Species Reptiles & AmphibiansWestern Fence Lizard

Western Fence Lizard

Sceloporus occidentalis

CommonReptile & Amphibian
Illustration of Western Fence Lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis)

The Western Fence Lizard, known colloquially as the blue-belly, is one of the most common lizards in western North America. A protein in its blood kills the Lyme disease bacterium in ticks that feed on it.

Habitat
Chaparral, open woodland, rocky areas, and suburban fences
Diet
Beetles, ants, grasshoppers, and spiders
How common
Common

Best time to see a Western Fence Lizard

The best time to see a Western Fence Lizard is March–June, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 189,912 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Recent Western Fence Lizard sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

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