Comparative Data on the Population Ecology of the Desert Spiny Lizard, Sceloporus magister
Tinkle DW. 1976. Comparative Data on the Population Ecology of the Desert Spiny Lizard, Sceloporus magister. Herpetologica. 32(1):1-6
The desert spiny lizard, Sceloporus magister was studied by mark-recapture and sampling along a stream in southern Utah (Washington County) from 1969-1971. The species is primarily arboreal and coexists in the trees with Sceloporus undulatus. Hatching occurs in early August and the young reach a size of 65-75 mm by their 2nd summer. The ♀ ♀ (and presumably ♂ ♂) reach maturity in their 3rd summer at an age of 22-23 months and a body size of at least 80 mm (snout-vent). Reproduction occurs from May to July, during which time most ♀ ♀ produce two clutches averaging about six eggs. Sex ratio is near 1:1 in most age groups and density is about 7.4 adults and 7.4 yearlings/hectare. Survivorship of hatchlings (17%), yearlings (23%) and adults (42%) was estimated from recapture of marked animals. The mean generation time is near 3 years. Tail breaks are common in yearling lizards (22%), but few were sustained by adults indicating a decrease with age in frequency of contact with predators. Comparative data from two other detailed studies of this species are presented and discussed.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Tinkle, Donald
- Units
- ZION
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, desert spiny lizard (Sceloporus magister), Reptiles