| Range: |
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| Other Names: |
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| Subspecies: |
Prairie Racerunner Aspidoscelis sexlineata viridis |
| Description: |
Long, strong hind limbs and a comparatively long tail, over twice the head-body length. Small dorsal scales with enlarged scales on front edge of throat fold only; belly with 8 rows of large, rectangular scales. All A. sexlineata adults are sexual dimorphic in color: females with light ventral surface and males with pale blue ventral surface. Aspidoscelis sexlineata can reach 15-26 cm (6-10.5 in) in total length as an adult. |
| Similar Species: |
All other species of whiptails in New Mexico lack the bright green anterior dorsal body color. The Texas Spotted Whiptail has light spots in the dark dorsal fields. |
| Venom: |
None |
| Habitat: |
Aspidoscelis sexlineata viridis is seen in open areas such as on river banks and grassy plains. It may also be seen in hilly terrains. |
| Behavior: |
Aspidoscelis sexlineata are diurnal lizards and especially active in the morning. They forage for insects and are wary of being approached. They quickly retreat under vegetation or rocks if approached. |
| Hibernation: |
They burrow in the soil in cooler temperatures. |
| Reproduction: |
Breeding takes place from April to June. Females lay 1-6 eggs in June or July. A second egg deposition may occur three weeks after the first. The eggs hatch from June to September. Hatchlings with bright blue tail. |
| Diet: |
Grasshoppers, spiders, butterflies and moths of all life stages and land snails. |
