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Callisaurus draconoidesZebra-tailed Lizard

By Ashly Goetting and Megan Testerman

Geographic Range

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. (Behler, 1979; Cochran and Goin, 1970; Ditmars, 1922)

Habitat

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. (Attenborough, 2008; Behler, 1979; Cochran and Goin, 1970; Ditmars, 1922; Mattison, 1989; Smith, 1946)

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. (Attenborough, 2008; Behler, 1979; Cochran and Goin, 1970; Ditmars, 1922; Mattison, 1989; Smith, 1946)

  • Range elevation
    80 to 1800 m
    262.47 to 5905.51 ft

Physical Description

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. (Adest, 1987; Behler, 1979; Cochran and Goin, 1970; Eifler and Eifler, 2010; Kay, et al., 1970; Norris, 1965; Phillips and Comus, 2000; Pianka and Parker, 1972; Smith, 1946; Vitt and Ohmart, 1977)

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. (Adest, 1987; Behler, 1979; Cochran and Goin, 1970; Eifler and Eifler, 2010; Kay, et al., 1970; Norris, 1965; Phillips and Comus, 2000; Pianka and Parker, 1972; Smith, 1946; Vitt and Ohmart, 1977)

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. (Adest, 1987; Behler, 1979; Cochran and Goin, 1970; Eifler and Eifler, 2010; Kay, et al., 1970; Norris, 1965; Phillips and Comus, 2000; Pianka and Parker, 1972; Smith, 1946; Vitt and Ohmart, 1977)

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. (Adest, 1987; Behler, 1979; Cochran and Goin, 1970; Eifler and Eifler, 2010; Kay, et al., 1970; Norris, 1965; Phillips and Comus, 2000; Pianka and Parker, 1972; Smith, 1946; Vitt and Ohmart, 1977)

  • Sexual Dimorphism
  • male larger
  • sexes colored or patterned differently
  • male more colorful
  • Range mass
    9 to 18 g
    0.32 to 0.63 oz
  • Range length
    152 to 232 mm
    5.98 to 9.13 in

Development

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. (Tanner and Krogh, 1975)

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. (Tanner and Krogh, 1975)

Reproduction

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. (Hammerson, 1999; Rand, 1965; Vitt and Ohmart, 1977; Zug, 1993)

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. (Hammerson, 1999; Pianka and Parker, 1972; Rand, 1965; Vitt and Ohmart, 1977; Zug, 1993)

  • 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

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. (Rand, 1965)

Lifespan/Longevity

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. (Smith, 1946)

  • Range lifespan
    Status: wild
    4 (high) years
  • Typical lifespan
    Status: wild
    1 to 5 years

Behavior

Zebra-tailed lizards are active only during warmer months and hibernate typically from October to April. During active months, zebra-tailed lizards are diurnal and are more tolerant of high temperatures than most lizards. Whereas most lizard species burrow underground or hide beneath vegetation to avoid mid-day desert heat, zebra-tailed lizards are often seen basking in the sun in the middle of the day. Zebra-tailed lizards construct burrows, typically beneath shrubs, that are used to hide when they are threatened. They also use burrows for shelter during evening hours. (Eifler and Eifler, 2010; Hasson, et al., 1988; Tanner and Krogh, 1975)

Zebra-tailed lizards are often solitary but have an elaborate social system in which social status is communicated to conspecifics via visual and olfactory cues. They are sometimes found in populations of varying sizes, but are highly territorial. Males may become highly aggressive when defending their territory. (Eifler and Eifler, 2010; Hasson, et al., 1988; Tanner and Krogh, 1975)

Tail displays are used both in social communication and in predator-prey signaling. When zebra-tailed lizards detect a potential predator, they display the terminal portion of their tail, exposing the vivid black and white stripes while moving the tail in a vibrating motion. They also may curl their tail over their back, moving it in a side-to-side motion, to distract predators. Tail displays are seen most often when in open areas with little to no cover available. When threatened by a predator, zebra-tailed lizards hide in a nearby bush or burrow or sprint away, running in a zig-zag pattern and covering distances up to 50 m. They are considered to be one of the fastest desert lizards and can run up to 7.2 m/s. However, because of high desert temperatures, zebra-tailed lizards only move when defending their territories, chasing prey, or evading predators. (Eifler and Eifler, 2010; Hasson, et al., 1988; Tanner and Krogh, 1975)

