A small, gracile, slim lizard with SVL up to 7.2 cm (2.8 in). The coloration ranges from dark brown to reddish-brown, with usually seven light cream to yellow stripes (mid-dorsal stripe often diminished) running down the back. While the tail is long, thin, and bright blue, the species is distinguished by pale blue coloration on the face, feet, and underside, lack of spots, and usually 2-3 enlarged pre-anals. (AZ PARC 2006; Brennan and Holycross 2006).

This diurnal lizard is alert and fast moving. It is most active in the morning. It digs its own burrow where it lays its eggs or seeks shelter from the elements (e.g. extreme temperatures, storms, etc.).

A grassland species, found in low valleys and sandy flats within Semidesert Grassland, it is Arizona endemic with a small range in southeastern part of state. It mates in the spring, and is oviparous (lays eggs). It lays one or two clutches of 1-3 eggs each in underground burrows (dens), in late spring or early summer.

It forages for insects, spiders, centipedes, and small lizards by digging around the bases of bushes and under surface debris (Brennan and Holycross, 2006).