REPTILES: LIZARDS

Side-blotched Lizard, Uta stansburiana

Family Phrynosomatidae (Horned Lizards and Allies)

Size: Up to 6"

Range: Western Colorado

Habitat: Dry, rocky, or sandy areas; grasslands; chaparral

The side-blotched lizard is common in the arid western regions. It is small, with a long, tapered tail, long toes on its hind legs, external ear openings, and a distinct fold of skin on its throat (the gular fold). The color is generally brownish or gray, which can be uniform or interrupted with a variety of spots, stripes, or chevrons. Dark blue or black blotches are on the sides of the body, just behind the front legs, for which the lizard gets its name. Males also have gray and orange stripes on their throats and blue-gray speckling across their backs and tails. These lizards are active during the day, basking on rocks or logs and hopping or running among rocks, preying on small invertebrates including insects and scorpions. The male is illustrated.