Description: A small (total length: 10 - 13 cm [4 - 5 in.]), slim lizard with
vertical pupils but no eyelids. The body color is light olive, yellow, brown,
or orange, usually with small dark spots on the back that tend to form
lines. The skin is soft. The head scales are large and symmetrical, the
dorsal scales are small and granular, and the ventral scales large, square,
and smooth. In southern Nevada, this species can be recognized by the
small size, lidless eyes, and vertical pupils. Offspring are born alive during
September and October. These lizards are often thought to be nocturnal;
but they are diurnally active under cover and primarily active during
crepuscular hours although they may be nocturnal during the heat of
summer.
Diet: Feeds on termites, ants, beetles, scorpions, centipedes, and flies.
Habitat: Mojave desert scrub, mesquite/catclaw and blackbrush habitats;
also pinyon-juniper and sagebrush habitats. Associated with Joshua tree,
yucca, pinyon pine, and juniper. Secretive and dependent upon cover, this
species primarily lives beneath and among fallen leaves and branches of
yucca, agave, Joshua trees, and other debris.
Range: This species is widely distributed throughout the Mojave and
Colorado deserts in southern California, southern Nevada, southwestern
Utah, and southward into Baja California and northwestern Mexico. It is
widely distributed throughout Clark County, Nevada, in the appropriate
habitat.