Description: S. jarrovii grows to a snout-to-vent length of 4.1 inches with keeled scales and a crosshatch-patterned torso. Its coloration includes tints of pink, green, blue, and copper. The top of the head is dark gray. Males have a blue throat and a blue belly. A complete black collar with a white inferior border distinguishes this lizard from similar species.

Habitat: This is a montane species, attracted to rocky canyons, cliffs, and hillsides, including areas of oak woodland, thornscrub, and mixed oak and pine. Typically it occurs on rocky outcrops, sometimes climbs trees.

Range: Southeastern Arizona and extreme southwestern New Mexico south into Mexico, south to Durango and Zacatecas according to the systematic arrangement of Wiens and Penkrot. Elevational range is about 4,500-11,600 feet. At the northern end of the range, this lizard occurs on major mountain ranges and certain minor mountain ranges.

Found in these States: AZ | NM

Diet: Insects and spiders.

Reproduction: S. jarrovii is viviparous. In Arizona, mates September-October, gives birth in May-June at lower elevations, late June at 5000-7000 ft; litter size, which increases with female size, averages 7-11. Litter size averages 7 in north-central Mexico, with neonates observed in May. May mature in 5 months at low elevations, 15 months at high elevations. Growth rate appears to be slowed when food resources are low

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.

Subspecies: Two, with just one in our range:
Mountain Spiny Lizard - (Sceloporus jarrovii jarrovii)
Lined Spiny Lizard - (Sceloporus jarrovii ssp. lineolateralis)

Taxonomy: