# Plateau Fence Lizard (*Sceloporus tristichus*) The Plateau Fence Lizard is a small, colorful lizard that loves to bask in the sun. It has beautiful blue and gray patterns on its body, making it easy to spot in its rocky home. - **Category:** [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/reptile) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 19 - **Habitat:** Mountain regions ![Plateau Fence Lizard](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Sceloporus_tristichus_Zion_NP.jpg&width=800) Photo: Leyo, CC BY-SA 2.5 ch · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sceloporus_tristichus_Zion_NP.jpg) ## Appearance The Plateau Fence Lizard has a rough, spiny body, typically gray or brown, with faint dark wavy patterns. Males display vibrant blue patches on their throat and sides, distinguishing them from duller females and blending them into rocky surroundings. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Squamata - **Order:** Lacertilia - **Family:** Phrynosomatidae - **Genus:** Sceloporus ## Interesting facts - Each baby lizard hatches from a soft, leathery egg buried underground! - Males do tiny push-ups to show off and warn other lizards to stay away! - These sun-loving lizards often bask on warm rocks to get their energy! - They use their keen eyesight to spot tiny insects from far away! ## Special abilities - **Chameleon Cloak:** Plateau Fence Lizard can change the shade of its skin because it helps them blend perfectly into rocks or bark, hiding from hungry birds. - **Burst of Boost:** Plateau Fence Lizard can sprint away in a flash because of powerful leg muscles that help them quickly escape dangerous predators. - **Decoy Tail:** Plateau Fence Lizard has a special tail that can break off, wiggling on its own, because it helps distract predators while the lizard runs to safety. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 10-18 cm - **Weight:** 0.004-0.01 kg - **Lifespan:** 2-5 years - **Speed:** 20 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 3-10 - **Incubation:** 45-60 days ## Diet & Feeding These small lizards are insectivores, mostly munching on bugs and spiders they find. - **Primary Foods:** ants, beetles, grasshoppers, spiders, crickets - **Foraging Method:** Ambush ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** Striped Whipsnake (*Masticophis taeniatus*) — a quick snake predator - **Eaten by:** [American Kestrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/american-kestrel) (*Falco sparverius*) — a keen-eyed bird of prey - **Eats:** Silky Ant (*Formica fusca*) — a common insect prey source ## Traits - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. - [Mountain](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/mountain): This habitat trait identifies species found in mountainous regions, characterized by high elevation, steep slopes, and varying climate zones. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. ## Collections - [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/reptiles) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Always watch lizards from a distance and don't try to catch them. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Plateau Fence Lizard? Compare toes, scales, head shape, crests and tail proportions. Many lizards can drop and regrow their tails, so a short tail isn't always a species trait. Lizard Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Plateau Fence Lizard? 10-18 cm ### How much does Plateau Fence Lizard weigh? 0.004-0.01 kg ### How long does Plateau Fence Lizard live? 2-5 years ### How fast can Plateau Fence Lizard move? 20 km/h ### What does Plateau Fence Lizard eat? These small lizards are insectivores, mostly munching on bugs and spiders they find. ### Where is Plateau Fence Lizard usually found? Mountain regions ### How does Plateau Fence Lizard hunt? Ambush ## Where to spot - [Colorado National Monument Visitor Center Complex](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/colorado-national-monument-visitor-center-complex) — Colorado, US · National Park - [Chaco Culture National Historical Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/chaco-culture-national-historical-park) — New Mexico, US · National Park - [Bandelier CCC Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/bandelier-ccc-historic-district) — New Mexico, US · Historic District - [Crow Canyon Archaeological District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/crow-canyon-archaeological-district) — New Mexico, US · Historic District - [El Tovar Stables](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/el-tovar-stables) — Arizona, US · Historic District - [Fruita Rural Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/fruita-rural-historic-district) — Utah, US · Historic District [View all places to see Plateau Fence Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/plateau-fence-lizard) ## More Reptiles - [Pond Slider](https://www.snappit.app/explore/pond-slider) (*Trachemys scripta*) - [Western Fence Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-fence-lizard) (*Sceloporus occidentalis*) - [Common Five-lined Skink](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-five-lined-skink) (*Plestiodon fasciatus*) - [Desert Spiny Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/desert-spiny-lizard) (*Sceloporus magister*) --- Source: [Plateau Fence Lizard: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/plateau-fence-lizard)