The California rock lizards are a genus (Petrosaurus) of New World lizards in the family Phrynosomatidae.

Geographic range

They are endemic to southern California, United States, and Baja California and Baja California Sur, Mexico.

California rock lizard

Habitat

This lizard species lives almost exclusively on rock outcrops, boulder piles, and canyon walls, where it shelters under rocks. Their habitat consists of arid and semiarid foothills and canyons along the western margin of the Colorado Desert.

California rock lizard

Reproduction

The courtship begins shortly after emergence in early spring. The eggs are laid around June and July.

California rock lizard

Predators

The few predators that could pursue this lizard are collared lizards and avian predators, such as hawks, ravens, and roadrunners.

Species

The genus Petrosaurus contains four species.

References

Fauna of the California chaparral and woodlands

Fauna of the Mojave Desert

Taxa named by George Albert Boulenger