Arizona is a harbour for reptile enthusiasts , volunteer a various regalia of lizards that call its arid landscapes home . Among the innumerable coinage found in this southwestern state , lizards in Arizona stand up out for their adaptability and challenging characteristics . From the iconic Gila monster to the elusive Desert night lounge lizard , Arizona hosts an telling variety of these scaly inhabitants .
Lizards in Arizona exhibit singular variety , ranging from the diminutive Desert horned lizard to the purple Chuckwalla . Whether camouflaging among desert rocks or savor in the sun ’s warmth on sandy slope , these reptilian play vital roles in the state ’s ecosystem . With their agile movements and unique feature , lounge lizard in Arizona captivate both veteran herpetologists and casual observers likewise .
Different Types of Lizards in Arizona
Arizona Alligator Lizard
Arizona alligator lizard , scientifically known as Elgaria kingii , are recognizable by their large size , reaching up to 5.5 column inch , long eubstance , lowly limbs , and robust tail . Sporting stiff , armoured scales , they display burn to grey hue with distinctive red or deep brown cross bands bordered by dark edges . Found in foothill , muckle gradient , and low vale , these diurnal creatures actively hunt for quarry amidst leaf bedding and rock-and-roll pile .
Desert Grassland Whiptail
The Desert grassland whiptail lizard , scientifically identify Aspidoscelis uniparens , is identified by its thin soundbox , measuring up to 5.25 in ( 13 cm ) , and a notably elongated tail . Sporting a brown or olive trunk with six distinct yellow agate line , its tooshie transitions to blue or greyish . juvenile person boast bright blue tails that fade with maturity . These lizards inhabit desert regions across southern to central Arizona , favor low valley , gentle slopes , and grasslands .
Desert Iguana
The Desert common iguana , scientifically pronounce Dipsosaurus dorsalis , turn over lengths of up to sixteen inches ( 41 atomic number 96 ) with a gray to tan body adorn by light brownish patterns along their sides and backs . Their bum exceed one and a half time their body length . flourish in arid , arenaceous environs , they also frequent rocky streambeds . These bouncy lizard endure mellow temperatures , often remaining active when others essay refuge from the hotness . In response to threats , they fall back to burrowing beneath bushes for safety machine .
Females typically reach 5.8 inches , while males are smaller at around 4.8 inch eject their tailcoat . Remarkably , they can alter their coloration , with spotlight vanishing during their dingy phase and exhibiting various shades of yellow , pink , gray , or brown .
Spiny-Tailed Iguana
The Spiny - Tailed Iguana , scientifically classified as Ctenosaura spp . , show vary colors throughout its life story Hz . Initially grey tobrown with blackhues in youth , they transition to lighter shade such as grey or blue , mold by environmental temperatures . Males reach lengths of 30 inches , while female person typically measure around 22 inches , hind end include .
Lesser Earless Lizard
The Lesser earless lounge lizard , or Holbrookia maculata , inhabits the cardinal and southwest regions of the United States and Mexico . Comprising nine race , include the Mexican , dotted , and northerly earlesslizards , they miss seeable extraneous ears . These lizards thrive in arid habitats , blending into their milieu with their muted chromaticity .
Elegant Earless Lizard
The refined earless lounge lizard , have it away scientifically as Holbrookia elegans , is a petite metal money indigenous to Mexico and the United States . Typically extend to length of around 3 column inch , they frolic tan or gray chromaticity . Notably , their tails outdo the length of their consistency , contributing to their classifiable appearance .
Texas Horned Lizard
The Texas horned lounge lizard , scientifically bring up Phrynosoma cornutum or “ horny toad , ” is the largest and most widespread among the fourteen horn lizard metal money in the Western United States . grow up to 2.7 inches from snout to ventilate , males can reach 3.7 inch and females up to 4.5 inches including their tails . Despite their docile nature , they inflate themselves when threatened , making them hard to swallow . They own the unequaled power to squirt origin from their eyes , discourage vulture with its foul perceptiveness and confusing them in the cognitive process .
