Scientific name: Sceloporus graciosus

Common name: Southern Sagebrush Lizard

Size: 1.89-2.87 in (4.8-7.3 cm)

Distinguishing characters: A small grey or brown species with contrasting blotches or crossbars on the dorsum; black bars on shoulder; rusty color in axilla, neck and sides of body; dorsal scales weakly keeled and pointed; blue ventral patches; white behind legs.

Juveniles: Similar to adults; but lacks blue throat and ventral patches, or are faintly present.

Dimorphism: Swollen tail base in males with enlarged paired scales just posterior of vent; femoral pores; blue-green flecks on dorsal scales; female has less vivid markings, and lacks or has pale, reduced blue ventral patches.

Similar species: Sceloporus occidentalis: Lacks rusty color on body; larger size, with scales keeled; has yellow-orange on ventral surfaces of legs. Uta stansburiana: Has bluish-black blotch behind forelimbs; lacks blue ventral patches and has granular dorsal scales.

Additional notes: Primarily a chaparral and montane species. Occurs sympatrically with Uta stansburiana and Sceloporus occidentalis at high elevations.