Sauromalus obesus
The chuckwalla is found in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.It is an herbivorous lizard that can be active in temperatures as high as 39oC (102oF). When disturbed it seeks shelter in rock crevices and gulps air, wedging itself in a crack, thus making it extremely difficult for predators to extract it. Reaching up to 46 cm (18'') in length, it is one of the largest lizards in the U.S. (second only to the gila monster).
The above picture was taken at St. Louis zoo, in May 2002.
Genus Sauromalus
Subfamily Iguaninae
Family Iguanidae
Infraorder Iguania
Suborder Sauria
Order Squamata
Class Reptilia
Subphylum Vertebrata
Phylum Chordata
Kingdom Animalia
Life on Earth
Index