Jump to content

New Mexico whiptail: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Undid revision 980889121 by 138.43.98.230 (talk)
No edit summary
Tags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit
 
(32 intermediate revisions by 29 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{short description|Species of reptile}}
{{Short description|Species of reptile}}
{{more footnotes|date=November 2013}}
{{more footnotes needed|date=November 2013}}
{{Speciesbox
{{speciesbox
| name = New Mexico whiptail
| name = New Mexico whiptail
| status = LC
| status = LC
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| status_system = IUCN3.1
|status_ref=<ref>{{cite iucn|author1=Hammerson, G.A.|author2=Lavin, P.|author3=Vazquez Díaz, J.|author4=Quintero Díaz, G.|author5=Gadsden, H.|year=2007|title=''Aspidoscelis neomexicana''|page=e.T64278A12752324|doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2007.RLTS.T64278A12752324.en|access-date=17 May 2023}}</ref>
| image = New Mexico Whiptail (Aspidoscelis neomexicana) - Flickr - GregTheBusker.jpg
| image = New Mexico Whiptail (Aspidoscelis neomexicana) - Flickr - GregTheBusker.jpg
| image_caption = New Mexico whiptail (''Aspidoscelis neomexicanus'')
| image_caption = New Mexico whiptail (''Aspidoscelis neomexicanus'')
Line 10: Line 11:
| species = neomexicanus
| species = neomexicanus
| authority = [[Charles H. Lowe|Lowe]] & [[Richard G. Zweifel|Zweifel]], 1952
| authority = [[Charles H. Lowe|Lowe]] & [[Richard G. Zweifel|Zweifel]], 1952
| synonyms = ''Cnemidophorus perplexus''<br><small>[[Spencer Fullerton Baird|Baird]] & [[Charles Frédéric Girard|Girard]], 1852</small><br>''Cnemidophorus neomexicanus''<br><small>Lowe & Zweifel, 1952</small>
| synonyms = ''Cnemidophorus perplexus''<br /><small>[[Spencer Fullerton Baird|Baird]] & [[Charles Frédéric Girard|Girard]], 1852</small><br />''Cnemidophorus neomexicanus''<br /><small>Lowe & Zweifel, 1952</small>
}}
}}


The '''New Mexico whiptail''' (''Aspidoscelis neomexicanus'') is a female-only [[species]] of [[lizard]] found in the southwestern [[United States]] in [[New Mexico]] and [[Arizona]], and in northern [[Mexico]] in [[Chihuahua (state)|Chihuahua]]. It is the official [[state reptile]] of New Mexico.<ref name="New Mexico">{{cite web|url=http://www.nmenvirothon.com/Wildlife/Chapter%20%20VIII-New%20Mexico%20State%20Animals.pdf |title=Chapter VIII. New Mexico state animals |accessdate=January 22, 2011 |publisher=New Mexico Envirothon |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714185758/http://www.nmenvirothon.com/Wildlife/Chapter%20%20VIII-New%20Mexico%20State%20Animals.pdf |archivedate=July 14, 2011 }}</ref> It is one of many lizard species known to be [[parthenogenesis|parthenogenetic]].
The '''New Mexico whiptail''' ('''''Aspidoscelis neomexicanus''''') is a female-only [[species]] of [[lizard]] found in [[New Mexico]] and [[Arizona]] in the southwestern United States, and in [[Chihuahua (state)|Chihuahua]] in northern Mexico. It is the official [[state reptile]] of New Mexico.<ref name="New Mexico">{{cite web|url=http://www.nmenvirothon.com/Wildlife/Chapter%20%20VIII-New%20Mexico%20State%20Animals.pdf |title=Chapter VIII. New Mexico state animals |access-date=January 22, 2011 |publisher=New Mexico Envirothon |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714185758/http://www.nmenvirothon.com/Wildlife/Chapter%20%20VIII-New%20Mexico%20State%20Animals.pdf |archive-date=July 14, 2011 }}</ref> It is one of many lizard species known to be [[parthenogenesis|parthenogenetic]]. Individuals of the species can be created either through the hybridization of the little striped whiptail (''[[Aspidoscelis inornatus|A. inornatus]]'') and the western whiptail (''[[Aspidoscelis tigris|A. tigris]]''),<ref name="Hybridisation">{{cite journal|last1=Lowe|first1= Charles H.|first2= John W.|last2= Wright|title=Evolution of parthenogenetic species of ''Cnemidophorus'' (whiptail lizards) in western North America|journal=Journal of the Arizona Academy of Science|date=1966|pages=81–87|jstor=40022375|volume=4|issue=2}}</ref> or through the parthenogenetic reproduction of an adult New Mexico whiptail.
Individuals of the species can be created either through the hybridization of the little striped whiptail (''[[Aspidoscelis inornatus|A. inornatus]]'') and the western whiptail (''[[Aspidoscelis tigris|A. tigris]]''),<ref name="Hybridisation">Lowe, Charles H., and John W. Wright. "Evolution of parthenogenetic species of Cnemidophorus (whiptail lizards) in western North America." Journal of the Arizona Academy of Science (1966): 81-87.</ref> or through the parthenogenetic reproduction of an adult New Mexico whiptail.


