Desert Spiny Lizard

Range

Ranges from southern Utah and southwestern Colorado down through most of Arizona, northeastern New Mexico, and southeastern California. It extends into western Mexico.

Habitats

Can be found in a variety of habitats including desert scrub, chaparral, semidesert grassland, and woodlands. Most often found at low elevations in areas with lots of ground cover. Frequently seen climbing trees.

Identification

A sexually dimorphic species with rough, keeled scales over most of its body. Males are more colorful, displaying patches or speckles of blue, violet, yellow, and orange on their sides, throat, face, belly, and tail. Females and juveniles are primarily shades of grey, tan, and black, with some yellow speckling on their sides. Both sexes have a black triangular patch in front of each shoulder, and a black line on the side of the face behind the eye. It is often seen doing push-ups as a territorial display. It grows to a length of 5.6 inches from snout to vent.

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