Discovery of Cnemidophorus neomexicanus in Arizona

The parthenogenetic whiptail lizard Cnemidophorus neomexicanus is known primarily from the vicinity of the Rio Grande Valley from Espanola, Rio Arriba Co., New Mexico south to near Candelaria, Presidio Co., Texas, and extending westward in southwestern New Mexico to west of Lordsburg, Hidalgo Co. (Fig. 1; Axtell 1966; Cole et al. 1988; Cordes et al. 1989; Degenhardt et al. 1996; Pough 1961; Wright 1971). An isolated population at Conchas Lake, San Miguel Co., New Mexico is possibly introduced (Leuck et al. 1981, but see Walker et al. 1992). Throughout its range C. neomexicanus occupies sandy, disturbed habitats such as flood plains (along the Rio Grande), sandy washes, and the edges of playas in closed basins (Cole et al. 1988; Cordes et al. 1989; Wright 1971; Wright and Lowe 1968), and is even common in weedy fields and vacant lots in and around cities and towns such as Albuquerque and El Paso (pers. observ.).