The hybridization of these species prevents healthy [[male]]s from forming, whereas males exist in both parent species (see [[Sexual differentiation]]). Parthenogenesis allows the resulting all-female population to reproduce and thus evolve into a unique species capable of reproduction. This combination of [[interspecific hybrid]]ization and [[parthenogenesis]] exists as a reproductive strategy in several species of whiptail lizard within the genus ''[[Aspidoscelis]]'' to which the New Mexico whiptail belongs.
The hybridization of these species prevents healthy [[male]]s from forming, whereas males exist in one parent species (see [[sexual differentiation]]). Parthenogenesis allows the all-female population to reproduce. This combination of [[interspecific hybrid]]ization and [[parthenogenesis]] exists as a reproductive strategy in several species of whiptail lizard within the genus ''[[Aspidoscelis]]'' to which the New Mexico whiptail belongs.


== Description ==
== Description ==
The New Mexico whiptail grows from {{convert|16.5|to|23|cm|in|abbr=on}} in length, and is typically overall brown or black in color with seven pale yellow stripes from [[head]] to [[tail]]. Light colored spots often occur between the stripes. They have a white or pale blue underside, with a blue or blue-green colored throat. They are slender bodied, with a long tail that is more commonly blue-green in their infant stage, melding into the same spotted brown and yellow color as they age.
The New Mexico whiptail grows from {{convert|16.5|to|23|cm|in|abbr=on|order=flip}} in length, and is typically overall brown or black in color with seven pale yellow stripes from [[head]] to [[tail]]. Light colored spots often occur between the stripes. They have a white or pale blue underside, with a blue or blue-green colored throat. They are slender bodied, with a long tail that is more commonly blue-green in their infant stage, melding into the same spotted brown and yellow color as they age.


== Behavior ==
== Behavior ==
Like most other whiptail lizards, the New Mexico whiptail is [[diurnal animal|diurnal]] and [[insectivore|insectivorous]]. They are wary, energetic, and fast moving, darting for cover if approached. They are found in a wide variety of semi-arid habitats, including [[grassland]], rocky areas, shrubland, or mountainside woodlands. Reproduction occurs through [[parthenogenesis]], with up to four unfertilized [[egg (biology)|eggs]] being laid in mid summer, and hatching approximately eight weeks later.
Like most other whiptail lizards, the New Mexico whiptail is [[diurnal animal|diurnal]] and [[insectivore|insectivorous]]. They are wary, energetic, and fast moving, darting for cover if approached. They are found in a wide variety of semi-arid habitats, including [[grassland]], rocky areas, shrubland, or mountainside woodlands. Reproduction occurs through [[parthenogenesis]], with up to four unfertilized [[egg (biology)|eggs]] being laid in mid summer, and hatching approximately eight weeks later.


