Scientific Name:
Sceloporus occidentalis
Description
23 cm (9 in) long reptile with brown to black scales with orange-black blotches along its back. Adult lizards have a bright blue abdomen, which is why another common name is the “blue-belly.”
Behaviors
The western fence lizard eats beetles, flies, caterpillars, and spiders. Often seen sunning themselves on rocks or fences, the males will do “push ups” to attract a mate or defend their territory. When threatened, it can detach its tail to confuse predators. Over time the tail will grow back.
Fun Facts
If a tick bites a western fence lizard, the tick’s blood will be cleansed of Lyme disease, which means it won’t be able to spread it to humans!
Nature Topics
Photo credit: ©Kip Evans
