Western Fence Lizard

Western Fence Lizards

Natural History

The Western Fence Lizard is a member of the Spiny

Lizard group and appears as a thin lizard which grows to 6-9 inches in length. It varies in color from black or gray to brown and has a blotched pattern and occasionally some striping that helps them to blend in with their surroundings. Males have distinctive blue bellies and throat. These colors are less noticeable or may be absent in females.

Western Fence Lizards occasionally climb trees, but they are more commonly found on or near the ground.

Western Fence Lizards are one of the most common lizards in the west and live in a variety of habitats located between sea level and 9000 feet. Habitats include; grassland, chaparral, sagebrush, woodland and coniferous forest, however, they are not able to survive in lowland desert areas. The lizard eats insects and spiders and may in turn be eaten by snakes and birds. Females lay between 1-3 clutches of 3-17 eggs between the months of April and July.

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