SPECIES SPOTLIGHT

The wonderful world of exotic pets

Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus collaris)

The common collared lizard, Crotaphytus collaris , is an Iguanid lizard native to Mexico and south-central USA. Males are particularly bright and colourful, with a green-blue body, light brown to yellow head and the characteristic black neck collars. Females are a dull light brown in comparison. The collared lizard is the state reptile of Oklahoma, where it is known as the “mountain boomer”.

There are five described subspecies of C. collaris at present, as well as eight other species in the genus Crotaphytus . Along with their colouration, collared lizards are known for their speedy bouts of sprinting on hind legs, in the same fashion as the frilled dragon or the common basilisk. When under threat, these sprints can reach up to 15 mph. It is unlikely you will see this behaviour in captive individuals, though.

Now well established in the pet trade as either captive bred or wild caught individuals, these bright lizards make a popular choice for some seeking a colourful species living in an arid captive environment – and something a bit less ‘common’ than a bearded dragon or leopard gecko for a more experienced keeper. They max out at a shorter length than a beardie and have a similar estimated longevity of around 8 years. Planted or even bioactive arid enclosures can work very well with this species.

Being insectivores with a ‘voracious appetite’, a varied invertebrate diet that is adequately supplemented will suit collared lizards very well. In the wild they are reported to chase and eat pretty much anything small enough to gobble down. They also require a strong UVB source as beardies do, being sun baskers.

If you just can’t get with the bread-and-butter beardies, maybe a collared lizard is the right choice of reptile for you. They may not be quite as reliably tolerant to handling and interaction as a bearded dragon, but their refreshing patterns and colours certainly make up for that.

NutriRep™ is a complete calcium, vitamin & mineral balancing supplement with D3.

It can be dusted onto all food sources including insects, meats & vegetables. No other supplement is required.