Southwestern Fence Lizard
ExploreReptiles
Southwestern Fence Lizard
Sceloporus cowlesi
The Southwestern Fence Lizard is a small, spiky lizard that loves to bask in the sun. With its bright colors and fast movements, it can be a fun friend to spot in the wild!
Habitat: Desert
Appearance
The Southwestern Fence Lizard is typically gray to brownish, often marked with darker spots or wavy crossbands. It has distinctly keeled, spiny scales giving it a rough texture. Males display bright blue patches on their throat and belly, especially during breeding season.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassSquamataOrderLacertiliaFamilyPhrynosomatidaeGenusSceloporus
Category
ReptilesRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
If a predator grabs its tail, this lizard can simply snap it off!
Males do speedy push-ups to impress females and warn other lizards!
These lizards love sunbathing to get energy for their daily adventures!
They are like tiny pest control experts, eating many garden insects!
Special abilities
Ability
Tail Escape
Southwestern Fence Lizard can drop its tail if caught, because it helps them escape from predators.
Ability
Color Blending
Southwestern Fence Lizard can subtly change its skin color, because it helps them blend in with their surroundings.
Ability
Expert Climber
Southwestern Fence Lizard has strong claws and feet that helps them climb vertical surfaces with ease.
Ability
Heat Seeker
Southwestern Fence Lizard can find sunny spots to warm its body, because it helps them stay active and hunt.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 10-18 cm
- Weight
- 0.005-0.015 kg
- Lifespan
- 2-5 years
- Top Speed
- 10 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 2-10
- Incubation
- 45-60 days
Diet & Feeding
These lizards are tiny hunters, munching on small bugs and spiders that cross their path.
Primary Foods
- ants
- beetles
- crickets
- grasshoppers
- spiders
- flies
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
eaten by
Gopher Snake
Pituophis catenifer
A common snake predator in their habitat.
eaten by
Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensis
These birds of prey hunt lizards from above.
eats
Silky Ant
Formica fusca
A common insect prey species for the lizard.
Traits
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Desert
Desert habitats are arid regions characterized by extremely low precipitation and often extreme temperatures, supporting specialized flora and fauna.
Spiky/Thorny
Possessing sharp, pointed projections or spines on the body or surface.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Speedster
This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
If you see a lizard, watch it from a distance and don't try to catch it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Southwestern Fence Lizard?
10-18 cm
How much does Southwestern Fence Lizard weigh?
0.005-0.015 kg
How long does Southwestern Fence Lizard live?
2-5 years
How fast can Southwestern Fence Lizard move?
10 km/h
What does Southwestern Fence Lizard eat?
These lizards are tiny hunters, munching on small bugs and spiders that cross their path.
Where is Southwestern Fence Lizard usually found?
Desert
How does Southwestern Fence Lizard hunt?
Ambush
How many eggs does Southwestern Fence Lizard lay?
2-10
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
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