Common side-blotched lizard

The common side-blotched lizard (Uta stansburiana) is a species of side-blotched lizard in the family Phrynosomatidae. The species is native to dry regions of the western United States and northern Mexico. It is notable for having a unique form of polymorphism wherein each of the three different male morphs utilizes a different strategy in acquiring mates. The three morphs compete against each other following a pattern of rock paper scissors, where one morph has advantages over another but is outcompeted by the third.

Common side-blotched lizard
Scientific classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Iguania
Family: Phrynosomatidae
Genus: Uta
Species:
U. stansburiana
Binomial name
Uta stansburiana
Baird & Girard, 1852
Subspecies
  • U. s. stansburiana
    northern side-blotched lizard
  • U. s. nevadensis
    Nevada side-blotched lizard
  • U. s. uniformis
    plateau side-blotched lizard
  • U. s. elegans
    western side-blotched lizard
  • U. s. stellata
    San Benito side-blotched lizard
  • U. s. concinna
    Cedros side-blotched lizard
  • U. s. martinensis
    San Martin side-blotched lizard (disputed)
  • U. s. taylori
    Taylor's side-blotched lizard (disputed)
Synonyms
  • Uta concinna
  • Uta elegans
  • Uta levis
  • Uta martinensis
  • Uta stansburiana hesperis
  • Uta stellata
  • Uta wrighti
  • Uta irregularis
  • Uta lateralis
  • Uta nelsoni
  • Uta tuberculata
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