Geographic Variability of the Lizard, Sceloporus graciosus Baird and Girard, in the Eastern Part of its Range
Kerfoot WC. 1968. Geographic Variability of the Lizard, Sceloporus graciosus Baird and Girard, in the Eastern Part of its Range. Copeia. 1968(1):139-152
Field studies and examination of museum material reveal a complex distributional, morphological and ecological situation in Sceloporus graciosus. Geographic clines occur for dorsal scales, scales around midbody, snout-vent and tail lengths, color, and blotch pattern. Two differentiated geographic isolates are recognized, one inhabiting geyser basins and thermal areas in Yellowstone National Park, the other inhabiting sand dunes in southeastern New Mexico and western Texas. The northward post-Pinedale dispersal of a small-scaled form helps to explain the present morphological patterns of the species complex.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Kerfoot, W
- Units
- YELL
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, Lizards, sagebrush lizard (Sceloporus graciosus)