Arizona's WildLife
"Where the Wild Things Roam"
Arizona Striped Whiptail
Aspidoscelis arizonae
Look in sunny patches on forest floor or rocks
The Arizona striped whiptail is a vibrant, fast-moving lizard commonly found in Arizona’s forests, rocky hillsides, and desert edges. Recognizable by its distinctive longitudinal stripes and slender body, this diurnal lizard actively forages during the day for insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates. Highly agile, striped whiptails are often seen darting across rocks, leaf litter, or open ground to escape predators. They play an important role in controlling insect populations and serve as prey for birds, snakes, and larger mammals. With their energetic behavior and striking coloration, Arizona striped whiptails add both activity and visual interest to the ecosystems they inhabit.
Reptile
Identification & Behavior
Key Features: Black body with light stripes along back
Size: 6–9 in
Behavior: Extremely fast and wary, darts into cover when approached
Diet: Insectivore — insects and small arthropods
Activity Pattern: Diurnal
Habitat & Distribution
Found in southeastern Arizona desert scrub and grasslands, including Sky Island ranges such as Santa Rita and Huachuca Mountains. Present in Coronado National Forest.
Elevation Range: 4,000–8,500 ft
Seasonal Presence: Spring–Fall
Risks & Management
Do not handle; very fragile
Fun Fact: Can run 15 mph to escape predators
