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Uta stansburiana stansburiana
A species of Side-blotched lizards Scientific name : Uta stansburiana stansburiana Genus : Side-blotched lizards
Uta stansburiana stansburiana, A species of Side-blotched lizards
Scientific name: Uta stansburiana stansburiana
Genus: Side-blotched lizards
Content
Description General Info
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Description
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Uta stansburiana stansburiana is uniquely adapted for life in semiarid regions, often occupying rock crevices for shade and protection. Its primary diet consists of various insects, displaying a sit-and-wait hunting strategy that minimizes water loss in heat. This reptilian predator also exhibits marked sexual dimorphism in its behaviors, with males being overtly territorial and females tending to display more cryptic habits. Uta stansburiana stansburiana's savannah survival strategy and behaviors contribute to the control of insect populations in ecosystem.
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General Info
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Lifespan
5-10 years
Diet
Uta stansburiana stansburiana primarily preys on arthropods, with a significant diet of ants and beetles. This lizard species also occasionally consumes small seeds and vegetation, supplementing its primary carnivorous diet.
Appearance
Uta stansburiana stansburiana is a medium-sized lizard, with a slender body and rough, granulated skin. It's predominantly sandy-brown to grey, blending well with its desert habitat. The mature males have sky-blue patches on their belly and throat during the breeding season, with a pronounced yellowish-orange tint near the rear of their body. Two longitudinal lines can sometimes be seen on its back, making its appearance more distinct.
Behavior
Uta stansburiana stansburiana presents a predominately diurnal behavior, occupying rocky desert habitats. Heralded as a versatile forager, it feeds on a varied diet of invertebrates. Territorially, this species is both solitary and aggressive, even resorting to physical combat to protect their domain. A unique aspect is its thermoregulatory behavior, basking on warm rocks to regulate body heat.
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Scientific Classification
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Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
North american spiny lizards Genus
Side-blotched lizards Species
Uta stansburiana stansburiana