Texas Spiny Lizard

What it is

The Texas spiny lizard (Sceloporus olivaceus) is a species of phrynosomatid lizard native to the south central United States, in the states of Texas and Oklahoma, and northeastern Mexico in the states of Coahuila, Nuevo León, Tamaulipas, and San Luis Potosí. They are quite common throughout their range, where they can be found in trees or on fences.

Where and when to find it

Habitat

You'll find them in Texas and parts of Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas. They like trees, fences, and rocky areas.

How to find it

Look on tree trunks, fence posts, or rock walls where the sun shines. They are very still when sunbathing and can be hard to spot.

Best time of day

Mid-morning to late afternoon on warm, sunny days.

How it lives

What it eats

Insects like grasshoppers, beetles, ants, and spiders.

What eats it

Snakes, roadrunners, hawks, larger lizards.

Worth knowing

• They can adjust their body temperature by moving into or out of the sun.
• When threatened, they often scamper up a tree or wall very quickly.
• Their rough, spiny scales give them protection from predators.
• Male Texas Spiny Lizards often have bright blue patches on their sides and throat.
• If you see one doing 'push-ups,' it's probably a male showing off!
• They are quite quick and can be tricky to catch if they don't want to be seen.

Why it matters

Texas Spiny Lizards help control insect populations. They are also a food source for birds and snakes, linking parts of the food web.