Table of Contents
- 1 Where do western fence lizards lay eggs?
- 2 What do fence lizards eggs look like?
- 3 How long does it take for Western fence lizard eggs to hatch?
- 4 Are GREY lizards poisonous?
- 5 When do western fence lizards lay their eggs?
- 6 How does a western fence lizard protect itself?
- 7 What kind of lizard has a blue belly?
Where do western fence lizards lay eggs?
The females lay their eggs in pits that they have dug in damp soil that is well aerated (Morey, 1988). They will lay clutches from May to July, because of the several mating between the males and females (Nafis, 2013).
What do fence lizards eggs look like?
Fence lizards are spiny lizards, meaning they have rough, pointed scales on their backs. Their bodies are gray to brown in color, but males and females can be distinguished by certain color variations. The fence lizard makes its escape by running up tree trunks and pausing on the opposite side to avoid being seen.
How long are western fence lizards pregnant?
3-6 weeks
Females go through a gestation period of 3-6 weeks, in which the sides of their abdominal region widen. They lay up to three clutches of 10 to 17 eggs throughout late spring and early summer. The eggs hatch in July to August, which is the time when tiny (1- to 2-inch) juvenile lizards are most common.
How long does it take for Western fence lizard eggs to hatch?
about two months
In Southern California, western fence lizards breed in mid to late March and the females lay eggs 2–4 weeks after that. After about two months, these eggs hatch, resulting in the many baby western fence lizards we can observe in late June and July.
Are GREY lizards poisonous?
Are Garden Lizards Poisonous? Short and clear—no. When it comes to North America, there is only one type of lizard that’s poisonous, which is the Gila monster. Besides this one, you have nothing to worry about since common garden lizards are fairly harmless.
Are western fence lizards social?
Western fence lizards lead a solitary life. They are diurnal reptiles and are commonly seen sunning on paths, rocks, and fence posts, and other high places, which makes them easy prey for birds and even some mammals, such as shrews.
When do western fence lizards lay their eggs?
Females lay 1-3 clutches of 3 to 17 eggs between April and July. The eggs hatch in August. Young Western fence lizards usually do not breed until the spring of their second year.
How does a western fence lizard protect itself?
Western fence lizards protect themselves by employing their fast reflexes, including biting and possibly defecating on the predator. They can change color from light grey or tan to nearly jet black, but they probably use this ability for the purpose of thermoregulation while basking and not as a means to camouflage themselves.
What kind of food does a western fence lizard eat?
Western fence lizards have a carnivorous (insectivorous) diet. They eat spiders and insects such as beetles, mosquitoes, and various types of grasshoppers. Western fence lizards mate in the spring and during this time males are very territorial and defend their home ranges.
What kind of lizard has a blue belly?
The Western fence lizard is a quite common lizard found in the western United States and northwestern Mexico. It is brown to black in color (the brown may be sandy or greenish) and has black stripes on its back, but its most distinguishing characteristic is its bright blue belly. The ventral sides of the limbs are yellow.