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Photo by Unknown Photographer
Photo Courtesy of Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
Western Fence Lizard
Sceloporus occidentalis
NatureServe conservation status
Global (G-rank): G5
State (S-rank): S3S4
External links
General information
The western fence lizard, Sceloporus occidentalis, occurs throughout much of the extreme western United States. In Utah, the species can be found in the West Desert region, usually in sagebrush, grassland, or mountainous areas. It is fairly common in Utah within its range.
Female western fence lizards may lay several clutches of three to seventeen eggs during spring and early summer; eggs hatch in about two months. The diet of this lizard consists primarily of insects, such as flies and ants, and spiders. Western fence lizards are commonly called "blue-bellies" because of the blue markings on the bellies and throats of most males and some females.
Phenology
These lizards are generally inactive during cold weather. Duration of the inactive period varies with local climate. Emergence from hibernacula occurs in late winter or early spring, depending on local conditions.
Species range
The range extends from Washington and southeastern Idaho south through Oregon, California, Nevada, and western Utah to northwestern Baja California (Bell and Price 1996, Grismer 2002, Stebbins 2003), and disjunctly south to Isla de Cedros (Grismer and Mellink, 1994, J. Herpetol. 28:120-126). Elevational range extends from sea level to about 11,000 feet (3,353 meters) (Bell and Price 1996, Stebbins 2003).
Habitat
This lizard occupies various habitats, including grassland, sagebrush, woodland, open coniferous forest, rocky canyons, talus slopes, fence rows, etc. (Stebbins 2003). This species is not found in severe desert areas, but it comes close on mountain slopes (Stebbins 2003). Usually it is on the ground or on low perches (e.g., logs, fences), but sometimes climbs well up into taller bushes or trees. Eggs are buried in loose soil.
Food habits
Eats mainly insects (e.g. beetles, flies, caterpillars, and ants) and spiders.
Ecology
Adult males defend home range during breeding season. Seasonal home range generally much less than 0.01 ha in central California (Davis and Ford 1983). Predators: predatory birds and snakes.When individuals on tree trunks are approached closely, they often move to the other side of the trunk.
Reproductive characteristics
Courtship and mating generally occur in spring. Egg laying extends from April or May to June or July in most areas. Eggs are buried in loose soil or secluded in old logs or under rocks. Clutch size in different areas ranges from 3 to 17; clutch size tends to increase with female size, latitude, and elevation. Eggs hatch in about 2 months, mostly in August or September in many areas. Individuals first breed in the spring of their second year (Nussbaum et al. 1983, Stebbins 1985).
Threats or limiting factors
No major threats have been identified. Locally, conversion of habitat to intensive human uses have eliminated or reduced some populations.
References
- Biotics Database. 2005. Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, NatureServe, and the network of Natural Heritage Programs and Conservation Data Centers.
- Stebbins, R. C. 1985. A field guide to western reptiles and amphibians. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston. 336 pp.
