About Sceloporus orcutti Stejneger, 1893
Size
The granite spiny lizard (Sceloporus orcutti Stejneger, 1893) has a snout-to-vent length (SVL) ranging from 7.6–10.8 cm (3.0–4.3 in), and its maximum total length including the tail reaches 28.9 cm (11.4 in).
Dorsal Features
Its dorsal scales across the body and tail are strongly keeled and pointed, and the species has a wide purple mid-dorsal stripe.
Sexual Dimorphism
Males of the species have yellow-green scales with blue centers on their bodies, while juveniles and females have distinct yellow-tan transverse bands across both their body and tail.
Male Secondary Traits
Additionally, males have deep-blue ventral patches on the chest and throat, as well as femoral pores.
Distribution
S. orcutti is native to southern California in the United States and Baja California in Mexico.
Habitat
This colorful species can be seen perched on top of boulders even from a considerable distance, and it is primarily found living on rocky hillsides and outcrops.
Reproduction
S. orcutti reproduces by laying eggs, meaning it is oviparous.
