# Clark's Spiny Lizard (*Sceloporus clarkii*) Clark's Spiny Lizard is a colorful lizard that loves to bask in the sun. It has spiny scales that help protect it from predators and can often be seen climbing on rocks and trees. - **Category:** [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/reptile) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 4 - **Habitat:** Desert ![Clark's Spiny Lizard](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Sceloporus_clarkii.jpeg&width=800) Photo: Vicente Mata-Silva, CC BY 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sceloporus_clarkii.jpeg) ## Appearance The Clark's Spiny Lizard has rough, pointed scales giving it a spiky look. Its body is usually gray, tan, or brown with dark crossbands, helping it blend into tree bark. Males often sport bright blue patches on their throat and belly, making them stand out from females. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Squamata - **Order:** Lacertilia - **Family:** Phrynosomatidae - **Genus:** Sceloporus ## Interesting facts - Male Clark's Spiny Lizards do push-ups to show off their blue patches! - Their spiky scales help protect them from hungry predators! - These lizards love to munch on ants and spiders for their dinner! - They can drop their tail if a predator grabs it, then grow a new one! ## Special abilities - **Quick Change Artist:** Clark's Spiny Lizard can change its skin color slightly to blend with its surroundings because this helps them hide from predators and ambush prey. - **Arboreal Acrobat:** Clark's Spiny Lizard has strong claws and sticky toe pads that helps them climb trees and rocks with amazing agility. - **Solar Powered:** Clark's Spiny Lizard can regulate its body temperature by basking in the sun because this helps them warm up for daily activities. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 15-30 cm - **Weight:** 0.015-0.05 kg - **Lifespan:** 3-8 years - **Speed:** 20 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 2-17 - **Incubation:** 45-70 days ## Diet & Feeding This lizard loves to snack on insects and other small invertebrates to stay strong! - **Primary Foods:** Ants, Beetles, Crickets, Grasshoppers, Spiders, Caterpillars - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** Gophersnake (*Pituophis catenifer*) — A common snake predator in their habitat. - **Eaten by:** [Red-tailed Hawk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/red-tailed-hawk) (*Buteo jamaicensis*) — These birds of prey hunt lizards from above. - **Hunts:** Silky Ant (*Formica fusca*) — A common food source for these lizards. - **Hunts:** [Fall Field Cricket](https://www.snappit.app/explore/fall-field-cricket) (*Gryllus pennsylvanicus*) — They actively search for these noisy insects. ## Traits - [Arboreal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/arboreal): Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. - [Desert](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/desert): Desert habitats are arid regions characterized by extremely low precipitation and often extreme temperatures, supporting specialized flora and fauna. - [Spiky/Thorny](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/spiky-thorny): Possessing sharp, pointed projections or spines on the body or surface. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. ## Collections - [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/reptiles) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Always watch lizards from a distance and don't try to catch them. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Clark's Spiny Lizard? Compare toes, scales, head shape, crests and tail proportions. Many lizards can drop and regrow their tails, so a short tail isn't always a species trait. Lizard Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Clark's Spiny Lizard? 15-30 cm ### How much does Clark's Spiny Lizard weigh? 0.015-0.05 kg ### How long does Clark's Spiny Lizard live? 3-8 years ### How fast can Clark's Spiny Lizard move? 20 km/h ### What does Clark's Spiny Lizard eat? This lizard loves to snack on insects and other small invertebrates to stay strong! ### Where is Clark's Spiny Lizard usually found? Desert ### How does Clark's Spiny Lizard hunt? Foraging ## Where to spot - [Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/arizona-sonora-desert-museum) — Arizona, US · Zoo - [DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/degrazia-gallery-in-the-sun-historic-district) — Arizona, US · Historic District - [Madera Canyon](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/madera-canyon) — Arizona, US · Natural Landmark [View all places to see Clark's Spiny Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/clarks-spiny-lizard) ## More Reptiles - [Pond Slider](https://www.snappit.app/explore/pond-slider) (*Trachemys scripta*) - [Western Fence Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-fence-lizard) (*Sceloporus occidentalis*) - [Common Five-lined Skink](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-five-lined-skink) (*Plestiodon fasciatus*) - [Desert Spiny Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/desert-spiny-lizard) (*Sceloporus magister*) --- Source: [Clark's Spiny Lizard: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/clarks-spiny-lizard)