I saw this lizard clinging to the patio screen outside today. I walked out to get a photo of the little red-headed guy. We later tried to look up on the Arizona Lizard website, but couldn’t find a match. It looks like the spiny lizards we see around here once in a while, but this is the first time we have seen a red-faced spiny lizard. Click on the image to enlarge.
Update: Hat tip to Glenn B who points out in comments that this is likely a female spiny lizard whose head has turned red for breeding season.
It does look like a species of spiny lizard. Lots of lizards change color during breeding season to attract mates. This could be one that does so.
It is most likely a spiny lizard as we had thought. The females of at least two species, the Desert Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus magister) and Clark’s Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus clarkia) develop red heads during breeding season. See:
https://www.desertmuseum.org/books/nhsd_spiny_lizards.php
The males have spectacular coloration during breeding season.
Thank you Glenn! We are still getting to know all our neighbors.
I tend to agree with Glenn. If you can catch it, look at the blue markings on the belly. Males have deep blue; females have a pale blue.
Aloha Cap’n Bob and Damsel,
Long time no post, but I visit often! Hope all is well!
We have something similar where we live. But they try to sell us insurance. LOL! 😀
Hey Kini . . .
Visit your posts often as well. We’re good and hope the same for you! 🙂