Petrosaurus mearnsi (Stejneger, 1894)

Body Shape

Petrosaurus mearnsi is an extremely flat-bodied lizard.

Dorsal Coloration

Its dorsal side is colored olive, brown, or gray, and marked with white or bluish spots.

Scale and Marking Features

This species has a single black collar, a banded tail, granular scales covering its body, and keeled scales on its tail and limbs.

Adult Size

Adult individuals reach a snout-to-vent length of 6.2 to 8.7 cm (2.4 to 3.4 inches).

Sexual Dimorphism

Males have more distinct throat patterns and brighter blue coloring than females.

Geographic Range

Petrosaurus mearnsi is endemic to extreme southern California in the United States and Baja California, Mexico, and it also occurs on Isla El Muerto.

Habitat

This lizard is associated with boulder hillsides; in Baja California, its range extends into chaparral and pinyon-juniper woodlands.

Reproduction

Gravid female Petrosaurus mearnsi lay eggs between June and August, and clutch sizes range from 2 to 6 eggs.