Description: The most distinctive color characters, the presence of subcaudal black spots in both sexes, and the absence of lateroventral black spots in the male are not invariable; two of the seven specimens before me lack the subcaudal spots and the lateroventral spots are absent in two specimens, faint in two, and distinct in two. Most specimens are characterized by perfectly flat, smooth scales, considerably larger than in H.maculata maculata.
Characters of Holbrookia maaculata. Distinguished from H. m. maculata by coloration, which resembles that of H.m. approximans, and by the fewer, wider and more oblique upper labials, also as in H.m. approximans; distinguished from H.m. flavilenta by the same characters; distinguished from H.m. approximans by the longer tail and hind leg, especially of the female; tail/total length varies from .46 to .50 in female H.m. campi, averaging .48, .42 to .48 in female H.m. approximans, averaging .44; length of leg/body length ranges from .77 to .88 in female H.m. campi, averaging .83, .65 to .78 in female H.m. approximans, averaging .71
Habitat: The preferred natural habitats of H. maculata are shrubland, grassland, and desert.
Range: Arizona; Type locality: 8 miles N.W. of Adamana, Apache County, Arizona, USA.
Status: Listed as Least Concern in view of the relatively large and stable extent of occurrence, area of occupancy, number of subpopulations, and population size. No major threats have been identified.
Taxonomy: Originally described as a species, it was once reclassified as a subspecies of the lesser earless lizard, Holbrookia maculata, but has since been again elevated to full species status. We do not reflect this elevation to species at this time. UPDATE COMING 2023.
Disclaimer: ITIS taxonomy is based on the latest scientific consensus available, and is provided as a general reference source for interested parties. However, it is not a legal authority for statutory or regulatory purposes. While every effort has been made to provide the most reliable and up-to-date information available, ultimate legal requirements with respect to species are contained in provisions of treaties to which the United States is a party, wildlife statutes, regulations, and any applicable notices that have been published in the Federal Register. For further information on U.S. legal requirements with respect to protected taxa, please contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.