Range
Southwestern United States up through eastern Oregon, southwestern Idaho, and into southern Washington. Range also extends south into the Baja Peninsula and north central Mexico.
Habitats
Exists in a wide variety of dry habitats within its range. Usually prefers open, sunny areas with nearby desert shrubs.
Identification
Highly variable in appearance and sexually dimorphic. Characterized by a conspicuous black blotch on each side, just behind the armpit. They have slightly rough scales on their body, and keeled scales on their tail. Males grow up to 2.4 inches in snout to vent length, and are slightly larger than females. They display a wide range of blue, yellow, or orange speckling and stripe patterns, with males generally more colorful than females. They can also be a drab brown.
Learn more with Schechter Natural History's Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians