Common Spotted Whiptail

Six-lined racerunner


As often as I have visited the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, Texas, I frequently run into this tiny and fast lizard in the area. The Wildflower Center is mostly known for its wildflowers and pollinators. However, running into other wildlife is always fun. For example, I was photographing some butterflies and saw a deer crossing the trail just a few feet away.

In late June 2021, I was getting ready to leave the Center when I noticed this small lizard near the pond by the bookstore. This is a common spotted whiptail, also known as the Texas spotted whiptail or Eastern spotted whiptail. I began taking photos of it and noticed it was not afraid of me. I kept getting closer and closer. To my surprise, it was stationary and not moving. So, I got more daring and moved in closer. The photo above was made with my macro lens at a distance shorter than a foot (30 cm)! I guess the fact I was approaching it slowly might have given it time to get accustomed to my presence. Below, I have another shot from a longer distance. When I took the photo above, the camera lens was approximately by that line on the rock at the bottom photo. Needless to say, I was ecstatic to have gotten that close to this friendly lizard.

Six-Lined Racerunner


According to Wikipedia, these whiptail lizards grow to “6.5 to 11 inches (17 to 28 cm) in total length (including tail). It is typically a tan brown or green-brown in color, with a pattern of seven distinct grey or white stripes that run the length of the body, and stop at the tail, with light colored spots along the sides.” As you can see in the photo above, “the tail is long compared to the body, usually close to three times the body length.”

That is the story behind the shots. If you liked these photos, you might also be interested in other posts featuring Austin, Common spotted whiptail, Eastern Spotted Whiptail, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Lizard, Macros, Texas Spotted Whiptail, and Wildlife. Until the next time, keep clicking and capturing the beauty your eyes find.


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7 Responses

  1. bushboy
    | Reply

    A pretty lizard

  2. Colourful too.
    Thank you, Egidio

  3. Anne Sandler
    | Reply

    Nice shot Egidio. The lizard almost blends into the colors of the dirt in the crack of the stones. I’ve been told that lizards will freeze in motion when they sense something near. It’s almost like, if I don’t move he won’t see me!

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      Anne, that’s an interesting point you bring up about them freezing. I guess it’s their way of playing possum. Thanks for writing.

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