iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Dr. Earyn McGee @afroherper.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

If you know of an organization or if you work for a company that donates to this kind of initiative, please reach out! Thanks again 🦎💜 #scholarship #herpetology #science #access

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Dr. Earyn McGee @afroherper.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

I also wanted to say thank you for helping me celebrate the scholarship awardees! Even though we are not doing an award this year, I will start fundraising soon for next year.

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Dr. Earyn McGee @afroherper.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

Can you #FindThatLizard? You’re looking for a western fence lizard, Sceloporus occidentalis. Scroll for the solution!

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Dr. Earyn McGee @afroherper.bsky.social · 14/10/2026

Please help me in congratulating our final #FindThatLizard Scholarship Awardee Emilia Rodríguez. She is a Biotechnology undergraduate student from Ecuador, one of the most biodiverse countries in the world.

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Dr. Earyn McGee @afroherper.bsky.social · 12/10/2026

Please help me in congratulating Claudia Jazmín Martínez-Ramírez one of last years #FindThatLizard Scholarship Awardees. 3/4

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Dr. Earyn McGee @afroherper.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Help me in congratulating Maddy! is an elementary school student and her goal in life is to become a herpetologist. #FindThatLizard Scholarship Recipient 2/4

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Dr. Earyn McGee @afroherper.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Please help me in congratulating #FindThatLizard Scholarship Awardee, Symorah Johnson!! 🦎💜

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Dr. Earyn McGee @afroherper.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Claudia Jazmín Martínez-Ramírez

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Dr. Earyn McGee @afroherper.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Last year you all helped me raise almost $4,000 in scholarship funds. I’d like to introduce you to the wonderful scientists who received a #FindThatLizard Scholarship. 🦎

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Dr. Earyn McGee @afroherper.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

It's so rewarding to share my knowledge about lizards with kids and adults alike. Growing up, I didn't know any scientists. I didn't have anyone to look up to. I want to fill a space that was missing for me so others can feel encouraged to follow their passions.

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Dr. Earyn McGee @afroherper.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

When I first started #FindThatLizard, it was a way to engage with people virtually because I lacked the resources and know-how to bring people together in person. (You’re searching for a western fence lizard)

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Dr. Earyn McGee @afroherper.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Can you #FindThatLizard ? Last weekend's Lizard Art Walk was soooo much fun! During the event, I take folks on a short hike, and then we sculpt lizards out of clay. We talk about the different lizards we might see, the microhabitats they live in, and why they're important to their ecosystems. 🦎

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Dr. Earyn McGee @afroherper.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

After the hike we returned to the nature center where we made some lizards from clay! Our snacks and clay materials were generously provided through a grant by the Southwest Partners for Amphibian and Reptile Conservation. #lizard #parks #sciart #clay #nature

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Dr. Earyn McGee @afroherper.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

I forgot my lasso at home so I had to make one out of a stick and some string. It worked perfectly!

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Dr. Earyn McGee @afroherper.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

We had a blast! The morning was cool and cloudy so we worried that we might night see any lizards but right as we were about to hit the final stretch, a magnificent western fence lizard presented itself!

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Dr. Earyn McGee @afroherper.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Thank you to everyone who came to the Lizard Art Walk this past Sunday at the Stone Barn Nature Center!

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Dr. Earyn McGee @afroherper.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Herpetology is very much a white and male field because of racism. There's no getting around that. Historically and presently Black people were/are not seen as knowledge holders and contributors by the academy.

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Dr. Earyn McGee @afroherper.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

For lizards, most of their water comes from their food, so they’ll have to make that extra time in the sun count and catch more invertebrates to eat. I hope you #FoundThatLizard! Let me know in the comments!

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Dr. Earyn McGee @afroherper.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

In addition to panting, lizards move from sunny perches into shade. However, this means they lose time for catching prey, defending territory, or finding mates. Panting allows them to stay out longer. It does come with some potential trade-offs. Panting is a form of evaporative cooling.

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Dr. Earyn McGee @afroherper.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Can you #FindThatLizard?! 🦎 Lizards pant to cool themselves off when temperatures get too high! All animals need ways to cool down, lizards included, because they can overheat. Humans sweat, birds bathe or swim, and pigs roll in mud. So it makes sense that lizards would have a cooling strategy.

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Dr. Earyn McGee @afroherper.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

A night out dancing is necessary for the soul

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Dr. Earyn McGee @afroherper.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

I let myself feel my frustrations with the world then I look for its beauty to help me feel better. Here are a few of my favorite recent photos.

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Dr. Earyn McGee @afroherper.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Our lizard is Sceloporus poinsettii poinsettii, the New Mexico crevice spiny lizard. 🦎 With just the location and a few identifying features, we identified this lizard! Let me know if you FoundThatLizard in the comments. #lizard #publiclands #game #nature

Juvenile spiny lizard with black and white banding on the tail. Also has black and white collar banding. Circled on lava rocks.

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Dr. Earyn McGee @afroherper.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Before the internet was a thing, naturalists used field guides, compact, portable books for identifying wildlife species. 📚 Now, with the internet, we can enter the following into our search browser: "spiny lizard with black and white tail New Mexico."

Juvenile spiny lizard with black and white banding on the tail. Also has black and white collar banding.

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Dr. Earyn McGee @afroherper.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Next, I would look at the scale type. This lizard has raised, overlapping scales. These are called keeled scales, and we often call lizards with keeled scales spiny lizards. Other scale types include smooth (similar to skinks) or beaded (like Gila monsters).

