Sagebrush Lizard

The sagebrush lizard is one of six reptile species found in the park.

NPS

 

Quick Facts

Scientific name: Sceloporus graciosus

Identification

• Only lizard in Yellowstone.
• Maximum size of five inches from snout to tip of the tail; males have longer tails and may grow slightly larger than females.
• Gray or light brown with darker brown stripes on the back set inside lighter stripes on the sides, running the length of the body; stripes not always prominent and may appear as a pattern of checks down the back; underside usually cream or white.
• Males have bright blue patches on the belly and on each side, with blue mottling on the throat.

Habitat

• Usually found below 6,000 feet but in Yellowstone lives up to 8,300 feet.
• Populations living in thermally influenced areas are possibly isolated from others.
• Most common along the lower portions of the Yellowstone River near Gardiner, Montana, and upstream to the mouth of Bear Creek; also occurs in Norris, Shoshone, and Heart Lake geyser basins, and other hydrothermal areas.

Behavior

• Come out of hibernation about mid-May and active through mid-September.
• Diurnal, generally observed during warm, sunny weather in dry rocky habitats.
• During the breeding season males do push-ups on elevated perches to display their bright blue side patches to warn off other males.
• Feed on various insects and arthropods.
• Eaten by bullsnakes, terrestrial gartersnakes, prairie rattlesnakes, and some birds.
• May shed tail when threatened or grabbed.