Texas Spiny Lizard
Sceloporus olivaceus
To escape predators, they will run to the opposite side of a tree trunk, keeping the tree structure between themselves and the threat.
- Scientific name
- Sceloporus olivaceus
- Taxonomy
- Animalia › Chordata › Reptilia › Squamata › Phrynosomatidae › Sceloporus
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- forest
- Habitat
- Oak woodlands, mesquite brushlands, and suburban gardens with large trees.
- Diet
- Primarily insectivorous, feeding on beetles, ants, grasshoppers, and caterpillars.
- Range
- Texas, Northeastern Mexico, Oklahoma
- Size
- 7.5 to 11 inches (19 to 28 cm) in length
- Lifespan
- 2 to 5 years
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Habitat fragmentation, pesticide use reducing insect prey, and predation by domestic cats.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless. Maintain a respectful distance of 3 to 5 feet to observe their impressive climbing. If cornered, they may deliver a minor, non-venomous bite. If bitten, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water.
The Texas spiny lizard ( Sceloporus olivaceus ) is a species of phrynosomatid lizard native to the south central United States, in the states of Texas and Oklahoma, and northeastern Mexico in the states of Coahuila, Nuevo León, Tamaulipas, and San Luis Potosí. They are quite common throughout their range, where they can be found in trees or on fences.
Photo: GayleIsTired, CC-BY, via iNaturalist
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