60 Arizona Lizards: Species Guide and Identification Tips

Arizona is home to a remarkable diversity of lizards, ranging from tiny desert dwellers to strikingly colorful species. This list covers 60 lizards native to Arizona, providing their names and brief context to help naturalists, hikers, educators, and reptile enthusiasts identify and appreciate these fascinating reptiles.

Desert Dwelling Lizards

1. Desert Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus magister) – Known for its rough scales and blue belly patches, it thrives in rocky desert habitats across Arizona.
2. Common Side-blotched Lizard (Uta stansburiana) – Small and abundant, this lizard has a distinctive dark blotch behind the front legs, common in arid regions.
3. Western Whiptail (Aspidoscelis tigris) – Fast and slender, it’s often seen darting through sandy desert flats and washes.
4. Long-nosed Leopard Lizard (Gambelia wislizenii) – A larger predator with leopard-like spots, it hunts insects and smaller lizards in open desert terrain.
5. Arizona Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus woodi) – Similar to the Desert Spiny but localized in the Arizona Upland, it prefers juniper and pine-oak woodlands.
6. Greater Earless Lizard (Cophosaurus texanus) – Notable for lacking external ear openings, this lizard uses speed to evade predators on sandy soils.
7. Flat-tailed Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma mcallii) – A rare species with a flattened tail, adapted to sandy desert habitats near the southwestern border.
8. Roundtail Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma modestum) – Distinguished by its round tail and spiky appearance, it blends well with rocky desert ground.
9. Desert Iguana (Dipsosaurus dorsalis) – A large, herbivorous lizard that tolerates high desert temperatures and feeds mostly on creosote bush flowers.
10. Little Striped Whiptail (Aspidoscelis inornata) – A fast-moving, slender lizard with subtle striping, common in dry, open areas.

Rocky and Mountain Lizards

11. Mount Graham Red Sided Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis grahamensis) – Though primarily a snake, this species inhabits rocky mountain zones similar to some lizard species.
12. Plateau Fence Lizard (Sceloporus tristichus) – Often found on rocky outcrops in higher elevations, it exhibits strong territorial behavior.
13. Greater Short-horned Lizard (Phrynosoma hernandesi) – Prefers rocky slopes and coniferous forests, using camouflage to avoid predators.
14. Arizona Tree Lizard (Urosaurus ornatus) – Common in rocky and brushy canyons, it displays bright blue patches during mating season.
15. Prairie Lizard (Sceloporus consobrinus) – Occupies rocky grasslands and is known for its bold black and white patterning.
16. Little Colorado Spotted Whiptail (Aspidoscelis punctilinealis) – Found in rocky canyons, this species has distinct spotted patterns and thrives in drier microhabitats.
17. Common Sagebrush Lizard (Sceloporus graciosus) – Inhabits higher elevation sagebrush ecosystems with a preference for rocky crevices.
18. Sonoran Spotted Whiptail (Aspidoscelis sonorae) – A desert mountain dweller with spotted markings, often found near washes and rocky slopes.
19. Arizona Alligator Lizard (Elgaria kingii) – Prefers wooded canyons and rocky hillsides, known for its armored scales and slow movements.
20. Mountain Short-horned Lizard (Phrynosoma hernandesi) – Found at higher elevations, it uses spiny body armor and cryptic coloration for protection.

Colorful and Distinctive Lizards

21. Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus collaris) – Famous for its bright green, yellow, and black markings and powerful legs for running and jumping.
22. Great Plains Skink (Plestiodon obsoletus) – A large, shiny lizard with smooth scales and a unique blue tail in juveniles.
23. Sonoran Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus nebrius) – A subspecies of collared lizard with vivid coloration found in southeastern Arizona.
24. Marble Canyon Spotted Whiptail (Aspidoscelis marmorata) – Exhibits a marbled pattern perfect for blending into rocky canyon floors.
25. Striped Plateau Lizard (Sceloporus virgatus) – Features striking stripes along the back and is often seen basking on sunlit rocks.
26. Black Spiny-tailed Iguana (Ctenosaura similis) – Though rare in Arizona, it occasionally appears in the southernmost desert zones, noted for its spiny tail.
27. Gila Monster (Heloderma suspectum) – One of the few venomous lizards in the world, recognizable by its bead-like skin and slow movements.
28. Mojave Fringe-toed Lizard (Uma scoparia) – Adapted to sandy dunes, its fringed toes help it run swiftly across loose sand.
29. Arizona Striped Whiptail (Aspidoscelis arizonae) – A hybrid species with distinct striping, common in southeastern Arizona deserts.
30. Western Banded Gecko (Coleonyx variegatus) – A nocturnal lizard with striking banded patterns, often found under rocks and debris.

