cowl. Though it might look delicate, it is surprisingly resilient in harsh habitats.

Many-lined Skinks feed on ants, crickets, caterpillars, and completely different small arthropods. They’re widespread all through loads of central and japanese Colorado, notably in sandy or loamy soils. A pleasing reality: these skinks exhibit tail autotomy, which suggests they are going to drop their tails to flee predators—and the tails proceed to wriggle to distract attackers.

Colorado Checkered Whiptail (Aspidoscelis neotesselatus)

The Colorado Checkered Whiptail is a slim, long-tailed lizard with an intricate pattern of darkish checks and pale stripes alongside its physique. Adults widespread between 8 to 12 inches prolonged, with the tail usually twice the scale of the physique. Their background coloration is commonly brown, tan, or olive with a set of distinct light traces working down the once more and sides.

This species is extraordinarily fast and energetic. It prefers scorching, open habitats like rocky canyons, desert grasslands, and shrub-covered hillsides. Whiptails are full of life foragers that infrequently sit nonetheless, all the time in search of meals with quick, jerky actions. They’re usually seen darting beneath rocks or vegetation when startled.

Colorado Checkered Whiptails feed on ants, termites, beetles, and spiders. Curiously, this species is all-female and reproduces by parthenogenesis, which suggests females lay eggs with out mating. Endemic to Colorado, it is found primarily throughout the southeastern components of the state. A pleasing reality: no matter being a relatively newest discovery (acknowledged in 1997), it’s already acknowledged as considered one of many few vertebrate species distinctive to Colorado.

Six-lined Racerunner (Aspidoscelis sexlineata)

The Six-lined Racerunner is a slender, streamlined lizard recognized for its unimaginable tempo and 6 shiny yellow or greenish stripes working down its black or darkish brown physique. Adults typically develop between 6 to 9 inches prolonged, with an prolonged, whiplike tail making up higher than half their measurement. Juveniles usually current a additional vibrant blue tail that fades with age.

This species is extraordinarily full of life and intensely fast, in a position to sprinting briefly bursts to flee predators or chase prey. It prefers open, sunny habitats with unfastened soil paying homage to grasslands, sandy plains, or open woodlands. Racerunners spend most of their day foraging and basking, solely retreating by the most well liked part of the day or in poor local weather.

Six-lined Racerunners feed completely on bugs, along with ants, beetles, grasshoppers, and spiders. In Colorado, they’re found primarily throughout the japanese plains and southeastern areas. A pleasing reality: these lizards can run as a lot as 18 miles per hour, making them considered one of many quickest reptiles in North America.

Frequent Checkered Whiptail (Aspidoscelis tesselata)

The Frequent Checkered Whiptail is a long-bodied, slender lizard with a elaborate pattern of black and white checkered spots and stripes all through its once more and tail. Adults typically attain 8 to 12 inches in measurement. Their coloration provides great camouflage in dry, rocky environments the place they’re usually found.

Like completely different whiptails, this species could also be very full of life and forages all the time all by the day. It avoids predators by darting quickly into crevices or beneath vegetation. The Frequent Checkered Whiptail is all-female and reproduces by parthenogenesis, which suggests no male is required for egg-laying, which is widespread in various whiptail species.

Its consuming routine consists primarily of bugs, spiders, and completely different small arthropods. In Colorado, it occurs throughout the southern and southeastern components, notably in arid canyons and grasslands. A pleasing reality: no matter being completely female, this species maintains genetic selection by superior chromosomal mechanisms developed over evolutionary time.

Western Whiptail (Aspidoscelis tigris)

The Western Whiptail is a lean, fast-moving lizard with an prolonged, tapering tail and finely observed or striped physique. Adults can develop between 8 and 13 inches prolonged. Their coloring varies extensively nonetheless usually consists of tan, gray, or olive with a combination of darkish flecks or stripes and pale traces working alongside the physique.

These lizards are agile and alert, usually seen scurrying all through rocky or sandy terrain within the hunt for prey. They’re solitary and spend loads of their time basking or actively foraging by the day. Their extremely efficient legs and prolonged tail help them navigate swiftly by superior desert environments.

Western Whiptails feed on ants, beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars. In Colorado, they’re found largely throughout the southwestern nook, inhabiting desert shrublands, rocky outcrops, and canyon flooring. A pleasing reality: the Western Whiptail is probably going one of the vital widespread whiptail species throughout the western U.S., with various regional subspecies tailor-made to completely completely different habitats.

Plateau Striped Whiptail (Aspidoscelis velox)

The Plateau Striped Whiptail is a small, slender lizard with a straightforward physique and daring, light stripes working down a darkish brown or black background. Adults usually range from 6 to 9 inches in measurement. It has a shiny look, and juveniles might have blue tails very similar to completely different whiptails.

