As watchable wildlife goes, lizards are in the “easy to see” category. Generally predictable in their habitat and their habits, they are active animals and tolerant of human viewers who don’t draw too close.
Colorado's arid landscapes, from the Eastern Plains to the canyons of the Colorado Plateau, are good places to look for the 19 species of lizards that inhabit our state. In general, lizards are not high altitude animals and most don’t live above about 6,000 to 8,000 feet in Colorado. Prairie and plateau lizards, however, have been found at 9,200 feet and short-horned lizards at 11,000 feet.
Throughout the year, lizards seek the sun to warm their bodies and “rev up” their system. They can often be seen basking on rocks in the sun. If disturbed, they will dart into cover, but will shortly emerge when things quiet down.
In the spring breeding season, many male lizards develop patches of colored skin that is important in attracting females and challenging competing males. The males do “pushups”, bobbing up and down on their front legs to flash these breeding colors. Prairie and plateau lizards, which many people know as fence lizards, are nicknamed “blue bellies” for their colorful undersides.
Another highly colorful lizard is the collared lizard. These large, long-tailed lizards are yellowish-green with yellow on the head and a black collar. Fairly common in canyons of the Colorado plateau, watch for their long bodies draped across rocks in the sun.
Short-horned lizards, often called horny toads, are round-bodied, short-tailed lizards with rows of “horns” on their heads, backs, and tails. While other lizards use speed to dart out of the way of danger, the lumbering, plump-bodied horned lizard relies on cryptic coloration to blend into its surroundings and avoid detection.