Common Sagebrush Lizard
This ground-dwelling lizard is extremely skittish and will run and hide when startled.
About This Species
The sagebrush lizard is named after the sagebrush where it is often found. It is a member of the same family as other spiny lizards, and is particularly similar to the western fence lizard. This species grows faster at higher elevations.
More Information:
Physical Characteristics
This lizard sports small spiny scales along the back and small, granular scales on the rear of the thigh. A pale stripe is often present along each side of the back. In Colorado, adults are usually less than 2.6 inches (6.5cm) snout-to-vent length (SVL) or 5.9 inches (15cm) total length. Males often have blue on each side of the belly and blue streaks or mottling on the throat. Females lack the blue coloring or it is faint.
Range
Colorado Distribution: Much of the western third of the state up to 7,000 feet elevation, though can get up to 8,500 feet in Montezuma County.
Habitat
Often found on bare ground under shrub species, such as saltbush-sagebrush, mountain shrubland, and semidesert shrubland. Can also be found using pinon-juniper woodland, shale hills, and montane woodlands.
Diet
Ants are the preferred food, though will also eat termites, grasshoppers, beetles, flies, spiders, and mites. May also eat other young/small lizards.
Reproduction
Mating occurs in May, with the first clutch of eggs laid in early June. Most females will have 2 clutches a year, about a month apart. Clutches are often 4-5 eggs. Eggs begin hatching in early August with later clutches hatching in September. Eggs are 0.55 x 0.31 inches (14mm x 8mm) and hatchlings are approximately one inch SVL.