Sceloporus poinsettii poinsettii
New Mexico Crevice Spiny Lizard


Click on a picture to see a larger version in a different window
Range:
Other Names: Crevice Spiny Lizard
Description: Males can attain lengths of 5.39" SVL and females up to 5". They have a broad, black uninterrupted collar with white borders, a small pale bluish spot just above the shoulder within the black collar, a whitish crossband or series of spots on the rear of the head between the ear openings, and a tail with contrasting black (widest) and white bands. Dorsal body scales may have black edges aligned to form longitudinal black lines. Supraoculars are divided, usually subequal in size, but the medial row may be noticably enlarged. New Mexico Crevice Spiny Lizards have a black, white-spotted top of head, pale body crossbands with black-edged scales and no sexual dimorphism. Lower sides of the body may be orangish.
Similar Species: Can be differentiated from other spiny lizards in lacking the contrasting black and white banded tail. Texas Crevice Spiny Lizards have a black cruciform blotch on rear of the head and exhibit sexual dimorphism (but not absolute) with males having body crossbands reduced except for black vertebral blotches (separated by white spots), and females with complete crossbands (vertebral areas may be darkened).
Venom: None
Habitat: Prefers rocky terrains in arid and semi-arid environments where it is commonly seen on boulders, in canyons, and in rocky outcrops.
Behavior: They are a diurnal species of lizard. Active and quick, Sceloporus poinsettii will retreat to a crevice when threatened.
Hibernation: Hibernate deep in crevices during the cool months.
Reproduction: The reproductive period (mating through ovulation) occurs in fall months with slowed winter embryonic development increasing through spring. Young are born alive in late May-June and females only produce one litter per year.
Diet: Mostly insectivorous with ants, beetles and grasshoppers common in the diet. Spiders and centipedes have also been reported as food items. Plant material is also consumed, especially among larger lizards.

Sources: