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Eastern collared lizard (male)

Crotaphytus collaris

Photo by Aaron_G
Published on Project Noah
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36.8976, -95.9261

Field Notes

Description:

It has two black rings that form a partial collar around the neck. This species shows sexual dimorphism. The male is blue-green to olive-green with many light spots and a golden or yellow throat. The male has a larger head and larger femoral pores on the underside of the thigh than the female. The female is tan with many lights spots and a white throat. The female develops red bars on the body at the beginning of breeding season. These disappear after the breeding season. The juvenile is tan to yellow with dark bars alternating with yellow to orange bars. (information from "A Field Guide to Amphibians and Reptiles of Oklahoma")

Habitat:

Rocky area next to water

Notes:

This species is the Oklahoma State Reptile.

A female looks a bit different and can be seen here: http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/24658018

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (7)

Spectacular series Aaron! Really glad I got to see this one! Those colors are amazing.
He was much more tolerant of my approach than the female. I nearly had him in-hand at one point. (made a weak grab at him) To show how close he allowed me, photo #3 was taken with my 105mm macro and has not been cropped.
Very nice. Looks like he was super friendly letting you get so close.
Here's what a female looks like: http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/24658018
Thanks, Luis. The male was MUCH more tolerant of my approach than the female.
Photographed
PublishedMay 23, 2013

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