The Tree lizard or Ornate Tree Lizard (Urosaurus ornatus) is a species of lizard that is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The species has been used to research the physiological changes in the body during the fight-or-flight response as related to stress and aggressive competition.[2] Also, its life history and costs of reproduction have been documented in field populations in New Mexico.
Ten Facts about Ornate Tree Lizard
- The Tree Lizard feeds on mostly insects and their larvae.
- Male tree lizards come in a variety of colors.
- Their size up to 59 mm or 2.3" from snout to vent.
- In Arizona it is absent only from the highest peaks and some of the hot, dry, southwestern dune fields.
- It is found in most of the state's biotic communities ranging from Lower Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub to the lower reaches of Petran Subalpine Conifer Forest.
- This diurnal lizard is an excellent climber and it is commonly seen basking and foraging on urban walls, fences, and building exteriors. In natural settings it climbs and basks on logs, boulders, and trees.
- It hibernates during the cold months of late fall and early winter.
- A variety of insects including aphids, beetles, flies, ants, bees, wasps, termites, moths, butterflies, grasshoppers, and crickets make up the diet of this lizard.
- There life up to 7-10 years.
- Predators include a number of birds, snakes, coyotes, badgers, the Kit fox and more.
