Zebra-tailed Lizard

Callisaurus draconoides

This speedy desert lizard often holds its tail curled over its back when it runs, and the bold black-and-white bars on the underside of the tail are quite eye-catching. When the lizard stops suddenly and the tail is lowered, the animal seems to vanish. These lizards will frequently swish their tails back and forth (like a cat) when they are agitated. They are most often encountered in dry desert washes where there is fine sand. They sit at the edge of shade patches and wait for insects to land nearby.

Look For : An eared lizard with black bars on tail; males have 2 black bars on side that run into blue patches on belly.

Length : 6-9".

Habitat : Open deserts.

Range : Nevada, Arizona, southern California.