whiptail lizard, ameiva festivaAt the butterfly garden in Montezuma we have to remove all predators to keep our Mariposas safe. The 5 most commanly found lizards in the garden are the Black Iguana, Green Iguana, Anole, Skink and the Whiptail Lizard.

The whiptail lizard, or Ameiva festiva, can be found from Southern Mexico to Columbia. The ameiva genus contains about 30 different species. Certain species of whiptail lizards reproduce by parthenogenesis, a form of asexual reproduction. Whiptail lizards and many other lizards carry the bacteria Salmonella so be sure to wash your hands if you happen to handle one of these guys.