Natural History

The Desert Spiny Lizard is found throughout the western US. They live mainly in arid and semi-arid desert, grassland, and dry woodland areas where vegetation and rocks provide good cover from predators. The lizards are are great climbers and are sometimes found high above the ground in trees.
 

These lizards can often be found hanging out on large rocks basking in the sun or looking for food. They primarily eat insects, but will also consume other lizards and plant matter. Breeding occurs in early summer and females lay 7-19 eggs in mid-summer. Hatchlings emerge 8-11 weeks later.