Xantusia riversiana Cope, 1883

Nomenclature and Congener Comparison

Commonly known as the island night lizard, Xantusia riversiana Cope, 1883 is significantly larger than the desert night lizard (Xantusia vigilis), another species in the same genus that is found in southern California.

Body Length

Excluding its tail, the island night lizard usually measures between 2.6 and 4.3 inches (6.6 and 10.9 cm) in length.

Lifespan

Its typical lifespan ranges from 11 to 13 years, though some individuals are estimated to have lived 30 years or longer.

Coloration and Patterning

The lizard's base color varies across a spectrum from pale ash gray and beige to brown and black, and its patterning may be uniform, mottled, or striped.

Preferred Habitat

The island night lizard prefers to live in coastal scrub habitats consisting of dense boxthorn and cacti thickets.

Reproductive Mode

Like other night lizards in the family Xantusiidae, the island night lizard is ovoviviparous, meaning it gives birth to live young instead of laying eggs.