General Description: Southwestern Fence Lizards (Sceloporus cowlesi) are small lizards (total length to about 6 inches) with coarse scales. The dorsal pattern is variable but generally includes longitudinal stripes and broken crossbars. The blue throat patch usually is divided into two small spots on each side of the throat (in Western Fence Lizards, the patch usually is single). Females lack blue on the belly.

Taxonomy: Phrynosomatid Lizard Family (Phrynosomatidae). Formerly part of the Eastern Fence Lizard (Sceloporus undulatus) complex.

Diet: Insects and arthropods.

Range: The species occurs across New Mexico and eastern Arizona, down into Mexico. These specimens were photographed in Albuquerque, NM.