Granite spiny lizard

The granite spiny lizard (Sceloporus orcutti) is a species of lizard in the family Phrynosomatidae.^[1][2]

Granite spiny lizard
Sceloporus orcutti
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Iguania
Family:	Phrynosomatidae
Genus:	Sceloporus
Species:	S. orcutti
Binomial name
Sceloporus orcutti Stejneger, 1893[2]

Etymology

The epithet, orcutti, honors American naturalist Charles Russell Orcutt (1864–1929), who collected the type specimen in San Diego County, California.^[2][3][4]

Geographic range

S. orcutti is native to southern California in the United States and Baja California in Mexico.^[1][2]

Description

The granite spiny lizard is 7.6–10.8 cm (3.0–4.3 in) snout-to-vent length (SVL). Maximum total length including the tail is 28.9 cm (11.4 in).^[5] 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 the body; juveniles and females have distinct yellow-tan transverse bands on their body and tail. Additionally, the male has deep-blue ventral patches on its chest and throat and femoral pores.

Behavior and habitat

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.

Reproduction

S. orcutti is oviparous.^[2]

Sources

• 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 Archived 2009-08-25 at the Wayback Machine.