About Sceloporus merriami Stejneger, 1904
Adults of Sceloporus merriami, commonly called the canyon lizard, can reach a maximum snout-to-vent length (SVL) of 58 mm (2.2 in), and a maximum total length including the tail of 162 mm (6.4 in). This species has small dorsal scales and granular lateral scales. Its dorsal base color is gray, tan, or reddish-brown, which matches the rocks it lives on. The back has four rows of dark spots, and a vertical black line located in front of the front leg. Males of this species have blue and black lines on the throat. Sceloporus merriami is found in Texas in the United States, and in the Mexican states of Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, and Nuevo León. Its preferred natural habitat is steep rocky desert areas. This species is oviparous, and it buries its eggs in soil.
