ElaineCatlingPhotography

Spiny Lizard

Spiny Lizard
DESERT SPINY LIZARD - Sceloporus Magister.
These are medium to large lizards with snout-vent lengths ranging from 2¼ to 5¼ inches (63...
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Spiny Lizard
DESERT SPINY LIZARD - Sceloporus Magister.
These are medium to large lizards with snout-vent lengths ranging from 2¼ to 5¼ inches (63 to 138 mm). These robust lizards have keeled, pointed scales. Background color is usually subdued gray, tan, or blue with a striking wide, purple stripe down the back and single yellow scales scattered on the sides (S. magister), or scattered turquoise scales mixed with tan and brown on the back and sides (S. clarkii). Both species have a dark collar under or around the neck; males have vivid blue throats and under-bellies. Females develop orange to red heads during the breeding season.
S. magisterial occurs in 6 western states including almost all of Arizona; it occurs east to Texas and south to Sinaloa, Mexico; it is found from sea level to 5000 feet (1520 m). S. Clarkii is found in central to southeastern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, and south to northern Jalisco, Mexico, from sea level to around 6000 feet (1830 m).
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