Range: From Southern California to the cape of Baja California, Mexico.
Habitat: Granite rock outcrops in chaparral and oak woodland.
Description: Total length of up to 10.5 inches. This desert lizard has heavily keeled scales all over its body. Males are usually brighter than females with bright blue across their entire ventral surface (underside). When in light phase males have a bright purple stripe running down their back on a light blue background. Females are less colorful and tend to exhibit more browns and tans with crossbars. The difference between male and female characteristics is referred to as sexual dimorphism.
Adaptations/Habitat: These nimble and very alert lizards are very well adapted to life among the rocks. These animals may be viewed will basking in the morning sun, but seldom allow close approach in the wild. When disturbed they scramble to the nearest rock crevice where they will remain until the threat has passed.
Breeding/Growth: Granite spiny lizards are oviparous (egg-layers) and lay 6-15 eggs per clutch.
Diet: These omnivores eat invertebrates, other lizards, flowers and sometimes small fruits. Their primary diet is insects.
