Reptile · GBIF taxon 4287358
Plateau Fence Lizard
Sceloporus tristichusAlso known as Plateau Lizard, Northern Plateau Lizard
Plateau fence lizards spend sunny mornings basking atop sandstone boulders, fence posts, and fallen junipers to regulate their body temperature before foraging for small invertebrates. Adult males vigorously defend their territories by displaying brilliant blue patches along the belly and throat through rhythmic push-up displays. When startled, they quickly scramble to the opposite side of a tree trunk or dart deep into rock crevices to escape detection.
DiurnalSun-LovingInsectivorous
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Beetles
- Ants
- Spiders
Predators
- Coachwhips and other snakes
- Hawks and shrikes
- Coyotes
ThreatsHabitat loss from land clearing, severe wildfires, and outdoor domestic cats
HabitatsPinyon-juniper woodlands, sagebrush shrublands, and rocky canyon country
Life span3–5 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyPhrynosomatidae
- GenusSceloporus
- SpeciesSceloporus tristichus
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
- Approach slowly: Walk with a low profile and avoid casting shadows over basking perches.
- Scan horizontal surfaces: Look along sunlit fallen logs, dry stone walls, and south-facing boulders.
- Watch for push-ups: Listen for scuttling claws and watch for bobbing displays used to signal territory.
Same Genus Kaldari / Public domain · cc0
Predator no rights reserved · cc0
Close Relative SchloughM / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative Connor Long / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
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