Spiny Lizards | Herps of Texas

Sceloporus arenicolus

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Sceloporus arenicolus

Common Name. Dunes Sagebrush Lizard

General information. Sceloporus arenicolus, active during the day, will remain motionless and seek shelter under vegetation, or will cover itself in sand when threatened. The dorsal background color of this species makes it well camouflaged among the dunes. Sceloporus arenicolous principally feeds upon insects.

Protected status. The Dunes Sagebrush Lizard is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Small, granular scales on rear of thighs. Tail slightly longer than head-body length

Coloration. Dorsal ground color is light gray to light brown. Dorsal pattern consists of a faint line from the head to the tip of the tail. Small dark marking in front of each foreleg Male with blue patches on venter bordered by black; female may have pink tones on neck and sides.

General distribution. In North America, Sceloporus arenicolus is found exclusively in active sand dune areas of west Texas and New Mexico.

Texas distribution. In Texas, Sceloporus arenicolus is found in west Texas, restricted to Andrews, Crane, Gaines, Ward, and Winkler Counties.

Habitat. Sceloporus arenicolus lives among sand dunes dominated by shinnery oak (Quercus havardii).

Reproduction. Eggs are laid in early summer.

Size. Sceloporus arenicolus can grow to adult total lengths of 11-15 cm (4.5-6 in).

Map. Orange counties indicate new county records since previous Herps of Texas update in 1998; all other colored counties reflect known distribution prior to 1998 for species and/or subspecies. Map is based on museum voucher specimens.

Sceloporus bimaculosus

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Sceloporus bimaculosus

Common Name. Twin-spotted Spiny Lizard

General information. Sceloporus bimaculosus is a wary, diurnal lizard that will quickly retreat will retreat to burrows, vegetation, rock piles or other debris when threatened. Mainly a terrestrial species, Sceloporus magister forages for insects, other lizards, and tender vegetation.

Protected status. The Twin-spotted Spiny Lizard is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Large lizard with large pointed scales Tail longer than head-body length

Coloration. Dorsal ground color is light brown or yellow or gray Dorsal pattern consists of pale crossbars, two black wedges on the shoulders, and some yellow scales on sides. Dark line near eye. Males have blue-green patches on throat and two on belly, black groin. Mature males may have blue patch on dorsum; females lack blue tones.

General distribution. In North America, Sceloporus bimaculosus is found from eastern California and Nevada to west Texas and into northern Mexico.

Texas distribution. Sceloporus bimaculosusis found in through western portions of the Trans-Pecos Desert in west Texas.

Habitat. Sceloporus bimaculosus prefers arid or semi-arid environments and rocky terrains and grassy plains below 4,000 foot elevations.

Reproduction. Breeding occurs in the spring and early summer with young hatching from eggs in mid to late summer. Females may lay multiple clutches of up to 19 eggs perhaps as many as three times a year.

Size. Sceloporus bimsaculosus is a large lizard species, measuring 17.5-32.5 cm (7-13 in) in total length.

Sceloporus consobrinus

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Sceloporus consobrinus

Common Name. Prairie Lizard

General information. Sceloporus cowlesi is a diurnal insectivorus predator. Primarily terrestrial, found in open prairies as well as rocky slopes

Protected status. The Prairie Lizard is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Long tail, up to 1 1/2 times the head-body length There are no diagnostic characters to distinguish this species from Sceloporus cowlesi

Coloration. They typically have light (sometimes bold) longitudinal stripes running the length of their body, with a middorsal brown stripe, a bold dorsolateral stripes, and light lateral stripes. Can also have dark bars or spots across the lighter longitudinal stripes.

General distribution. In North America, Sceloporus consobrinus is found across much of the Great Plains, from Texas to Nebraska, eastern New Mexico and Colorado to Mississippi and Illinois.

Texas distribution. In Texas, the Prairie Lizard is found east of the Pecos River, throughout the Panhandle and North Texas, and much of east Texas north of Harris County.

Habitat. Habitats include sandy areas, open prairied, rocky slopes

Reproduction. Sceloporus cowlesi breeds in spring and summer. More mature females may lay 1–3 egg clutches per year, averaging 5–6 eggs per clutch.

Size. Sceloporus consobrinus reach body lengths up to 7.5 cm (3 in) and total lengths, including tail, of 9–17.5 cm (3.5–7 in).

Sceloporus cowlesi

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Sceloporus cowlesi

Common Name. Southwestern Fence Lizard

General information. Sceloporus consobrinus is a diurnal lizard species that feeds on a variety of insects. It is terrestrial in open areas, utilizing mammal burrows for cover, but can be arboreal in wooded areas of its range.

