Reptiles
Leopard Lizard
Gambelia · also called leopard lizards
A leopard lizard spots a smaller lizard moving across open desert ground and gives chase, briefly rising onto its hind legs to close the distance faster. Most lizards sharing this habitat stick to insects. This one is willing to eat its own relatives when the opportunity presents itself.
Overview
The leopard lizard, genus Gambelia, is a fast, spotted predator native to arid desert and grassland habitat across the western United States and Mexico. It actively forages across open terrain and is genuinely willing to prey on other lizard species.
A predator among prey
Sharing habitat with numerous smaller lizard species that would otherwise be considered peers, the leopard lizard instead treats many of them as potential meals, a level of predatory ambition that sets it apart within its own reptile community.
Status
Least Concern — widespread across suitable arid habitat throughout the western United States and Mexico.
Leopard Lizard: common questions
Does a leopard lizard really eat other lizards?
Yes, a leopard lizard is genuinely willing to prey on other lizard species, including individuals approaching its own size, a level of predatory boldness toward similarly sized reptiles that sets it apart from many other lizards sharing the same desert and grassland habitat, most of which stick to insects and smaller invertebrates.
How does a leopard lizard run so fast?
When moving at speed, a leopard lizard can rise up and run briefly on its hind legs alone, a bipedal sprinting mode that helps it close distance quickly when chasing down prey or escaping a threat, a technique shared with a small number of other fast-moving lizard species.
Why do female leopard lizards sometimes have orange markings?
A female leopard lizard often develops bright orange spots or markings along her sides during the breeding season, a temporary colour change linked to her reproductive condition that potentially helps signal her breeding status to nearby males.
Where does the leopard lizard live?
Leopard lizard species are native to arid and semi-arid desert and grassland habitat across parts of the western United States and Mexico, generally favouring open terrain with sparse vegetation that suits the species' active, wide-ranging foraging style.