The granite spiny lizard (Sceloporus orcutti) is a species of lizard in the family Phrynosomatidae.[1][2]
The epithet, orcutti, honors American naturalist Charles Russell Orcutt (1864–1929), who collected the type specimen in San Diego County, California.[2][3][4]
S. orcutti is native to southern California in the United States and Baja California in Mexico.[1][2]
The granite spiny lizard is 7.6–10.8 cm (3.0–4.3 in) snout-to-vent length (SVL). Maximum total length including the tail is 28.9 cm (11.4 in).[5] Its dorsal scales are strongly keeled and pointed on its body and tail. It has a wide purple mid-dorsal stripe. The males of the species have yellow-green and blue-centered scales on the body; juveniles and females have distinct yellow-tan transverse bands on their body and tail. Additionally, the male has deep-blue ventral patches on its chest and throat and femoral pores.
The granite spiny lizard is a colorful species that can be observed perched atop boulders from considerable distance. This species is primarily associated with rocky hillsides and outcrops.
The granite spiny lizard (Sceloporus orcutti) is a species of lizard in the family Phrynosomatidae.