The New Mexico whiptail lizard is a crossbreed of a western whiptail, which lives in the desert, and the little striped whiptail, which favours grasslands. The lizard is a female-only species that reproduces by producing an egg through [[parthenogenesis]]. The whiptail engages in mating behavior with other females of its own species, giving rise to the common nickname "lesbian lizards". A common theory is that this behavior stimulates ovulation, as those that do not "mate" do not lay eggs.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Crews|first1=David|title=Courtship in unisexual lizards: A model for brain evolution|journal=Scientific American|date=1987|volume=257|issue=6|pages=116–121|jstor=24979584|doi=10.1038/scientificamerican1287-116|bibcode=1987SciAm.257f.116C}}</ref>
The New Mexico whiptail lizard is a crossbreed of a [[western whiptail]], which lives in the desert, and the [[little striped whiptail]], which favors grasslands. The whiptail engages in mating behavior with other females of its own species, giving rise to the nickname "lesbian lizards".<ref>{{Cite web|title=BBC Two - Battle of the Sexes - In the Animal World, THE RIDDLE OF SEX, Lesbian lizards|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p006v48r|access-date=2021-11-14|website=BBC|date=10 March 2010 |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Spinney|first=Kimberley|date=2015-06-15|title=Lesbian Lizards a Hybrid Species Out of New Mexico|url=https://guardianlv.com/2015/06/lesbian-lizards-a-hybrid-species-out-of-new-mexico/|access-date=2021-11-14|website=Guardian Liberty Voice|language=en-US}}</ref> A common theory is that this behavior stimulates ovulation, as those that do not "mate" do not lay eggs.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Crews|first1=David|title=Courtship in unisexual lizards: A model for brain evolution|journal=Scientific American|date=1987|volume=257|issue=6|pages=116–121|jstor=24979584|doi=10.1038/scientificamerican1287-116|bibcode=1987SciAm.257f.116C}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
*[[New Mexico]]
* [[Teiidae|Whiptail]]
*[[Teiidae|Whiptail]]


==Footnotes==
==Footnotes==
Line 34: Line 33:


==References==
==References==
{{refbegin}}
{{Refbegin}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20060619065241/http://www.zo.utexas.edu/research/txherps/lizards/cnemidophorus.neomexicanus.html Herps of Texas: ''Cnemidophorus neomexicanus'']
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060619065241/http://www.zo.utexas.edu/research/txherps/lizards/cnemidophorus.neomexicanus.html Herps of Texas: ''Cnemidophorus neomexicanus'']
{{refend}}
{{Refend}}


{{Taxonbar|from=Q934175}}
{{Taxonbar|from=Q934175}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Aspidoscelis]]
[[Category:Aspidoscelis]]
⚫
[[Category:Vertebrate parthenogenesis]]
⚫
[[Category:Reptiles described in 1852]]
[[Category:Lizards of North America]]
[[Category:Lizards of North America]]
[[Category:Reptiles of the United States]]
[[Category:Reptiles described in 1852]]
[[Category:Biota of New Mexico]]
[[Category:Biota of New Mexico]]
[[Category:Endemic fauna of the United States]]
[[Category:Reptiles of the United States]]
⚫
[[Category:Reptiles of Mexico]]
[[Category:Symbols of New Mexico]]
[[Category:Symbols of New Mexico]]
[[Category:Taxa named by Charles Herbert Lowe]]
[[Category:Taxa named by Charles Herbert Lowe]]
[[Category:Taxa named by Richard G. Zweifel]]
[[Category:Taxa named by Richard G. Zweifel]]
⚫
[[Category:Vertebrate parthenogenesis]]
[[Category:Unisexual animals]]

