Sceloporus grammicus
Sceloporus grammicus, also known as the mesquite lizard or graphic spiny lizard, is a flat-bodied species found in Mexico and the southern United States. Adults typically measure between 10 and 17.5 cm in total length and display a mottled olive or gray dorsum with dark crossbars. This viviparous lizard gives birth to litters ranging from 2 to 12 offspring.
Key Facts
- ›Native to Mexico and the southern United States (Texas).
- ›Adults have a total body length of 10-17.5 cm.
- ›Dorsum is olive or gray with dark crossbars.
- ›Males have distinct blue patches and black mottling on their throat and belly.
- ›Reproduction is viviparous, with litters of 2-12 young.
- ›Four subspecies are recognized.
Mesquite Lizard, Graphic Spiny Lizard, Mesquite Graphic Lizard, Southern Mesquite Lizard, Northern Mesquite Lizard, Tamaulipas Mesquite Lizard
Mexico, United States
- Flat-Bodied Lizard.
- Tail Is Slightly Longer Than Head-Body Length.
- Adult Total Body Length Varies Between 10 and 17.5 cm .
- Dorsum Is Mottled Olive Or Gray With 3–6 Dark Crossbars.
- Forelegs and Tail Have Narrow Crossbars.
- Males Possess Blue Patches and Black Mottling On the Throat, A Dark Line On Each Shoulder, and Blue Patches On the Sides of the Belly, Sometimes Bordered In Black.
Insects, Other Small Invertebrates
- Active During the Day .
- Arboreal Tendencies, Often Found On Mesquite Trees.
About Sceloporus grammicus
Sceloporus grammicus, commonly known as the mesquite lizard or graphic spiny lizard, is a species of lizard native to Mexico and the southern United States, primarily in the state of Texas. It is characterized by its flat body and a tail that is slightly longer than its head and body length. Adult specimens typically range from 10 to 17.5 centimeters in total body length.
Physical Characteristics
The dorsum of Sceloporus grammicus is typically a mottled olive or gray color, featuring a pattern of three to six dark crossbars. These crossbars are also evident, though narrower, on the forelegs and tail. Males can be distinguished from females by the presence of blue patches and black mottling on their throat, a dark line on each shoulder, and blue patches on the sides of their belly, which may be bordered by black.
Reproduction and Habitat
This species is viviparous, meaning it gives birth to live young. Litter sizes can vary, with typically between 2 and 12 offspring produced. Females reach sexual maturity when their snout-to-vent length is between 34 and 74 millimeters. While specific habitat details are not extensively provided, its common name suggests an association with mesquite trees, indicating it likely inhabits arid or semi-arid environments where such vegetation is found.
Subspecies
Four subspecies of Sceloporus grammicus are recognized, reflecting variations across its geographic range. These include the nominate race, Sceloporus grammicus grammicus, along with Sceloporus grammicus disparilis, Sceloporus grammicus microlepidotus, and Sceloporus grammicus tamaulipensis.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common names for Sceloporus grammicus?
Sceloporus grammicus is commonly referred to as the mesquite lizard or the graphic spiny lizard. These names reflect its habitat and distinctive markings.
Where is Sceloporus grammicus found?
This lizard species is native to Mexico, appearing in several states including Chihuahua, Durango, and Oaxaca. It is also found in the southern United States, specifically in the state of Texas.
What does Sceloporus grammicus look like?
Sceloporus grammicus is a flat-bodied lizard with a tail slightly longer than its head and body. Its back is typically olive or gray with three to six dark crossbars, and its legs and tail also feature narrow crossbars. Males are distinguishable by blue patches and black mottling on their throat and sides of the belly.
How does Sceloporus grammicus reproduce?
Sceloporus grammicus is viviparous, meaning it gives birth to live young rather than laying eggs. Litter sizes can vary, typically ranging from 2 to 12 offspring.
What are the recognized subspecies of Sceloporus grammicus?
There are four recognized subspecies: Sceloporus grammicus disparilis, Sceloporus grammicus grammicus, Sceloporus grammicus microlepidotus, and Sceloporus grammicus tamaulipensis.
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