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Information About

Fringe-toed Lizard




  Name ''Uma''
  Regnum Animal ia
  Phylum Chordata
  Classis Reptilia
  Ordo Squamata
  Subordo Sauria
  Familia Phrynosomatidae
  Genus '''''Uma'''''


Fringe-Toed Lizards are reptiles of the genus ''Uma'' in the family Phrynosomatidae. They are adapted for life in sandy deserts.

These lizards have a brown and tan coloration that helps them to blend in with the sand. In addition, they also have special scales which form a fringe on the sides of their toes. These fringes aid with traction, speed and help the lizard avoid sinking into loose, sandy dunes.
They also possess an upper jaw which overlaps the lower, preventing the intrusion of sand particles, and nostrils that can be closed at will. Flaps also close against the ear openings when moving through sand and the upper and lower eyelids have interlocking scales that prevent sand from getting into the eyes.

These lizards range throughout southeast California and southwest Arizona , and extend into northwest Sonora and northeast Baja California in low desert areas having fine, loose sand. They primarily eat Insect s, including Ant s, Beetle s, Grasshopper s, and Caterpillar s. Flower buds, stems, leaves and seeds of plants are also eaten.


GENUS ''UMA''