The Reptiles and Amphibians of Utah

Description: Gray or tan base color with light-colored spots and two rows of light brown dorsal blotches extending the length of the body. The blotches merge at the base of the tail to form bands. The tail is flattened. The bands wrap around the tail with the underside of the tail being black and white banded, giving this lizard its common name. Dorsal blotches can be faded or absent in some adults. This lizard has long thin legs with gray crossbars on the rear legs. The sides of the body have a yellow coloration with two dark bars extending from the anterior sides to the midline. In males, the side bars extend to the ventral where they are surrounded by light blue patches. The bars are faded or absent in juveniles and females. The scales are small and granular and the head is wedge shaped.     

Size: A medium-sized lizard averaging 6 to 8 inches in total length. 

Range and Habitat: This lizard occurs in Southern Washington County. It inhabits flat open areas of Mojave desertscrub and creosote bush-dominated basins with gravelly or sandy soils. It can be found below 4,000 feet in elevation. 

Similar Species: The Western Earless Lizard lacks ear openings and tail bands.