Granite Night Lizard
Xantusia henshawi
Possesses flattened body and head; head covered in large plates and body covered in small granular scales. Base color changes depending on time of day. During the day, ba…
How to identify
Possesses flattened body and head; head covered in large plates and body covered in small granular scales. Base color changes depending on time of day. During the day, base color is dark and blends well to hide in shadows during daylight. During the night, base color is pale to match granite surfaces it crawls on at night. Venter is a whitish color.
Range
Southwestern California southward to north-central Baja California.
Habitat
Inhabits hillsides, canyons, and foothills. Environment can range from woodland to chaparral. Prefers shaded granitic outcrops close to water sources. Stays under cover during the day.
Variations
Males display a white coloring near femoral pores and swollen femoral pores.
Similar species
Name and etymology
Genus
Xantusia
Honoring John Xantus
Origin
Honors
Sources
- Baird, 1858. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia, Vol. 10, p. 255 ↗
Xantusia. Baird, 1858 - Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia, Vol. 10, p. 255
Species epithet
henshawi
Honoring Henry W. Henshaw.
Origin
Honors
Sources
- Stejneger, 1893. Proc. U.S. Natl. Mus., Vol. 16, p. 467 ↗
Xantusia henshawi. Stejneger, 1893 - Proc. U.S. Natl. Mus., Vol. 16, p. 467
Explore more names in the etymology index.
At a glance
Range
Southwestern California southward to north-central Baja California.
Habitat
Inhabits hillsides, canyons, and foothills. Environment can range from woodland to chaparral. Prefers shaded granitic outcrop…
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap