eggs is very variable in nature. Predators Sagebrush lizards are important prey for a variety of vertebrate species in the western United States. Snakes, especially striped whipsnakes and night snakes, are the main predators of the lizards, but birds of prey also consume them in large quantities. Smaller carnivorous mammals and domesticated cats also prey on them. As of September 2020, a Trump administration proposal could open lands to more energy development and other activities. The rare dunes sagebrush lizard in western Texas and eastern New Mexico in areas where oil fields might be developed could be affected by this Federal change to the Endangered Species Act. Subspecies There are three valid subspecies of the sagebrush lizard, which differ in their geographic distributions, markings, and number of scales. Sceloporus graciosus graciosus – northern sagebrush lizard Sceloporus graciosus gracilis – western sagebrush lizard Sceloporus graciosus vandenburgianus – southern sagebrush lizard Etymology The subspecific name, vandenburgianus, is in honor of American herpetologist John Van Denburgh. References Bibliography Baird, S.F.; Girard, C.F. (1852). "Characteristics of some New Reptiles in the Museum of the Smithsonian Institution". Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia 6: 68–70. (Sceloporus graciosus, new species, p. 69). 213 pp. Cossel, John Jr. (1997). "Sceloporus graciosus ". Idaho Museum of Natural History. Montana Field Guide. "Common Sagebrush Lizard -- Sceloporus graciosus ". Mt.gov. External links Sceloporus Reptiles described in 1852 Reptiles of the United States Fauna of the Western United States Fauna of the Great Basin Fauna of the Rocky Mountains Taxa named by Spencer Fullerton Baird