Page 50 - 2018 MAY/JUNE Outdoor Oklahoma
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Watchable Wildlife
Eastern Collared Lizard
By Laura Eckart, Information and Education Intern
O K L A H O M A’ S
Watchable Wildlife
easterN Colla red liza rd
by lau r a eCk a rt, i N form atioN aN d eduCatioN i N terN
Oklahoma’s official lizard, the eastern collared lizard Mountain boomers are often spotted sunning on rocks
(Crotaphytus collaris collaris) was given its name because of and boulders. When approached, however, they are quick to
the dark rings showing around its neck. To most Oklaho- retreat to the safety of a crevice, burrow or hole. If they feel
mans, this lizard is commonly known by its nickname, the threatened while in the open, they can run very fast to escape.
mountain boomer. As they gain momentum running, they will rise with the
These brightly colored lizards usually measure between body held upright and will start running on their hind legs.
8 and 14 inches long and are easily identifiable by their col- Their stride can reach up to three times their body length.
ors and markings. The female is These lizards are highly territorial
generally yellow or tan with faint and will chase away other lizards
To most Oklahomans,
little spots covering its body, while that threaten their domain. When
this lizard is commonly
the male is much brighter than captured, they are quite feisty and
the female and tends to have more have very powerful jaws that can
green and yellow coloring with known by its nickname, deliver a substantial bite.
vivid lightly colored spots around Eastern collard lizards are
the mountain boomer.
its body. Both lizards wear a dark cold-blooded and spend the
colored “collar” around their neck. winter months in burrows, com-
Another key characteristic is the lizard’s large head and nar- monly under large rocks or boulders.
row neck along with a rounded tail. Mid-May through early June is the mountain boomers’
Eastern collared lizards can be found throughout the mating season. Males display their brightly colored necks
southwestern United States and northern Mexico. As this and bodies, and prance around the females. About 20 days
lizard is voiceless, its nickname “mountain boomer” was after breeding, the female will lay from two to 21 cream-col-
mistakenly given to the species. It is believed settlers who ored, leathery eggs that are just over a half-inch wide. The
were passing through saw them sunning themselves on eggs will be laid in a burrow under a large rock. The eggs
rocks while hearing the barking of frogs around them. hatch two to three months later. Young lizards have the dark
Since they are voiceless, eastern collared lizards com- markings around the neck, but they differ from the adults by
municate with body language. Males will use postures having yellowish crossbars and a length of only 3 to 4 inches.
such as head bobbing and pushups to defend territories or However, the young lizards will start eating vigorously and
impress females. will grow incredibly fast, doubling or tripling in size before
As a diurnal species, the eastern collared lizard is most colder weather comes in October. Collared lizards can live
active in warm and sunny conditions. They are active from from five to eight years.
April through September, though younger lizards can remain Eastern collared lizards eat various insects including
active through October. Most of their time is spent on rocks grasshoppers and beetles, spiders, small snakes, and other
or in clusters of rocks. Medium to large rocks offer the liz- lizards. These lizards must be constantly aware of large
ard a place to sun itself, look for prey below, and observe its snakes, hawks and other carnivorous animals that prey
territory for any intruders. on them.
48 WATCHABLE WILDLIFE