Plate No. 06Reptile
Species Profile
Plateau Fence Lizard
Sceloporus tristichus
The small spiny lizard you'll catch doing push-ups on a sun-warmed rock. The blue belly patches flash a warning to rivals — a tiny enamel of sky on a scaly back.
Habitat
Sun-warmed rocks, log piles, adobe walls
Diet
Insectivore — ants, beetles, spiders, flies
Size
3.5–6 in (with tail)
Status
Common
§ Field Notes
Fun facts.
01
Males flash bright blue belly patches to defend territory.
02
Their ‘push-up’ display says ‘this rock is mine.’
03
Body temperature is controlled by sun-basking, not metabolism.
04
Studies suggest their blood may help reduce Lyme bacteria in ticks.
Previous Plate
Black Bear
Next Plate
Pronghorn