Mojave Fringe-toed Lizard

The Mojave fringe-toed lizard (Uma scoparia) is in the family Phrynosomatidae, the family of the North American spiny lizards. Fringe-toed lizards are medium-sized lizards and seem to be completely restricted to a sand-dwelling existence (Norris 1958, p. 253). The concealing coloration of fringe-toed lizards is striking, being one of the best examples of this phenomenon among North American vertebrates. Adults of the species have a yellow-green wash on the belly and pink on the sides during breeding periods, but during other times of year, the Mojave fringe-toed lizard's color mimics the sand dunes on which they dwell (Norris 1958, p. 253). The Mojave fringe-toed lizard is omnivorous throughout its life. They primarily feed on insects, but will also eat seeds and flowers (Stebbins 1944, p. 329). Annual plant species provide important forage during the springtime, though the reliance on vegetative plant species may diminish during the summer with increased arthropod availability (Stebbins 1944, p. 329). The Mojave fringe-toed lizard derives most of its water from arthropod and plant food.