California Reptiles & Amphibians

Common Side-blotched Lizards - Uta stansburiana

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There are two subspecies of Common Side-blotched Lizards in California. They are very similar in appearance, but the Nevada Side-blotched Lizard usually has a more reduced, often uniform pattern consisting of mostly scattered light and dark spotting. The best thing to do is check the range map (to the left) to find out which one is in your area. The only area where you have some confusion is in the Owens Valley where the two subspecies come into contact.
Uta stansburiana elegans - Western Side-blotched Lizard


Uta stansburiana nevadensis - Nevada Side-blotched Lizard

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