Reptile · GBIF taxon 2451029
Common Side-blotched Lizard
Uta stansburianaAlso known as Side-blotched Lizard
The Common Side-blotched Lizard is a small, alert lizard marked by a dark patch just behind each forelimb. Color and throat patterns vary among individuals, while quick dashes between sun and cover help regulate body temperature.
Small LizardDark Side PatchOpen Scrub
Licensed referenceJarek Tuszyński / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Ants
- Beetles
- Spiders
Predators
- Snakes
- Raptors
- Roadrunners
ThreatsHabitat conversion, road mortality, invasive vegetation, pesticide use, and free-roaming cats
HabitatsDesert scrub, coastal sage scrub, rocky slopes, dunes, grassland, and open woodland
Life spanShort-lived, commonly one to three years in the wild
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyPhrynosomatidae
- SpeciesUta stansburiana
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Do not chase or grasp small lizards because tails can detach during escape.
Responsible observation
- Marking: Look for the dark blotch immediately behind the front leg.
- Distance: Stop before the lizard leaves its basking patch.
- Timing: Watch sunny ground near cover during mild morning temperatures.
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