Striped plateau lizard
The striped plateau lizard, scientifically known as Sceloporus virgatus, is a small lizard native to the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains of Mexico and parts of the southwestern United States. It is characterized by distinct light stripes on its dorsolateral sides and a gray, brown, or tan body, with males exhibiting more vivid coloration and specific scale and pore features related to signaling aggression and territory. These diurnal lizards are terrestrial and inhabit temperate forests and savannas, preying on insects and arthropods through an ambush technique.
Key Facts
- ›Characterized by two whiteish-yellow stripes on its dorsolateral sides.
- ›Males are sexually dimorphic, showing more VIVID colors, enlarged post-anal scales, and swollen tail bases.
- ›Inhabits temperate forests, savannas, wooded canyons, and ravines, favoring rough ground surfaces.
- ›Primarily an invertivore, preying on insects and arthropods using an ambush method.
- ›Communicates through visual displays (head-bobs, color) and chemical signals to defend territories.
- ›Listed as 'least concern' by the IUCN, though population fragmentation could affect genetic diversity.
Striped Plateau Lizard
Southeastern Arizona, United States, Southwestern New Mexico, United States, Chiricahua Mountains, United States, Peloncillo Mountains, United States, Guadalupe Mountains, United States, Animas Mountains, United States, Sierra Madre Occidental, Mexico, Chihuahua, Mexico
Temperate Forest, Moist Savanna, Wooded Canyons, Ravines, Oak Woodlands, Pine Forests
- Average Body Mass of 9.35 Grams and Average Body Length of 48.2 mm.
- Distinctive Whiteish-Yellow Stripes On Dorsolateral Sides.
- Body Color Is Gray, Brown, Or Tan Between Stripes.
- Delineated By Two Vertical Rows of Lightly Shaded Spots With Dark Edges.
- Another Lightly Shaded Lateral Stripe Runs From Neck To Groin.
- Ventral Underside Is Solid Cream-Colored.
- Adults May Have A Small, Faint Green Or Pale Blue Spot Ventrally Near the Throat.
- Males Are Smaller, Less Than 61 mm In Length, With More Vivid Striping and Throat Patches.
- Males Have Enlarged Post-Anal Scales and Swollen Tail Bases.
- Scales Run Diagonally Upward and Backward On the Dorsal Side, More Noticeable In Males.
- Scales With Pores Are Notched Posteriorly, Most Noticeable In Males.
Insects, Arthropods
- Diurnal, Active During the Daytime.
- Seeks Shelter and Is Inactive In Cold Temperatures and Extreme Heat.
- Defends Territories Against Individuals of the Same Sex.
- Male-Female Interactions Are Ruled By Courtship.
- Uses Visual Motion and Chemical Signals For Communication.
- Males Use Blue Belly Patches To Indicate Aggression.
- Locomotion Involves Running and Climbing.
- Prey Capture Via Sudden Ambush Technique .
- Population Fragmentation Impacting Genetic Diversity
About Striped plateau lizard
The striped plateau lizard, scientifically designated as Sceloporus virgatus, is a species of lizard belonging to the Sceloporus genus, known for its complex signaling behaviors. Originating from the northern Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range and extending into parts of the southwestern United States, this species is characterized by its relatively small size and distinctive dorsal stripes. The name "virgatus" is Latin for "of twigs" or "rodlike," referencing the prominent light stripe with a darker band beneath it on its back.
Physical Characteristics
Adult striped plateau lizards typically measure less than 72 mm (2.8 inches) in total length, with an average body length of about 48.2 mm (1.90 inches) and an average mass of 9.35 grams (0.330 oz). Their bodies are generally gray, brown, or tan, marked by two prominent whiteish-yellow stripes on the dorsolateral sides. Between these stripes, faint, dark-edged spots are often present. A less distinct lateral stripe runs along each side from the neck to the groin. The underside is a solid cream color, though adult males may exhibit faint green or pale blue spots near the throat, which can develop into more vivid orange in reproductive females. Males are notably smaller than females, with more vivid coloration, less distinct dorsal spotting, and possess enlarged post-anal scales and swollen tail bases, features that are more noticeable and related to signaling.
Habitat and Distribution
This species is primarily terrestrial and montane, preferring habitats such as temperate forests, moist savannas, wooded canyons, and ravines. They are commonly found in mixed pine and oak woods, as well as along streams in oak woodlands. The striped plateau lizard favors hard, rough surfaces like rocks, leaf litter, and scattered grasses. Their geographical range includes southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico in the United States, extending south into the Sierra Madre Occidental and southern Chihuahua in Mexico. Historically, their habitat was more contiguous, but climatic and environmental changes have led to geographical isolation.
Behavior and Reproduction
Striped plateau lizards are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day and seek shelter during periods of extreme heat or cold. They exhibit territorial behaviors, with males being more aggressive in defending their space. Communication involves a sophisticated combination of visual cues, such as head-bobbing and the display of colored belly patches (especially blue in males, signaling aggression), and chemical signals. They are oviparous, laying clutches of three to eighteen eggs, typically at the beginning of the summer rainy season. Hatchlings emerge in late August and September. Their diet consists of insects and arthropods, which they capture using a sedentary ambush strategy.
Conservation
Currently, the striped plateau lizard is classified as 'least concern' by the IUCN Red List, indicating a stable population. While some protected areas harbor the species, no direct conservation actions are presently deemed necessary. However, the fragmentation of their populations is recognized as a potential threat to genetic diversity in the future.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the striped plateau lizard look like?
The striped plateau lizard is recognized by its two whiteish-yellow stripes along its dorsolateral sides, set against a gray, brown, or tan body. It also features faint, dark-edged spots and a solid cream-colored underside. Males display these features more vividly than females and possess unique scale and pore structures.
Where does the striped plateau lizard live?
This species is found in mountainous regions, specifically in the northern Sierra Madre Occidental of Mexico and extending into southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico in the United States. They prefer temperate forests, wooded canyons, ravines, and moist savannas, often on rough ground surfaces.
What does the striped plateau lizard eat?
The striped plateau lizard is an invertivore, meaning its diet consists mainly of insects and other arthropods. They employ a 'sit-and-wait' ambush technique to capture their prey, remaining sedentary until an opportunity arises.
How does the striped plateau lizard communicate?
Sceloporus virgatus utilizes a combination of visual and chemical signals for communication. Males use head-bobbing displays and color, particularly blue patches on their bellies, to signal aggression and define territories. Chemical signals also play a role in territorial identification.
What is the conservation status of the striped plateau lizard?
The striped plateau lizard is currently listed as 'least concern' on the IUCN Red List, indicating a stable population. However, the fragmentation of its populations is noted as a potential future concern for genetic diversity.
Are there differences between male and female striped plateau lizards?
Yes, they are sexually dimorphic. Males are typically smaller, have more vivid coloration, enlarged post-anal scales, and swollen tail bases. They also show more distinct dorsal spotting and use their blue belly patches more prominently for aggression signaling.
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