Western Whiptail
First time I've come across this particular little beauties and they run fast! This was as close as I dare get without scaring it off. They usually emerge from hibernation in May are found in desert regions that have moderate to limited amounts of vegetation such as sagebrush or shadscale. Their habitats range from sand and gravel to hardpan and loess. Regardless of type, however, burrows seem to be an important component. Rocks on the other hand, don't seem to be necessary. The western whiptail mostly eats insects, spiders, scorpions, butterflies,, crickets, grasshoppers, and beetles. They use their jaws instead of their tongue to capture their prey. This one was about 12 inches long from nose to tail and a beauty to behold!
San Lorenzo Canyon, Socorro County, NM
Western Whiptail
First time I've come across this particular little beauties and they run fast! This was as close as I dare get without scaring it off. They usually emerge from hibernation in May are found in desert regions that have moderate to limited amounts of vegetation such as sagebrush or shadscale. Their habitats range from sand and gravel to hardpan and loess. Regardless of type, however, burrows seem to be an important component. Rocks on the other hand, don't seem to be necessary. The western whiptail mostly eats insects, spiders, scorpions, butterflies,, crickets, grasshoppers, and beetles. They use their jaws instead of their tongue to capture their prey. This one was about 12 inches long from nose to tail and a beauty to behold!
San Lorenzo Canyon, Socorro County, NM