Sonoran Horned Lizard
The Sonoran horned lizard , scientifically termed Phrynosoma goodei , is a medium - sized species measuring around 9 cm from snout to vent , after part excluded . Recognizable by three secular horns on each side of the psyche and two elongated saddle horn pointing upward and back , their coloration blends with local substrates , ranging from orange tree to grey . Typically embellish with two rows of dreary place flanking the dorsal line , though sometimes feeble , they boast band tail , though some lack clear-cut patterns .
Flat-Tailed Horned Lizard
The Flat - tailed horned lounge lizard , scientifically known as Phrynosoma mcallii , is a medium - sized reptile cut back to the Sonoran Desert ’s southwestern Arizona part . characterize by an oval consistency adorned with pointed scales , they have smooth skin on their backs with small spine and eight trumpet extending from the keister of their heads . Their unequaled power to combine seamlessly with the desert terrain allows them to conceal their darkness when in the open .
Round-Tailed Horned Lizard
The around - tailed horned lizard , or Phrynosoma modestum , inhabit semi - desiccate region with sparse botany , feeding primarily on harvester and honeypot ants . fuse seamlessly with their surroundings , they typically present grey hue , though some may appear pale yellow or scant brown . Darker color adorn their necks and groins , while some feature of speech stripe on their quarter . Measuring up to 4.3 inch ( 10.5 centimetre ) in entire length , rear include .
Desert Horned Lizard
The Desert horned lizard , scientifically labeled Phrynosoma platyrhinos , is identifiable by its compressed body and single row of periphery scales on each side . grow up to 9.5 centimeter ( 3.75 in ) in entire duration , they demonstrate color ranging from crimson / brown to tan or beige , mirroring the surrounding soil . Notably , they have salient dour mend on their necks , butt by gray or abstemious lily-white hues .
Twin-Spotted Spiny Lizard
The Twin - spotted spiny lizard , or Sceloporus bimaculosus , is a substantial species measure 12.1 atomic number 96 , with a tail exceeding double its body length . Distinguished by a wrangle of dark spot flanking the mid - abaxial line , males boast drear plot on their chin , pharynx , and abdomen . Females and juveniles miss these distinctive low-spirited markings .
Southwestern Fence Lizard
The Southwestern fence lizard , or Sceloporus cowlesi , recognize by its bristly coming into court , was first document in 1956 . Endemic to the Chihuahuan Desert , it is a race of the eastern fence lizard . Also known as Cowles ’ prairie lizard or White Sands swift , it thrives in desiccated environments .
Sagebrush Lizard
The Sagebrush lizard , scientifically key Sceloporus graciosus , reaches lengths of 3.5 inches ( 8.9 cm ) from snout to vent , smaller than the Western fence lizard . Sporting olive , brownish , or grayish hues , they exhibitgreen or bluetones in the lightness . Males feature blueish while on their paunch and pharynx , scatty in females and juveniles . During pairing season , males display orangish colouration . thrive in forested habitats , they enjoy on bumpy outcrops and logs to suck up sunlight .
Slevin’s Bunchgrass Lizard
Slevin ’s Bunchgrass Lizard , scientifically term Sceloporus slevini , honour Joseph R. Slevin , a specimen accumulator . Described in 1937 , they inhabit Southeastern Arizona , favoring grassland and forest home ground . Adults valuate up to 2.8 inches ( 7 cm ) without their tails .
Yellow-Backed Spiny Lizard
The Yellow - backed spiny lizard , or Sceloporus uniformis , is a sizable coinage reach length of 5.5 inches , buns excluded . Their behind surpass their body in length . Sporting tan or chocolate-brown bodies decorate withblack and yellow stripes , they sport a distinctive pitch-dark dog collar around the cervix . male , large than females , boast blue markings on their bellies and throats .
Striped Plateau Lizard
The Striped plateau lizard , scientifically known as Sceloporus virgatus , is a member of theNorth American spiny lizardfamily , reaching length of up to 4.8 curium . priming - dwelling by nature , they expose fleet movements across the terrain when startled .
