This comprehensive list covers 50 species of lizards found in Arizona, offering essential information on their habitats, behaviors, and distinguishing features. It is designed for naturalists, herpetology enthusiasts, hikers, and anyone interested in the diverse reptile fauna of the Grand Canyon State.
Desert-Dwelling Lizards
- Desert Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus magister) – Common in rocky desert areas, known for its rough scales and vibrant blue patches on males.
- Common Side-blotched Lizard (Uta stansburiana) – Widespread in desert habitats, easily identified by the dark blotch behind its front legs.
- Western Whiptail (Aspidoscelis tigris) – A fast-moving lizard found on sandy and rocky desert floors, recognizable by its long tail and striped pattern.
- Greater Earless Lizard (Cophosaurus texanus) – Prefers open desert flats, notable for lacking external ear openings.
- Little Striped Whiptail (Aspidoscelis inornata) – Inhabits desert grasslands, with subtle striping and slender body shape.
- Desert Iguana (Dipsosaurus dorsalis) – Occupies sandy desert washes and dunes, famous for its pale coloration and herbivorous diet.
- Mojave Fringe-toed Lizard (Uma scoparia) – Specialized in sandy desert habitats, with fringed toes to aid in running on loose sand.
- Long-nosed Leopard Lizard (Gambelia wislizenii) – Found in desert and semi-arid regions, noted for its aggressive behavior and spotted pattern.
- Flat-tailed Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma mcallii) – Prefers sandy desert flats, identified by its flattened body and spiny tail used for camouflage.
- Round-tailed Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma modestum) – Inhabits desert scrub, known for its rounded tail and defensive blood-squirting ability.
Mountain and Woodland Lizards
- Arizona Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis pyromelana) – Although a snake species, it is often confused with lizards; found in pine forests at higher elevations.
- Plateau Fence Lizard (Sceloporus tristichus) – Common in rocky mountain areas and woodlands, with distinctive keeled scales and blue belly patches.
- Greater Short-horned Lizard (Phrynosoma hernandesi) – Found at higher elevations in pine forests and meadows, recognized by its short horns and squat body.
- Long-tailed Brush Lizard (Urosaurus graciosus) – Prefers woodland edges and shrublands, known for its vibrant blue throat and long tail.
- Desert Night Lizard (Xantusia vigilis) – A secretive species dwelling under rocks and logs in woodland and desert habitats, active mostly at night.
- Southwestern Fence Lizard (Sceloporus cowlesi) – Found in oak and pine woodlands, similar to other fence lizards but with unique color patterns.
- Mountain Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus jarrovii) – Occupies rocky mountain slopes, notable for its spiny scales and territorial behavior.
- Common Sagebrush Lizard (Sceloporus graciosus) – Lives in sagebrush-dominated areas and open woodlands, small and agile with a bluish belly.
- Reticulate Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus reticulatus) – Found in rocky hillsides near woodlands, recognizable by its patterned collar and strong limbs.
- Arizona Alligator Lizard (Elgaria kingii) – Prefers cooler, shaded forest areas, with a long, slender body and armored scales.
Rocky and Cliffside Specialists
- Granite Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus orcutti) – Lives in granite outcrops and rocky slopes, with a robust body and spiny scales for protection.
- Common Chuckwalla (Sauromalus ater) – A large herbivorous lizard inhabiting rocky desert cliffs and canyons, known for inflating its body to wedge into crevices.
- Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus collaris) – Prefers rocky areas with scattered vegetation, famous for its bold black collar and strong bite.
- Little Colorado River Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus minor) – Restricted to rocky canyon walls near the Little Colorado River, identified by its small size and spiny appearance.
- Woodhouse’s Toad-headed Lizard (Phrynosoma douglasii) – Found on rocky slopes and foothills, possessing a flattened body and camouflage coloring.
- Black Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus bicinctores) – Inhabits rocky desert hillsides, with striking black bands across the neck and body.
- Desert Banded Gecko (Coleonyx variegatus) – A nocturnal lizard living under rocks and in crevices of desert cliffs, with banded coloration for concealment.
- Arizona Striped Whiptail (Aspidoscelis arizonae) – Found in rocky desert terrain, identified by its striped pattern and swift movements.
- Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus magister) – Although also desert-dwelling, this species is commonly found on rocky outcrops and boulders.
- Great Basin Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus bicinctores) – Prefers rocky hills and desert mountains, notable for its agility and territorial displays.
Grassland and Scrubland Lizards
- Western Fence Lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis) – Found in a variety of habitats including grasslands and scrub, known for its blue belly patches and adaptability.
- Sonoran Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus magister) – Common in scrubby desert grasslands, recognizable by its spiny scales and coloration.
- Side-blotched Lizard (Uta stansburiana) – Also common in grass and scrub habitats, with color morphs adapted to different environments.
