The Reptiles and Amphibians of Utah

Description: Tan, gray, orange, or brown base color; often closely matching the surrounding substrate. A pair of dark blotches at the back of the neck with a row of paired dark blotches running down the dorsal. The blotches are commonly edged in white or cream coloration. The dorsal pattern can be speckled with various colors including white, cream, and orange. The body is flat, wide, and rounded. Spine-like scales cover the body with a single fringe of these scales running along the lower sides.  The horns on the back of the head are short. There is a deep notch between the horns at the back of the head forming a heart shape when viewed from above. The tail is less than half the body length.    

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

Range and Habitat: This lizard has a wide range within the state occurring nearly statewide. It inhabits several different habitat types ranging from grasslands, sagebrush-dominated basins, semi-desert shrublands, juniper-pinyon woodlands, and conifer forests. It can be found from about 4,000 feet to over 10,000 feet in elevation. 

Similar Species: The Desert Horned Lizard has elongated horns on the back of the head.