48: Common Sagebrush Lizard

I write to you from Arapahoe, Ute, and Cheyenne land. I am interested in learning about the different animals that live in the place where I was born. I want to mention that biological classification as taught by western science has its roots in racism, sexism, and transphobia – here’s a good explainer about why.

Sorry for such a long absence, everyone! I have been helping out friends with their creative endeavours this week and haven’t had time to pursue my own passion, which is, of course, Colorado Wildlife, and today, the Common Sagebrush Lizard (Sceloporus graciosus) (I couldn’t help but read that Latin as a magical spell). These small lizards – around 2-3.5 inches from snout to the base of the tail when fully grown – have low, spiny scales along their backs and live mainly in dry shrublands in every state in the contiguous western United States, including the Western Slope of Colorado. They can also live in coniferous forests and areas dominated by the piñon-juniper vegetation combo.

They live mainly on the ground but are easily scared and may climb trees to escape predators. They also use rodent burrows for overnight protection and to escape predators. Their predators are mainly birds and a few other, larger lizards.

This is another lizard species where the males engage in physical combat to defend their territories during mating season.* Interestingly it takes only one year for individuals in the southern range of this species – including much of Colorado – to become sexually mature, but it takes two in the northern part of their range, giving an idea of the chronological and caloric toll that winter takes on these animals. One study discussed here also found that they will live at higher elevation than their usual range if there is a geothermal energy source, as in Yellowstone National Park. This is extremely relatable to me, as someone who loves a good hot spring after a long day in the mountains.

Having worked outside in an area with incredible sagebrush cover – including areas where sagebrush grew taller than I am – I am vividly recalling the distinctive smell of those plants and wondering if these lizards just always have that scent in their nostrils. This led me to learn about the Jacobsen’s organ:

“As in humans, the senses of smell and taste work together. However, in reptiles, these senses are thought to be interrelated and not separate senses. Reptiles have a specialized chemically sensitive organ called the Jacobson’s organ that is thought to be able to convert tastes into smells, and boosts his awareness of his surroundings. Snakes and lizards flick their tongue, capturing particles in the air. They then press these particles against the Jacobson’s organ, located in the roof of the mouth, which processes the particles and provides the reptile with necessary environmental information.”

I also learned a new word when reading about this species, which is “invertivore”, meaning, feeds on invertebrates.

Sadly these lizards are threatened in some areas of the west by habitat destruction – ranchers often clear areas of sagebrush for cattle grazing.

*I was googling about this and as I typed “combat amongst male” google prompted me to add the word “grouses” so get excited for a grouse entry in our near future.