Desert Spiny Lizard

Sceloporus magister

These big, heavy-bodied lizards are great climbers and are sometimes found high above the ground in trees. This is a truly spiny species; the large rough scales of this lizard make a conspicuous scraping sound when it moves on bark or in rock crevices. It feeds mainly on insects, but will also take smaller lizards and will also occasionally feed on flowers and other plant parts. Handle these lizards with care -- their powerful jaws can deliver a painful bite.

Look For : A light-colored spiny lizard with large pointed scales and a black triangle-shaped mark on side of neck.

Length : 7-12".

Habitat : Deserts, grasslands, dry woodlands.

Range : Western Texas to southern California.