Western Fence Lizard
Sceloporus occidentalis
![[Western Fence Lizard]](/images/75ds.jpg)
Description
Physical
Color and Pattern
Sexual Dimorphism
The blue patches on the belly and throat of males is much deeper in color and covers far more area than on females. Males also have enlarged post-anal scales and a swollen tail base.
During mating season, males often appear vividly colored on their back, often taking on a blue or greenish sheen.
Habitat
Found in virtually all types of habitat, as long as they have decent places to bask in full sun.
When the Upper Ditch trail in the Kesewick Recreation Area was first cleared, I visited the area and saw very few Western Fence Lizards present. A few years later however, there already were large quantities taking advantage of the new basking habitat resulting from the cleared Manzanita. It did not take them long to move in.
Diet
Feeds on insects and spiders. Very adapt at catching winged insects, they often sit completely motionless untill the insect is withing range and then quickly pounce. It is really fun to watch.
Distribution Range
General range map taken from CWHR.
Museum records taken from following institutions: CAS Herps, CAS-SUR, MVZ Herps, LSUMZ Herps.
Found throughout Shasta County.
Typical Elevation
Based on records in our database, in Shasta County the Western Fence Lizard is typically found at all elevations up to 1486m (4874ft).
Reproduction and Young
Additional Information
Notes
The subspecies that occurs in our area is the Northwestern Fence Lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis occidentalis).
Images
Unless otherwise noted, all images are of wild specimens in Shasta County.
Please be kind, do not hotlink images and do not use images without permission of the copyright owner.
![[Western Fence Lizard]](/images/18sm.jpg)
©Michael A. Peters
Adult Female (Gravid). Notice heavily keeled scales on her back. Redding, CA
![[Western Fence Lizard]](/images/19sm.jpg)
![[Western Fence Lizard]](/images/28sm.jpg)
©Michael A. Peters
Adult Female (Gravid). Notice the yellow on hind limbs and visible forelimb. Keswick Area near Upper Sacramento Ditch Trail.
![[Western Fence Lizard]](/images/75sm.jpg)
![[Western Fence Lizard]](/images/123sm.jpg)
©Michael A. Peters
Male with unusually vividly colored underside. Tamarack Rd, Shasta County, CA.
Habitat Shots
Unless otherwise noted, these habitat shots are from within Shasta County where this species is known to occur.
![[Western Fence Lizard habitat]](/images/71sm.jpg)
Multimedia
Similar Species
Common Sagebrush Lizard
Common Sagebrush Lizards (Sceloporus graciosus) usually do not have any yellow on their hind limbs and have smaller weakly keeled scales on their back. Their pattern is generally less visible, especially on the sides where it appears diffused.
![[Save The Frogs]](http://savethefrogs.com/images/banners/banner-its-up-to-you.jpg)
