Scientific name: Uta stansburiana
Common name: Side-Blotched Lizard
Size: 1.57-2.36 in (4.0-6.0 cm)
Distinguishing characters: A small species; a conspicuous bluish-black blotch on each side behind the forelimbs; dorsum blotched or spotted with blue, orange, yellow, brown and/or black; whitish to grey on venter; orange or light blue patch on throat, and no blue belly patches.
Juveniles: Similar to adult female in pattern; lacks blue-black spots on sides.
Dimorphism: Male has swollen tail base, blue and yellow flecks on mid-
dorsal side, and enlarged postanal scales; female lacks blue and yellow mid-dorsal flecks and is blotched dorsally in brown and black.
Similar species: Sceloporus occidentalis: Have keeled, pointed dorsal scales; lack bluish-black spots on side behind forelimb.
Additional notes: A common species throughout the study area, but prefers open habitats with rock or sand.. This lizard is very common on the back dunes and south of the river along the mesa tops and steep slopes.
