Side-blotched Lizard

Uta stansburiana elegans

A small brownish-gray lizard with conspicuous dark blotches on its sides basks on a rock in the morning sun. Its small size allows it to warm up quickly, so it’s often the first lizard to be running around, searching for insects. Males have blue speckles on their backs, and will use push-up displays to defend their territory. Like the San Diego Alligator Lizard, the Side-Blotched can detach its tail to confuse predators.

Fun Fact:
The first lizard up and about in the early morning is usually the Side-blotched Lizard.

What’s for Lunch:
Beetles, grasshoppers, ants, spiders and ticks

Where’s Home:
Chaparral