Kingdom Animalia Order Squamata Family Phrynosomatidae Scientific name Sceloporus merriami Rank Species | Phylum Chordata Suborder Iguania Genus Sceloporus Higher classification Spiny lizard | |
Lower classifications Sceloporus merriami annulatus, Sceloporus merriami longipunctatus | ||
Sceloporus merriami, commonly known as the canyon lizard, is a species of phrynosomatid lizard native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
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Etymology
The specific name, merriami, is in honor of American zoologist Clinton Hart Merriam.
Geographic range
It is found in the United States in the state of Texas, and it is found in Mexico in the states of Coahuila, Durango, and Chihuahua.
Description
Adults may reach 58 mm (2.2 in) snout to vent length. Including the tail, they may reach 162 mm (6.4 in) in total length. The dorsal scales are small, and the lateral scales are granular.
Dorsally, the canyon lizard is gray, tan, or reddish-brown, matching the rocks on which it lives. There are four rows of dark spots on the back, and a vertical black line in front of the front leg. Males have blue and black lines on the throat.
Subspecies
The seven recognized subspecies of S. merriami, including the nominotypical subspecies, are: