Description

• Sceloporus pyrocephalus is a small to medium-sized spiny lizard in the family Phrynosomatidae, commonly called the red-headed spiny lizard. It has a robust body, strongly keeled and spiny scales, a long tail, and relatively short limbs. Males are especially distinctive, often developing a vivid reddish-orange head and throat with blue or turquoise colouring on the sides and belly; females are generally more subdued brown or grey.

Range

• Sceloporus pyrocephalus is endemic to western Mexico, occurring along the Pacific slope. It occurs in the Zihuatanejo region and surrounding parts of coastal Guerrero.

Habitat

• It inhabits tropical dry forest, thorn woodland, scrub, rocky areas, forest edges, and open woodland, particularly in warm lowland and foothill environments. It is primarily terrestrial and often basks on rocks, tree trunks, fallen logs, and other exposed surfaces, retreating into crevices or vegetation when approached.

Diet

• Sceloporus pyrocephalus is primarily insectivorous, feeding on ants, beetles, grasshoppers, caterpillars, spiders, and other small arthropods. It is an active visual hunter and may occasionally take small vertebrate prey or other suitably sized animals.