Defensive Behavior Of The Zebra-Tailed Lizard
The zebra-tailed lizard is a species of lizard that is native to the Southwestern United States and adjacent northwestern Mexico. They are diurnal and alert, rising early and active in all but the hottest weather. When threatened, they can run swiftly with their toes curled up and tails raised over their backs, exposing their stripes. When stopped, they wag their curled tails side-to-side to distract predators and even do the rare “defensive stomp” (which we captured here). They can even run on their hind legs for short distances.
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson, Arizona, is home to more than 230 animal species and 1,200 varieties of plants . We saw a wild zebra-tailed lizard at the museum and were fascinated by its unique defensive behaviors.
