# Spiny Lizards (*Sceloporus*) Spiny lizards are small, colorful reptiles that love to bask in the sun. They have spiky scales that help them blend into their surroundings and stay safe from predators. - **Category:** [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/reptile) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 1 - **Habitat:** Desert ![Spiny Lizards](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/WesternFenceLizard.jpg&width=800) Photo: Stephen Lea, Public domain · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:WesternFenceLizard.jpg) ## Appearance The Spiny Lizards have rough, keeled scales that give them a distinctly thorny appearance. Their coloration varies, often browns, grays, or greens, helping them camouflage against rocks and tree bark. Males frequently display bright blue or orange patches on their throat and belly. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Squamata - **Order:** Lacertilia - **Family:** Phrynosomatidae - **Genus:** Sceloporus ## Interesting facts - Males do push-ups to show off and defend their territory! - Some species can survive freezing temperatures by hibernating! - Their sticky tongues can snatch tiny insects in a blink! - They often bask on hot rocks to warm their cold-blooded bodies! ## Special abilities - **Thorny Armor:** Spiny Lizards have rough, keeled scales that act like armor, protecting them from predators when they squeeze into tight spaces. - **Color Shifters:** Spiny Lizards can lighten or darken their skin to blend perfectly with rocks or tree bark, making them almost invisible. - **Sun Bathers:** Spiny Lizards carefully position their bodies to soak up sunbeams, which helps them control their body temperature. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 7-30 cm - **Weight:** 0.005-0.1 kg - **Lifespan:** 3-8 years - **Speed:** 20 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 2-25 - **Incubation:** 40-70 days ## Diet & Feeding Spiny Lizards mostly munch on small insects and spiders they find by hunting and foraging. - **Primary Foods:** Ants, Beetles, Crickets, Grasshoppers, Spiders, Caterpillars - **Foraging Method:** Ambush ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Western Diamondback Rattlesnake](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-diamondback-rattlesnake) (*Crotalus atrox*) — These snakes ambush and swallow spiny lizards whole. - **Eaten by:** [Red-tailed Hawk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/red-tailed-hawk) (*Buteo jamaicensis*) — Hawks swoop down from above to catch basking spiny lizards. - **Eats:** Pale Field Ant (*Formica pallidefulva*) — Spiny lizards actively hunt and consume these common ants. - **Eats:** Desert Darkling Beetle (*Eleodes opaca*) — Spiny lizards frequently prey on ground-dwelling desert beetles. ## Traits - [Climbing/Vine](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/climbing-vine): Climbing or vine plants are characterized by a growth habit that allows them to ascend upwards by twining, tendrils, or adhesive roots. - [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. - [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. - [Thermoregulating](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/thermoregulating): Thermoregulating organisms maintain a stable internal body temperature despite fluctuations in the external environment. - [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. ## Collections - [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/reptiles) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low If you see a lizard, watch it from a distance and don't try to touch it. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Spiny Lizards? 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 Spiny Lizards? 7-30 cm ### How much does Spiny Lizards weigh? 0.005-0.1 kg ### How long does Spiny Lizards live? 3-8 years ### How fast can Spiny Lizards move? 20 km/h ### What does Spiny Lizards eat? Spiny Lizards mostly munch on small insects and spiders they find by hunting and foraging. ### Where is Spiny Lizards usually found? Desert ### How does Spiny Lizards hunt? Ambush ## Where to spot - [Navajo Nation Zoological and Botanical Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/navajo-nation-zoological-and-botanical-park) — Arizona, US · Zoo ## 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: [Spiny Lizards: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spiny-lizards)