Species profile
Baja California Brush Lizard
Urosaurus nigricauda
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
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.