COMMON CHUCKWALLA
SPECIES: Sauromalus ater
STATUS: Least Concern
HABITAT: Rocky desert and areas where the shelter of rock crevices are easy to access during danger.
DIET: Leaves, flowers, fruit and the occasional insect.
GENERAL: When frightened Chuckwallas will dive into a rock crevice, inflate their lungs and wedge themselves in, making it more difficult for a predator to dislodge them.
During the early morning hours as the sun begins to climb above the horizon you can find Chuckwallas basking in the sun to raise their body temperatures before they begin foraging for food.
There are six species of Chuckwalla:
Common Chuckwalla-Sauromalus ater
Peninsular Chuckwalla-Conolophus pallidus
Angel Island Chuckwalla-Sauromalus hispidus
Santa Catalina Chuckwalla-Sauromalus klauberi
Monserrat Chuckwalla-Sauromalus slevini
Piebald or Pinto Chuckwalla-Sauromalus varius
