Desert Grassland Whiptail Lizard
Aspidocelis uniparens
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Range and habitat:
The desert grassland whiptail lives in the dry,
desert terrain from Arizona to Texas and northern Mexico.
Natural diet:
This species feeds on small terrestrial invertebrates.
Size / weight range:
Desert grassland whiptails grow to be about
6 inches.
Interesting Facts:
This species of lizard reproduces by parthenogenesis
without males. It is the hybrid of two other species of whiptail lizard
(Cnemidophorus inornatus and Cnemidophorus gularis).
Because of this hybridization, they have three sets of chromosomes (triploid).
Even though the species is comprised of entirely females, these lizards
demonstrate many characteristics of sexual behavior, including courtship
and pseudo-copulation.
Whiptail lizards
prefer very high temperatures— well in excess of 100°F. They are active
during the day when the temperature is hot.
Location at The Toledo Zoo:
The Reptile House
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