Description: The Baja California collared lizard is a large-bodied species of lizard with a broad head, short snout, granular scales, and two distinct black collar markings. The collar markings are separated at the dorsal midline by more than 12 pale scales. It is tan to olive-colored with broad dark crossbands on its body. Adults are between 2.7 and 4.4 inches long (snout–vent length). Young lizards look similar to adults, but with more distinct banding. The males of this species have enlarged postanal scales, a blue-grey throat, and large dark blotches on their flanks. C. vestigium is a powerful bipedal runner. Adults can inflict a painful bite.

Habitat: This lizard inhabits rocky areas in arid and semiarid habitat, generally with scant xerophytic vegetation, including hillsides, alluvial fans, canyons, and lava flows.

Range: Range encompasses the desert side of the Peninsular Ranges of southern California, north to the northern slope of the San Jacinto Mountains near Palm Springs, and much of Baja California, southward to the southern margin of the volcanic Magdalena Plain. In Baja California, the range includes Tecate Peak near the U.S./Mexican border, and the western foothills of the Peninsular Ranges, and areas near El Rosario, but the species is absent from most of the western margin of the Baja Peninsula. Elevational range extends from near sea level to around 4,000 feet.

Found in these States: CA

Diet: Eats arthropods, small lizards, and sometimes plant material.

Reproduction: Eggs presumably are laid in late spring to summer. Members of this genus have the potential of depositing two clutches of eggs per year. Eggs are laid presumably underground or under rocks.

Status: Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category.

Subspecies: None

Taxonomy: