Species Reptiles & AmphibiansDesert Spiny Lizard

Desert Spiny Lizard

Sceloporus magister

CommonReptile & Amphibian
Illustration of Desert Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus magister)

The Desert Spiny Lizard is a large, robust lizard of the Sonoran and Mojave deserts. Males are distinctively colored with purple, blue, and yellow markings. It is an aggressive territorial species that bites hard if caught.

Habitat
Desert scrub, rocky terrain, and Joshua tree woodland
Diet
Insects, smaller lizards, and flowers
How common
Common

Best time to see a Desert Spiny Lizard

The best time to see a Desert Spiny Lizard is March–June, when about 65% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 20,045 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Recent Desert Spiny Lizard sightings near you

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

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