Granite spiny lizard
Species of lizard
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The granite spiny lizard (Sceloporus orcutti) is a species of lizard in the family Phrynosomatidae.[1][2]
| Granite spiny lizard | |
|---|---|
| |
| Sceloporus orcutti | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Iguania |
| Family: | Phrynosomatidae |
| Genus: | Sceloporus |
| Species: | S. orcutti |
| Binomial name | |
| Sceloporus orcutti | |
Etymology
The epithet, orcutti, honors American naturalist Charles Russell Orcutt (1864–1929), who collected the type specimen in San Diego County, California.[2][3][4]
Geographic range
S. orcutti is native to southern California in the United States and Baja California in Mexico.[1][2]
Description
The granite spiny lizard is 7.6–10.8 cm (3.0–4.3 in) snout-to-vent length (SVL). Maximum total length including the tail is 28.9 cm (11.4 in).[5] 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 and habitat
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.
Reproduction
Sources
- This article is based on a description from "A Field Guide to the Reptiles and Amphibians of Coastal Southern California", Robert N. Fisher and Ted J. Case, USGS, https://www.werc.usgs.gov/fieldguide/index.htm Archived 2009-08-25 at the Wayback Machine.