Desert
Spiny Lizard
Sceloporus magister
Body length: 3 1/4 - 5 1/2"
Diet: Insects, lizards, and sometimes plant parts
The desert spiny lizard is similar to the Clark's but lacks bands on the forearms.
At Tonto National Monument, this species is found primarily on rocks and in sandy
desert on the lower bajada slopes, whereas Clark's
spiny lizards are found in trees at higher elevations. Both species occur
in the area of the Visitor Center.
These two species share a distinct appearance: a dark, large head, a black shoulder
wedge, heavy limbs, a spiny appearance, and a short tail. The "spines"
are actually rough scales that no doubt make them a hard swallow for many predators.
NPS
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Updated
May 8, 2005