Female common collared lizard (Crotaphytus collaris ♀), at Homolovi State Park, in Navajo County, Arizona. When I first spotted this lizard she had elevated her body and was standing on heels and toes, to make minimal contact with the hot rock.  

Please click to enlarge. 

Female common collared lizard (Crotaphytus collaris ♀), at Homolovi State Park, in Navajo County, Arizona. When I first spotted this lizard she had elevated her body and was standing on heels and toes, to make minimal contact with the hot rock.  

Please click to enlarge. 

Common collared lizard (Crotaphytus collaris ♂), at Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona.

These critters are so colorful, and such calm and unperturbed photographic subjects. They may appear here again before my summer adventure is done.  

Female common collared lizard (Crotaphytus collaris ♀) on a petrified log, at Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona.

The orange markings on her neck indicate she is gravid. The spots will fade after her eggs are deposited.

Please click photo for enlarged view.

Mountain boomer says: “Why are you looking at me? Go outside and play!”

Common collared lizard (Crotaphytus collaris ♂), at Wupatki National Monument.

The common name mountain boomer for this lizard is an etymological mystery.