Rose-Bellied Lizard

Range

Ranges from south Texas through eastern and the Gulf coast of Mexico, and through Central America.

Habitats

This lizard prefers dry, rocky habitats. It can often be found on fence posts or within patches of cacti.

Identification

A smallish lizard with spiny, keeled dorsal scales, a thick body, and a thin tail. It can reach a total length of 5.5 inches, and has a softly pointed snout. Adults typically have 2 pale yellowish dorsolateral stripes running from behind the eyes to the base of the tail. Between these light stripes, there are 2 aligned rows of dark blotches, with a thin grey central stripe down the spine. Background coloration is light grey to olive. Males have darker sides below the pale dorsolateral stripes, especially in the groin and armpit regions. They also develop 2 large pink blotches on the sides of the ventrum, which are often bordered with bright blue.

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