Juvenile spiny lizard with black and white banding on the tail. Also has black and white collar banding. Hidden on lava rocks.

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Dr. Earyn McGee @afroherper.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Can you #FindThatLizard?! While I was looking for lizards in New Mexico, I came across this baby mystery lizard. Let's identify the species. What is the first thing you notice about this lil lizard? For me, it was the distinct black-and-white banding on its tail. ⚫️⚪️⚫️⚪️⚫️⚪️

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Dr. Earyn McGee @afroherper.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Bonus #FindThatLizard this week with the regal horned lizard! A very lovely lady 😍

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Dr. Earyn McGee @afroherper.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

A major component of protecting our species is protecting our public lands. If you haven't had a chance to leave a comment on the proposed change to the Roadless Rule, now is a great time! LMK if you #FoundThatLizard! #lizard #wildlife #publicland #nikon #wildlifephotography #science #education

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Dr. Earyn McGee @afroherper.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Yarrow's spiny lizard is a high-elevation species facing extinction due to climate change. Even lizards have heat thresholds. When temperatures rise above that threshold, the lizards can no longer survive in that environment.

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Dr. Earyn McGee @afroherper.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Can you #FindThatLizard?! Yarrow's spiny lizard, Sceloporus jarrovii, is close to my heart as it inspired my love for lizards. They have a lot of spunk! If they see you coming, they'll run just far enough to be out of reach. Then they'll turn around and watch you all while giving a mean side-eye.

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Dr. Earyn McGee @afroherper.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

I was trying to photograph this male Yarrow's spiny lizard when he decided to run up on me! I think it's so interesting how some individuals are more bold and others shy. #lizard #wildlife

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Dr. Earyn McGee @afroherper.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

May this year bring me peace and may I fully embrace that I deserve to exist not just for accomplishing things but for the sake of experiencing life. If you want to help me celebrate my birthday, like and share this post. You can also subscribe to my Patreon 🔗 in bio. Or Venmo: EarynMcGee

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Dr. Earyn McGee @afroherper.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Happy birthday to me!! These last two years have been tough. At 30 I lost my job. At 31 bank account was in the negatives, had to move back home, and take a job I really didn’t want that barely kept my head above water.

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Dr. Earyn McGee @afroherper.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

On this trip I was forced to spend $951 on a lens I didn’t want otherwise I’d be restricted in my zoom capabilities and I’ve been bitching about it to anyone who would listen. I’m reviewing the shots I got today and the lens shut me up.** Striped plateau lizard 🦎 #nature #wildlife #photography

Striped plateau lizard on a rock. This is a smallish brown lizard with brown and yellow stripes on each side and grey/blue/black chevrons in the middle.

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Dr. Earyn McGee @afroherper.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

Made it out to the Chiricahua’s and the lizards are hear but giving me the stank eye 😂 #lizard #publicland #nature #science

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Dr. Earyn McGee @afroherper.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

Visiting southern AZ this week. So far I’ve mainly seen desert tortoises which is cool but where are my lizards??? 🦎

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Dr. Earyn McGee @afroherper.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

A few Gila monster shot glasses fresh out the kiln. I’m obsessed with this concept! #lizard #pottery #ceramics #art

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Dr. Earyn McGee @afroherper.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

The answer to wildfires is not more construction. It is an investment in people who care for our natural lands. Let me know in the comments if you FoundThatLizard. #Publiclands #wilderness #wildlife #Nationalparks

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Dr. Earyn McGee @afroherper.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Leave a comment before September 21st, 2026. CalWild has a helpful resource for writing your comment. The USDA claims this will help prevent more wildfires. Yet, research shows that fires are more likely to start in forests with roads than in roadless ones and 80% of wildfires are caused by humans.

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Dr. Earyn McGee @afroherper.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Can you #FindThatLizard? You’re looking for a western fence lizard, one of many species that benefit from the Roadless Rule. 📸@sreizes The USDA wants to rescind the Roadless Rule, which protects over 58 million acres of National Forests by prohibiting new road construction and most timber logging.

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Dr. Earyn McGee @afroherper.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

It reminded me that as an adult, I need to make time for myself to play. I saw myself in those kids, and I’d like to tap into that more. LMK in the comments if you #FoundThatLizard! #lizard #nature #game nikon

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Dr. Earyn McGee @afroherper.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

The educator in me wanted to jump in and tell them how to catch the bugs and interrupt their conversations as they speculated about the bugs and their ecosystems. It was so important that I bit my tongue and let them discover for themselves. I was just as excited as they were!

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Dr. Earyn McGee @afroherper.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

We were at Kenneth Hahn State Park, and the kids had a bug catcher. This kit came with an enclosure, some tongs, and a bug net. The girls spent the whole evening and the next morning looking for bugs to catch.

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Dr. Earyn McGee @afroherper.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

I love spending time with the kids in my life. They reinvigorate my love for nature. Can you #FindThatLizard? You’re searching for a western fence lizard, Sceloporus occidentalis.

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Dr. Earyn McGee @afroherper.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Whenever you see a baby lizard scurrying around, wish it luck. It needs it! I hope you #FoundThatLizard! Let me know in the comments! #Lizard #photography #nature #wildlife #game #nikon

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Dr. Earyn McGee @afroherper.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Females have up to 7 clutches of about 4 eggs per year. When the eggs hatch, the babies are all on their own. Hopefully, some survive. Lizard young are precocial, meaning they're born developed and mobile. They can easily run around, find food, and communicate with each other through push-ups.

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