Crotaphytus collaris

Collared Lizard

The dark bands around its neck are an easy place to begin.

Reference photo, not the individual on display. Credits appear below.

Care commitment Specialist setup

Habitat Ground & cover

Visiting Watch quietly

Meet your new acquaintance

Nickname Rock Runner

Diurnal; often basks on rocks

Despite its affectionate Chinese nickname, this is an agile rock-country hunter. Strong hindlimbs and a long tail help shape its distinctive outline.

Species stories

A lizard becomes a regional emblem

In 1969 the collared lizard became Oklahoma’s state reptile, also known locally as the mountain boomer. A rocky-ground hunter acquired a public identity representing a place.

A symbol preserves memorable colour and outline, while living populations include different sexes, ages and choices of habitat. The nickname should not be treated as proof of a particular sound.

Looking from the state emblem back to the rocks connects two stories: why people selected it and how the animal actually lives.

Story sources:

Oklahoma Historical Society · Oklahoma Symbols

At a glance

Collared lizards inhabit open rocky ground and scrub in North America. By day they use rocks to bask, survey their surroundings and locate prey. Two dark neck bands give the species its familiar name; the affectionate nickname “little dragon” should not suggest a slow-moving animal.

Rocks, crevices and sparse vegetation connect basking, hunting and escape positions. Strong hind limbs and a long tail support quick movement, including bipedal running.

These egg-laying predators vary in colour with sex, age and origin. A raised rock can offer heat, a view and a retreat route together, rather than simply a photogenic pose.

Common names Collared Lizard

Scientific name Crotaphytus collaris

Native rangeSouth-central United States and northern Mexico

Adult sizeAbout 25–35 cm total length

ActivityDiurnal; often basks on rocks

Diet Base feeding on varied, appropriately sized, gut-loaded insects with coordinated calcium and UVB management. Wild predation on small animals does not require routine lizard or rodent feeding in captivity.

Habitat & care

Provide bright light, UVB, secure rockwork and a local basking area with cooler cover. Fix heavy rocks securely.

Values guide routine care, not breeding or brumation. Dimensions are length × width × height for one adult unless stated otherwise; larger animals need more space.

TemperatureBasking surface 40–48°C Cool-end air 25–32°C; night 20–26°C.

HumidityOrigin-dependent The genus guide distinguishes western forms below 40% from eastern forms around 50–70%. Confirm origin before selecting a target; provide a humid retreat.

LightingUVB UVI 4–6 Measure UVI at the animal’s back height and provide full shade; lamp, distance and mesh all affect the reading.

Space120×60×60 cm Recommended starting size for an active adult; provide movement routes and stable basking rocks.

Look a little closer

Find the two dark neck bands and compare forelimbs, hind limbs and tail. On a rock, inspect head height and limb support. During a spontaneous run, follow how the body rises at the start and the tail changes direction with the route.

Care note: Do not chase or tease it into running.

About this profile

The Chinese nickname used here refers to Crotaphytus collaris, not Gambelia wislizenii.

Profile status: Reference profile · Reviewed 2026-10-20

References (5)

Photo: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Common_Collared_Lizard.jpg CC BY-SA 3.0 · Original image, credit and licence

Behaviour notes describe the species, not a promise about every individual. These care notes introduce its needs; ask our team about the animal on display and any supervised encounters.