Orange-throated Whiptail

Aspidoscelis hyperythra

Status: California Species of Special Concern

Male Orange-throated whiptails are brightly colored, with yellow and black stripes and bright orange throats. Youngsters have bright blue tails. Females are more plain, but elegantly striped in brown and cream. This whiptail is listed as a California Species of Special Concern because much of its habitat has been destroyed for development, and what’s left is highly fragmented. It inhabits only about 25 percent of its former range.

Fun Fact:
These spry lizards are often seen digging energetically while foraging.

What’s for Lunch:
Spiders, scorpions, centipedes, and termites

Where’s Home:
Chaparral and coastal sage scrub