The Reptiles and Amphibians of Utah

Description: Tan or gray base color with white or cream speckling along the dorsal. Paired darker blotches that run along the length of the body combine into chevrons on the tail. The tail is shorter than the body length. The lower anterior sides have a pair of small black blotches. Males have blue coloration surrounding the black blotches and a more speckled dorsal pattern. Females develop orange coloration on the sides of the body and throat when gravid. The scales are small and granular and the head is wedge shaped. This lizard lacks external ear openings. 

Size: A small-sized lizard averaging 4 to 5 inches in total length. 

Range and Habitat: This lizard is only known from San Juan County. It inhabits open, sandy grasslands. It can be found below 6,500 feet in elevation.

Similar Species:  The Side-blotched Lizard has a single large black blotch on its side behind the forelimb and has ear openings. The Western Zebra-tailed Lizard, which does not overlap in range, has ear openings and a longer tail that is black and white banded on the underside.  

Possible Range

Known Range