Type of Scales: Keeled

The Desert Side-blotched Lizard is a primary terrestrial lizard that inhabits West and parts of the panhandle regions of Texas. Side-blotched Lizards are named for the unique black mark that is right behind their front legs. They grow to around five inches long. Although they are not as fast as Whiptails or Racerunners, but still fast enough to make it hard to grab by hand. Instead of trying to out run danger, this species seeks shelter around plants, cracks and under rocks. Like other small lizards, their diet consists of insects.

This subspecies was named in honor of Leonhard Hess Stejneger, who worked under the legend, Spencer Fullerton Baird. In 1884 he was appointed assistant bird curator at the Smithsonian, and by 1911, he was the head curator for biology.

References