Eric Gofreed
Well-Known Member
Meet the Chuckwalla: A sun-loving lizard of the Southwest! Found from southern California to northern Mexico, these desert dwellers can grow up to 16 inches long. Herbivores at heart, they feast on flowers, leaves, and fruit, with a side of cactus when available. Males often sport a reddish band along their sides or tails, especially during breeding season. It’s part fashion statement, part warning, used to attract mates or stake out territory.
The chuckwalla splotchifies tan in the sun,
Flashes his red band, then munches for fun.
His desert fashion? Part sunblock, part show—
That bold red band means “Back off” or “Hello!”
Photographed at Lake Pleasant, Arizona
Sam Chuckwalla
The chuckwalla splotchifies tan in the sun,
Flashes his red band, then munches for fun.
His desert fashion? Part sunblock, part show—
That bold red band means “Back off” or “Hello!”
Photographed at Lake Pleasant, Arizona
Sam Chuckwalla
