On Thursday, Verna spotted a large lizard basking in the sun atop the rock where we were checking out the native American petroglyphs near Salome, AZ. These diurnal lizards emerge in the morning and, before seeking food, bask in the sun until its optimum body temperature of 100 – 105 degrees F. is reached. Their diet is fruit, leaves, buds and flowers.
From Arizona Leisure:
The Chuckwalla, sometimes called “Chuckawalla” is the second largest lizard in the United States, second to the Gila Monster.
Unlike the Gila, the Chuckwalla is not venomous. Although there are other species, the “Common Chuckwalla”‘ is primarily found in the southwestern desert areas including the Mojave Desert in California and the Sonoran Desert of Arizona. They are also found in Sonora, Mexico close to the Arizona border.
Click on the image to enlarge.
