The Reptiles and Amphibians of Utah

Description: Brown, tan, gray, or orange-brown base color with a dark blotch on each side behind the forelimbs. This blotch can sometimes be faint or absent, especially in females. The scales are weakly keeled. Females have two dorsolateral stripes on each side of the body that are light in color and extend from the snout to the base of the tail. A pair of blotches run along the middorsal between the stripes. The blotches can range in color from light blue to black. Males typically lack the striped pattern and have scattered blue and light-colored speckling along their body and tail. Males have a blue, yellow, or orange patch on their throats that is more vibrant during the breeding season. This subspecies is weakly patterned compared to the other subspecies within the state. This is one of Utah’s most commonly encountered lizards.   

Size: A small-sized lizard averaging 3 to 4 inches in total length. 

Range and Habitat: This subspecies occurs throughout the Colorado Plateau. It inhabits desertscrub, semi-arid grasslands, sagebrush-dominated basins, juniper-pinyon woodlands, and shrublands. It can be found below 6,000 feet in elevation. 

Similar Species: The Western Earless Lizard lacks ear openings. The Northern Sagebrush Lizard has spiny scales and lacks a dark blotch on its side.