Geographic range: S. torquatus is endemic to Mexico (states of Tamaulipas, Veracruz, Guanajuato, Hidalgo, Michoacan, Estado Mexico, Morelos, Puebla, and Federal District).

Physical characteristics: Large sized (18 -20 cm) lizard of mottled olive to gray color, with a notable black collar bordered on both sides by cream colored thinner line. In adult males the throat and abdominal section are of distinctive Parisian blue color. Males are larger than females. Females are generally less colored, the dorsal side of body similar to males, ventral side of cream color. Scales are large and keeled.

Food habits: Principal food items include insects (Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, Diptera, Lepidoptera, Hemiptera...) but this species also prays on smaller lizards (an entire individual of Sceloporus aeneus was found in stomach of one S. torquatus). Plant matter is also consumed.

Reproduction: S. torquatus is viviparous, otherwise reproduction of this species is not very well known. Males' testicles seem to show peak of activity in spring, vitelogenesis in females occurs in autumn. 3 to 7 young per female are usually born after 8 months gestation period in next year's spring. Sexual maturity is reached in between the 1st and 4th year.

Behavior: A strictly diurnal lizard with developed territorial behavior. Seems to live in a close vicinity of a hideaway place (usually a crack in a rock). The peak activity was observed during the hottest hours of sunny days.

Habitat: Found in pine forest communities around rock formations and large boulders, generally in higher altitudes (2500 to 2700 m).

Biomes: temperate forests, mountains