Sagebrush Lizard {Sceloporus graciosus) 



Description: The Sagebrush Lizard is small (1.5 - 2.5" body length) and narrow-bodied. The 

 color pattern in adults consists of alternating dark and light stripes running down the back. 

 The colors are txpically brown, gray, and cream. Males have mottled blue throat patches and 

 bright blue belly patches, while females are white or yellow below (Censky 1986). The body 

 and tail scales appear somewhat spiny. 



Eggs and young: There are 2-7 tough, white leathery eggs in a clutch, averaging about 7.5 X 

 12 mm (Nussbaum et al. 1983). Body length of hatchlings is about 25 mm, and coloration is 

 similar to adults. 



Similar species: The Western Skink has smooth, shiny scales on the body and tail; the Short- 

 homed Lizard has a wide body. 



Habitat and Habits: Sagebrush Lizards are found primarily in sagebrush areas, but also occur in 

 open forests and brush lands; they are found in both areas of fine soils and rocky outcrops 

 (Hammerson 1982a, Baxter and Stone 1985, Nussbaum et al. 1983). In the Yellowstone 

 area, they are found near thermal features (Mueller 1969). They are active during the day, 

 with peaks of activity around 10 a.m. and 4:30-5:30 p.m. (Hammerson 1982a). Females lay 

 eggs in loose or sandy soil in early summer; the young hatch in late summer. They feed 

 primarily on insects and other arthropods. 



Surveying: They may be surveyed for by slowly walking through appropriate habitat on warm, 

 sunny days and carefully watching for them; this technique is very effective for the 

 Sagebrush Lizard. However, as with many lizards and snakes, they may easily be missed if 

 conditions are not correct. Carefully-documented incidental observations provide excellent 

 clues to their distribution. They may be captured with a pole and noose or may be also taken 

 in funnel traps with drift fences. Mark-recapture methods offer the best opportunity for 

 determining population status. 



Status: The subspecies in Montana {S. g. graciosus) is a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Category 

 2 Candidate species (USFWS 1994). It is locally common in southern Montana, from 

 Yellowstone Park eastward to at least Chalk Butte in Carter County. On the Sioux-CNF, no 

 historic records exist, and our single record from Chalk Butte is the eastern-most record from 

 Montana. They are known from the western border of South Dakota south of Harding 

 County (C. R. Peterson pers. comm.), and two disjunct populations are known from the 

 western edge of North Dakota (Censky 1986). This Candidate species should be watched for 

 on the Sioux-CNF, and any animals located should be documented. 



Montana Natural Heritage Program Rank: G5 S3. A Species of Special Concern. 



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