Ornate tree lizard
A species of Tree lizards, Also known as Big bend tree lizard Scientific name : Urosaurus ornatus Genus : Tree lizards
Ornate tree lizard, A species of Tree lizards
Also known as:
Big bend tree lizard
Scientific name: Urosaurus ornatus
Genus: Tree lizards
Content
Description General Info
Description
Urosaurus ornatus, commonly known as the ornate tree lizard, is a species of lizard native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. The species, which formerly was commonly called simply the "tree lizard", has been used to study physiological changes during the fight-or-flight response as related to stress and aggressive competition. Also, its life history and costs of reproduction have been documented in field populations in New Mexico and Arizona. Finally,
General Info
Lifespan
5-8 years
Diet
Characteristically an insectivore, ornate tree lizard predominantly feeds on ants, beetles, and spiders. It employs a sit-and-wait strategy to ambush its prey and adaptively modifies its diet based on available insect species.
Appearance
Ornate tree lizard is a relatively small lizard, reaching up to 16 centimeters in length. It has a flattened body, a long tail, and sleek, grainy skin. Its body displays variations of brown, gray or black, while its tail often exhibits vibrant blue with reddish-orange patterns. Males are typically more colorful, boasting a blue-green hue on their undersides and throat during breeding season.
Behavior
Ornate tree lizard commonly engages in sun basking on rocks, utilizing heat absorption for thermoregulation. Foraging primarily on insects, they use their agile limbs and tail to swiftly navigate their terrain. Typical solitary animals, they adopt territorial behavior during the breeding season, with males performing push-up displays to intimidate rivals and attract females. Survival adaptations include cryptic coloration, enabling them to blend with their rocky desert and scrubland habitats.
Population
Stable
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
North american spiny lizards Genus
Tree lizards Species
Ornate tree lizard 
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