Canyon Lizard
Sceloporus merriami
Silhouette: SeismicShrimp · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassSquamata
- FamilyPhrynosomatidae (Phrynosomatid Lizards)
- GenusSceloporus (Spiny Lizards)
- SpeciesSceloporus merriami (Canyon Lizard)
About the Canyon Lizard
Sceloporus merriami, commonly known as the canyon lizard, is a species of lizard in the family Phrynosomatidae. The species is native to the southwestern United States and adjacent northern Mexico. The specific name, merriami, is in honor of American zoologist Clinton Hart Merriam.
Sceloporus merriami is found in the United States in the state of Texas, and it is found in Mexico in the states of Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, and Nuevo León. The preferred natural habitat of Sceloporus merriami is steep rocky areas of desert.
Sceloporus merriami lives on rock faces of canyon walls, and shelters in crevices. Adults of Sceloporus merriami may reach 58 mm (2.2 in) snout-to-vent length (SVL). Including the tail, they may reach 162 mm (6.4 in) in total length. The dorsal scales are small, and the lateral scales are granular.
Dorsally, the canyon lizard is gray, tan, or reddish-brown, matching the rocks on which it lives. There are four rows of dark spots on the back, and a vertical black line in front of the front leg. Males have blue and black lines on the throat.
Sceloporus merriami... Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of Canyon Lizard in Big Bend National Park
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Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Big Bend National Park | 🇺🇸 United States |
More parks will be added in future updates.
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a Canyon Lizard in Big Bend National Park?
About 40% of wildlife watchers report a Canyon Lizard sighting in Big Bend National Park, based on 215 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see Canyon Lizard in Big Bend National Park?
September has the highest sighting rate for Canyon Lizard in Big Bend National Park in our monthly data.