Ornate Tree Lizard
Urosaurus ornatus
Conservation Status
Least ConcernReptilia · Phrynosomatidae
About
Urosaurus ornatus, commonly known as the ornate tree lizard, is a species of lizard in the family Phrynosomatidae. The species is native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. The species, which was formerly called simply the "tree lizard", has been used to study physiological changes during the fight-or-flight response as related to stress and aggressive competition. Its life history and costs of reproduction have been documented in field populations in New Mexico and Arizona. This species has been fairly well studied because of its interesting variation in throat color in males that can correlate with different reproductive strategies,
Fun Fact
Male ornate tree lizards have three distinct throat color morphs with different reproductive strategies — orange males are aggressive, blue males are patient, and orange-blue males switch tactics.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.
Diet
Feeds on mostly insects and their larvae, but have also been known to eat plants and vegetables as well as inanimate objects thinking they were food.
Lifespan
To be updated
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance