- Granite spiny lizard
Taxobox | name = Granite spiny lizard
image_width = 240px
regnum =Animalia
phylum =Chordata
classis =Reptilia
ordo =Squamata
familia =Phrynosomatidae
genus = "Sceloporus "
species = "S. orcutti"
binomial = "Sceloporus orcutti"The Granite Spiny Lizard ("Sceloporus orcutti") is a species of
lizard s, between 7.6 and 10.8 cm long. Its dorsal scales are strongly keeled and pointed on its body and tail. It has a wide purple mid-dorsal stripe. The males of the species have yellow-green and blue centered scales on body; juveniles and females have distinct yellow-tan transverse bands on their body and tail. Additionally, the male "S. orcutti" has deep blue ventral patches on its chest and throat and femoral pores.The Granite spiny lizard is a colorful species that can be observed perched atop boulders from considerable distance. This species is primarily associated with rocky hillsides and outcrops.
References
* This article is based on a description from "A Field Guide to the Reptiles and Amphibians of Coastal Southern California", Robert N. Fisher and Ted J. Case, USGS, http://www.werc.usgs.gov/fieldguide/index.htm.
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