Ornate Tree Lizard

Urosaurus ornatus

Tree Lizards are common within the urban habitats of the Sonoran Desert such as Tucson, Phoenix and Scottsdale. This one is hunting for insects near a spring in Mesquite Wash, Maricopa Co., Arizona. Aug. 1, 2009.

A common Arizona lizard found from the Lower Sonoran Desert to fairly high in the mountains (1800 m) well into montane habitats. Note the long slender tail with two rows of keeled scales. From their perch with their acute vision they can spot small insects several meters away and will navigate around towards an attack point.

Phrynosomatidae -- North American Spiny Lizard Family

More Information:

• Reptiles of Arizona
• Wikipedia
• ITIS Taxonomic Report
• Google Images
• Google Scholar Literature Search