Gambelia is a genus of lizards, commonly known as leopard lizards, within the family Crotaphytidae. Leopard lizards are indigenous to arid environments of southwestern North America.

Description

Species in the genus Gambelia superficially resemble those of the genus Crotaphytus. However, one difference between the genera Gambelia and Crotaphytus is that leopard lizards have fracture planes in their tails, allowing the tails to break off when grasped by predators.

Etymology

The generic name, Gambelia, is in honor of American naturalist William Gambel.

Species

Three species are recognized as being valid. Nota bene: A binomial authority in parentheses indicates that the species was originally described in a genus other than Gambelia.