Granite spiny lizard
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| Granite spiny lizard | ||||||||||||||
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| Sceloporus orcutti |
The Granite Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus orcutti) is a species of lizards, between 7.6 and 10.8 cm long. 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 body; juveniles and females have distinct yellow-tan transverse bands on their body and tail. Additionally, the male S. orcutti has deep blue ventral patches on its chest and throat and femoral pores.
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.
[edit] References
- 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, http://www.werc.usgs.gov/fieldguide/index.htm.
