Species Reptiles & AmphibiansCommon Chuckwalla

Common Chuckwalla

Sauromalus ater

CommonReptile & Amphibian
Illustration of Common Chuckwalla (Sauromalus ater)

The Common Chuckwalla is a large, plant-eating lizard of the Mojave and Sonoran deserts. When threatened, it wedges itself into rock crevices and inflates its body with air, making it nearly impossible to remove.

Habitat
Rocky desert and lava flows with creosote bush and other desert shrubs
Diet
Flowers, leaves, and fruits of desert plants
How common
Common

Best time to see a Common Chuckwalla

The best time to see a Common Chuckwalla is March–May, when about 74% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 9,228 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Recent Common Chuckwalla sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

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