Common Collared Lizard: a two-minute wildlife lesson

Lizards · day 7 of 7

Five facts

1. To escape a predator, the collared lizard can rear up and sprint on its hind legs, at speeds of around 26 km/h.
2. Its name comes from the black bands around its neck and shoulders, which look just like a collar.
3. In Oklahoma it is called the mountain boomer, maybe after canyon winds people mistook for an animal's call. In fact, this lizard makes no sound.
4. A male treats his next-door neighbours calmly, but he chases a stranger off his territory straight away.
5. When a female is carrying eggs, faint orange spots on her head grow bright, then fade again after she lays them.

The quiz

1. How does a collared lizard often run from predators?

• By rolling into a ball
• On its hind legs (correct)
• By gliding from rocks
• By swimming away

It can sprint on its hind legs to escape predators.

2. Where does the collared lizard's name come from?

• Its habit of wearing leaves
• Black bands around its neck (correct)
• A scientist named Collard
• A frill that pops open

Black bands around its neck and shoulders look like a collar.

3. What sound does the mountain boomer really make?

• A loud boom
• A high whistle
• None: it is silent (correct)
• A deep croak

Despite the name, collared lizards are silent.

4. How does a male collared lizard react to a stranger on his territory?

• He ignores it
• He shares his food
• He leaves his territory
• He is hostile right away (correct)

He is calmer with neighbours but hostile to strangers without hesitation.

5. What happens to a female's orange head spots while she carries eggs?

• They grow brighter (correct)
• They turn blue
• They disappear for good
• They spread to her tail

The spots brighten, then fade after she lays her eggs.

Same week

All lessons

Nature documentaries