A Guide to the Amphibians
and Reptiles of California

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Large Spiny Lizards in California - genus Sceloporus

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Similar Species:

Fence Lizard

Sagebrush Lizard

Large lizards with large visible scales. Found in desert and semi-arid habitats, and in coastal Southern California. Usually seen on rocks or trees. Active in the daytime. Three species of large Spiny Lizards are found in California. Check the range maps to see which one is in your area. The Yellow-backed Spiny Lizards occurs in the Mohave and Great Basin deserts and in the interior south coast ranges. The Desert Spiny Lizard occurs mainly in the Sonoran Desert area. The Granite Spiny Lizard occurs in coastal Southern California, the transverse ranges, and their desert slopes where it is sympatric with the Desert Spiny Lizard in a small area.
Yellow-backed Spiny Lizard *- Sceloporus uniformis*




Desert Spiny Lizard *- Sceloporus magister*




Granite Spiny Lizard - Sceloporus orcutti
Found in rocky coastal semi-arid and desert habitats, usually seen on large boulders. Diurnal.

	© Mike X Macrae	© Amber Carson