Ornate Tree Lizard

Range

East from southeastern California and northeastern Baja California through southern Nevada, Utah, southwestern Wyoming, and western Colorado; south through Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas to Sinaloa and northern Coahuila.

Habitats

Inhabits a diverse number of environments including desert and forest. Commonly found near rivers. While active, stays on rocks or trees; can also be found near suburban areas on fence posts or other man made structures. Hides under shrubs, logs, or underground in burrows. Take advantage of its camouflage appearance by blending into environments to wait for food, usually at elevated locations. Eggs are laid under natural shelter or underground.

Identification

Small, slim lizard with spots and irregular stripes width-wise on dorsum. Stripes can be tan, black, brown, or gray; overall color will usually match that of its environment. Area at base of tail is brown. Males exhibit bright areas on ventral surface and have metallic blue or green areas on sides of bellies; also exhibit brightly colored area on throat that is either green, blue, yellow, or orange. Females possess white bellies and either orange, yellow, or white throats. Egg clutches take 30 days to develop and can range from 3 to 11 eggs.

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