Cnemidophorus arubensis

In most Cnemidophorus lizards, the colors of dominant males tend to become more vibrant during the mating season. However, C. arubensis exhibits a distinct difference in this regard. During the mating season, which occurs from September to October, mature male C. arubensis lizards undergo a transformation. They become intensely blue, and this light-blue color covers a significant portion of the body.[4] On the other hand, female lizards and the young are varying shades of brown. Mature females display longitudinal bands on the upper part of their bodies, extending from the head to the tail. In addition, they exhibit blue eyespots on their sides and the hind limbs.[5] C. arubensis typically grow to a length of approximately 15 centimetres (5.9 in)[6]

One of the notable adaptations observed within the Teiidae family of lizards is the transition to herbivorous diets in various endemic island species. This shift is particular evident in the C. arubensis and C. murinus (Curaçao).[7]

Aruba whiptail consuming nectar from a yellow flower of an Opuntia caracassana.[8]

The diet of Aruba whiptails encompasses both insects and predominantly plant material such as flowers, nectar, leaves and fruits.[9] However, they exhibit selectivity in their plant consumption due to the presence of toxins in many available plant species, particularly those containing relatively high quantities phenols, saponin, and alkaloids (such as quinine).[10] Consequently, these lizards actively avoid such plants.[7]

Aruba whiptail consuming split open coconuts

It has been observed that coprophagy, the consumption of feces, occurs in C. arubensis.[11] The colon is larger than in other species of whiptails and is clearly adapted to a herbivorous diet. In a natural, undisturbed habitat, approximately 80% of the stomach contents consists of plant materials, while around 15% consists of insects and other anthropods. The remaining 5% consists materials such as feces, small stones and twigs.[9]

They play a significant role in the dispersal of seeds for certain plant species. This is achieved by their consumption of fruits, followed by the excretion of the seeds in diverse locations, aiding in seed dispersal and contributing to the plant's reproductive cycle.

Unlike some other members within the genus Cnemidophorus, the Aruba whiptail lizard, reproduces through sexual reproduction. Whiptails possess femoral pores, although they are larger in males compared to females. Additionally, males have pre-anal pores.[9]

Aruban whiptail breeding

Furthermore, all teiines are oviparous, and clutch size is associated with lizard body size. While Cnemidophorus has clutches ranging from two to six eggs, C. arubensis, produces a single egg, albeit a large one.[12][13]

Signaling with the front paw occurs frequently in C. arubensis. It can also be observed in C. lemniscatus lemniscatus. In C. murinus murinus and C. murinus ruthveni this behavior seems to be somewhat less frequent.[4]

• Buurt, G. van (2005). Fieldguide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire. Edition Chimaira. ISBN 9783930612666. Retrieved 2023-07-08.
• King, G.M. (1996). Reptiles and Herbivory. Springer Netherlands. ISBN 9780412461101.
• Notes from the Leyden Museum. Netherlands: Rijksmuseum van Natuurlijke Historie te Leiden. 1887. Retrieved 2023-07-08.
• Pianka, E.R.; Vitt, L.J. (2003). Lizards:Windows to the evolution of diversity. United Kingdom: University of California Press. ISBN 9780520248472. Retrieved 2023-07-07.
• Vitt, L.J.; Zug, G.R.; Caldwell, J.P. (2001). Herpetology:An Introductory Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles. Elsevier. ISBN 9780080549408.