Description

• Sceloporus utiformis is a medium-sized spiny lizard in the family Phrynosomatidae. It has a robust body, strongly keeled and spiny dorsal scales, a relatively long tail, and well-developed limbs. Adults are typically grey, brown, or olive with darker mottling and pale markings; males may develop blue or turquoise colouring on the throat and belly.

Range

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

Habitat

• It inhabits tropical dry forest, thorn woodland, scrub, rocky slopes, forest edges, clearings, and disturbed areas, particularly in warm lowland and foothill environments. It is primarily terrestrial but readily climbs onto rocks, tree trunks, fences, and fallen logs to bask and forage.

Diet

• Sceloporus utiformis is primarily insectivorous, feeding on ants, beetles, grasshoppers, caterpillars, spiders, and other small arthropods. It is an active visual predator and may occasionally take small lizards or other suitably sized animal prey.