Yuman Fringe-Toed Lizard
Uma rufopunctata , commonly be intimate as the Yuman interference fringe - toed lizard , inhabits a restricted neighborhood in the southwesterly United States and northwestern Mexico , in the main south of the Gila River , particularly in the Yuma and Mohawk dune scheme .
Mohave Fringe-Toed Lizard
The Mojave interference fringe - toed lounge lizard , scientifically termed Uma scoparia , boasts smooth , categorical dead body in hues tramp from tan brown to grey - white , decorate withblack spotson the back for disguise . Dark banding label their tails , with additional dark speckle on their belly sides . During mating season , their spotlight turn pink , and their paunch become yellow . Totaling around seven inch , their body and seat are of adequate lengths .
Long-Tailed Brush Lizard
The Long - tailed brush lounge lizard , or Urosaurus graciosus , hails from the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts , spanning Arizona , California , Nevada , and Mexican commonwealth . placeable by their tails , more than double the torso duration , they stand out at climbing and blend seamlessly with branches , patiently awaiting choke insects .
Mountain Skink
The Mountain skink , or Plestiodon callicephalus , is a medium - sized reptilian reach up to three inches ( 7.5 cm ) sans tail . run around brown to olive hue with disgraceful side stripes , juvenile person exhibit bright racy tails , which more or less fade with eld , though retaining soupcon of blue angel into maturity . They inhabit various habitat , often assay asylum under foliage litter .
Gilbert’s Skink
Gilbert ’s skink , scientifically named Plestiodon Gb , inhabits westerly Arizona , favour grasslands and true pine forests over densely wooded regions . Sporting a inflexible build with pocket-sized legs , adult display gray-headed , brown , green , or European olive tree hues , while juveniles boast lighter stripe on their sides enclosing a large dark grade insignia , which fades with age .
Keeled Rock Gecko
The Keeled gecko , scientifically called Cyrtopodion scabrum , is also have intercourse as the rough - bob gecko . Endemic to Asia , it has been premise to several country , including Arizona and Texas in the United States .
Little Striped Whiptail
The Little striped whiptail lizard , Aspidoscelis inornatus , reaches lengths of 9.5 column inch . Sporting ablack consistence with clean or yellow stripingextending from head to give chase , they also boast blue bellies . Slender with a blue tail twice the body length , males display more blue than female , and stripes may not always be evident . fleet and conservative , they quickly look for cover when threatened .
Mohawk Dunes Fringe-Toed Lizard
The Mohawk sand dune fringe - toed lizard , Uma thurmanae , blends seamlessly into its desert habitat with tan to brown food coloring . Notably , they possess fringes on their toes aiding movement through free sand . Typically found in southwestern Arizona ’s depressed desert regions boast fine , loose sand .
Great Basin Collared Lizard
The Great Basin collar lounge lizard , also get laid as Crotaphytus bicinctores or the desert pick up lizard , sport a sizeable head and hind legs , along with distinctive black band encircle the neck . Males expose larger heads , dark throat , and vibrant orange crossbands across their bodies . Ranging from 2.5 to 4.5 column inch from snout to give vent , they feature thick full dress duplicate the length of their bodies .
Sonoran Collared Lizard
The Sonoran collared lounge lizard , scientifically termed Crotaphytus nebrius , is native to Arizona and Sonora , Mexico . Sporting hues ranging from gray to yellow , they feature distinctive grey / lily-white spots , small on their sides and enlarging along the heart of their backs . in the main active during spring and summertime , they inhabit desiccated regions , blending seamlessly with their desert surround .
Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard
The farsighted - nosed leopard lizard , or Gambelia wislizenii , displays ointment , white , or grizzly hues adorned withbrown or dark gray spotsacross their head and bodies , sometimes featuring disconsolate bars along their backs and butt . Juveniles may exhibit rust coloring , bright red spots , and scandalmongering accents .
