{"product_id":"eastern-collared-lizard","title":"Eastern Collared Lizard","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"185\" data-end=\"212\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"185\" data-end=\"212\"\u003eEastern Collared Lizard\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"214\" data-end=\"300\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"214\" data-end=\"234\"\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem data-start=\"235\" data-end=\"257\"\u003eCrotaphytus collaris\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"257\" data-end=\"260\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"260\" data-end=\"276\"\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Eastern Collared Lizard\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-start=\"302\" data-end=\"305\"\u0026gt;\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"307\" data-end=\"327\"\u003eSpecies Overview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"329\" data-end=\"470\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"329\" data-end=\"338\"\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e Adults typically reach 10–14 inches (25–35 cm) in total length, with males larger, bulkier, and more vividly coloured than females.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"472\" data-end=\"1026\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"472\" data-end=\"487\"\u003eAppearance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Eastern Collared Lizards are famous for their bold patterning and vibrant colours. Their name comes from the two distinct black collar bands around the neck. Males often display brilliant blues, greens, and yellows across the body, with orange tones appearing during the breeding season. Females tend to be lighter, often with subtle orange spotting when gravid. Their muscular build, large heads, and long limbs allow for impressive speed and even bipedal running. Their eyes are large and expressive, contributing to their alert nature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1028\" data-end=\"1174\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1028\" data-end=\"1045\"\u003eDistribution:\u003c\/strong\u003e Found across the south-central United States, including Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and parts of Texas and New Mexico.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1176\" data-end=\"1408\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1176\" data-end=\"1188\"\u003eHabitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e This species thrives in arid to semi-arid environments, including rocky outcrops, desert foothills, scrublands, and prairie edges. They favour sun-exposed rocks and boulders where they bask and watch for prey or rivals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1410\" data-end=\"1767\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1410\" data-end=\"1424\"\u003eBehaviour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Eastern Collared Lizards are diurnal, territorial, and highly active. Males frequently display head bobs, push-ups, and colour changes to establish dominance. They are primarily carnivorous, feeding on insects, spiders, small lizards, and occasionally small vertebrates. They are extremely fast and will often run bipedally to escape threats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-start=\"1769\" data-end=\"1772\"\u0026gt;\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1774\" data-end=\"1790\"\u003eCaptive Care\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1792\" data-end=\"2120\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1792\" data-end=\"1806\"\u003eEnclosure:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide a terrestrial enclosure at least 36 inches × 18 inches × 18 inches (90 × 45 × 45 cm) for an adult. Include large basking rocks, secure climbing stones, sand–soil substrate (dry on top with deeper moisture retention), and multiple hides. Open floor space is essential to accommodate their active lifestyle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2122\" data-end=\"2352\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2122\" data-end=\"2151\"\u003eTemperature and Humidity:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2151\" data-end=\"2154\"\u003eBasking area: 105–115°F (40–46°C)\u003cbr data-start=\"2187\" data-end=\"2190\"\u003eAmbient temperature: 85–90°F (29–32°C)\u003cbr data-start=\"2228\" data-end=\"2231\"\u003eNight temperatures: 70–75°F (21–24°C)\u003cbr data-start=\"2268\" data-end=\"2271\"\u003eHumidity should remain low at 30–50%, with a slightly humid hide to aid shedding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2354\" data-end=\"2522\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2354\" data-end=\"2367\"\u003eLighting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide strong full-spectrum lighting with high UVB (10–12%). Intense lighting supports their desert-adapted behaviour, metabolism, and bright coloration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2524\" data-end=\"2805\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2524\" data-end=\"2533\"\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Offer a carnivorous diet including crickets, roaches, black soldier fly larvae, mealworms, superworms, and occasional pinky mice. Provide calcium supplementation at most feedings and multivitamins weekly. Juveniles require daily feeding; adults can be fed every 1–2 days.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2807\" data-end=\"3073\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2807\" data-end=\"2834\"\u003eBehaviour in Captivity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Eastern Collared Lizards are energetic, visual, and bold. They enjoy basking on elevated rocks, patrolling their territory, and actively pursuing live prey. They may tolerate minimal handling once acclimated but remain quick and reactive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3075\" data-end=\"3430\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3075\" data-end=\"3102\"\u003eSpecial Considerations:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ensure all rock structures are secure to prevent collapse. Provide very bright lighting and strong heat output. Because of their speed and potential for bipedal sprints, ensure the enclosure is escape-proof. Territorial behaviour means adults should typically be housed singly unless part of a carefully managed breeding group.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-start=\"3432\" data-end=\"3435\"\u0026gt;\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"3437\" data-end=\"3454\"\u003eTaxonomy Note\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3456\" data-end=\"3723\"\u003eThe Eastern Collared Lizard is part of the family Crotaphytidae, a group of agile, carnivorous lizards adapted to hot, rocky environments in the southwestern and central United States. \u003cem data-start=\"3641\" data-end=\"3663\"\u003eCrotaphytus collaris\u003c\/em\u003e is the most widespread and iconic species within the group.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-start=\"3725\" data-end=\"3728\"\u0026gt;\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"3730\" data-end=\"3747\"\u003eGenetics Note\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3749\" data-end=\"4049\"\u003eThere are no recognized morphs for the Eastern Collared Lizard. Natural variation occurs in colour tone, pattern intensity, and the brightness of breeding-season hues, particularly in males. These differences reflect locality, seasonal changes, and individual genetics rather than selective breeding.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tails and Scales","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56196234379586,"sku":"bga1789651280818","price":75.9,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1010\/8380\/8066\/files\/eastern-collared-lizard_1.png?v=1789651285","url":"https:\/\/abrasionresistclad.shop\/products\/eastern-collared-lizard","provider":"My Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}