Ornate Tree Lizard

Male tree lizards are found in a variety of colors. While not all populations contain more than one or two colors, 9 color types have been documented within U. ornatus. A population documented in Verde River, Arizona, has two types of coloration patterns among male tree lizards that account for 45% of all males. The first is characterized by a blue spot in the center of a larger orange spot on the chin, a throat fan that is orange by the body and blue at the tip, and a blue stomach. The second is orange in color; the chin is solid orange, as is the throat fan and the stomach. The orange-blue males are more aggressive and defend territories that can include up to four females. The orange males have longer, leaner body types and are not aggressive. Orange males can be nomadic during dry years, and during rainy years tend to occupy small territories.