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Photo of a Granite Spiny Lizard

Species profile

Granite Spiny Lizard

Sceloporus orcutti

ReptilesIUCN: Least Concern6.4K iNat observations

At a glance

Granite Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus orcutti) is an IUCN Least Concern reptile with specific harvest rules tracked in 1 of 66 jurisdictions covered by CatchRules.

Confirmed by 5,836 research-grade iNaturalist observations, concentrated in California.

Notable details

  • Males display vivid blue and purple belly patches to attract mates and intimidate rivals.
  • Adults typically reach 9 inches (23 cm) in total length.
  • Endemic to rocky granite outcrops in Southern California and Baja California.
  • They bask on sun-warmed boulders to regulate body temperature throughout the day.
  • They feed primarily on insects, spiders, and occasionally smaller lizards.

Background

The granite spiny lizard (Sceloporus orcutti) is a species of phrynosomatid lizard.

Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Granite Spiny Lizard article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.

Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.