May 3, 2005
Recent Lizard Encounter
In the upper left, a Spiny Lizard, Sceloporus magister, probably subspecies cephaloflavus, or Orange-headed, gives a hard look and a lot of pushups to the Collared Lizard, Crotaphytus collaris, probably subspecies baileyi, or Western, in the lower right.
The Spiny Lizard, down on the ground a meter lower and 6 meters distant,spotted the Collared Lizard up on a boulder and made a hasty approach.
Both lizards are male, judging from coloration, particularly the blue patches on the throat and belly, a trait many lizard genera share.
The Spiny Lizard was clearly intent on meeting this other lizard, but whether it recognized it as male, or even as another Spiny, was unclear. At any rate, he pulled up abruptly as soon as he reached the spot you see in the photo, and launched into serious, almost Marine-style pushups for a short time. Meanwhile the Collared Lizard had his eye on the Spiny, but did not otherwise change his posture of leaning on the pebble mini-bar. After a long staredown, the Spiny and Collared walked off opposite sides of the rock at about the same time. Probably was one of those awkward moments of mistaken identity.
These photos were taken mid-April at Inscription Point, 400 meters from the Little Colorado River due east of Wupatki. The boulder is Moencopi Sandstone at the base of Ward Terrace on the Navajo Nation.
It was the beginning of breeding season for both species, both of which favor broken boulders in limestone or limey sandstones that provide hiding places and sunning surfaces.
It was probably smart for the Spiny Lizard to back off the Collared. Although roughly the same length ( 30-35 cm, or 12-14 in) and the Spiny a bit heavier, the Collared Lizard has a bigger head, bigger jaws, a feisty attitude, and a reputation for a hard bite.
Close ups of both lizards and the original showdown are below. Note the annoyed looks of both lizards. It seems no one wants their picture taken.
