Photos by Chris Brown

Scientific name: Uta stansburiana

Common name: Side-Blotched Lizard

Size: 1.57-2.36 in (4.0-6.0 cm)

Distinguishing characters: A small species; a conspicuous bluish-black blotch on each side behind the forelimbs; dorsum blotched or spotted with blue, orange, yellow, brown and/or black; whitish to grey on venter; orange or light blue patch on throat, and no blue belly patches.

Juveniles: Similar to adult female in pattern; lacks blue-black spots on sides.

Dimorphism: Male has swollen tail base, blue and yellow flecks on mid-dorsal side, and enlarged postanal scales; female lacks blue and yellow mid-dorsal flecks and is blotched dorsally in brown and black.

Similar species: Sceloporus occidentalis: Have keeled, pointed dorsal scales; lack bluish-black spots on side behind forelimb.

Additional notes: A common species throughout the study area, but prefers open habitats with rock or sand.