Greater Earless Lizard

The greater earless lizard is a resilient desert reptile that thrives in arid landscapes thanks to its vibrant colors and unique adaptations.

Common Name:

Scientific Name:

Cophosaurus texanus

Type:

Reptiles

Diet:

Carnivore

IUCN Red List Status:

Least Concern

Graphic representation of the IUCN Red Status

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A photograph of a Greater earless lizard

General Description

The greater earless lizard measures 60-130 mm long. Their backs are light brown with orange, yellow, and white spots, while their bellies have distinct black stripes. Males are more prominent and have vibrant colors for hiding. They lack outer ears and rely on sunlight to stay warm, reaching body temperatures of up to 40°C.

Diet and Habitat

The greater earless lizard lives in the arid desert landscapes of the southwestern United States, especially on steep slopes and rocky terrains. They survive in environments with limited food resources, feeding primarily on adult and larval bugs ranging from 6 to 28 millimeters in size, and using their body heat to digest larger prey more efficiently.

Life Expectancy

This reptile can live for up to 3 years in the wild and 2 to 3 years in captivity. Its short lifespan in the wild is often due to challenges in maintaining warmth or staying hidden during hibernation. Its breeding cycle begins in the spring when temperatures rise, prompting a flurry of mating activity that results in clutches of eggs laid in the early summer.

Did You Know?

Despite their name, these reptiles don't rely on ears to hear! Instead, they pick up on vibrations, proving that nature has more than one way to listen.