Texas spiny lizard

The Texas spiny lizard (Sceloporus olivaceus) is a species of phrynosomatid lizard native to the south central United States, in the states of Texas, Arizona and Oklahoma, and northeastern Mexico in the states of Coahuila, Nuevo León, Tamaulipas, and San Luis Potosí. They are quite common throughout their range, where they can be found in trees or on fences.

Texas spiny lizard
Sceloporus olivaceus in Texas
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Iguania
Family:	Phrynosomatidae
Genus:	Sceloporus
Species:	S. olivaceus
Binomial name
Sceloporus olivaceus H.M. Smith, 1934

Description

Belly of male, showing blue color

Adults are 7.5–11 in (19–28 cm) in total length, and are typically grey in color with black, white, or red-brown blotching down the back. Patterns vary greatly by locality, but the colors and pattern typically serve to be adequate camouflage against the bark of trees in its chosen habitat. The underside is usually uniformly light grey in color, but males typically have blue patches on either side of the belly. Their scales have a distinctly spiny texture to them. They have long toes, and sharp claws suited to climbing.

Reproduction

The Texas spiny lizard will breed throughout the summer months of the year, and is capable of laying four clutches each year if nutrients are plentiful.^[1] Each clutch will contain around 20 eggs at a time, and on average the males will be larger after birth.

Texas Spiny Lizard camouflaged on a Mexican White Oak tree.

Behavior

Keeping a watchful eye

A Texas spiny lizard using a red oak tree for camouflage

The Texas spiny lizard is diurnal and arboreal. Their preferred habitat is mesquite trees, over areas with a significant amount of ground leaf litter, but they are often found in suburban areas basking on fences or climbing telephone poles.

Typically shy and nervous, when approached they will usually retreat up a tree or flee noisily through leaf litter on the ground. They are insectivorous, and eat a variety of beetles and other insects. Predators of the Texas spiny lizard include hawks, snakes, and some mammals, but it uses its camouflaged body to avoid detection.^[2]

To establish dominance for territory or females male lizards may perform "push-up" displays when they observe each other, whereby they bob the anterior of their body up and down. Males may also compete physically if these visual displays are not enough to deter competitors.^[3]

Texas Spiny Lizard camouflaged on an ash tree.

In captivity

Though not normally found for sale outside of its native range, like most other Sceloporus species, the Texas spiny lizard makes an ideal choice for a small pet lizard. They are hardy, adapt easily to captivity, and readily consume commercially available crickets, though they do require specialized ultraviolet lighting.