The Reptiles and Amphibians of Utah

Description: Gray or brown base color. The dorsal pattern is often faint or absent. Scattered yellow scales across the dorsal and sides. A dark wedge on each side of the neck above the shoulders. The large overlapping scales are keeled and pointed, giving them a spiny appearance. Males have a blue patch on their throats that often fades to a blue-green or yellow-green on the outside edges. They have blue patches edged in black on each side of their abdomen. Females have faint or absent blue coloration on their throats and abdomens and can develop orange coloration on their heads during the breeding season.

Size: A medium-sized, heavy-bodied lizard that averages 8 to 10 inches in total length. 

Range and Habitat: This lizard occurs mostly through Southern Washington County in the Mojave Desert and its transition zones. It inhabits Mojave desertscrub, juniper-pinyon woodlands, and riparian habitat. It is often found on cottonwood trees when they are present. It can be found up to 5,500 feet in elevation. 

Similar Species: The Orange-headed Spiny Lizard has more distinctive dorsal markings and its head is often more brightly colored. Range is also a key factor in identifying these lizards.