Species · GBIF taxon 2451234
Western Fence Lizard
Sceloporus occidentalisAlso known as Blue-belly, Western Swift, Fence Swift
Western fence lizards are active, sun-loving reptiles frequently seen basking on rocks, logs, and wooden fences to regulate their body temperature. Males defend their territories with vigorous push-up displays that flash their vibrant blue throat and belly patches to rivals and potential mates. These abundant insectivores play a crucial ecological role, particularly because a protein in their blood neutralizes the Lyme disease bacteria carried by feeding ticks.
DiurnalSun-lovingInsectivorous
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Beetles
- Ants
- Spiders
Predators
- Red-tailed Hawk
- Gopher Snake
- Domestic Cat
ThreatsHabitat loss, domestic cat predation, and pesticide use reducing insect prey.
HabitatsGrasslands, broken chaparral, sagebrush, open woodlands, and suburban gardens.
Life span3 to 5 years in the wild.
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyPhrynosomatidae
- SpeciesSceloporus occidentalis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Watch for Push-ups: Look for males performing rapid push-up displays on elevated perches to signal territory.
- Approach Slowly: Move quietly and avoid casting a shadow over them, which triggers their predator-escape response.
- Observe the Belly: If one climbs a vertical glass or mesh surface, look for the brilliant blue patches on its underside.
Subspecies (c) Franco Folini, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Frequent Companion (c) Cricket Raspet, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Cricket Raspet · cc-by
Parasite Host no rights reserved, uploaded by Zygy · cc0
Close Relative Geographer (talk) / CC BY 2.5 · cc-by
Close Relative Kaldari / Public domain · cc0
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