Dead side-blotched lizard


The dead side-blotched lizard '', also known commonly as the El Muerto side-blotched lizard and la mancha lateral muerta in Mexican Spanish, is a species of lizard in the subfamily Sceloporinae of the family Phrynosomatidae. The species is endemic to Isla El Muerto, an island in the Gulf of California, Mexico.

Etymology

The specific name, lowei, is in honor of American herpetologist Charles Herbert Lowe.

Description

Uta lowei has strongly keeled dorsal scales, and is light gray to off-white ventrally. Adult males have a dorsal pattern of offset paravertebral dark blotches, with a dense network of turquoise spots.

Habitat

The preferred natural habitat of Uta lowei is rocky areas of the marine intertidal zone, but it has also been found in rocky areas of inland desert.

Diet

Uta lowei preys predominately upon isopods.

Reproduction

Uta lowei is oviparous.