Holbrookia subcaudalis Axtell, 1956

Base Coloration

The southern spot-tailed earless lizard (Holbrookia subcaudalis Axtell, 1956) has an overall light grayish tan base color.

Dorsal Blotch Patterns

It features two paravertebral rows of transverse dark blotches that each have light edges, with one row running down each side of the back. It also has a second lateral row of dark blotches with pale edges, and these blotches are usually not connected to the paravertebral blotches.

Adult Size

Adult individuals reach a total length of 11.5 to 15.4 cm (4.5 to 6.1 inches).

Tail Markings

The ventral surface of the lizard's tail has round dark spots, a trait that gives the species both its common name and its scientific name.

External Ear Structure

Like all other earless lizard species and subspecies, this lizard has no external ear openings.

Gravid Female Coloration

When females are gravid, their neck and trunk often turn greenish yellow.

Geographic Range

This species occurs in northern Mexico and southern Texas in the United States.

Preferred Habitat

Its preferred habitat is subhumid agricultural and non-agricultural flatlands, as well as very low rolling hills, with sparse vegetation including small patches of grass growing on dark clay loam soils, along with a few mesquite trees.

Habitat Vegetation Exclusion

Prickly pear cactus is not present in this preferred habitat.

Reproduction Mode

This species is oviparous, meaning it reproduces by laying eggs.