Species Reptiles & AmphibiansWestern Whiptail

Western Whiptail

Aspidoscelis tigris

CommonReptile & Amphibian
Illustration of Western Whiptail (Aspidoscelis tigris)

The Western Whiptail is an active, fast-moving lizard of arid western habitats. It forages constantly, probing crevices for prey with its tongue. Its swift running and alertness make it difficult to approach.

Habitat
Desert scrub, rocky washes, and sandy grasslands
Diet
Insects, spiders, and small lizards
How common
Common

Best time to see a Western Whiptail

The best time to see a Western Whiptail is April–June, when about 64% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 25,260 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Recent Western Whiptail sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

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