Lizard Identification Keys

This identification key uses questions and answers to help identify the actual species of lizard encountered. The questions are simplistic, you should follow the result link to the description page for the lizard species and see if it fits. Also check the species description page for similar species, as there may be additional keys useful in distinguishing a particular species from similar species.

At this time, there either are no or few images. Photographs for this identification guide will largely come in 2010.

1. Gular Fold - The Starting Point

The gular fold is a fold of skin that goes around the underside of the neck of some lizards, sort of like a collar.

Is it lacking, have an incomplete, or a complete gular fold?

Lacking Goto 2	Incomplete Goto 4	Complete Goto 5

 

2. Striping

Does it have distinct lengthwise striping?

Yes Goto Skilton’s Skink	No Goto 3

 

3. Alligator Lizards

You probably have an Alligator Lizard. There are two species in Shasta County. Are the eyes yellow or are they dark (red or black)?

Yellow Eyes Goto Southern Alligator Lizard	Dark Eyes Goto Shasta Alligator Lizard

 

4. Spiny Lizards

You probably have a Spiny Lizard. There are two species in Shasta County. Is there distinct yellowing on the hind limbs?

Yes Goto Northwestern Fence Lizard	No Goto Western Sagebrush Lizard

 

5. Head Spines

Does the lizard have dagger like head spines?

Yes Goto 6	No Goto California Whiptail

 

6. Horned Lizards

You probably have a Horned Lizard, a significant find for Shasta County. There are possibly two species in Shasta County.

Does it have two distinct horns at the back of the head that are longer than the rest?

Yes Goto Blainville’s Horned Lizard	No Goto Pygmy Short-horned Lizard