REPTILIAN TUESDAY # 38

REPTILIAN TUESDAY # 38

Whew, it’s hot here in this desert! We hope someone brought some mud for sunscreen! We’re here to find a marvelous lizard who can blow himself up! No, no, the lizard doesn’t actually explode, instead they inflate! Are you ready to meet this new friend?

MEET THE CHUCKWALLA!

   Range/Habitat: Southwestern United States-Northern Mexico/desert

   Diet: Herbivore: fruit, leaves, flowers, succulents

   Length: 11-16 ½”

  Conservation Status: common

Fun Facts:

• Chuckwallas are large, wide and flat bellied lizards.
• Their name comes from a Native American word!
• Chuckwallas like hot conditions. They are often seen basking in the sun during the day!
• When threatened chuckwallas jam themselves in crevices and inflate their lungs and flaps of skin, so that is impossible for a predator to get them out!
• They have thick long tails.
• Male chuckwallas are larger and often have black heads.
• They have a life span of up to 25 years.

Wow, they lizards are not only cool, but they have a cool name! Try saying Chuckwalla three times fast! Chuckwalla, chuckwalla, chuckwalla… We got tongue tied just typing it :)!