Photos by Chris Brown

Scientific name: Aspidoscelis tigris stejnegeri

Common name: Coastal Western Whiptail

Size: 2.4-4.6 in (6.0-11.7 cm)

Distinguishing characters: A species with eight light-colored stripes that are often very indistinct, with crossbars in adults suggesting checkered appearance; dark markings on dorsum with yellow, tan or brown background; throat pale with black spots; long tail; enlarged, square scales on venter; dorsal scales fine and granular; tongue is forked and flicked continually.

Juveniles: Similar to adults, with distal portion of tail bright blue-green; in Orange and Riverside Counties they are striped.

Dimorphism: Enlarged femoral pores in males.

Similar species: Aspidoscelis hyperythra: Striping more distinct; does not appear checkered or spotted; legs and tail cobalt blue in juveniles.

Additional notes: A distinctive species with a jerking gait, rarely sits still. Adults are surprisingly strong when handled and have very sharp claws.