Uta stansburiana

Side-Blotched Lizard

Identification/Variations: Side-Blotched lizards are small, but quite colorful. They range from a dull brown to more spectacular individuals with orange and turquoise markings. They have a small blotch on their sides (hence the name) that is located just below the armpit.

Range/Habitat: These lizards are common in eastern and central Oregon, central Washington, and southwest Idaho. They are not found in northeast Oregon or west of the Cascade Mountains. Look for this lizards along rocky canyons. They can also be found in more open and sandy areas as well.

Notes: These lizards are often the most common in areas they inhabit. They are early birds in that they tend to start basking each day during the summer a bit earlier than other lizards in the area.