- Greater Earless Lizard (Cophosaurus texanus) – Thrives in open scrubland with sparse vegetation, its earless appearance aids in avoiding debris.
- Little Striped Whiptail (Aspidoscelis inornata) – Prefers open grasslands and sandy soils, with subtle striping for camouflage.
- Desert Iguana (Dipsosaurus dorsalis) – Though often desert-based, it also frequents scrubby grasslands where creosote bushes dominate.
- Striped Plateau Lizard (Sceloporus virgatus) – Found in grassland areas on the Colorado Plateau, known for its distinctive stripes.
- Prairie Lizard (Sceloporus consobrinus) – Occurs in grassland and open woodland edges, with a preference for sunny basking spots.
- Great Plains Skink (Plestiodon obsoletus) – Lives in grassy and scrubby plains, notable for its smooth scales and burrowing habits.
- Rock Skink (Plestiodon skiltonianus) – Found in rocky grasslands and foothills, recognized by its sleek body and quick movements.
Rare and Endemic Species
- Sonoran Gila Monster (Heloderma suspectum) – The only venomous lizard native to Arizona, inhabiting rocky desert regions and known for its slow-moving, heavy body.
- Arizona Ridge-nosed Rattlesnake (Crotalus willardi) – While a snake, it is sometimes mistaken for a lizard due to its ridge-like scales; found only in Arizona’s mountainous areas.
- Sonoran Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus nebrius) – Restricted to the Sonoran Desert, notable for its bright coloration and powerful jaws.
- Arizona Toad-headed Agama (Phrynosoma solare) – Endemic to Arizona’s southwestern deserts, adapted for camouflage in sandy environments.
- Arizona Striped Whiptail (Aspidoscelis arizonae) – A species native to Arizona with distinctive striping, often found in desert scrub.
- Grand Canyon Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus bicinctores) – Found only around the Grand Canyon region, adapted to rocky canyon walls.
- Little Colorado Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus minor) – Endemic to the Little Colorado River basin, recognizable by its spiny scales and habitat specificity.
- Arizona Alligator Lizard (Elgaria kingii) – Limited to mountainous forests in Arizona, notable for its armored appearance and secretive nature.
- Mojave Black-collared Lizard (Crotaphytus bicinctores mojavensis) – A subspecies confined to the Mojave Desert, with distinct black collar markings.
- Sonoran Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma goodei) – A horned lizard species restricted to the Sonoran Desert, utilizing camouflage and blood-squirting defense.
How to Use This List
This list is best used as a field guide companion or a starting point for identifying lizards during hikes and nature observations in Arizona. Pay attention to habitat descriptions to narrow down possibilities, as many species prefer distinct environments such as rocky cliffs, desert flats, or woodlands. Photographs or field guides with images can complement this list for visual identification. For research or conservation purposes, cross-reference with local wildlife databases or consult with herpetologists to confirm species presence in specific areas.
When spotting a lizard, note key features like scale texture, coloration, size, and behavior. For example, horned lizards are slow and camouflaged, while whiptails are fast and striped. Also, consider the time of day and climate, as some species are nocturnal or seasonal. This approach helps avoid confusion between similar species.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the most common lizard in Arizona?
The Common Side-blotched Lizard (Uta stansburiana) is among the most widespread and frequently seen species across various habitats.
2. Are any Arizona lizards venomous?
No lizards in Arizona are venomous; however, the Gila Monster is venomous but rare and not aggressive.
3. How can I tell a horned lizard from other lizards?
Horned lizards have distinctive spiny scales and a flattened body shape, often with horns on their heads and the ability to squirt blood from their eyes as a defense.
4. When is the best time to see lizards in Arizona?
Lizards are most active during warm daylight hours, especially in spring and early summer; some species are nocturnal and emerge at night.
5. Can I keep any Arizona lizards as pets?
Some species like the Desert Iguana or Collared Lizard may be kept legally with proper permits, but many native species are protected and should not be collected from the wild.
6. How do lizards adapt to the desert heat?
Lizards regulate their body temperature by basking in the sun and seeking shade or burrows during extreme heat; some have reflective scales or light coloration to minimize heat absorption.
Final Thoughts
Arizona’s lizard diversity is remarkable, reflecting the state’s varied climates and landscapes. From the scorching deserts to the cooler mountain forests, each species plays a unique role in its ecosystem. Observing these reptiles offers insight into adaptation and survival strategies in harsh environments. Whether you are a casual observer or a serious herpetologist, this list provides a solid foundation to appreciate and identify the rich lizard fauna of Arizona. Always remember to observe wildlife respectfully and minimize disturbance to their natural habitats to ensure these fascinating creatures thrive for generations to come.
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