Between climbs I saw this Texas Spiny Lizard
I took this photo while rock climbing with my brother, Nick, in Austin, Texas. We had been on some routes in the Barton Creek Greenbelt. We did some easy routes and some fun routes, but nothing too challenging. We had spent eight hours climbing at Reimers Ranch the previous day. We were between climbs when I saw this Texas Spiny Lizard.
This lizard was particularly patient with me. It took me quite a few tries to get my exposure and focus correct. As you can see in the photo, I was able to get a majority of the Texas Spiny Lizard's body to be in focus. This hopefully allows you to feel the texture of the scales. You may not notice it at first glance, but this lizard is actually missing its front left hand. It took me until I was editing the photo to realize this! He didn't seem to be effected by it much.
Texas Spiny Lizards are insectivorous. That means that they primarily feed on insects. These guys in particular focus on beetles. You will typically find them climbing trees, and they are active during the day. They are found throughout Texas, Arizona, and Oklahoma, as well as northeastern Mexico.
When two male Texas Spiny Lizards see one another, they challenge each other to do as many push ups as possible. The loser will eventually give up and run away. They grow to be about 7.5-11 inches in total length. This lizard is likely a male, as you can see a blue patch on its belly. I should have challenged him to a push up contest!
Male Texas Spiny Lizards will engage in a push up competition for dominance!
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