Reptiles and Amphibians of the Table Rocks

Western Fence Lizard

Sceloporus occidentalis © 1999 California Academy of Sciences

Sceloporus occidentalis © 2003 William Flaxington

You may know me as a "Blue-belly" or a "Swift". Males have a blue belly and throat. You may hear me rustle in the leaves as you hike along the trail. I am great at climbing trees to escape from predators.

I am often seen displaying to attract females or drive off male intruders. I do this by doing push ups, head bobs and flattening my sides, showing off my blue patches.

I like to live in rocky and mixed forest areas. You may see me basking on a warm rock or looking for some insects to eat.

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