| Plateau fence lizard | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Iguania |
| Family: | Phrynosomatidae |
| Genus: | Sceloporus |
| Species: | S. tristichus |
| Binomial name | |
| Sceloporus tristichus Cope, 1875 | |
The plateau fence lizard (Sceloporus tristichus) is a species of spiny lizard in the family Phrynosomatidae. [1]
At up to 80 millimetres (3.1 in) from snout to vent, [2] the plateau fence lizard is a grayish, brownish, or greenish lizard. The upper side of its body has keeled scales and there is a series of narrow dark brown cross-bands on both sides of the midline. An elongated metallic blue patch can be found on each side of the belly and each side of the throat. [3]
Males are typically smaller than females, as with many squamates, with males and females in Montezuma County, Colorado measuring 63 mm (2.5 in) and 67 mm (2.6 in), respectively. [3]
The plateau fence lizard is generally found in central Arizona, southwestern Utah, western Colorado, and the San Luis Valley. [3] It can also be found in parts of New Mexico and Wyoming. [4]
The plateau fence lizard generally dwells in rocky and wooded areas, [2] making use of canyon walls, boulder-strewn hillsides, fallen tree trunks, and other debris and vantage points. [3]
The plateau fence lizard is inactive during cold periods and the hottest part of the day in summer. [4]
The lizard consumes mainly insects, spiders, and other arthropods. [4]
Media related to Sceloporus tristichus at Wikimedia Commons