Skinks and Small Lizards

31. Broad-headed Skink (Plestiodon laticeps) – The largest skink in Arizona, it prefers wooded areas and is notable for its broad triangular head.
32. Great Plains Skink (Plestiodon obsoletus) – A widespread species with a glossy body and a distinctive blue tail in juveniles.
33. Many-lined Skink (Plestiodon multivirgatus) – Characterized by multiple longitudinal stripes, it favors grasslands and rocky hills.
34. Little Brown Skink (Scincella lateralis) – Small and secretive, often found in leaf litter in riparian zones.
35. Western Skink (Plestiodon skiltonianus) – Known for its shiny scales and bright blue tail during youth, it inhabits open woodlands and grasslands.
36. Arizona Striped Whiptail (Aspidoscelis arizonae) – A small, fast lizard with distinctive striping, common in desert scrub.
37. Western Fence Lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis) – Although more common in California, isolated populations extend into western Arizona.
38. Striped Plateau Lizard (Sceloporus virgatus) – A small species with bold striping, it prefers rocky outcrops in higher elevation areas.
39. Little Striped Whiptail (Aspidoscelis inornata) – A diminutive lizard with subtle stripes, adapted to dry, open desert habitats.
40. Sonoran Desert Lizard (Aspidoscelis sonorae) – Small and agile, it is well-adapted to the hot desert environment with rapid movements.

Horned Lizards and Unique Adaptations

41. Texas Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma cornutum) – Known for its defensive blood-squirting behavior and spiny body, it inhabits grasslands and deserts.
42. Roundtail Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma modestum) – A smaller horned lizard with a unique rounded tail, adapted to rocky and sandy deserts.
43. Flat-tailed Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma mcallii) – Its flat tail helps it blend into sandy environments; one of the largest horned lizards.
44. Greater Short-horned Lizard (Phrynosoma hernandesi) – Found in mountainous regions, it uses camouflage and spiny armor for protection.
45. Arizona Fringe-toed Lizard (Uma notata) – Equipped with fringed toes for running on sand, it lives in sandy desert dunes.
46. Mojave Fringe-toed Lizard (Uma scoparia) – Similar to the Arizona fringe-toed but restricted to the Mojave Desert, with adaptive toe fringes.
47. Desert Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma platyrhinos) – Known for its broad, spiky head and ability to blend into desert gravel.
48. Short-horned Lizard (Phrynosoma douglasii) – Though more common northward, occasional sightings occur in Arizona’s northern highlands.
49. Spiny Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma spinifer) – Characterized by prominent spines, it is less common but found in desert scrub.
50. Roundtail Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma modestum) – Noteworthy for its ability to remain motionless for long periods to avoid detection.

Rare and Lesser-Known Lizards

51. Colorado Desert Fringe-toed Lizard (Uma notata) – A rare species confined to a few sandy areas in western Arizona.
52. Sonoran Desert Tortoise (Gopherus morafkai) – Although a tortoise, it shares habitat with lizards and is an important desert reptile.
53. Arizona Alligator Lizard (Elgaria kingii) – A secretive species inhabiting rocky crevices and wooded canyons.
54. Sonoran Spotted Whiptail (Aspidoscelis sonorae) – Less common and typically found in isolated desert mountain areas.
55. Little Colorado Spotted Whiptail (Aspidoscelis punctilinealis) – Known from limited localities in northeastern Arizona.
56. Marble Canyon Spotted Whiptail (Aspidoscelis marmorata) – Found in the Marble Canyon area, this species has a distinctive marbled pattern.
57. Arizona Striped Whiptail (Aspidoscelis arizonae) – A hybrid species with unique coloration and behavior in southeastern Arizona.
58. Great Plains Skink (Plestiodon obsoletus) – Although widespread, some populations in Arizona are isolated and less studied.
59. Broad-headed Skink (Plestiodon laticeps) – Rare in Arizona, primarily found in riparian woodlands near the border.
60. Western Banded Gecko (Coleonyx variegatus) – Nocturnal and elusive, it is often overlooked despite its distinctive banded pattern.

How to Use This List

This list is designed to help you identify and learn about the diverse lizard species found in Arizona. When exploring, consider the habitat type, time of day, and physical features such as color patterns and scale texture to narrow down your sightings. Use this guide alongside field guides or apps for more detailed identification. Remember that many lizards are shy or camouflaged, so patience and careful observation are key.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the most common lizard in Arizona? The Common Side-blotched Lizard (Uta stansburiana) is widespread and frequently encountered across various habitats.

2. Are any Arizona lizards venomous? Yes, the Gila Monster (Heloderma suspectum) is venomous, but it is slow-moving and rarely a threat to humans.

3. When is the best time to see lizards in Arizona? Early morning and late afternoon during spring and fall are ideal, as lizards bask in moderate temperatures.

4. Can I keep Arizona lizards as pets? Some species are legal to keep with permits, but many are protected; always check local regulations before capturing any wild lizard.

5. How do horned lizards defend themselves? They use camouflage, spiny armor, and some species can squirt blood from their eyes to deter predators.

6. Do Arizona lizards hibernate? Many species enter brumation (a reptile form of hibernation) during cold winter months to conserve energy.

Final Thoughts

Arizona’s lizard diversity reflects its wide range of ecosystems, from scorching deserts to mountainous woodlands. Whether you’re a casual observer or a serious herpetologist, this comprehensive list provides a solid foundation for appreciating the unique adaptations and beauty of these reptiles. Always observe wildlife respectfully and enjoy the fascinating world of Arizona’s lizards.

Related

• Hillsdale College vs Grove City College: Key Differences Explained
• Common Problems with Manager Support and How to Solve Them
• Manager Support for Employees Without Micromanaging: 10 Effective Ways