Species profile
Baja California Brush Lizard
Urosaurus nigricauda
Identify Baja California Brush Lizard (Urosaurus nigricauda) from a photo: try it free in your browser, or get unlimited IDs, no sign-up, with the CatchRules iPhone app. Plus current fishing rules across 1 jurisdiction.
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
Jurisdictions with rules for Baja California Brush Lizard
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.
Is Baja California Brush Lizard regulated for fishing?
Yes — Baja California Brush Lizard has fishing regulations in 1 U.S. state and/or Canadian province tracked by CatchRules. See the "Jurisdictions with rules" section above for the binding-source links.
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.