Many-Lined Skink
The Many - lined skink , also acknowledge as Plestiodon multivirgatus or northern many - lined skink , attains a length of approximately 12 inch ( 19 cm ) , hind end include . Medium - sized with brown to olive bodies , they sport prominentblack stripesspanning the tail and body . prosper in rocky habitats , they combine seamlessly into their surroundings .
Great Plains Skink
The Great Plains skink , scientifically term Plestiodon obsoletus , is a respectable reptilian reaching 14 centimetre in distance sans tail . ornament in amber , green / gray , or jaundiced chromaticity with a last - like pattern , they feature shiny scale . Their keister transcend one and a one-half time their body duration . Males own broader heads than female . hatchling mutation black bodies with sullen blue tails , with colouration lightening as they get on .
Western Skink
The westerly scincid lizard , scientifically labeled Plestiodon skiltonianus , thrives in diverse home ground but favors open , moist areas , frequently spotted on dry hillside . prefer timber , open pine wood , and grasslands with moist sand , they boast a black to brownish band extending from the side of the head to beyond the hind leg , bordered by a white to beige stripe .
Arizona Striped Whiptail
The Arizona strip whiptail , or Aspidoscelis arizonae , is aboriginal to the United States , peculiarly in Arizona ’s grassy desert regions , often amidst desert shrubs . Measuring 2.8 inches in length , they feature long , lash - like tails . With browned and gamy bodies embellish with sensationalistic stripes , they swiftly evade threats , display remarkable speed and agility . This discrete coloration helps specialize them from the Pai bare whiptail .
Canyon Spotted Whiptail
The Canyon spot whiptail lizard , or Aspidoscelis burti , inhabits Arizona and Mexico . name by their tan chromaticity withwhite stripesand bit , they exhibit a shy behaviour , surpass at hiding . Consequently , sightings in Arizona are limited due to their elusive nature .
Chihuahuan Spotted Whiptail
The Chihuahuan spotted whiptail , Aspidoscelis exsanguis , is a average - sized , all - female lounge lizard reaching length of up to 10.7 cm sans can . Sporting band and spots , they feature swooning stripes that may fleet with age , but stay visible on their necks .
Gila Spotted Whiptail
The Gila descry whiptail lizard , Aspidoscelis flagellicauda , is a Sonoran lizard dwelling house in Arizona , New Mexico , and Mexico . placeable by their shy deportment , they swiftly take flight when threatened , displaying remarkable speed .
New Mexico Whiptail
The New Mexico whiptail , Aspidoscelis neomexicana , reach lengths of up to 9.1 inches ( 23 cm ) . Identified by their brown toblack body with seven pale yellowstripes , they have light - colored spots between these stripes . Their bellies are clean or pale blue , while throat display tint of blue or blue / green . Possessing a slender body and long tail , they exhibit a wary demeanor , darting for cover when approached .
Pai Striped Whiptail
The Pai striped whiptail , Aspidoscelis pai , shares similarity with the Arizona striped whiptail lizard , often causing confusion . endemical to Arizona , they go to the Aspidoscelis genus .
Plateau Striped Whiptail
The Plateau strip whiptail lizard , Aspidoscelis velox , is part of the quamata species in the New World runner ’s home . flat coat - abode and swift , they demo a mistrustful behaviour , promptly fleeing when approached .
Red-Backed Whiptail
The Red - punt whiptail , Aspidoscelis xanthonota , is a visually spectacular lizard found in limited areas of the United States , notably in the south - central Arizona . Due to their elusive nature , sightings of these lizards are rare , making see one a particular occasion .
Arizona Night Lizard
The Arizona night lounge lizard , scientifically known as Xantusia arizonae , reaches lengths of about 10 cm . identify by dark spots on their side and big eyes , they favor privacy . Mostly active in summertime and spring , they remain tightlipped , seldom seen by observer .
Bezy’s Night Lizard
Bezy ’s Nox lounge lizard , scientifically termed Xantusia bezyi , is a small , smooth - skinned reptilian , yellow / brown or grey-headed / brownness in color , reaching up to 7 cm sans tail . feature flat head and dark patch on their rear , they favor pine woodlands and desert highlands , finding refuge beneath rocks .
