Orange Throated Whiptail Lizard

Orange Throated Whiptail Lizard Potential Habitat

The orange-throated whiptail lizard, Cnemidophorus hyperythrus beldingi, is a California species of concern. It has specific soil requirements and is dependent upon a single species of termite as its principal food source. The orange-throated whiptail inhabits a variety of plant community types that thrive in loose, well-drained soils including chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and coastal strand vegetation (Bostic, 1964), and oak woodland, grassland and riparian communities in Orange County (Rowland, 1992). They are primarily found at elevations below 850m. Whiptail populations are closely associated with their principal food source, western subterranean termites, Reticulitermus hesperus, and the habitat that supports them. Bostic (1966) estimated that termites comprise 85% of the whiptail's diet, approaching 100% from September through November.

The whiptail relies on its striped color pattern for camouflage, which is particularly effective when the whiptail is motionless in the shade beneath overhead structure. Perennial shrub cover is important for adults, hatchlings, and juveniles. Preferred cover species include Eriogonum spp. and Salvia (Rowland, 1992).

Females deposit their eggs in thick patches of annuals and grasses. This cover type may afford the best protection for hatchlings or provide the structure that supports food of the appropriate size. Average home range size for adult males is 42m2 and 300m2 for adult females.

There will be a shift in the spatial pattern of lizard habitat between 1990+ and Plans Build-Out, as seen in figures 58 and 59. Serious losses will occur in the Temecula Valley because of the conversion of potential habitat to single family residential use. However, there may be modest gains in the foothills of San Diego County as rural residential development expands, contingent upon a parallel increase in the termite population.