Sceloporus merriami Stejneger, 1904

Adult Size

Adults of Sceloporus merriami, commonly called the canyon lizard, can reach a maximum snout-to-vent length (SVL) of 58 mm (2.2 in), and a maximum total length including the tail of 162 mm (6.4 in).

Scale Morphology

This species has small dorsal scales and granular lateral scales.

Dorsal Base Coloration

Its dorsal base color is gray, tan, or reddish-brown, which matches the rocks it lives on.

Dorsal and Lateral Markings

The back has four rows of dark spots, and a vertical black line located in front of the front leg.

Male Throat Markings

Males of this species have blue and black lines on the throat.

Geographic Range

Sceloporus merriami is found in Texas in the United States, and in the Mexican states of Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, and Nuevo León.

Preferred Habitat

Its preferred natural habitat is steep rocky desert areas.

Reproduction

This species is oviparous, and it buries its eggs in soil.