Sceloporus sp.

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kschnei1
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Joined: May 18th, 2011, 7:51 pm

Sceloporus sp.

Post by kschnei1 »

Hi all,

I found a number of lizards up on fence posts recently in Colusa County - here is a photograph of one of them on iNat:

http://www.inaturalist.org/observations/2904887

Although I assumed they were S. occidentalis, my photographs seemed to show a rust-colored axilla and a dark band in front of the forelimb, suggesting S. graciosus? I'm confused - any tips on separating these two species from photos would be appreciated!

Thanks,
Ken
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Owen
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Joined: June 11th, 2010, 12:35 am
Location: San Jose', Northern Catcrapistan

Re: Sceloporus sp.

Post by Owen »

occidentalis.

The yellow on the hind legs is a dead giveaway.
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Brian Hubbs
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Re: Sceloporus sp.

Post by Brian Hubbs »

Also the fact that the only Scelop in the valley or foothills is the Northwestern Fence Lizard... :)
hellihooks
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Re: Sceloporus sp.

Post by hellihooks »

S. graciosus has white on the back of it's legs, as opposed to yellow (as Owen pointed out) in occidentalis... easy tell... even when running away... :crazyeyes:
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