Yellow-backed Spiney Lizard
Sceloporus uniformis

 

DISTRIBUTION: In our region, Sceloporus uniformis occurs mostly in the Mojave and Great Basin Desert regions of California and Nevada, eastward to southwestern Utah. It also occurs on the western side of the California Central Valley in the Coast Ranges.

LEGAL STATUS: Sceloporus uniformis is protected in the state of California.

MEANING OF SCIENTIFIC NAME: Sceloporus uniformis ( Phelan and Brattstrom – 1955)
Genus: SceloporusGreek – skelos = leg + porus = pore or opening – ref. femoral pores on hind legs
Species: uniformis, Latin – uni = one + formis = shape — ref. lack of pattern on dorsum
Ref. Ellen Beltz 2006
Ref. E. Jaeger 1962

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