Sceloporus poinsettii

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.

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.