Travels and Adventures

Chuckwalla (Sauromalus ater)

When this lizard senses danger, it will crawl into a crevice and inflate itself to make it too big for the predator to pull out. They can grow 11-18 inches long. They are diurnal, which means they are active day and night. They are often spotted lying on the rocks, basking in the sun, and they will continue to bask in the sun until their optimum body temperature of 100-105 degrees f is reached. They are strictly herbivorous, feeding on fruits, leaves, flowers and buds. This one was a youngster as he had colored bands on his tail. He is hiding in the shadow. Maybe if you click on the photo you can actually see him, but he is there! lol