Species profile
Baja California Brush Lizard
Urosaurus nigricauda
Identify Baja California Brush Lizard (Urosaurus nigricauda) from a photo — free, unlimited, no sign-up — with the CatchRules iPhone app.
At a glance
Baja California Brush Lizard (Urosaurus nigricauda) is an IUCN Least Concern reptile with specific harvest rules tracked in 1 of 66 jurisdictions covered by CatchRules.
Confirmed by 81 research-grade iNaturalist observations, concentrated in California.
Notable details
- A small lizard endemic to Baja California, rarely exceeding 6 inches total length.
- Clings to rocky slopes, desert shrubs, and cacti to avoid ground predators.
- Active during the day, it basks on sunlit rocks to regulate body temperature.
- Can shed and regrow its tail when grabbed by a predator.
- Relies on cryptic brown-and-gray patterning to blend into rocky desert terrain.
Where Baja California Brush Lizard are seen
Background
Urosaurus nigricaudus is a species of lizard. Common names for this species include the Baja California brush lizard, black-tailed brush lizard, and small-scaled tree lizard. Its range includes southern California, Baja California, and nearby Pacific islands.
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Baja California Brush Lizard article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other reptiles on CatchRules
Frequently asked questions
What is Baja California Brush Lizard?
Baja California Brush Lizard (Urosaurus nigricauda) is an IUCN Least Concern reptile with specific harvest rules tracked in 1 of 66 jurisdictions covered by CatchRules.
What is the scientific name for Baja California Brush Lizard?
Baja California Brush Lizard is Urosaurus nigricauda.
Are there fishing rules for Baja California Brush Lizard?
Baja California Brush Lizard does not currently have published fishing rules in CatchRules' curated jurisdictions. Identification, range, and habitat are still tracked above.
How can I identify Baja California Brush Lizard?
Take a photo with the free CatchRules iPhone app — on-device identification recognizes Baja California Brush Lizard along with ~1,500 other species. No sign-up, unlimited use.
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.