Canyon Lizards live only in a few disjunct areas in the Big Bend region of Texas and in nearby Mexico areas across the Rio Grande (or Rio Bravo if you're on the southern side). Fortunately for them, nearly their entire range in the U.S. is contained in protected areas — Big Bend National Park, Big Bend Ranch State Park, and Black Gap Wildlife Management Area.

For a species with such a limited overall range, Sceloporus merriami has a remarkably large number of recognized subspecies — seven in all, three of which can be found in Texas (the other four are in Mexico, in case you haven't been paying attention).

Two of the three subspecies are found in Big Bend National Park. I'm pretty certain that the ones I saw in Santa Elena Canyon are S. m. annulatus, due to the relatively dark coloration, distinct tail rings (though not visible in regenerated portions of tails), and the throat pattern that's clearly visible in the last of these photos.

This subspecies was described in 1973 based on animals collected in this very canyon, so I’m quite certain that this one is identified correctly.

Where they are present in Texas, Canyon Lizards tend to be common, scenically perching on boulders, and remarkably unwary. This makes them friends of the lizard photographer. Above are a few of my new friends, all taken on the first day that I saw this species.

I believe that these individuals are S. m. merriami, due to their relatively light coloration, indistinct tail rings, and less prominent throat pattern, but I’m not really certain — they could be S. m. annulatus. Please send me email if you can tell one way or the other.