Common Side-blotched Lizard
Uta stansburiana
- Class
- Reptile
- Rarity
- Common
- Observations
- 62,753
- Most observed in
- 🇺🇸 United States
- Conservation
- Least Concern
Description
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 for having a unique form of polymorphism wherein each of the three different male morphs utilizes a different strategy in acquiring mates. The three morphs compete against each other following a pattern of rock paper scissors, where one morph has advantages over another but is outcompeted by the third.
Summary adapted from the Wikipedia article “Common side-blotched lizard”.