Protected status. The Southwestern Fence Lizard is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Long tail, up to 1 1/2 times the head-body length There are no diagnostic characters to distinguish this species from Sceloporus consobrinus

General distribution. In North America, Sceloporus cowlesi is found in the southwestern US states of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and the Mexican states of Chihuahua and Sonora.

Texas distribution. NA

Habitat. Habitats include sandy areas, open prairied, rocky slopes

Reproduction. Sceloporus consobrinus breeds in spring and summer. More mature females may lay 1–3 egg clutches per year, averaging 5–6 eggs per clutch.

Size. Sceloporus cowlesi reach body lengths up to 7.5 cm (3 in) and total lengths, including tail, of 9–17.5 cm (3.5–7 in).

Sceloporus cyanogenys

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Sceloporus cyanogenys

Common Name. Blue Spiny Lizard

General information. This diurnal lizard shelters in rock crevices. Sceloporus cyanogenys feeds primarily on flying insects, but eats other insects, as well.

Protected status. The Blue Spiny Lizard is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Largest of spiny lizards Long tail

Coloration. Dorsal ground color is gray or brown Dorsal pattern varies with sex, but both sexes have a dark band across the neck bordered on both sides by a lighter pigment. Tail is vaguely banded with dusky color. Head and limbs are dark brown. Males with metallic green or blue on back and tail with white flecks; male also with blue chin and throat, and blue belly patches Females and young lack blue-green coloration and belly patches.

General distribution. In North America, Sceloporus cyanogenys is found from south Texas to northeastern Mexico.

Texas distribution. In Texas, Sceloporus cyanogenys is found in south Texas, primarily along the Rio Grande Valley from Kinney County to Cameron County.

Habitat. Sceloporus cyanogenys prefers rocky terrains in arid and semi-arid environments where it is commonly seen on boulders, rock piles, cliffs, bridges, and in dry creekbeds.

Reproduction. This live-bearing lizard gives birth to young from February to June with as many as 18 young per litter.

Size. The largest species of spiny lizard in Texas, Sceloporus cyanogenys grows to lengths (total length including tail) of 12.5-35 cm (5-14 in).

Sceloporus grammicus

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Sceloporus grammicus

Common Name. Graphic Spiny Lizard

General information. A diurnal lizard, Sceloporus grammicus is very wary and will retreat up the tree when threatened. This species is arboreal and well camouflaged among the branches, often hiding on the side of the branch opposite their predator.

Protected status. The Graphic Spiny Lizard is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Flat lizard with scales on sides of neck much smaller than those on nape of neck. Tail slightly longer than head-body length.

Coloration. Dorsal ground color is mottled olive or gray. Dorsal pattern consists of 3-6 dark crossbars in uneven, or wavy pattern. Narrow crossbars on forelegs and tail Males have blue patches and black mottling on throat, a dark line on each shoulder, and blue patches on sides of belly, which may be bordered in black Dorsal pattern may be more obvious on females.

General distribution. In North America, Sceloporus grammicus is found in southern Texas and northern Mexico.

Texas distribution. The single subspecies of Sceloporus grammicus found in Texas, S. g. microlepidotus, is found in extreme south Texas and near Corpus Christi.

Habitat. Sceloporus grammicus lives on and among mesquite trees in arid and semi-arid environments.

Reproduction. Breeding occurs in the fall and young are born live in the early to mid-spring. Litter sizes range from 3 to 12.

Size. Sceloporus grammicus can grow to adult lengths of 10-17.5 cm (4-7 in), including tail.

Sceloporus merriami

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Sceloporus merriami

Common Name. Canyon Spiny Lizard

General information. This diurnal lizard species is relatively brazen, reemerging quickly from shelter after being spooked or threatened. Sceloporus merriami feeds on small insects.

Protected status. The Canyon Spiny Lizard is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Small dorsal scales with scales on sides granular. Partial fold on neck Long tail and a distinct dewlap (larger in males)

Coloration. Four rows of dark spots run along the dorsal surface Three subspecies found in Texas differentiated by variation in intensity and shape of dorsal spots Dorsal color variable between populations (colors from tan to reddish brown to gray) to match surrounding environment Vertical black bar on shoulder in front of leg Males generally more vividly colored than females.

General distribution. In North America, Sceloporus merriami is found in the southern portions of west Texas and adjacent Mexico, as well as in a disjunct population in northeastern Mexico.

