Fringe-toed lizards are lizards of the genus Uma in the family Phrynosomatidae, native to deserts of North America. They are adapted for life in sandy deserts with fringe-like scales on their hind toes hence their common name.
Descriptions Lizards of the genus Uma have a brown and tan coloration that helps them to blend in with the sand. The dorsal surface has a velvety texture with intricate markings. In addition, they also have prominent elongated scales which form a fringe on the sides of their hind toes. These fringes aid with traction and speed, and help the lizard avoid sinking into loose, sandy dunes.
Fringe-toed lizards also possess upper jaws which overlap the lower ones, preventing the intrusion of sand particles, and nostrils that can be closed at will. Flaps also close against the ear openings when moving through sand, and the upper and lower eyelids have interlocking scales that prevent sand from getting into the eyes.
Geographic range Fringe-toed lizards range throughout southeast California and southwest Arizona, and extend into northwest Sonora and northeast Baja California.
Habitat Lizards of the genus Uma are found in low desert areas having fine, loose sand.
Diet Fringe-toed lizards primarily eat insects, including ants, beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars. Flower buds, stems, leaves and seeds of plants are also eaten.
Behavior Lizards of the genus Uma bury themselves underground in the winter. They sleep in their burrows, and use their burrows for protection from predators and extreme temperatures.
Species Image Common name Scientific name Distribution Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizardUma inornata Cope, 1895 Coachella Valley, Riverside County, California Colorado Desert fringe-toed lizardUma notata Baird, 1858 Imperial County, California to Sonora, Mexico. Mohawk Dunes fringe-toed lizardUma thurmanae Derycke, Gottscho, Mulcahy, & De Queiroz, 2020 southern Arizona. Mojave fringe-toed lizardUma scoparia Cope, 1894 California to western Arizona Yuman Desert fringe-toed lizard Uma cowlesi Heifetz, 1941 northwestern Mexico Chihuahuan fringe-toed lizard Uma paraphygas K.L. Williams, Chrapliwy & H.M. Smith, 1959 Mexico. Fringe-toed sand lizardUma exsul Schmidt & Bogert, 1947"Uma ". The Reptile Database. www.reptile-database.org. Mexico.
"Uma rufopunctata", the previous name for the Yuman Desert fringe-toed lizard, was found in 2016 to represent a hybrid between U. notata and U. cowlesi. ||
See also Meroles, a genus of African lizards with morphological and ecological similarities Xerocoles, animals adapted to desert environments
References