Elegant Earless Lizard

Range

Range extends south from extreme southeastern Arizona along the west coast of mainland Mexico.

Habitats

This lizard prefers open, sunlit terrain with sparse vegetation and gravely substrate. They occur in grasslands, open woodlands, and desert scrublands.

Identification

A mostly grey-brown lizard with brown and white markings on granulated scales. It reaches about 3 inches in snout to vent length, has long legs, and lacks external ear openings. Its head is small with a sharp, wedge-shaped snout. The markings down its back look a bit like upside down triangles or "W"s with jagged edges. They are arranged in 4-6 rows, with the 2 center rows being larger and darker. The markings are brown in the center with thin white borders. Between these markings, the scales are light brown with white speckles. There is a light grey line down the spine between these markings. The ventrum is mostly white.

Learn more with Schechter Natural History's Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians