A Guide to the Amphibians
and Reptiles of California

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California species of Fringe-toed Lizards - Uma

Similar Species:

Fringe-toed lizards inhabit the southern deserts in areas with fine wind-blown sand, especially sand dunes. They are usually seen basking on dunes in the morning, running quickly over sand into a bush, or diving into loose sand and disappearing. There are three species of Fringe-toed lizards in California, with no overlap in their ranges. Check the range maps to determine which species is found in your area.

Fringes on the toes help these lizards run quickly over areas of fine sand.
Colorado Desert Fringe-toed Lizard - Uma notata
Found in sandy areas in the Colorado Desert.

		Red: Distribution of Colorado Desert Fringe-toed Lizard in California
Mohave Fringe-toed Lizard - Uma scoparia
Found in sandy areas in the Mohave Desert.

		Red: Distribution of Mohave Fringe-toed Lizard in California
Coachella Fringe-toed Lizard - Uma inornata
Found in sandy areas in the Coachella Valley.

		Red: Distribution of Coachella Fringe-toed Lizard

*Comparisons of some physical features of Uma* found in California**
Coachella Fringe-toed Lizard - Uma inornata	Colorado Desert Fringe-toed Lizard - Uma notata	Mohave Fringe-toed Lizard - Uma scoparia

Black blotches on the back merge to form broken lengthwise lines	Black blotches on the back merge to form broken lengthwise lines	Black blotches on the back do not merge - there are no broken lengthwise lines

Pale streaks on the throat are faded or absent at mid-throat	Dark diagonal lines on the throat	Dark lines on the lower throat form crescent-shaped markings

Underside is pale and unmarked. (Fewer than 5 percent of lizards have a small dot or group of dots on the sides)	Underside has permanent orange or pinkish stripes on the sides	Underside has a black mark on the lower sides