DISTRIBUTION: Central southwestern USA and Mexico. 

SIZE: Up to 14 inches (35.5 cm) 

TEMPERAMENT: Initially may be aggressive and bite but will tame down quickly. Males can be incompatible. Do not keep with smaller lizards, as the collared lizard will eat them. 

HARDINESS: Extremely hardy when properly maintained. 

SEXING: Males are usually larger and more colorful. Males also have enlarged femoral pores. 

FOOD: Nutrient fed crickets, mealworms, waxworms, butterworms, and kingworms. Large individuals may eat pinkie mice. Collared lizards occasionally will eat edible flowers. All food items should be dusted twice a week with calcium powder and once a week with vitamin powder. 

HOUSING: A minimum 20 gallon (76 liter) long vivarium will house a pair of adults. Use sand as a substrate. Landscape with driftwood, cholla wood, hollow logs and rocks. 

WATER: A shallow dish of fresh water should be available at all times. Water should be replaced and the dish cleaned daily. Lizards should be misted 2-3 times weekly because some individuals will refuse to drink from a dish. 

TEMPERATURE/HUMIDITY: Day 85F-95F (29C-35C) gradient. Night 68F-75F (20C-24C). Low to moderate humidity. Mist daily. 

LIGHTING: Unfiltered natural sunlight is best. Fluorescent full spectrum/UV radiant reptile lights must be used in lieu of natural sunlight for long term maintenance. 

HEATING: An under tank heater will provide surface heat. An incandescent bulb in a reflector situated at one end of the vivarium will provide gradient day heat. 

GENERAL NOTES: All species of collared lizards may be maintained the same way.