Tiger Whiptail: United States (particularly in the Southwestern region)
Desert Whiptail: Common in desert areas
Lagartija Tigre: Mexico
Description
Size: Typically 6 to 12 inches in length, including the tail.
Body: Slender and elongated with smooth scales.
Coloration: Varies; generally, a mix of green, brown, and tan with dark spots or stripes, resembling a tiger pattern. The underside is usually lighter, ranging from white to pale yellow.
Tail: Long, often longer than the body, and used for balance and agility.
Behavior: Diurnal (active during the day), fast-moving, and capable of quick bursts of speed. Known for being skittish and avoiding predators by fleeing.
Known Range
Geographic Distribution: Found throughout the Southwestern United States, including Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, and parts of Mexico.
Habitat: Prefers arid and semi-arid regions, including deserts, scrublands, grasslands, and rocky areas. Often found near sandy or loose soil, where they can easily burrow.
Diet
Primary Diet: Insectivorous, mainly consuming a variety of small insects including crickets, ants, beetles, and grasshoppers.
Additional Foods: Occasionally eats small spiders and other invertebrates. In captivity, they can be fed a diet of commercially available insects supplemented with calcium and vitamins.
Breeding
Mating Season: Typically occurs in the spring and early summer.
Reproduction: Oviparous, with females laying eggs in sandy or loose soil. Clutch size can vary but generally ranges from 1 to 5 eggs.
Incubation: Eggs incubate in the warm substrate for about 40 to 60 days, depending on temperature conditions.
Lifecycle
Hatchlings: Emerge from the eggs in late summer. They are miniature versions of adults, fully capable of fending for themselves.
Juveniles: Grow rapidly and are often more vividly colored than adults.
Adults: Reach sexual maturity within 1 to 2 years. Lifespan in the wild is typically around 3 to 4 years, though they can live longer in captivity under optimal conditions.
Care Requirements (Captivity)
Enclosure: Needs a spacious, secure tank with a tight-fitting lid to prevent escape. A 20-gallon tank is a minimum for one adult, with additional space required for multiple lizards.
Substrate: Sand, reptile carpet, or a mixture of soil and sand that allows for burrowing. Avoid substrates that can cause impaction, such as gravel.
Temperature: A temperature gradient should be provided, with a basking area of 90-100°F (32-38°C) and a cooler area around 75-85°F (24-29°C). Nighttime temperatures can drop to 65-75°F (18-24°C).
Lighting: UVB lighting is essential for calcium metabolism and overall health. Provide 10-12 hours of light daily.
Diet: Insectivorous, primarily feeding on crickets, mealworms, and other small insects. Supplement with calcium and vitamin D3 to prevent metabolic bone disease.
Water: Provide a shallow water dish for drinking, but be mindful of humidity levels to prevent respiratory issues.
Handling: Generally shy and may stress easily. Handle minimally and always gently to avoid injury.
