# Southern Sagebrush Lizard (*Sceloporus vandenburgianus*) The Southern Sagebrush Lizard is a small, colorful lizard that loves to bask in the sun. It has a special talent for blending in with its surroundings to stay safe from predators. - **Category:** [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/reptile) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Desert ![Southern Sagebrush Lizard](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Sceloporus_graciosus_ssp._vandenburgianus.jpg&width=800) Photo: Madeleine Claire, CC BY 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sceloporus_graciosus_ssp._vandenburgianus.jpg) ## Appearance The Southern Sagebrush Lizard is a small reptile, typically brownish-grey or olive with rough, keeled scales. Males display striking blue patches on their throat and belly, especially during breeding. It often has a faint light stripe running down each side of its back. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Squamata - **Order:** Lacertilia - **Family:** Phrynosomatidae - **Genus:** Sceloporus ## Interesting facts - A Southern Sagebrush Lizard's diet helps control insect populations in its habitat. - Their rough scales give them a spiky feel, protecting them from some predators. - These lizards often 'do push-ups' to show off or mark their territory! - When it's super hot, they hide in shade to stay cool! ## Special abilities - **Camouflage Master:** Southern Sagebrush Lizard can change its body color slightly to blend perfectly with rocks and sandy ground, helping them hide from predators. - **Quick Escape Artist:** Southern Sagebrush Lizard can dart away at incredible speeds when threatened, using its agility to quickly disappear into dense cover. - **Sun-Powered Thermoregulator:** Southern Sagebrush Lizard has a special ability to bask in the sun, which helps them warm up and become active for hunting. - **Tail Breakaway:** Southern Sagebrush Lizard can detach its tail if a predator grabs it, allowing them to escape while the tail wiggles to distract. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 10-20 cm - **Weight:** 0.005-0.015 kg - **Lifespan:** 3-5 years - **Speed:** 15 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 2-10 - **Incubation:** 45-60 days ## Diet & Feeding These small lizards mainly feast on insects and tiny invertebrates they find among the plants. - **Primary Foods:** Ants, Beetles, Spiders, Crickets, Small Caterpillars - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [California Kingsnake](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-kingsnake) (*Lampropeltis californiae*) — A common snake predator in its range. - **Eaten by:** [Greater Roadrunner](https://www.snappit.app/explore/greater-roadrunner) (*Geococcyx californianus*) — Quick birds that hunt lizards on the ground. - **Eats:** Honeypot Ant (*Myrmecocystus mimicus*) — An easy-to-catch insect found in its habitat. - **Eaten by:** [Red-tailed Hawk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/red-tailed-hawk) (*Buteo jamaicensis*) — Large raptor that hunts from above. ## Traits - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [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. - [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 If you see a lizard, it's best to watch it from a distance and not try to catch it. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Southern Sagebrush 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 Southern Sagebrush Lizard? 10-20 cm ### How much does Southern Sagebrush Lizard weigh? 0.005-0.015 kg ### How long does Southern Sagebrush Lizard live? 3-5 years ### How fast can Southern Sagebrush Lizard move? 15 km/h ### What does Southern Sagebrush Lizard eat? These small lizards mainly feast on insects and tiny invertebrates they find among the plants. ### Where is Southern Sagebrush Lizard usually found? Desert ### How does Southern Sagebrush Lizard hunt? Foraging ## Where to spot - [Crystal Lake Recreation Area](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/crystal-lake-recreation-area) — California, US · Nature Reserve ## 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: [Southern Sagebrush Lizard: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/southern-sagebrush-lizard)