<< Previous Next >>

Spiny Desert Lizard


Spiny Desert Lizard
Photo Information
Copyright: Manyee Desandies (manyee) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3089 W: 230 N: 6774] (23770)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2005-04-30
Categories: Reptiles
Camera: Canon Powershot S1-IS
Photo Version: Original Version, Workshop
Theme(s): Lizards - Lagartos - Lézards, Reptiles - Lizards, Chuckwallas, Agamas & Tegus 1 [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2005-05-04 10:24
Viewed: 6282
Points: 11
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
At the Living Desert Zoo, we spotted this beautiful lizard scurrying in the bushes. Every few minutes it would stop to do some push-ups all the while showing off its extended throbbing blue throat. It was quite a sight.

Desert Spiny Lizard
Sceloporus magister

Description:
At 3.5-5.5 inches long (excluding tail), a large spiny lizard. Called spiny due to enlarged and pointy scales, or "bluebelly,' due to blue undersides of many species. Blue patches, edged in black, run down sides of belly, joining posteriorly to cover entire groin area, mixing into brown anteriorly. Dorsal coloration dark and often flecked with metallic greens and yellows; a dark wedge, geographically variable in color, occurs on each side of neck in all populations. Adult males have blue throat patch. In females, blue belly patches may be weak or absent, and if breeding, head may have red to orange tint.
 
Biology:
A diurnal species with a reputation for being shy, desert spiny lizards are best located with binoculars, then approached slowly. Look for them at the tops of rocks. Upon approach, you may notice the lizard head-bobbing or "doing push-ups' and displaying belly patches. These displays serve several functions, depending on who sees them. Flattened to the substrate, or viewed from above, the lizard blends into its surroundings. Evolutionarily, reproductive success is greater for animals that remain hidden from predators, yet stand out when wanting to be noticed, such as when trying to attract a mate. The push-up display allows for otherwise hidden areas to be seen by a target audience that may include others of the same species, similar species competing for resources, or predators. Males, which have the most brightly colored bellies, must defend territories against invading males, and attract mates. Females are better served by less obvious coloration. This difference between the sexes, termed sexual dimorphism, is analogous to antlers on elk. A competing male seeing a displaying male may "keep its distance.' A female may be attracted and even enticed to mate. To us, a bobbing lizard may seem an easy target. It may be the lizard's way of saying "I see you, don't bother.' If scared into hiding, it will likely re-emerge shortly, allowing spectators to observe at a distance.

Breeding occurs in early summer; hatchlings appear August to September. In warmer months, most of the day is spent basking and feeding. A generalized feeder, the desert spiny opportunistically consumes arthropods, other lizards, and occasionally plant material. It uses ambush, as well as active foraging strategy. Its predators include roadrunners, hawks, snakes, and bullfrogs. Desert spiny lizards hibernate in winter, except for brief activity on warmest days.

Source
thistle, dew77, carper, sAner, glazzaro has marked this note useful
Only registered TrekNature members may rate photo notes.
Add Critique [Critiquing Guidelines] 
Only registered TrekNature members may write critiques.
Discussions
ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To sandpiper2: Thanks : )manyee 1 05-06 00:35
You must be logged in to start a discussion.

Critiques [Translate]

Nice shot Manyee!
The lizard is really beutiful and you've captured it well. I think the BG and FG is a bit too bright. Probably the sun was harsh and this are the results.
Anyway, the shot is very good and I like it.
Well done!

  • Great 
  • carper Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1973 W: 119 N: 2582] (8439)
  • [2005-05-04 10:59]

yes Manyee,
I like the good job here, it is a shame you have no capture from the other side, but even I like the good details and the pov and the great colours, very good note too, very good job

  •      
  • sAner Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1455 W: 74 N: 1426] (4750)
  • [2005-05-04 12:35]

Hi Manyee, unusual POV (it would have been better if you took him from the side or the front), but colors are very good. Details are sharp. It's a beautiful lizard. Well done & TFS!

Regards,
Pieter

Nice shot Manyee!
Good composition and details, the lizard is stunning.
Great colours, the Bg is too busy Imo.

Good work, Tfs!

Interesting lizard, almost looks armour plated with those thick scales. Anew one for me. The appears slightly out of focus and the background is disturbing. i have done a small workshop to suggest improvements.

Good detail in the scales, nice color, and you kept the exposure in an environment in which the SUN seems to be strong. Good work.

Very good photo. I love the position. Nice ligths and collors

Calibration Check
















0123456789ABCDEF