Colorado Herpetological Society's

Guide to the Reptiles and Amphibians of Colorado

Collared Lizard
(Crotaphytus collaris)

Family Crotaphytidae

Photo from Hammerson, 1986.
Used with permission.

Last Updated on January 20, 2000.

Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus collaris)
Description: 3½" to 4½" snout-vent length; to 14" overall. Color greenish to tan, often with lighter greenish to yellow bars across back. Two prominent collar-like black bands separated by lighter band behind neck. Dorsal surface often peppered with small whitish spots. Large head, with prominent constriction at neck. Elevation Range: Up to 7000' in southeastern Colorado; to 8000' in western Colorado. Subspecies in Colorado: Crotaphytus collaris collaris in southeastern Colorado; Crotaphytus collaris auriceps in western Colorado. C. c. auriceps males have a bright yellow head; C. c. collaris males have head nearly the same as body color.