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observed on two transects, while the Sagebrush Lizard <br />• (Sceloporus ggraci~~osus) occurred on only one. However, based <br />on observationsons a Sagebrush Lizard appears to be more <br />widely distributed among habitat types and to be more <br />abundant. <br />The Sagebrush Lizard is a ground dweller usually <br />found near bushes, brush heaps, logs, or rocks. General <br />requirements seem to be good illumination, open ground, and <br />scattered low bushes (Stebbins 1954). It appeared to be <br />locally abundant, relative to other species, in juniper <br />habitats along lower Minnesota Creek. Food includes <br />insects, particularly ants, and spiders (Turner, 1974). <br />The Eastern Fence Lizard distribution seems to be <br />tied closely to the presence of medium to large rocks <br />(Turner 1974). This lizard was only found in rocky microha- <br />bitats in the Mt. Gunnison Project study area. Its food <br />preference is similar to that of the Sagebrush Lizard, <br />although it tends to select larger prey (Turner 1974). <br />The Chorus Frog (Pseudacris triseriata) was the only <br />amphibian encountered. A1~ observations of this species <br />occurred at beaver ponds along Minnesota Creek or along the <br />North fork of the Gunnison River. This frog inhabits grassy <br />ponds, lakes, and marshes of prairies and mountains through- <br />. its range. It generally breeds in shallow, temporary pools <br />in the open but but also uses deep, more permanent water in <br />dense forests (Stebbins 1954). <br />Two snake species which were reported to occur in the <br />area are the Western Garter snake (Thamno his elegans) and <br />the Gopher snake (Pituophis melanoleucus The former spe- <br />cies is most often found in damp environments over a wide <br />range of elevation. The Gopher snake is more commonly asso- <br />ciated with grasslands and open brushland (Stebbins, 1954)." <br />(Taken from a recent ARCO Mt. Gunnison Coal Permit <br />Application.) <br />Invertebrates <br />A wide variety of invertebrates are known to inhabit the region, <br />although there is little published information on species classification. <br />Major groups of insects found in the region include: spiders, ticks, <br />mites, grasshoppers, crickets, ants, gnats, beetles, true bugs, moths, <br />• flies, wasps, bees, earwigs, and butterflies. <br />2.04-63 <br />