A Guide to the Amphibians
and Reptiles of California
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Large Spiny Lizards in California - genus Sceloporus
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 forms of large Spiny Lizards are found in California. Check the range maps to see which one is in your area. The Northern Desert Spiny Lizards occurs in the Mohave and Great Basin deserts and in the interior south coast ranges. The Sonoran 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. |
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| Northern Desert Spiny Lizard - Sceloporus magister uniformis | ||
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| Range shown in Yellow | ||
| Sonoran Desert Spiny Lizard - Sceloporus magister magister | ||
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| Range shown in Red | ||
| Granite Spiny Lizard - Sceloporus orcutti | ||
| Found in rocky coastal semi-arid and desert habitats, usually seen on large boulders. Diurnal. |
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 © Mike X Macrae |
 © Amber Carson |
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