The Reptiles and Amphibians of Utah

Description: The base color consists of shades of brown, tan, and olive. Thin alternating light and dark stripes run the length of the body. The stripes generally fade to a unicolored tail. The tail can be twice the length of the body but is often broken and/or regenerated. The body is elongated with small limbs. The scales are smooth and shiny with rounded rear edges. The scales can often be edged in dark brown or black coloration giving the dorsal a busy pattern. Males develop orange coloration around their mouths and throat during breeding season. Juveniles have a darker overall coloration with less patterning 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 in San Juan County in the Abajo Mountains, its foothills, and surrounding areas. It inhabits grasslands, juniper and oak woodlands, and dry forests and shrublands. It can be found up to about 9,000 feet in elevation. 

Similar Species: The Great Basin Skink has more distinct, broader stripes. It does not overlap in range with the Variable Skink.