# 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.

- **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.

## About

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.

## Sources

- Plate: https://gaia-dex.com/species/57f896d6-3e50-4e59-9a2b-9117bbb8e9d9
- iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/36202
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sceloporus olivaceus
- Conservation status: IUCN Red List category, as recorded by Gaia-Dex
- Photo: https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/111159144/medium.jpg (GayleIsTired, CC-BY, via iNaturalist)

Habitat, diet, size and similar notes are AI-written summaries; check them against the linked sources before relying on them.