(Female) Granite Spiny Lizard

Description:

Rusty to gray colored lizard with rough scales and is heavily banded. "A large, dark, lizard with large pointed keeled scales, a triangular dark wedge on the sides of the neck, and dark bands across the body. Often these crossbands are not visible when a lizard is in its dark phase and the body color matches the bands. Scales are more strongly keeled on the tail, giving it a more prickly appearance. Males have blue on the throat and belly, and yellow and blue markings on the back along with a wide purple stripe on the back. Males also have enlarged femoral pores and a swollen tail base. Females have more distinct crossbands than males and no blue and purple coloring above or below. " - California Herps

Habitat:

On trail in riparian area. "Ranges from the northern side of San Gorgonio Pass south along the lower slopes of the Peninsular ranges into Baja California where it ranges almost to the cape. Found on the desert slopes of the mountains where there is sufficient plant cover, and on the coastal side inland to near the coast and north to the Santa Ana River. " - California Herps

Notes:

"Eats small invertebrates, small lizards, and occasionally fruits and flowers." - California Herps