Common Sagebrush Lizard

Range

Found throughout much of the central western half of the United States.

Habitats

Lives at mid to high altitudes, commonly near sagebrush and other shrubland vegetation. Also found in conifer forests and piñon-juniper woodlands. They like to bask on logs and boulders.

Identification

A small (2-3.5 inches snout to vent length) lizard with rough, keeled scales. They are mostly light brown and tan on their dorsum, with horizontal zigzag patterns running across lighter dorsolateral and lateral lines on each side. They have a small black patch on each shoulder, and males have bright blue patches on each side of their ventral abdomen and throat.

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