Collared Lizard Mating Behavior: A Rare Courtship Encounter

Unusual Collared Lizard Mating Behavior in the Wild

While exploring Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma, I witnessed a fascinating and unexpected moment of Collared Lizard mating behavior. The smaller lizard, likely a female, approached and climbed onto a much larger, vividly colored male. This went against what I typically expect in lizard behavior.

Male Collared Lizards are known to be territorial and are usually the ones initiating courtship, often with visual displays like head-bobbing or neck-biting. At first, I questioned whether the smaller lizard might be a juvenile, but the behavior didn’t align with that idea. Juveniles tend to avoid adults, and adults don’t care for young. After studying the photo and researching the behavior, it became clear that I had likely observed a courtship interaction.

Scientific Insights on Collared Lizard Mating

For more on the species, visit the Eastern Collared Lizard page from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.

My observation occurred during mid-May, right in the middle of the species’ breeding season in Oklahoma, which runs from mid-April through June. During this time, males are especially bold and colorful, while females, though smaller and more muted in appearance, may still engage in courtship interactions.

Interestingly, although males typically initiate mating, research shows that females may approach males as part of the mutual courtship ritual. In some cases, a female may even climb onto a male. This behavior is thought to be a response to male advances rather than a signal of initiating mating. Female Collared Lizards might be evaluating the male’s fitness or even resisting unwanted attention through these gestures.

So while it might seem surprising, a female approaching and mounting a male fits within the broader range of Eastern Collared Lizard behavior, particularly during the breeding season.

A Close-Up Look at Collared Lizard Courtship

The male lizard was resting on a flat, sunlit rock, still and watchful. The female approached slowly and calmly, displaying the earth-toned colors typical of her sex. I noticed faint orange around her neck, another trait sometimes seen in receptive females. Her behavior wasn’t defensive or frantic, but instead measured and deliberate.

Eastern Collared Lizards are often admired for their vivid colors and speed. Males, especially, are attention-grabbing with their greens, yellows, and blues. But this quiet, intimate interaction between the two reminded me that there’s much more to their lives than flashy displays and high-speed chases.

When and Where to Observe Collared Lizard Mating Behavior

The best time to observe Eastern Collared Lizards is during warm weather from late spring into summer. They favor rocky outcrops and sun-drenched slopes where they bask and search for insects. These areas are also ideal for photography, offering good light and natural backdrops.

Encounters like the one I captured are rare but rewarding. If you’re interested in more field experiences with these reptiles, check out my earlier post on chasing lizards in the Wichita Mountains. Watching a female take the lead in a courtship interaction offered new insight into the complexity of lizard behavior and made for a truly memorable moment.

FAQ

What time of year is best for spotting Eastern Collared Lizards?

Late spring through summer is ideal. These lizards are most active during warm weather, especially on sunny days.

How can you tell the difference between male and female Collared Lizards?

Males are brightly colored with green, yellow, and blue tones. Females are typically smaller and display earth-toned colors with occasional orange near the neck.

Do Eastern Collared Lizards care for their young?

No. Once the eggs hatch, the young are completely independent. Adults do not provide care, and juveniles generally avoid adult lizards.

What kind of habitat do they prefer?

They thrive in rocky outcrops, open grasslands, and sunlit slopes where they can bask and hunt insects.

How fast can these lizards move?

Eastern Collared Lizards are extremely fast. They can even run on their hind legs when fleeing from predators.