This is a geographic range map for the five well-established continental subspecies of Common Side-blotched Lizards (Uta stansburiana) in the U.S. and Mexico. Each subspecies' distribution was estimated by me based on my reading of the literature, my decades of experience with this species, as well as using iNaturalist.org data as a guide. In some instance, I estimate where this species should occur based on elevation and habitat even in the absence of current data.
There are a couple insular species and subspecies off the coast of California as well as in the Gulf of California not depicted on this map for simplicity. In addition, some areas of subspecific distribution are uncertain, such as long the east short of the Gulf of California or in the Chihuahuan Desert of Mexico as well as where U.s.elegans gives way to U.s.nevadensis and U.s.stansburiana in the Great Basin. These areas are works in progress.
I have placed the location of this observation near Grand Canyon only it allows the error bubble to encompass the entirety of this species' known range.
My only goal in sharing this is to aid iNatters in identifying why they may be seeing one subspecies or another in their observations. For now, subspecies can be identified based on geographic location, but the contact zones are areas where one or the other subspecies' genetics may come through in terms of pattern.
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(updated 1 May, 2024)
I photographed this lizard along the Bell Trail near Sedona, Arizona, in 2015. At first, I thought it was a Long-nosed Leopard Lizard but to date I have not found any photos or illustrations that look like it. Also, the rocky hillside doesn't exactly fit the habitat of the Leopard Lizard.
Found with Mike Westphal for Dustin Wood. There was a large food item in its belly that we guessed was a Gilbert's skink.
Those two individuals were identified as Herring Gull, but I have doubts if it could be another species in first winter plumage. Especially because of the dark spot on the eye, completely black bill, streaked breast, pale uppertail coverts and dark tail-band.