More than 20 species of harmless lizards can be found around Las Vegas, but only a few are common. The most common lizards are the small Side-blotched Lizards; almost every small lizard scurrying away under a rock or creosote bush is a side-blotched. Collared Lizards are common on rocky hillsides, and Desert Iguanas and Zebra-tailed Lizards are common in sandy flats. Desert Spiny Lizards and their cousins (the "blue belly" lizards) are common at Red Rocks and in the mountains. After you learn to recognize the common lizards, it will be easier to recognize the less common species.

Gila (pronounced "he' la") Monsters are the only venomous lizards around Las Vegas, but they are rare and seldom seen; although people often mistake Chuckwallas for Gilas. If you see a Gila Monster, count yourself among the lucky and leave it alone.