Striped plateau lizard
A species of Spiny lizards Scientific name : Sceloporus virgatus Genus : Spiny lizards
Striped plateau lizard, A species of Spiny lizards
Scientific name: Sceloporus virgatus
Genus: Spiny lizards
Content
Description General Info
Description
Sceloporus virgatus is a North American species of lizard in the Phrynosomatidae family. The species was first scientifically described by Hobart Muir Smith in 1938. Originally the scientific name Sceloporus undulatus virgatus was used and the lizard was considered a subspecies of the hedge iguana (Sceloporus undulatus).
General Info
Lifespan
3-5 years
Diet
Striped plateau lizard is primarily insectivorous, capturing its prey with a quick strike of its tongue. Notably, a substantial part of its diet comprises of ants, beetles, spiders, and centipedes. The specificity of its diet could be influenced by regional prey availability.
Appearance
The striped plateau lizard is a small reptile with a slender body, covered in spiny scales. They are primarily tan or grey in color, with distinctive bold white or yellow stripes running down their backs and tails, exhibiting countershading. Adult males have beautiful turquoise patches on the underside, absent in females. Their tails are elongated, accounting for over half of their total body length. Notably, juvenile striped plateau lizard have bright blue tails.
Behavior
Striped plateau lizard is a small, sedentary reptile exhibiting diurnal behavior, thus being most active during the day. It undergoes hibernation during the cold season and is primarily solitary, except during mating season. Its survival in it's arid, rocky habitat is aided by efficient thermoregulation and effective camouflage. It is famous for its pushup displays, a unique behavior to assert territorial dominance and court mates.
Population
Stable
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
North american spiny lizards Genus
Spiny lizards Species
Striped plateau lizard 
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