Urosaurus is a genus of lizards, commonly known as tree lizards or brush lizards, belonging to the New World family Phrynosomatidae. Description Species in the genus Urosaurus can be distinguished from members of the genus Sceloporus by the presence of a gular (under neck) fold and granular lateral scales. They can be distinguished from members of the genus Uta by the presence of enlarged (sometimes only slightly) dorsal scales. It is important to note that these lizards come from a different family than lizards like the common side-blotched lizard which comes from the family 'Uta'. Reproduction Urosaurus have been used as a model system in lizard life-history studies, and populations produce two or more clutches of eggs per year. Field studies have also shown a cost of reproduction in a natural New Mexico population of the species Urosaurus ornatus. Species In the genus Urosaurus there are 8 species which are recognized as being valid. Urosaurus auriculatus Urosaurus bicarinatus Urosaurus clarionensis Urosaurus gadovi Urosaurus graciosus Urosaurus lahtelai Urosaurus nigricauda Urosaurus ornatus Etymology The specific name, gadovi, is in honor of German ornithologist Hans Friedrich Gadow. References Further reading Hallowell E (1854). "Descriptions of new Reptiles from California". Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia 7: 91–97. (Urosaurus, new genus, p. 92). Urosaurus Lizards of Central America Lizards of North America Lizard genera Taxa named by Edward Hallowell (herpetologist)