The desert grassland whiptail lizard (Aspidoscelis uniparens) is an all-female species of reptiles in North America. It was formerly placed in the genus Cnemidophorus. A common predator of the whiptail lizard is the leopard lizard that preys on A. uniparens by using ambush and stalk hunting tactics. These reptiles reproduce by parthenogenesis. In this process, eggs undergo a chromosome doubling after meiosis, developing into lizards without being fertilized. However, ovulation is enhanced by female-female courtship and mating (pseudo-copulation) rituals that resemble the behavior of closely related species that reproduce sexually.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it venomous or poisonous?
We have no record of Desert Grassland Whiptail being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
- Aspidoscelis velox
- Aspidoscelis sonorae
- Aspidoscelis laredoensis
- Aspidoscelis neomexicanus
- Aspidoscelis arizonae
- Aspidoscelis exsanguis
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Reptilia
- Order
- Squamata
- Family
- Teiidae
- Genus
- Aspidoscelis
- Species
- Aspidoscelis uniparens
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