Mojave Fringe-toed Lizard
Mojave Fringe-toed Lizard

Mojave Fringe-Toed Lizard

Uma scoparia

Range

Southeastern California and slightly into western Arizona.

Habitats

This species prefers sparsely vegetated desert dune habitats, with loose, fine, windblown sand. It will often be found in washes or along river banks.

Identification

This desert lizard averages 5.5-8 inches in total length. It has a moderately wide, flattened body and a small head with a sharp edged, wedge-shaped snout. It is named for the rows of triangular, fringe-like scales lining the back edges of its hind toes. These are used to help it burry into soft sand. It has soft, granular scales. It is primarily pale tan to white with an ornate black reticulated pattern on its back. Within the reticulations are orange spots. It has light grey spots on its legs. Its ventrum is white and unmarked, except for 4-5 black bands on the ventral end of the tail, 2 black patches on the sides of the belly, and a series of U to V shaped bands on its throat.

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