Yellow-backed spiny lizard
A species of Spiny lizards, Also known as Orange-headed spiny lizard Scientific name : Sceloporus uniformis Genus : Spiny lizards
Yellow-backed spiny lizard, A species of Spiny lizards
Also known as:
Orange-headed spiny lizard
Scientific name: Sceloporus uniformis
Genus: Spiny lizards
Content
Description General Info
Photo By robert_twombley , used under ALL RIGHTS RESERVED /Cropped and compressed from original Description
Sceloporus uniformis, also known as the yellow-backed spiny lizard, is a reptile of the subfamily Phrynosomatinae. It is native to the Mojave and Great Basin deserts. Until recently, it was considered to be a subspecies of Sceloporus magister.
General Info
Lifespan
5-8 years
Diet
Yellow-backed spiny lizard primarily feeds on insects, particularly ants and beetles. This species also consumes other small arthropods, displaying a preference for certain varieties depending on their geographic location.
Appearance
Yellow-backed spiny lizard is a medium-sized lizard with a robust, quadrupedal body and sharp, distinct scales. Its skin displays a range of coloration, predominantly green-brown with inconsistent patches of lighter shades. It has a long, tapering tail, and males exhibit blue patches on the abdomen and throat during the breeding season. Younger specimens tend to be more vividly colored than their older counterparts.
Behavior
Yellow-backed spiny lizard is diurnally active, feeds primarily on arthropods, and exhibits basking practices to regulate temperature. It is solitary with male territorial behavior, including physical display and aggression. This species displays unique push-up movements to communicate and ward off predators.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
North american spiny lizards Genus
Spiny lizards Species
Yellow-backed spiny lizard