The Reptiles and Amphibians of Utah

Description: Gray, tan, brown, or reddish-brown base color, often closely matching the surrounding environment. The dorsal pattern consists of dark paired crossbars or irregular blotches, which are sometimes edged in lighter-colored gray or tan. The tail is barred. A fold of skin runs along each side of the body. The scales on the body are small and granular. Along the middorsal, there are two rows of larger keeled scales separated by a row of smaller keeled scales. The scales on the legs are larger and keeled. Males have a throat patch that can vary from blue, blue-green, yellow-green, or orange. They have blue or blue-green patches on each side of their abdomen. Females lack coloration on their abdomens and have a white, yellow-green, or orange throat patch.  

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

Range and Habitat: This lizard occurs throughout the Colorado Plateau and the Mojave Desert regions of the state. It inhabits desertscrub, semi-arid and arid canyonlands, benchlands, and juniper-pinyon woodlands. In addition to trees, as the common name suggests, this lizard is also frequently found on canyon walls and rockfaces. It can be found up to 6,500 feet in elevation. 

Similar Species: The Side-blotched Lizard has a distinct dark blotch on its side and lacks the rows of enlarged keeled middorsal scales.