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Wildlife >
Reptiles
LizardsLizards are reptiles of the order Squamata, closely related to snakes. They are cold-blooded, relatively long-bodied with usually two pairs of legs and a tapering tail. They also have external ear openings and movable eyelids. Desert species range in adult length from 6-10 centimeters to nearly a meter (chuckwalla).Western Banded geckoColeonyx variegatus variegatusNocturnal; rocky areas, creosote bush flats; valley floor to 3500 feet. Most common in sandy flats; occasional in canyons and rocky areas (common) Desert iguanaDipsosaurus dorsalis dorsalisIn hummocks of mesquite and creosote bush in areas of fine, sandy soil; up to 3000 feet; very heat tolerant. Most common on sandy flats, dunes, and washes but also along rocky washes and on alluvial fans (common) ChuckwallaSauromalus aterAreas of rocks and boulders on alluvial fans and in canyons; throughout Death Valley up to 5000 ft. Rocky outcrops, rocky canyons, rocky slopes, and alluvial fans (special concern) Zebra-tailed lizardCallisaurus draconidesOpen areas in desert; near dunes and washes; on roads in morning; runs at great speeed with tail curved forward. Open areas of sandy and gravelly desert flats, sandy washes, and alluvial fans (common) Mojave Fringe-toed lizardUma scopariaIbex Dunes; may dive into loose sand when frightened. Wind-blown sand of dry lake beds, washes, and sand dunes (special concern) Mojave Collared lizardCrotaphytus bicinctoresCollared lizard Crotaphytus collaris Areas of boulders for basking and open areas for hunting; from 1000 to 5000 feet. Rocky slopes, rock outcrops of gullies, and boulder-strewn alluvial fans (common) Long-nosed Leopard lizardGambelia wislizenii wislizeniiValley floor to 3600 feet on alluvial fans, in canyons and washes with scattered vegetation. Open sandy or gravelly flats and plains; less commonly in rocky areas (common) Desert Spiny lizardSceloporus magister magisterYellow-backed Spiny Lizard Sceloporus magister uniformis Rocky slopes and canyons around vegetation from 3500 to 7000 feet; a good climber. Most abundant in the Joshua tree woodland; Occasionally on rock outcrops (common) Whiptail lizardCnemidophorus tigris tigrisGreat Basin Whiptail Lizard Aspidoscelis tigris tigris Sandy areas with sparce vegetation; rocky areas of upper washes; from below sea level to 5000 feet. Most common in areas where vegetation is densest (common) Side-blotched lizardUta stansburianaDesert Side-blotched lizard Uta stansburiana stejnegeri Most commonly seen lizard in park; throughout park below 5000 feet in gravelly areas; active on warm days all year. Open, sunny ground Usually some rocks and loose soil are present (common) Horned lizardPhrynosoma platyrhinosSouthern Desert Horned Lizard Phrynosoma platyrhinos calidiarum Sandy flats and canyon bottoms (common) Great Basin Fence lizardSceloporus occidentalis biseriatusSceloporus biseriatus longipes Rocky areas in most elevations except low desert; rock outcrops, canyons, near springs. Rocky outcrops above 3,000 feet (common) Western Brush lizardUrosaurus graciousus gracioususLow desert in and around creosote bush and mesquite; lies camouflaged on branch or exposed roots. Bushes and small trees; also in clumps of galleta grass, Pleuraphis rigida (common) Sagebrush lizardSceloporus graciosusSagebrush through pinyon-juniper woodlands to 10,500 feet. Desert Night LizardXantusia vigilis vigilisUnder debris of yuccas; sagebrush zone of Panamint Mountains; most active in daytime but secretive and rarely seen. Most common in Joshua tree woodland, especially within fallen branches of Joshua trees and yuccas (common) Panamint Alligator lizardElegra panamintinaPanamint and Grapevine Mountains above 3500 feet; talus slopes; thickets of wild grapevines near watered areas. San Diego Horned lizard (JTNP)Phrynosoma coronatum blainvilliiNorthwest section where loose, fine soil with high sand content is present (threatened) Western Red-tailed SkinkEumeces gilberti rubricaudatusPrefers moderately damp areas; northwest section (common) San Diego Alligator lizardElgaria multicarinata webbiiPrefers moderately damp areas; northwest section (common) Silvery Legless lizardAnniella pulchra pulchraSandy or loose loamy soils with some moisture; northwest section (special concern) Also see: Related Pages |
![]() Desert Horned Lizard ![]() Mojave Fringe-toed Lizard ![]() Long-nosed Leopard Lizard ![]() Whiptail Lizard
Spiny Lizard![]() Chuckwalla |
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