Granite Spiny Lizard
Sceloporus orcutti
Dominant males develop brilliant, iridescent blue patches on their throats and bellies to display during territorial push-up contests.
- Scientific name
- Sceloporus orcutti
- Taxonomy
- Animalia › Chordata › Reptilia › Squamata › Phrynosomatidae › Sceloporus
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- desert
- Habitat
- Granite rock outcrops, chaparral, desert scrub, and rocky hillsides.
- Diet
- Insects, spiders, centipedes, and occasionally small buds or flowers.
- Range
- Southern California, Baja California
- Size
- 6-9 inches (15-23 cm) total length
- Lifespan
- 5-8 years
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Habitat fragmentation, urban development, and predation by domestic cats.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless and wary. Keep a respectful distance of 3-5 feet to observe their beautiful colors. If handled, they may pinch with a minor bite; if bitten, simply wash the area with soap and water.
The granite spiny lizard ( Sceloporus orcutti ) is a species of phrynosomatid lizard.
Photo: no rights reserved, CC0, via iNaturalist
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