Graphic Spiny Lizard
Sceloporus grammicus
A well-camouflaged lizard with rough scales that is primarily shades of brown and grey with some dark markings. It has 3-6 jagged dark cross bars on its back, resembling…
How to identify
A well-camouflaged lizard with rough scales that is primarily shades of brown and grey with some dark markings. It has 3-6 jagged dark cross bars on its back, resembling rough tree bark. There are also thin bars on its legs and tail. They grow to a total length of 4-7 inches, with a tail slightly longer than the body.
Range
Found throughout central Mexico with an extension of range into deep south Texas.
Habitat
Most often found living on or around mesquite trees in dry or semi-arid regions.
Variations
Some are more dull with less patterning. Breeding males develop bright blue patches on each side of their belly, often outlined with thinner black patches, as well as a blue and yellow tinted throat and black bars on the shoulders.
Similar species
This species is most likely to be confused with the Texas spiny lizard (*Sceloporus olivaceus*) which overlaps in range. It also appears similar to the eastern fence lizard (*Sceloporus undulatus*) and western fence lizard (*Sceloporus occidentalis*), neither of which are found in Texas.
Name and etymology
Grammicus: Greek for streaked.
At a glance
Range
Found throughout central Mexico with an extension of range into deep south Texas.
Habitat
Most often found living on or around mesquite trees in dry or semi-arid regions.
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap