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Hunsaker's spiny lizard
A species of Spiny lizards Scientific name : Sceloporus hunsakeri Genus : Spiny lizards
Hunsaker's spiny lizard, A species of Spiny lizards
Scientific name: Sceloporus hunsakeri
Genus: Spiny lizards
Content
Description General Info
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Description
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Hunsaker's spiny lizard is known for its unique bimodal activity pattern, venturing out in both the morning and late afternoon to forage and find suitable sunbathing spots. This lizard species sustains itself primarily on arthropods, exhibiting an ambush predator strategy. Adapted to arid conditions, hunsaker's spiny lizard has the ability to control its body temperature through behavioural thermoregulation, employing tactics such as basking and seeking shade.
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General Info
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Lifespan
5-8 years
Diet
Hunsaker's spiny lizard exhibits a primarily insectivorous diet, commonly consuming a variation of arthropods. Specializing specifically in ants and beetles, it shapes its feeding habits based on availability and seasonal fluctuations.
Appearance
Hunsaker's spiny lizard is a medium-sized lizard with a slim, elongated body and rough, spiny scales. Their primarily greenish-blue coloration is vivified with patches of black and orange, with males flaunting vibrant blue patches on their throats and bellies. A mature hunsaker's spiny lizard showcases pair of rounded, flap-like structures behind its rear legs, called femoral pores.
Behavior
Hunsaker's spiny lizard is primarily a diurnal creature, basking on rocks during the daylight hours, displaying thermoregulatory behavior. It's a solitary species, demonstrating territoriality, especially in mating season. Common defensive behaviors include color changing for camouflaging and pursuit-deterrent signaling, vital for survival in its challenging desert habitat.
Population
Stable
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Scientific Classification
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Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
North american spiny lizards Genus
Spiny lizards Species
Hunsaker's spiny lizard