What is an Eastern collared lizard?

Eastern collared lizards are a colorful species found between Kansas, northern Mexico and Missouri. They are popular in the pet trade and are often bred in captivity.

Eastern collared lizards are about one foot long and have distinctive bands of black around the neck and shoulders. Adult males have blue-green bodies with small yellow spots and light brown heads. Adult females have light brown bodies with pale spots. Wild Eastern collared lizards are active predators that feed on large grasshoppers, spiders, moths, beetles and smaller lizards. Captive-born Eastern collared lizards are usually docile, but males must be kept in separate cages to avoid fights to the death.