Plateau fence lizard

The plateau fence lizard (Sceloporus tristichus) is a species of spiny lizard in the family Phrynosomatidae.[1]

Plateau fence lizard
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Iguania
Family: Phrynosomatidae
Genus: Sceloporus
Species:
S. tristichus
Binomial name
Sceloporus tristichus
Cope, 1875

Description

At up to 80 millimetres (3.1 in) from snout to vent,[2] the plateau fence lizard is a grayish, brownish, or greenish lizard. The upper side of its body has keeled scales and there is a series of narrow dark brown cross-bands on both sides of the midline. An elongated metallic blue patch can be found on each side of the belly and each side of the throat.[3]

Males are typically smaller than females, as with many squamates, with males and females in Montezuma County, Colorado measuring 63 mm (2.5 in) and 67 mm (2.6 in), respectively.[3]

Distribution

The plateau fence lizard is generally found in central Arizona, southwestern Utah, western Colorado, and the San Luis Valley.[3] It can also be found in parts of New Mexico and Wyoming.[4]

Habitat

The plateau fence lizard generally dwells in rocky and wooded areas,[2] making use of canyon walls, boulder-strewn hillsides, fallen tree trunks, and other debris and vantage points.[3]

Ecology

The plateau fence lizard is inactive during cold periods and the hottest part of the day in summer.[4]

The lizard consumes mainly insects, spiders, and other arthropods.[4]

References
  1. "Plateau Fence Lizard (Sceloporus tristichus)". iNaturalist. Retrieved July 11, 2021.
  2. "Sceloporus tristichus". New Mexico Herpetological Society. Retrieved July 13, 2021.
  3. Mathies, Tom; Ehrenberger, Joseph (January 20, 2014). "Plateau Fence Lizard". Colorado Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation. Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation. Retrieved July 13, 2021.
  4. "Sceloporus tristichus". NatureServe. July 2, 2021. Retrieved July 13, 2021.
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