Family: Crotaphytidae, Collared and Leopard Lizards view all from this family

Description 6-9" (15.2-23.0 cm). Large head; conspicuous black-and-white collar across back of neck. Inside of mouth dark. Tail not laterally flattened. Tan with large white spots. Mature males have blue-gray throats with a brown to black center; small dark blotches in the groin; and orange belly coloration. Gravid females show red-orange spots on sides. Young usually have vivid crossbanding, lack dark throat coloring and groin blotches.

Warning Collared lizards have powerful jaws that can inflict a painful bite if the lizard is handled improperly.

Habitat Lowlands and mountains of Sonoran Desert.

Range S. Arizona and into Mexico.

Discussion This species was formerly considered a subspecies of the Eastern Collared Lizard (C. collaris).