Kingdom Animalia Subphylum Vertebrata Suborder Sauria Higher classification Six-lined racerunner | Phylum Chordata Order Squamata Family Teiidae Rank Subspecies | |
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Scientific name Cnemidophorus sexlineatus viridis Similar Six‑lined racerunner, Cnemidophorus, Reptile, Teiidae, Scaled reptiles | ||
Cnemidophorus sexlineatus viridis, commonly known as the prairie racerunner, is a subspecies of lizard endemic to the United States. It is a subspecies of Cnemidophorus sexlineatus, which is commonly known as the six-lined racerunner lizard.
Contents
Geographic range
C. s. viridis is found throughout the short grass prairie habitat of the midwestern United States, from Colorado to Nebraska, south to northern Texas.
Description
The prairie racerunner is generally dark green or dark brown in color, with seven yellow stripes which run the length of the body from the head to the tail, and has a white underside. They are slender-bodied, and have a tail that is nearly twice the length of their body.
Behavior
Like most species of whiptail lizard, the prairie racerunner is diurnal and insectivorous. They are most active in the early morning, and hide as the heat of the day rises.