Urosaurus
Urosaurus is a genus of lizards, commonly known as tree lizards or brush lizards, belonging to the New World family Phrynosomatidae.Description
in the genus Urosaurus can be distinguished from members of the genus Sceloporus by the presence of a gular fold and granular lateral scales. They can be distinguished from members of the genus Uta by the presence of enlarged dorsal scales.Reproduction
Urosaurus have been used as a model system in lizard life-history studies, and populations produce two or more clutches of eggs per year. Field studies have also shown a cost of reproduction in a natural New Mexico population of the species Urosaurus ornatus.Species
In the genus Urosaurus there are nine species which are recognized as being valid.
- Urosaurus auriculatus
- Urosaurus bicarinatus
- Urosaurus clarionensis
- Urosaurus gadovi
- Urosaurus graciosus
- Urosaurus irregularis
- Urosaurus lahtelai
- Urosaurus nigricaudus
- Urosaurus ornatus
Etymology
The specific name, gadovi, is in honor of German ornithologist Hans Friedrich Gadow.
