The Reptiles and Amphibians of Utah

Description: The base color is shades of dark brown, tan, reddish-brown, or golden brown. Two dorsolateral light tan or cream stripes run the length of the body to the base of the tail. A second pair of light-colored stripes run along the lower sides of the body from the back of the mouth to the base of the tail. The sides in between the light stripes are often darker than the dorsal. The tail can be twice the length of the body but is often broken and/or regenerated. The tail in adults can be unicolored or speckled in faded blue coloration. The body is elongated with small limbs. The scales are smooth and shiny with rounded rear edges. Adult males develop orange coloration around their mouth and throat during breeding season. Juveniles have a darker overall coloration and a bright blue tail. 

Size: A small slender-bodied lizard that averages 5 to 6 inches in total length. 

Range and Habitat: This lizard occurs throughout the western half of the state. It inhabits sagebrush-dominated basins and slopes, juniper-pinyon woodlands, semi-desert shrublands, grasslands, riparian areas, and conifer woodlands. It can be found up to 8,000 feet in elevation. 

Similar Species: The Variable Skink has thin, alternating dark and light dorsal stripes. It does not overlap in range with the Great Basin Skink.