Photo by Chris Brown

Scientific name: Xantusia henshawi

Common name: Granite Night Lizard

Size: 1.4-2.75 in (3.6-7.0 cm)

Distinguishing characters: A flat-bodied species with a broad, flat head; soft skin; rounded, dark dorsal spots on pale yellow or cream background; scales granular on dorsum; large and squarish on ventral surface; large eyes with vertical pupils; lacks eyelids.

Juveniles: Similar to adults.

Dimorphism: Male has femoral pores.

Similar Species: Xantusia vigilis: Has very small black dorsal spots; body and head not flattened; fewer rows of ventral scales. Phyllodactylus xanti: Has enlarged toe pads and lacks large dark spots.

Additional notes: Most often occurs on rocky slopes with large, exfoliating boulders and abundant crevices, but is occasionally found in coastal sage scrub and chaparral without boulders. Active in crevices during the day, but moves on the surface at night.

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