Kingdom Animalia Suborder Lacertilia Genus Petrosaurus Phylum Chordata Rank Species | Subphylum Vertebrata Family Phrynosomatidae Scientific name Petrosaurus mearnsi Higher classification California rock lizard Order Scaled reptiles | |
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Similar California rock lizard, Granite spiny lizard, Baja blue rock lizard, Fringe‑toed lizard, Baja California collared li | ||
Banded rock lizard
The banded rock lizard (Petrosaurus mearnsi) is a species of phrynosomatid lizard.
Contents
- Banded rock lizard
- Banded rock lizard at palm oasis elite land tours palm springs califfornia
- Etymology
- Geographic range
- Description
- Habitat
- Diet
- Reproduction
- References
Banded rock lizard at palm oasis elite land tours palm springs califfornia
Etymology
The specific name, mearnsi, is in honor of American naturalist Edgar Alexander Mearns, who collected the first specimens.
Geographic range
It is endemic to extreme southern California and Baja California, Mexico. It also occurs on Isla El Muerto.
Description
Petrosaurus mearnsi is an extremely flat-bodied lizard. Its dorsum is olive, brown or gray, with white or bluish spots. It has a single black collar, a banded tail, and granular scales on its body, with keeled tail and limb scales. Individuals may be 6.2 to 8.7 cm (2.4 to 3.4 in) long snout-to-vent. Males have more pronounced throat patterns and brighter blue coloring than females.
Habitat
These lizards are associated with boulder hillsides, extending in Baja California to chaparral and pinyon-juniper woodlands.
Diet
They are omnivorous, feeding not only on insects and spiders, but also on buds and flowers.
Reproduction
Gravid females lay eggs from June through August. Clutch size varies from 2 to 6 eggs.