This lizard is diurnal and very full of life, spending loads of its time foraging for meals. It prefers dry, rocky plateaus, shrublands, and canyon environments. When threatened, it makes use of speedy actions to flee and is often robust to catch ensuing from its tempo and agility.

Plateau Striped Whiptails eat ants, termites, beetles, spiders, and completely different small invertebrates. This species could be parthenogenetic and composed completely of females. In Colorado, it’s largely found throughout the southwestern and south-central areas the place rocky and arid landscapes current splendid circumstances. A pleasing reality: no matter lacking males, this species maintains regular populations and thrives in harsh, high-elevation environments.

San Luis Valley Temporary-horned Lizard (Phrynosoma diminutum)

The San Luis Valley Temporary-horned Lizard is a tiny, flat-bodied species distinctive to southern Colorado. Adults are among the many many smallest horned lizards in North America, typically reaching solely 2 to 2.5 inches in measurement. Their physique is spherical, with fast spines on the top and hard, pebbly scales all through the once more. Their coloring is commonly muted—gray, brown, or reddish—mixing successfully with the dry, rocky soil of their native habitat.

This elusive species is personalized to relax, high-altitude environments and is primarily found throughout the San Luis Valley. It prefers open sagebrush plains, grasslands, and rocky flats with unfastened, sandy soils. The lizard is most full of life all through warmth daytime, usually basking briefly sooner than retreating to shelter beneath rocks or into shallow burrows. It is often solitary and very sedentary compared with faster, additional agile lizard species.

The San Luis Valley Temporary-horned Lizard feeds totally on ants, notably harvester ants, along with small beetles and completely different arthropods. Its slow-moving, sit-and-wait trying method is well-suited for catching prey that comes inside shut range. A pleasing reality: this species is so localized and specialised that it was solely formally described in 1997 and is found utterly throughout the San Luis Valley—nowhere else on Earth.

FAQs About Lizards in Colorado

What sorts of lizards are usually current in Colorado?

Colorado is dwelling to over 20 species of lizards, along with horned lizards, whiptails, skinks, and fence lizards. Some widespread examples embody the Six-lined Racerunner, Larger Temporary-horned Lizard, Frequent Checkered Whiptail, and Sagebrush Lizard. Each species is personalized to completely completely different environments, ranging from desert canyons to high-altitude grasslands.

Are lizards in Colorado dangerous to individuals?

No, lizards in Colorado won’t be dangerous to individuals. They’re non-venomous, shy, and tend to steer clear of human contact. Most species will flee quickly when approached. They play a useful perform throughout the ecosystem by controlling insect populations.

The place can I see lizards in Colorado?

You’ll uncover lizards in dry, sunny habitats paying homage to grasslands, desert shrublands, rocky slopes, and canyons. The southeastern and southwestern components of the state provide the proper possibilities for recognizing species identical to the Texas Horned Lizard or Western Whiptail. Some species moreover occur throughout the foothills and reduce mountain zones.

When are lizards most full of life in Colorado?

Lizards in Colorado are most full of life all through warmth months, typically from late April by September. They’re diurnal, which suggests they’re full of life by the day. Peak train is often throughout the morning and late afternoon when temperatures are additional affordable.

What do Colorado lizards eat?

Most lizards in Colorado are insectivores. Their consuming routine consists of ants, beetles, grasshoppers, spiders, and completely different small arthropods. Some species, identical to the horned lizards, consider consuming ants, whereas whiptails and racerunners devour a wider range of fast-moving bugs.

Do lizards hibernate in Colorado?

Certain, lizards in Colorado enter a interval of dormancy usually referred to as brumation by the winter. As ectothermic animals, they can’t tolerate freezing temperatures. They burrow underground or search shelter in crevices to survive the chilly months.

Are there any endangered lizards in Colorado?

Certain, just some lizard species in Colorado are thought-about weak or species of concern. As an illustration, the San Luis Valley Temporary-horned Lizard (Phrynosoma diminutum) has a extremely restricted range and is beneath shut assertion ensuing from habitat sensitivity. Conservation efforts help monitor and defend these localized populations.

Can I preserve wild Colorado lizards as pets?

It is probably not helpful to grab wild lizards for pets, and in some circumstances, it may very well be illegal with out right permits. Wild-caught lizards can endure in captivity, and eradicating them disrupts the native ecosystem. As an alternative, ponder adopting captive-bred lizards from revered breeders when you occur to’re all for reptile defending.

How do lizards in Colorado defend themselves?

Lizards use various safety strategies along with tempo, camouflage, tail autotomy (dropping the tail), and puffing up their our our bodies. Some horned lizards could even squirt blood from their eyes as a ultimate resort. Most rely upon fleeing or hiding to steer clear of predators.

Are lizards very important to Colorado’s ecosystem?

Certain, lizards are a major part of Colorado’s pure ecosystems. They help regulate insect populations and performance prey for birds, snakes, and mammals. Their presence signifies a healthful, balanced setting. Defending their habitats ensures biodiversity and ecological stability.