The western fence lizard is a small, scaly reptile with a rough body and shiny blue belly. You’ll often see it doing quick push-ups on rocks, logs, or—you guessed it—fences.
This lizard lives throughout the western United States. It likes warm, sunny places like backyards, forests, parks, and deserts. If you have rocks or fences, it might visit you.
It eats ants, spiders, and other small bugs. It keeps insect populations under control. It also shows off its bright belly and push-up moves to protect territory and impress other lizards
Females lay several small eggs in dirt or under rocks during spring or summer. The babies hatch a few weeks later and start hunting bugs right away. No parental care needed!
Western fence lizards have special blood that kills Lyme disease bacteria in ticks. They can drop their tails to escape danger—and grow it back! Pretty handy trick for staying alive.
These lizards are free pest control and even help reduce the risk of disease. They’re helpful, harmless, and part of the natural balance in our wild spaces and neighborhoods.
