Coachella Valley Fringe-toed Lizard

About the Coachella Valley Fringe-toed Lizard

The Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard (Uma inornata) is a species of phrynosomatid lizard, endemic to Riverside County, California. The species is most closely related to Uma notata, the Colorado Desert fringe-toed lizard. Genetic variation within the species is small, equivalent to that of one population of Uma notata. The species population is isolated from other closely related lizards.

Total Length: 6 to 9 inches (15–23 cm). Snout-Vent Length (SVL): Females average 8.1 cm (range 7–9.9 cm), and males average 10.2 cm (range 8–12.2 cm). Body Shape: Flattened body with a shovel-shaped head for diving into sand.

Features: Elongated scales (fringes) on hind toes, specialized nostrils, and scales covering ears to navigate loose, windblown sand. Appearance: Whitish or sand-colored body (its binomial name: U. Inornata, e.g. not golden) with dark, eye-like spots (ocelli) forming shoulder stripes extending its length.

The species is well adapted to its desert habitat and has the ability to run on its two hind feet. It has a wedged-shaped nose which enables it to burrow through loose, fine sand. Elongated scales... Wikipedia →