Granite Spiny Lizard
Sceloporus orcutti
A thick-bodied lizard with keeled overlapping scales that have sharp points on the edge. The scales on the tail are more sharply keeled, creating a spiny appearance. It u…
How to identify
A thick-bodied lizard with keeled overlapping scales that have sharp points on the edge. The scales on the tail are more sharply keeled, creating a spiny appearance. It usually reaches 11 inches in total length. It is a dark-colored lizard, often with vertical zebra-like stripes down its body that merge into complete bands on the tail and legs. It has dark radiating stripes around the eyes, large brow ridges, and elongated triangular scales lining the ear holes. Adult breeding males develop vibrant colors while females remain less colorful and more striped.
Range
Southwestern California and the Baja Peninsula.
Habitat
Often found living on boulder piles and rocky outcrops and hillsides. It excels at climbing rock surfaces, and lives in mixed vegetation habitats.
Variations
Juveniles have more distinct black and white stripes. Adults have a dark phase and appear almost completely black. Males may or may not have black patches on the shoulders. They also develop bright blue and green tinting all over their body and a wide purple stripe down the back when breeding. Their belly also becomes solid or patchy blue.
Similar species
Its distinct stripes and vibrant color patterns distinguish this species from the western fence lizard (*Sceloporus occidentalis*), desert spiny lizard (*Sceloporus magister*), and yellow-backed spiny lizard (*Sceloporus uniformis*).
Name and etymology
Orcutti: Honoring Charles R. Orcutt.
More illustrations
Female
Male
At a glance
Range
Southwestern California and the Baja Peninsula.
Habitat
Often found living on boulder piles and rocky outcrops and hillsides. It excels at climbing rock surfaces, and lives in mixed…
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap