Description

• Aspidoscelis deppii is a medium-sized whiptail lizard in the family Teiidae, commonly called the tiger whiptail. It has a slender body, long powerful hind legs, a narrow head, and a long tail. Adults are typically brown, olive, or grey with several pale longitudinal stripes and darker markings, while juveniles are more strongly patterned, often with vivid blue or greenish tones on the tail and body.

Range

• Aspidoscelis deppii occurs from western and southern Mexico through Central America to Panama. In Mexico, it is widespread along the Pacific and southern regions, including Guerrero and the Zihuatanejo area.

Habitat

• It inhabits tropical dry forest, thorn scrub, woodland, grassland, savanna, forest edges, clearings, agricultural areas, and disturbed ground. It is strongly terrestrial and is frequently seen basking or rapidly foraging across sunny open ground.

Diet

• Aspidoscelis deppii is an active, opportunistic predator that feeds primarily on insects and other arthropods, including ants, termites, beetles, grasshoppers, caterpillars, spiders, and other small invertebrates. It may also consume small vertebrates, eggs, fruit, or other available food.