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Desert Spiny Lizard
Like many desert lizards, the desert spiny lizard can change colors in order to absorb or reflect light off of their scales.
About This Species
The desert spiny lizard is in the same genus as horned lizards. One of the larger lizard species in Colorado, the desert spiny lizard can reach 13 inches long.
More Information:
Physical Characteristics
Adults can reach 13 inches (33cm) total length. The back is covered in large spiny scales, often with yellow or gold colors on the sides. The head is also yellow or orange on adults. Males have a large black wedge mark on the side of the neck and blue markings on throat and sides of belly. On females, blue markings are fainter or lacking.
Range
Extreme Southwestern corner, Montezuma County, below 5,100 feet.
Habitat
Prefers shrub habitats near flowing streams, including greasewood, rabbitbrush, and salt-cedar.
Diet
Any available insect, small lizard and even fruit and other vegetation may be eaten.
Reproduction
Mating occurs in May or early June, and females lay 8-9 eggs by mid-July. Hatching starts in early August. Eggs average 0.63 x 0.4 inches (16mm x 10mm). Hatchlings measure about 0.4-1.37 inches (10-35mm), have crossbands on the back, and lacking the yellow/orange color on their heads.