Small Dragon
by Jon Burch Photography
Title
Small Dragon
Artist
Jon Burch Photography
Medium
Photograph - Digital Photography
Description
The desert spiny lizard (Sceloporus magister) is found at lower elevations and is more comfortable on the ground and rocks than on trees. They often take shelter under rocks or in rodent burrows.
These are medium to large lizards with snout-vent lengths ranging from 2¼ to 5¼ inches and are very robust with keeled, pointed scales.
The background color is usually subdued gray, tan, or blue with a striking wide, purple stripe down the back and single yellow scales scattered on the sides (S. magister), or scattered turquoise scales mixed with tan and brown on the back and sides (S. clarkii). Both species have a dark collar under or around the neck; males have vivid blue throats and under-bellies. Females develop orange to red heads during the breeding season.
Some digital effects were applied to the original image after the photograph was made. No electrons were harmed during the transition.
Image copyright 2022 Jon Burch Photography.
Uploaded
August 17th, 2022
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