Desert Spiny Lizard

Types of Lizards Alligator Lizard Chuckwalla Clark's Spiny Lizard Gila Monster Komodo Dragon Rock Lizard Tree Lizard Western Fence Lizard Whiptail Lizards Zebra-tailed Lizard

The Desert Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus magister) is a native of the desert Southwest, found from Western Texas to California.

Look for them in and around rocks in lower altitude arid regions. Adults tend to grow close to a foot in length, including the tail, making it easy to spot one basking on rocks or a tree.

If you are after a picture, beware, they can be easily startled. If you are trying to pick one up, beware, they are not poisonous, but they do bite.

The species is also notable for the unusually large scales covering the body.

Yellow scales on the side and a black collar (shown in the picture) are common field marks. Males also have blue scales on the throat and belly.

They are insectivores, however, because of their size, they are also know to eat smaller lizards.

© 2005 Patricia A. Michaels