Western Fence Lizard

Sceloporus occidentalis

The Western Fence Lizard is a small, friendly lizard that loves to bask in the sun. With its beautiful blue belly, it can often be seen resting on rocks or fences in warm areas.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Western Fence Lizard has keeled (ridged) scales that give it a spiny appearance and can range from grey to brown or black. Males display bright blue patches on their throat and belly, distinguishing them from females and other similar lizards.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassSquamataOrderLacertiliaFamilyPhrynosomatidaeGenusSceloporus

Western Fence Lizard

Interesting facts

Males flash bright blue belly patches to attract mates and warn rivals. Wow!

They can regrow a lost tail, but it often looks a bit different! Wow!

They use their excellent eyesight to spot tiny insects from far away! Wow!

Western Fence Lizards eat thousands of pest insects, helping gardens thrive! Wow!

Special abilities

The Western Fence Lizard has a special protein in its blood that kills the bacteria causing Lyme disease in ticks, making them less harmful.

Western Fence Lizards can detach their tail if grabbed by a predator, letting them escape while the tail wiggles to distract.

Western Fence Lizards can slightly lighten or darken their skin to absorb more or less sunlight, helping them control their body temperature.

Measurements & details

Length: 5.7-21 cm
Weight: 0.006-0.018 kg
Lifespan: 2-7 years
Top Speed: 10 km/h
Clutch Size: 3-17
Incubation: 40-70 days

Diet & Feeding

Tiny hunters, they feast on insects and spiders found in their habitat.

Primary Foods

Crickets
Grasshoppers
Beetles
Flies
Ants
Spiders

Foraging Method

Ambush

Ecological connections

eaten by

Gopher Snake

Pituophis catenifer

Often hunted by these common snakes.

eaten by

Red-tailed Hawk

Buteo jamaicensis

A frequent meal for these birds of prey.

hunts

Ant

Formica fusca

Actively preys on various ant species.

hunts

Cricket

Gryllus bimaculatus

Feasts on crickets and other ground insects.

Traits

Social

Discover creatures that love to live and work together! These animals form groups, helping each other find food, stay safe, and raise their young.

Camouflaged

Look closely for animals that are masters of disguise, blending perfectly into their surroundings! Their colors and patterns help them hide from others.

Colorful

Discover amazing plants and animals that show off a dazzling array of bright and beautiful hues! They use their vibrant colors to attract attention or send signals.

Grassland

These wide-open spaces are covered in grasses, often home to grazing animals and incredible predators! Experience the vastness of the plains.

Insectivorous

Discover clever creatures that specialize in munching on insects, playing a super important role in keeping bug populations in check. They are nature's tiny bug vacuums!

Diurnal

Wake up with creatures that are most active during the day! They love the sunshine for finding food, playing, and exploring.

Speedster

Discover creatures that dart, zip, and fly with incredible swiftness, making them masters of rapid movement in their habitats. They are built for speed, whether chasing prey or escaping danger.