  • Range territory size
    3500 to 6000 m^2

Home Range

Home range size in zebra-tailed lizards varies in relation to age and sexual maturity. Individual home ranges often overlap, however, it is not clear if overlapping territorial boundaries are defended. Adult males have large home ranges that tend to overlap those of several females. In Nevada creosote scrub habitat, average home ranges size varies from 3500 m^2 to 6000 m^2. (Tanner and Krogh, 1975)

Communication and Perception

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. (Eifler and Eifler, 2010; Ord, et al., 2001; Shwenk, 1985)

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. (Eifler and Eifler, 2010; Ord, et al., 2001; Shwenk, 1985)

  • Communication Channels
  • visual

Food Habits

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. (Pianka and Parker, 1972; Vitt and Ohmart, 1977)

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. (Pianka and Parker, 1972; Vitt and Ohmart, 1977)

  • Animal Foods
  • mammals
  • reptiles
  • eggs
  • carrion
  • insects
  • terrestrial non-insect arthropods
  • terrestrial worms
  • Plant Foods
  • leaves
  • flowers

Predation

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. (Hasson, et al., 1988; Tanner and Krogh, 1975; Vitt and Ohmart, 1977)

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. (Hasson, et al., 1988; Tanner and Krogh, 1975; Vitt and Ohmart, 1977)

  • Anti-predator Adaptations
  • cryptic

Ecosystem Roles

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. (Vitt and Ohmart, 1977)

Economic Importance for Humans: Positive

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. (Smith, 1946)

  • Positive Impacts
  • pet trade
  • controls pest population

Economic Importance for Humans: Negative

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

Conservation Status

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. (Hammerson, 1999)

Contributors

Ashly Goetting (author), Radford University, Megan Testerman (author), Radford University, Christine Small (editor), Radford University, John Berini (editor), Animal Diversity Web Staff.

Glossary

Nearctic

living in the Nearctic biogeographic province, the northern part of the New World. This includes Greenland, the Canadian Arctic islands, and all of the North American as far south as the highlands of central Mexico.

World Map

carnivore

an animal that mainly eats meat

carrion

flesh of dead animals.

chemical

uses smells or other chemicals to communicate

cryptic

having markings, coloration, shapes, or other features that cause an animal to be camouflaged in its natural environment; being difficult to see or otherwise detect.

desert or dunes

in deserts low (less than 30 cm per year) and unpredictable rainfall results in landscapes dominated by plants and animals adapted to aridity. Vegetation is typically sparse, though spectacular blooms may occur following rain. Deserts can be cold or warm and daily temperates typically fluctuate. In dune areas vegetation is also sparse and conditions are dry. This is because sand does not hold water well so little is available to plants. In dunes near seas and oceans this is compounded by the influence of salt in the air and soil. Salt limits the ability of plants to take up water through their roots.

diurnal
  1. active during the day, 2. lasting for one day.
female parental care

parental care is carried out by females

fossorial

Referring to a burrowing life-style or behavior, specialized for digging or burrowing.

heterothermic

having a body temperature that fluctuates with that of the immediate environment; having no mechanism or a poorly developed mechanism for regulating internal body temperature.

hibernation

the state that some animals enter during winter in which normal physiological processes are significantly reduced, thus lowering the animal's energy requirements. The act or condition of passing winter in a torpid or resting state, typically involving the abandonment of homoiothermy in mammals.

insectivore

An animal that eats mainly insects or spiders.

iteroparous

offspring are produced in more than one group (litters, clutches, etc.) and across multiple seasons (or other periods hospitable to reproduction). Iteroparous animals must, by definition, survive over multiple seasons (or periodic condition changes).

native range

the area in which the animal is naturally found, the region in which it is endemic.

oviparous

reproduction in which eggs are released by the female; development of offspring occurs outside the mother's body.

pet trade

the business of buying and selling animals for people to keep in their homes as pets.

polygynous

having more than one female as a mate at one time

seasonal breeding

breeding is confined to a particular season

sedentary

remains in the same area

sexual

reproduction that includes combining the genetic contribution of two individuals, a male and a female

solitary

lives alone

temperate

that region of the Earth between 23.5 degrees North and 60 degrees North (between the Tropic of Cancer and the Arctic Circle) and between 23.5 degrees South and 60 degrees South (between the Tropic of Capricorn and the Antarctic Circle).

terrestrial

Living on the ground.

territorial

defends an area within the home range, occupied by a single animals or group of animals of the same species and held through overt defense, display, or advertisement

visual

uses sight to communicate

References

Adest, G. 1987. Genetic differentiation among populations of the zebratail lizard, Callisaurs draconoides (Sauria: Iguanidae). Copeia, 4: 854-859.

