Long-tailed Brush Lizard
Urosaurus gracious
Observed along the National Trail, South Mountains, Phoenix, Arizona on 14 March 2009.
Phrynosomatidae -- North American Spiny Lizard Family
Similar to the Ornate Tree Lizard (Urosaurus ornatus), but with a much longer tail. A common Arizona lizard in the southwestern portions of the Arizona Sonoran Desert especially on rocky bajadas and high wash banks. Guide books point to a single, wide row of keeled scales down the middle of the dorsum - but I find I cannot see this trait on specimens in the field.