Side-blotched Lizard
by Robert Bales
Title
Side-blotched Lizard
Artist
Robert Bales
Medium
Photograph - Photo
Description
Out doing a little geochacing in the Sonoran Desert and found many of these lizards and this one stayed in one position for a long time.
The common side-blotched lizard (Uta stansburiana) is a species of side-blotched lizard found on the Pacific Coast of North America. It is notable for having a unique form of polymorphism wherein each of the three different male morphs utilizes a different strategy in acquiring mates. The three morphs compete against each other following a pattern of rock, paper, scissors, where one morph has advantages over another but is outcompeted by the third.
The Side-blotched Lizard is one of the most abundant and commonly observed lizards in the West's drier regions. This lizard is one of the first to appear in the spring and last to hibernate in the late fall.
Dry areas that are sandy or gravelly with rocks and scattered plants. Found in elevations from below sea level to 9,000 feet
This common lizard thrives in the arid regions of the West. Due to its small size, this lizard can heat up quickly; hence, it can be active on warm winter days while other lizards are in deep hibernation. This ability to be active in winter helps the lizard restore fat reserves, which are necessary for surviving the cold periods when the lizard is not active.
Uploaded
March 25th, 2015
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Viewed 645 Times - Last Visitor from New York, NY on 04/10/2024 at 11:33 PM
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Comments (17)
Ella Kaye Dickey
wonderful capture; look at those feet and toes; clear detail...enough to send me screaming :-)))
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