  chuckwallas are large lizards found primarily in arid regions of the southwestern united states and northern mexico. some are found on coastal islands. there are five species of chuckwallas, all within the genus sauromalus; they are part of the iguanid family, iguanidae. ==taxonomy and etymology== the generic name, sauromalus, is a combination of two ancient greek words:ÏÎ±á¿¦ÏÎ¿Ï (sauros) meaning "lizard". and Î¿Î¼Î±Î»ÏÏ (omalus) meaning "flat". the common name chuckwalla derives from the shoshone word "tcaxxwal" or cahuilla "caxwal", transcribed by spaniards as "chacahuala".http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chuckwalla == physical description == chuckwallas are a stocky wide-bodied lizard with a flattened midsection and prominent belly. their tails are thick, tapering to a blunt tip. loose folds of skin characterize the neck and sides of the body, which is covered in small, coarsely granular scales. the common chuckwalla (sauromalus ater) measures 15 3/4 inches in length whereas insular species such as the giant chuckwalla of san esteban island (sauromalus varius) can measure as much as 30 inches in total length. they are sexually dimorphic with males having reddish-pink to orange, yellow or light gray bodies and black heads, shoulders and limbs; females and the immature have bodies with scattered spots or contrasting bands of light and dark in shades of gray or yellow. males are generally larger than females and possess well-developed femoral pores located on the inner sides of their thighs; these pores produce secretions believed to play a role in marking territory. [[file:western.chuckwalla.arp.jpg|thumb|left|common chuckwalla, sauromalu
Fauna_of_the_Colorado_Desert Iguanidae Reptiles_of_Mexico Reptiles_of_the_United_States