Chuckwalla
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Sauromalus obesus
DESCRIPTION:
A very bulky lizard that reaches an overall length of about 16 inches (40 cm) and can weigh up to 2 pounds (.9 kg). Its thick tail is as long as its head and body which are covered with small granular scales. The chuckwalla has folds of loose skin on the sides of its neck and body. The foreparts and limbs are usually black and the rest of the body is red or light gray in the adult males. The tail tip is blunt.
When threatened the chuckwalla will seek refuge in a narrow rock crevice. It then wedges itself in by inflating its body. A diurnal lizard in the iguanid family.
They are visually oriented lizards that communicate by color and behavior displays. A combination of head-bobbing, body push-ups, and open mouth displays will attract a mate or defend a territory.
As a reptile, Chuckwallas are exothermic. Chuckwallas will bask in the sun until its body temperature rises to the preferred 100 degrees, then begin the search for food.
LIFE HISTORY:
Life Span: Up to 25 years
Mating Season: May and June
Clutch: 5 – 10 eggs laid in June to August. The young have crossband with black and yellow .
ECOLOGY:
Habitat: Widely distributed in open flats and rocky desert areas of southeastern California.
Food: A herbivorous lizard that feeds on leaves, flowers and fruit of both annuals and perennials. An occasional insect is eaten. (Creosote bush)
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