The Spotted Lizards; Zebra-tailed Lizards 



Mexican Spotted Lizard inhabits northern Mexico and the south' 

 ern border of Texas. The Slender Spotted Lizard is a Mexican 

 species and does not occur in the United States. Holbrookia 

 lacerata is found in Texas. It seems to be most nearly allied 

 to H. maculata. 



Habits. Although these small reptiles are very active and 

 capable of climbing rocks with great agility, they pass most 

 of their time upon the ground. They are generally found in 

 dry, rocky situations, and dart away with bewildering speed 

 when disturbed. The H. texana evinces the peculiar habit of 

 running with the tail curled sharply upward, and, as this appen- 

 dage is vividly marked with alternate black and white bars on 

 the under side, imparts a unique appearance, hence the popular 

 name " Zebra-tailed " Lizard. 



The food consists of insect prey, usually in the nature of 

 beetles and grubs, for these lizards scamper about with too much 

 fuss and rustle to capture flies and the like as do the velvet- 

 footed "chameleons" and geckos. 



121 



