There are four sub-species of eastern fence lizards (Sceloporus undulatus), also known as prairie and plateau lizards, discussed in Hammerson's volume. At least one sub-species resides in east and southeast utah, Sceloporus undulatus elongatus, also known as the northern plateau lizard. This I believe is a northern plateau lizard.

Snout to vent length ranges from about 1 5/8 inches to 3 3/4 inches. Identifying characteristics include dark bands across back (may or may not be present- variation can be caused by age and sex), blue patch on throat- usually divided at center in elongatus but may not be, and dark bands along sides (may or may not be present). There seems to be considerable variation within and across each sub-species by age, sex, and geographic location. Similar in appearance is the sagebrush lizard.


Females lay two or three clutches of six to eleven eggs each year. Eastern fence lizards eat insects and other small invertebrates, as well as small lizards. This lizard is typically gray, brown, reddish, or nearly black in color, with blue patches on the sides of the belly and throat.