Attenborough, D. 2008. Life in Cold Blood. Princetone, NJ: BBC Books.

Behler, J. 1979. The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Reptiles & Amphibians. New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf, Inc.

Cochran, D., C. Goin. 1970. The New Field Book of Reptiles and Amphibians. Toronto: Estate of Doris M. Cochran and by Coleman J. Goin.

Ditmars, R. 1922. The Reptile Book: A Comprehensive, Popularised Work on the Structure and Habits of the Turtles, Tortoises, Crocodilians, Lizards and Snakes which Inhabit the United States and Northern Mexico. New York, NY: Doubleday, Page & Company.

Eifler, D., M. Eifler. 2010. Characteristics and use of the tail in signaling by the zebra-tailed lizard (Callisaurus draconoides). Southwestern Naturalist, 55/1: 104-109.

Fenton, K. 1972. Activity patterns of Callisaurus draconoides at Saratoga Springs, Death Valley, California. Herpetologica, 28/1: 65-69.

Hammerson, G. 1999. Amphibians and Reptiles in Colorado. University Press of Colorado: Niwot Colorado.

Hasson, O., R. Hibbard, G. Ceballos. 1988. The pursuit deterrent function of tail-wagging in the zebra tailed lizard (Callisaurus draconoides). Canadian Journal of Zoology, 67: 1203-1209.

Karasov, W., R. Anderson. 1998. Correlates of average daily metabolism of field active zebra-tailed lizard (Callisaurus draconoides). Journal of Physiological Zoology, 71/1: 93-105.

Kay, F., B. Miller, C. Miller. 1970. Food habits and reproduction of Callisaurus draconoides in Death Valley, California. Herpetologica, 26: 431-436.

Mattison, C. 1989. Lizards of the World. New York, NY: Facts on File.

Muth, A. 1977. Body temperatures and associated postures of the zebra-tailed lizard, Callisaurus draconoides. Copeia, 1977/1: 122-125.

Norris, K. 1965. Color adaptation in desert reptiles and its thermal relationships. Pp. 162-229 in W Milstead, ed. Lizard ecology: a symposium. Columbia, Missouri: University of Missouri Press.

Ord, T., D. Blumstein, C. Evans. 2001. Intrasexual selection predicts the evolution of signal complexity in lizards. Proceedings of the Royal Society, 268/1468: 737-744.

Packard, M., L. Burns, K. Hirsch, G. Packard. 1982. Structure of shells of eggs of Callisaurus draconoides (Reptilia, Squamata, Iguanidae). Zoological Journal of Linnean Society, 75/4: 297-316.

Phillips, S., P. Comus. 2000. A Natural History of the Sonoran Desert. Tucson, AZ: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Press.

Pianka, E., W. Parker. 1972. Ecology of the iguanid lizard Callisaurus draconoides. Copeia, 1972/3: 493-508.

Rand, A. 1965. The adaptive significance of territoriality in Iguanid lizards. Pp. 106-115 in W Milstead, ed. Lizard ecology: a symposium. Columbia, Missouri: University of Missouri Press.

Shwenk, K. 1985. Occurrence, distribution and functional significance of taste buds in lizards. Copeia, 1985/1: 91-101.

Smith, H. 1946. Handbook of Lizards: Lizards of the United States and Canada. Ithaca, New York: Comstock Publishing Associates.

Tanner, W., J. Krogh. 1975. Ecology of the zebra-tailed lizard Callisaurus draconoides at the Nevada test site. Herpetologica, 31/3: 302-316.

Vitt, L., R. Ohmart. 1977. Ecology and reproduction of lower Colorado river lizards: I. Callisaurus draconoides (Iguanidae). Herpetologica, 33/2: 214-222.

Zug, G. 1993. Herpetology: An Introductory Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles. Oval Road, London: Academic Press Limited.

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