Family Phrynosomatidae Scientific name Sceloporus orcutti Rank Species | Phylum Chordata Suborder Iguania Genus Sceloporus | |
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Similar Spiny lizard, Reptile, Sceloporus magister, Orange‑throated whiptail, Granite night lizard | ||
Granite spiny lizard
Granite spiny lizard
Etymology
The epithet, orcutti, honors American naturalist Charles Russell Orcutt (1864–1929), who collected the type specimen in San Diego County, California.
Geographic range
It is endemic to southern California in the United States and Baja California in Mexico.
Description
The granite spiny lizard is 7.6–10.8 cm (3.0–4.3 in) snout-to-vent length. Maximum total length including the tail is 28.9 cm (11.4 in). Its dorsal scales are strongly keeled and pointed on its body and tail. It has a wide purple mid-dorsal stripe. The males of the species have yellow-green and blue-centered scales on the body; juveniles and females have distinct yellow-tan transverse bands on their body and tail. Additionally, the male has deep-blue ventral patches on its chest and throat and femoral pores.
Behavior
The granite spiny lizard is a colorful species that can be observed perched atop boulders from considerable distance. This species is primarily associated with rocky hillsides and outcrops. They have been known to try to mate with other members of their sex.