Latest revision as of 21:24, 15 December 2024

New Mexico whiptail
New Mexico whiptail (Aspidoscelis neomexicanus)
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Teiidae
Genus: Aspidoscelis
Species:
A. neomexicanus
Binomial name
Aspidoscelis neomexicanus
Lowe & Zweifel, 1952
Synonyms

Cnemidophorus perplexus
Baird & Girard, 1852
Cnemidophorus neomexicanus
Lowe & Zweifel, 1952

The New Mexico whiptail (Aspidoscelis neomexicanus) is a female-only species of lizard found in New Mexico and Arizona in the southwestern United States, and in Chihuahua in northern Mexico. It is the official state reptile of New Mexico.[2] It is one of many lizard species known to be parthenogenetic. Individuals of the species can be created either through the hybridization of the little striped whiptail (A. inornatus) and the western whiptail (A. tigris),[3] or through the parthenogenetic reproduction of an adult New Mexico whiptail.

The hybridization of these species prevents healthy males from forming, whereas males exist in one parent species (see sexual differentiation). Parthenogenesis allows the all-female population to reproduce. This combination of interspecific hybridization and parthenogenesis exists as a reproductive strategy in several species of whiptail lizard within the genus Aspidoscelis to which the New Mexico whiptail belongs.

Description

[edit]

The New Mexico whiptail grows from 6.5 to 9.1 in (16.5 to 23 cm) in length, and is typically overall brown or black in color with seven pale yellow stripes from head to tail. Light colored spots often occur between the stripes. They have a white or pale blue underside, with a blue or blue-green colored throat. They are slender bodied, with a long tail that is more commonly blue-green in their infant stage, melding into the same spotted brown and yellow color as they age.

Behavior

[edit]

Like most other whiptail lizards, the New Mexico whiptail is diurnal and insectivorous. They are wary, energetic, and fast moving, darting for cover if approached. They are found in a wide variety of semi-arid habitats, including grassland, rocky areas, shrubland, or mountainside woodlands. Reproduction occurs through parthenogenesis, with up to four unfertilized eggs being laid in mid summer, and hatching approximately eight weeks later.

The New Mexico whiptail lizard is a crossbreed of a western whiptail, which lives in the desert, and the little striped whiptail, which favors grasslands. The whiptail engages in mating behavior with other females of its own species, giving rise to the nickname "lesbian lizards".[4][5] A common theory is that this behavior stimulates ovulation, as those that do not "mate" do not lay eggs.[6]

See also

[edit]

Footnotes

[edit]
  1. ^ Hammerson, G.A.; Lavin, P.; Vazquez Díaz, J.; Quintero Díaz, G.; Gadsden, H. (2007). "Aspidoscelis neomexicana". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2007: e.T64278A12752324. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2007.RLTS.T64278A12752324.en. Retrieved 17 May 2023.
  2. ^ "Chapter VIII. New Mexico state animals" (PDF). New Mexico Envirothon. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 14, 2011. Retrieved January 22, 2011.
  3. ^ Lowe, Charles H.; Wright, John W. (1966). "Evolution of parthenogenetic species of Cnemidophorus (whiptail lizards) in western North America". Journal of the Arizona Academy of Science. 4 (2): 81–87. JSTOR 40022375.
  4. ^ "BBC Two - Battle of the Sexes - In the Animal World, THE RIDDLE OF SEX, Lesbian lizards". BBC. 10 March 2010. Retrieved 2021-11-14.
  5. ^ Spinney, Kimberley (2015-06-15). "Lesbian Lizards a Hybrid Species Out of New Mexico". Guardian Liberty Voice. Retrieved 2021-11-14.
  6. ^ Crews, David (1987). "Courtship in unisexual lizards: A model for brain evolution". Scientific American. 257 (6): 116–121. Bibcode:1987SciAm.257f.116C. doi:10.1038/scientificamerican1287-116. JSTOR 24979584.

References

[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=New_Mexico_whiptail&oldid=1263297435"