Desert Night Lizard
The Desert night lounge lizard , scientifically make Xantusia vigilis , contact up to 7 cm in body distance , with a tail end of similar distance . Sporting scandalmongering / brown , European olive tree , or gray hues , they have the ability to alter their colour from light-colored European olive tree to glowering brown , aid in sun preoccupation . Excellent climbers , they eat various insect and favour semi - waterless habitats , maintain a secretive nature .
Giant Spotted Whiptail
The Giant spotted whiptail , Aspidoscelis stictogrammus , inhabits Arizona , tout a real size of up to 51 cm , tush let in . identify by a pointed head , stretch body , and tail , they are notable for their declamatory stature among whiptail species .
Ornate Tree Lizard
The Ornate Tree Lizard , scientifically known as Urosaurus ornatus , can be identified by its size of up to 2.3 column inch ( 5.9 cm ) from hooter to vent . Males have turquoise paunch and change in color . In Arizona , males show either an orange throat with a grim center or a solid orange dewlap , with the orangish - blue compounding being more aggressive and territorial .
Common Side-Blotched Lizard
Common side - blotched lizards ( Uta stansburiana ) inhabit dry regions and have three morphs competing for fellow . Males grow up to 2.4 in ( 6 cm ) , females are littler . Males may have dismal tails and dorsum with yellow or orange side ; females have back stripes . Both sex feature a side blotch behind the front limbs .
Desert spiny lizards
Desert prickly lounge lizard ( Sceloporus magister ) are rough-cut in Arizona , maturate up to 5.6 inches . Adults have blue patches on their dewlap and belly , with green or blue sides and tails . juvenile person and females have coloured spots on their backs and tummies . Both sexes have brown or yellow shoulder joint place .
Yarrow’s Spiny Lizard
Yarrow ’s burry lounge lizard ( Sceloporus jarrovii ) prefers forests and rocky areas . grow up to 4.1 inches ( 10.5 cm ) , they have a cross pattern on their body . Colors set out from green and blue to pink and copper , with dark gray on their heads . Males have blue bellies and throats .
Zebra-Tailed Lizard
The zebra - tailed lizard ( Callisaurus draconoides ) prefers undetermined deserts with hard dirt and modified vegetation . develop up to 4 in ( 10.2 cm ) , they are tripping brown to grey with dingy gray spots on their backs and black cross band on their tails . Males have disastrous side splotch prolong to blue on their tummies .
Greater Short-Horned Lizard
swell short - horn lizard ( Phrynosoma hernandesi ) have matt body , short spines on their heads , brusk legs , and a snub nose . They grow to around 6 in ( 15 cm ) , with male person smaller than females . These “ sit and wait ” predatory animal feast in the main on ants . When threatened , they can squirt roue from their eye to deter vulture .
Plateau Fence Lizard
The plateau fence lizard ( Sceloporus tristichus ) has prickly scale with colour ranging from green to brown and grey , and dark brownish cross bands . They feature metallic down patches on their bellies and throats , with males having undimmed piece . male average out 2.9 inches ( 7.5 cm ) from snout to vent . They prefer bumpy area like canyon wall and hillsides .
Western Whiptail
The Western whiptail ( Aspidoscelis tigris ) is common in the southwesterly U.S. and northern Mexico . They inhabit shrublands , comeupance , and sparse botany areas , often date in opened ironic forests and timberland . These slight lizard have grainy scales and promiscuous stripes on their upper side , with pinkish or orange dewlaps in adults . They can touch up to 12 inches ( 30 cm ) in length , with a schnozzle - to - venthole distance of 4 inches ( 10 atomic number 96 ) . newborn infant areorange to yellow with blackor browned bar or spots .
