Cabeza Prieta Natural History Association
Sonoran Desert Reptiles
Sceloporus clarkii (Clark's spiny lizard)

Identification: 2 7/8 - 5 3/5 in. (7.3-14.2 cm). A large, often wary lizard, usually glimpsed as it scrambles to opposite side of a limb or tree trunk. Gary, bluish green, or blue above, with dusky or black bands on wrists and forearms. Black shoulder mark. Irregularly crossbanded with dark and light markings, which may become faint or disappear, especially in old males. Projecting spine-tipped scales on body. Incomplete supraorbital semicircles. Usually 3 ear scales (auriculars). Young: Crossbands on body and tail. Male: Enlarge postanals and swollen tail base. Throat patch and sided of belly blue. Female.: Blue markings usually weak or absent. Eats insects (such as grasshoppers, beetles, ants, wasps, caterpillars), spiders, and occasionally leaves, buds, and flowers.

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