Plateau fence lizard

The plateau fence lizard (Sceloporus tristichus) is a species of spiny lizard in the family Phrynosomatidae.^[1]

Plateau fence lizard
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Iguania
Family:	Phrynosomatidae
Genus:	Sceloporus
Species:	S. tristichus
Binomial name
Sceloporus tristichus Cope, 1875

Description

Plateau Fence Lizard in Utah

At up to 80 millimetres (3.1 in) from snout to vent,^[2] the plateau fence lizard is a grayish, brownish, or greenish lizard. The upper side of its body has keeled scales and there is a series of narrow dark brown cross-bands on both sides of the midline. An elongated metallic blue patch can be found on each side of the belly and each side of the throat.^[3]

Males are typically smaller than females, as with many squamates, with males and females in Montezuma County, Colorado measuring 63 mm (2.5 in) and 67 mm (2.6 in), respectively.^[3]

Distribution

The plateau fence lizard is generally found in central Arizona, southwestern Utah, western Colorado, and the San Luis Valley.^[3] It can also be found in parts of New Mexico and Wyoming.^[4]

Habitat

The plateau fence lizard generally dwells in rocky and wooded areas,^[2] making use of canyon walls, boulder-strewn hillsides, fallen tree trunks, and other debris and vantage points.^[3]

Ecology

The plateau fence lizard is inactive during cold periods and the hottest part of the day in summer.^[4]

The lizard consumes mainly insects, spiders, and other arthropods.^[4]