Mojave Fringe-toed Lizard

Uma scoparia

Reptiles & AmphibiansIn the app

This desert lizard averages 5.5-8 inches in total length. It has a moderately wide, flattened body and a small head with a sharp edged, wedge-shaped snout. It is named fo…

How to identify

This desert lizard averages 5.5-8 inches in total length. It has a moderately wide, flattened body and a small head with a sharp edged, wedge-shaped snout. It is named for the rows of triangular, fringe-like scales lining the back edges of its hind toes. These are used to help it burry into soft sand. It has soft, granular scales. It is primarily pale tan to white with an ornate black reticulated pattern on its back. Within the reticulations are orange spots. It has light grey spots on its legs. Its ventrum is white and unmarked, except for 4-5 black bands on the ventral end of the tail, 2 black patches on the sides of the belly, and a series of U to V shaped bands on its throat.

Range

Southeastern California and slightly into western Arizona.

Habitat

This species prefers sparsely vegetated desert dune habitats, with loose, fine, windblown sand. It will often be found in washes or along river banks.

Variations

Breeding adults develop pinkish orange coloration on the sides of the body and tail, and around the eyes, more so on females. Breeding males develop a greenish tint on their belly.

Similar species

Quite similar to the Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard (*Uma inornata*), Colorado Desert fringe-toed lizard (*Uma notata*), and Yuman Desert fringe-toed lizard (*Uma rufopunctata*), but all of these species have a reticulated pattern partially aligned in longitudinal rows, which the Mojave species lacks. It could also be confused with the similar zebra-tailed lizard (*Callisaurus draconoides*).