Western Fence Lizard

Types of Lizards Alligator Lizard Chuckwalla Clark's Spiny Lizard Desert Spiny Lizard Gila Monster Komodo Dragon Rock Lizard Tree Lizard Whiptail Lizards Zebra-tailed Lizard

Fence lizards are classified as spiny lizards. They are common throughout much of the United States, and there are both Eastern and Western varieties.

They get their name because of their propensity to sit on tall objects, including fences, while they bask in the sun.

The Western Fence Lizard in the picture did not move a muscle as I approached him within six inches. He just smiled for the camera.

Sometimes they are called Blue Belly lizards because of the male's characteristic blue belly.

Like other spiny lizards, Western Fence Lizards feed on a diet of insects and spiders.

© 2002 Patricia A. Michaels