Natural History

Ornate Tree Lizards are 4.5 - 6.25 inches in length (including the tail) and are brown to gray , with dark crossbands and blotches. Males have bright blue patches on their bellies and blue to yellow-orange patches on their throats. Females have no belly patch and white, yellow or orange throats. The lizards range throughout the southwest and prefer arid regions, often near streams and dry washes.
 

Ornate Tree Lizards are active during the day (diurnal) and are often found in pairs or groups. As their name suggests, they are good climbers and can often be found in shrubs or small trees. The lizard is most commonly encountered in the morning and late afternoon as it forages for insects, spiders and centipedes. Females lay up to six clutches of 2-16 eggs between March and August. Hatchlings appear between July and October.