zebra-tailed lizard
Definition
Noun: A swift-running lizard characterized by a long, slender tail marked with distinct black bands, resembling the stripes of a zebra, and possessing notably long legs. This species is native to the arid desert regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Usage
The term "zebra-tailed lizard" is used specifically to refer to this particular species of reptile (Callisaurus draconoides). It functions as a countable noun. * The zebra-tailed lizard darted across the hot sand to escape the shadow of a hawk. * During our hike in the Sonoran Desert, we observed a zebra-tailed lizard doing push-up displays. * Zebra-tailed lizards are well-adapted to life in extremely hot and dry environments.
Advanced Usage
- The name is often used in ecological and herpetological contexts to discuss adaptations to desert life, such as thermoregulation, bipedal running, and predator avoidance behaviors.
- The distinctive tail, often curled over the lizard's back when running, is a key identifying feature discussed in field guides.
Variants and Related Words
- Callisaurus draconoides: The scientific (Latin) name for the zebra-tailed lizard.
- Gridiron-tailed lizard: A less common but occasionally used synonym, referencing the pattern on the tail.
Synonyms
- Swift desert lizard: A descriptive synonym emphasizing its speed and habitat.
- Band-tailed lizard: A descriptive synonym focusing on the tail's appearance.
Related Phrases
- To run like a zebra-tailed lizard: An informal, comparative phrase used to describe something or someone moving with remarkable speed and agility across open ground.
- The quarterback escaped the defenders and ran like a zebra-tailed lizard for a touchdown.
Noun
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swift lizard with long black-banded tail and long legs; of deserts of United States and Mexico
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