Texas distribution. In Texas, the three subspecies of Sceloporus merriami are seen in the southern part of west Texas as well as the western edge of the Edwards Plateau.

Habitat. Sceloporus merriami prefers rocky areas, such as on canyon walls or boulders, with little or no vegetation.

Reproduction. Eggs are laid in the spring and early summer.

Size. Sceloporus merriami can reach total lengths, including tail, of 11-15 cm (4.5-6 in).

Sceloporus olivaceus

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Sceloporus olivaceus

Common Name. Texas Spiny Lizard

General information. This diurnal lizard will retreat up a tree when threatened. Sceloporus olivaceus is adept at climbing and is well camouflaged on tree trunks and limbs. This lizard species primarily eats insects, though some small vertebrates may be consumed

Protected status. The Texas Spiny Lizard is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Large lizard with long toes Long tail Large, spiny dorsal scales.

Coloration. Dorsal ground color is reddish brown. Dorsal pattern varies widely. Males have blue patch on each side of belly and light dorsolateral stripes; adult females have wavy dark lines on dorsum and perhaps on legs near body.

General distribution. In North America, Sceloporus olivaceus is found from the Red River (Oklahoma/Texas state line) south into northern and eastern Mexico.

Texas distribution. In Texas, Sceloporus olivaceus is found in north, central, and south Texas.

Habitat. Sceloporus olivaceus is arboreal and prefers mesquite trees, but may be observed on other tree species (such as oak, pecan, and cedar) as well as along fences, walls, and poles.

Reproduction. Breeding occurs in early spring. Egg clutches (averaging 14 eggs/clutch) are laid though the summer. Females may lay eggs as many as four times a year.

Size. Adult Sceloporus olivaceus reach total lengths, including tail, of 19-27.5 cm (7.5-11 in).

Sceloporus poinsettii

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Sceloporus poinsettii

Common Name. Crevice Spiny Lizard

General information. Sceloporus poinsettii is a diurnal species of lizard. Active and quick, Sceloporus poinsettii will retreat to a crevice when threatened. This species feeds on insects and tender vegetation.

Protected status. The Crevice Spiny Lizard is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Large lizard with large, spiny dorsal scales Long tail

Coloration. Dorsal ground color is green-gray to reddish Dorsal pattern varies with sex, but both sexes have a dark band across the neck bordered on both sides by a lighter pigment. Females and young have dark crossbands on entire dorsum and perhaps a thin dark middorsal stripe. Males lose dorsal crossbands and develop blue patches on throat and each side of belly Distinctly banded (black and white) tail.

General distribution. In North America, Sceloporus poinsettii is found from the Edwards Plateau region of central Texas to Mew Mexico and into northern Mexico.

Texas distribution. The single subspecies of Sceloporus poinsettii found in Texas, S. p. poinsettii, is found across the Trans-Pecos and Edwards Plateau.

Habitat. Sceloporus poinsettii prefers rocky terrains in arid and semi-arid environments where it is commonly seen on boulders, in canyons, and in rocky outcrops.

Reproduction. This live-bearing lizard gives birth to young in June or July. As many as 11 young are born.

Size. Sceloporus poinsettii grows to adult total lengths of 12.5-29 cm (5-11.5 in), including tail.

Sceloporus variabilis

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Sceloporus variabilis

Common Name. Rose-bellied Lizard

General information. This species of diurnal lizard is primarily terrestrial. Sceloporus variabilis forages for large insects among the leaf litter.

Protected status. The Rose-bellied Lizard is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Small pocket of skin on each side of the base of its long tail

Coloration. Dorsal ground color brown. Dorsal pattern consists of light dorsolateral lines from each eye onto tail and brown spots in a row on each side of a middorsal line. Dark crossbars on limbs Males with two pink belly patches partly rimmed in dark blue which extends onto sides of body to form dark spots in armpit and in groin. Males lighter in color; females are more green.

General distribution. In North America, Sceloporus variabilis is found from south Texas to northeastern Mexico.

Texas distribution. The single subspecies of Sceloporus variabilis found in Texas, S. v. marmoratus, is found in south and south-central Texas.

Habitat. Sceloporus variabilis prefers rocky terrains in arid and semi-arid environments and can commonly br seen on fence posts and among cactus clumps.

Reproduction. Breeding occurs throughout the year. Egg clutches (1 to 5 eggs per clutch) are laid near the base of a tree in loose soil.

Size. Sceloporus variabilis can grow to lengths of 9-13.75 cm (3.75-5.5 in), including tail.