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Photo of a Long-Tailed Brush Lizard

Species profile

Long-Tailed Brush Lizard

Urosaurus graciosus

ReptilesIUCN: Least Concern794 iNat observations

Identify Long-Tailed Brush Lizard (Urosaurus graciosus) 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

Long-Tailed Brush Lizard (Urosaurus graciosus) is an IUCN Least Concern reptile with specific harvest rules tracked in 1 of 66 jurisdictions covered by CatchRules.

Confirmed by 668 research-grade iNaturalist observations, with California, Arizona, and Nevada the top jurisdictions by observation count.

Notable details

  • Its tail can be more than twice the length of its own body.
  • Spends most of its life perched lengthwise on branches of creosote and other desert shrubs.
  • Males display vivid blue throat patches to attract mates and deter rivals.
  • Total length including tail is typically just 4–6 inches.
  • Found mainly in the Sonoran and Mojave deserts of the American Southwest.

Background

The long-tailed brush lizard, Urosaurus graciosus, occurs in the Mojave and northwestern Sonoran Deserts in the states of California, Arizona, Nevada, Sonora, and Baja California. This species received its common name due to its tail, which is more than twice the body length, and since it is almost always encountered on a tree or shrub. Its gray or tan coloration keep it well camouflaged against…

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

Frequently asked questions

What is Long-Tailed Brush Lizard?

Long-Tailed Brush Lizard (Urosaurus graciosus) 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 Long-Tailed Brush Lizard?

Long-Tailed Brush Lizard is Urosaurus graciosus.

Is Long-Tailed Brush Lizard regulated for fishing?

Yes — Long-Tailed 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 Long-Tailed Brush Lizard?

Take a photo with the free CatchRules iPhone app — on-device identification recognizes Long-Tailed 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.