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Common side-blotched lizard
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The common side-blotched lizard is a species of side-blotched lizard in the family Phrynosomatidae. The species is native to dry regions of the western United States and northern Mexico. It is notable
Joshua Tree NP Desert Side blotched Lizard 1
Joshua Tree NP Desert Side blotched Lizard 1
Image of common side-blotched lizard. A distinguishing feature of this species is the dark blotch behind the front leg, which is clearly seen in this
Image of common side-blotched lizard. A distinguishing feature of this species is the dark blotch behind the front leg, which is clearly seen in this image. The dark blotch is generally less prominent in females than in this male.
The male (pictured above) is more brightly colored than the female and is usually distinguished by the presence of blue spots on its back, especially
The male (pictured above) is more brightly colored than the female and is usually distinguished by the presence of blue spots on its back, especially near the base of the tail. Also, the base of the tail is swollen in the male.
Image of common side-blotched lizards mating. The male lizard is on the right, and the female lizard is on the left.
Image of common side-blotched lizards mating. The male lizard is on the right, and the female lizard is on the left.
Autotomy
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Autotomy is the behaviour whereby an animal sheds or discards an appendage, usually as a self-preservation mechanism to elude a predator's grasp or to distract the predator and thereby allow escape. S
Common side-blotched lizard
…proceed to run away. Tail length is important in the determination of dominance hierarchies. Like many other lizard species, side-blotched lizards use tail autotomy as an escape mechanism. However, a reduction in tail length also confers a loss of social status for both males and females. Males will autotomize their…
A white-headed dwarf gecko with tail lost due to autotomy
A white-headed dwarf gecko with tail lost due to autotomy
A lizard tail shed by autotomy
A lizard tail shed by autotomy
The conspicuous change in the tail pattern of this marbled gecko indicates regeneration after autotomy.
The conspicuous change in the tail pattern of this marbled gecko indicates regeneration after autotomy.
A fish scale gecko showing both autotomized scales and tail
A fish scale gecko showing both autotomized scales and tail