Clark’s Spiny Lizard
Clark ’s spiny lounge lizard ( Sceloporus clarkii ) is a metier to expectant reptilian , growing up to 5.25 inches ( 12.8 cm ) from snout to air out . They have pointed scales with a gray , blue , or tan base , a purpleness stripe down their back , and individual yellow scales on the sides . Males have a blue dewlap and bay window , while females havered to orange headsduring mating season . They dwell semi - waterless and arid regions , hatful slopes , rocks , and sometimes trees , often found under boulders .
Gila Monster
The Gila monster ( Heloderma suspectum ) is the only poisonous lounge lizard in Arizona , growing up to two base ( 60 cm ) . It ’s easy - moving and not a literal menace to humans , with black scales andyellow to pinkmarkings . male have larger triangular heads compared to females . Preferring succulent deserts , woodlands , and scrublands , they hide in tunnel or under rocks and hit it up in puddle after rains . Their maliciousness is as toxic as that of the westerly diamondback rattler , make pain , weakness , and hydrops .
Greater Earless Lizard
The greater earless lounge lizard ( Cophosaurus texanus ) grows up to seven inches ( 18 centimeter ) , with male person larger than females . Males have two black stripes in front of their hind legs ; females have one behind each second joint . They own two throat folds , large eyes , and can find out despite lacking outside ear scuttle . dynamic during the daylight , they hibernate in winter . When threatened , they wag their tails , do get-up-and-go - ups , head bob , and compress their bodies . They have a roue fistula on their headspring , enabling them to spray lineage at predators to escape .
Western Banded Gecko
The Western band gecko ( Coleonyx variegatus ) reaches up to six inch ( 15 curium ) in length , with a sandy - colour trunk sport dark cross bands and transportable eyelids . Found in comeuppance , timber , and grassland , they hunt lowly spiders and insects at nighttime . When threatened , they may break their tails or lift them to mimicscorpionsand deter predator .
Regal Horned Lizard
The regal horned lizard ( Phrynosoma solare ) is a small , flat lizard with spikes all over its body , featuring a prominent regal car horn . It can get through up to four inches ( 11 centimetre ) from beak to ventilate and has a yellow / chocolate-brown or grey-headed coloration with red splodge . Found in southeastern Arizona , they prefer gently swill , sparsely vegetated terrain in hot and dry climate .
Sonoran Spotted Whiptail
The Sonoran spotted whiptail ( Aspidoscelis sonorae ) is a medium - sized lizard , growing up to 3.5 inches from snout to vent and 12 in in full length . They have a pointed snout and slender consistency , dark to brownness with six yellow chevron . find in grasslands , woodlands , and desert shrubs .
Common Chuckwalla
The common chuckwalla ( Sauromalus ater ) is a large lizard with a flat body , rounded tummy , and blunt - tipped tail , reach up to 20 inches in distance and weigh up to 9 kilogram . They have humble scales covering the dead body and declamatory scale protecting the auricle curtain raising . Adult male haveblack heads , pelvic part , and shoulders , with a clear tan mid - body and brown speckles , while female are brown with disconsolate ruddy spots . Juveniles have broad banding on their bodies and stern , which fade with age . They hide in stone crevices to avert predator and bask in the morning time sunlight .
Mediterranean House Gecko
The Mediterranean house gecko ( Hemidactylus turcicus ) is minuscule , extend to up to 5.9 inches ( 15 curium ) , with large eye lacking palpebra , tan skin , and black patch . Some have tail stripes . They possess rounded snout , concave brow , ear openings , and moderate - sized bodies and limbs . Their depressed , cylindric rear taper at the end . Some are translucent with visible spots , while others appear moody . They attempt darkness to get off predatory animal .
Eastern Collared Lizard
The Eastern cop lounge lizard ( Crotaphytus collaris ) is accredit by its two opprobrious bands around the neck . Adults have green scales with yellow , blue , brown , and olive chromaticity ; females are thudding . Both sexes have large heads andwhite stomach . They ’re adept at running on their hind leg , pass over stride three time their body duration . Preferring rough areas , they populate grassland , desert shrubs , and sage brush .
