The Reptiles and Amphibians of Utah

Description: Blue-green, turquoise, or olive-green base color on the dorsal with light-colored spots. The patterning reverses on the tail with dorsal base-colored spots on a light-colored base. The dorsal has faded yellow banding. The head is large with varying degrees of yellow coloration. The jaws are large with brown, dorsal-colored, or dark spots on the face. The scales are small and granular. Two black collars border a light-colored or yellow collar on the neck. The forelimbs generally lack spots. The inside of the mouth can be black in some individuals. Males have a blue-green or turquoise patch on the throat. Females develop distinct orange patterning when gravid and can overall have less blue-green or turquoise coloration. Juveniles are more distinctly banded than adults. 

Size: A medium-sized lizard that averages 10 to 12 inches in total length. 

Range and Habitat: This lizard occurs in the eastern half of the Colorado Plateau. It inhabits rocky slopes and boulder fields within desertscrub, semi-desert shrublands, grasslands, and juniper-pinyon woodlands. It can be found up to 7,000 feet in elevation. 

Similar Species: The Great Basin Collared Lizard has a taller tail with a light stripe and spots on the forelimbs.