Mojave Fringe-toed Lizard

About the Mojave Fringe-toed Lizard

The Mojave fringe-toed lizard (Uma scoparia) is a species of medium-sized, white or grayish, black-spotted diurnal lizard in the family Phrynosomatidae. It is adapted to arid climates and is most commonly found in sand dunes within the Mojave Desert. Fringe-toed lizards are characterized by their fringed scales on their hind toes which make locomotion in loose sand possible.

The Mojave fringe-toed lizard is a flat-bodied lizard with smooth skin. Like other members of the Uma genus, they also have prominent elongated scales which form a fringe on the sides of their hind toes.. The color of its skin resembles the environment it inhabits, ranging from a tannish white to a grayish white, and likely contains small black spots along its back. On its underside, there are up to three crescent-shaped throat markings which are characteristic of the Mojave fringe-toed lizard. Also characteristic of this species are the dark bands on its tail and dark blotches on the sides of its belly. During breeding season, the dark spots on its belly-sides turn pink, and its underside turns pale-yellow. The length of this lizard's tail matches the length of its body, with the whole organism... Wikipedia →