Range: |
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Other Names: |
Spiny Lizard |
Description: |
These are relatively large, rather stocky, spotted, and generally yellowish to grayish-brown lizards. Males (121 mm) get larger than females (103 mm). Scales are strongly keeled. There is a black collar around the neck. |
Similar Species: |
The divided supraoculars; broad, black, white-bordered collar; and contrasting black and white tail bands distinguish Crevice Spiny Lizards (Sceloporus poinsettii) from S. bimaculosis. Twin-spotted Spiny Lizards differ from Clark's Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus clarkii) in having distinct paravertebral rows of dark brown blotches on the back, and black-streaked limbs (instead of narrow dark crossbands on the forearms), while adult females lacking both blue throats and blue, black bordered ventrolateral patches on the belly. Adult male Purple-backed Spiny Lizards (Sceloporus magister magister) have a black or deep-purple middorsal stripe (about 4.5-5 scales wide) bordered by light stripes. |
Venom: |
None |
Habitat: |
Prefers rocky desert landscapes |
Behavior: |
Diurnal, loves to bask. Males can get territorial. |
Hibernation: |
Hibernates during the cold months. |
Reproduction: |
Lays an average of 9 eggs per clutch. |
Diet: |
Large insects and other arthropods. |