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Sceloporus occidentalis
Is the upper lizard also a Western Fence Lizard? A better eye than mine would be appreciated. Western fence lizards measure 5.7-8.9 cm (snout-vent length) and a total length of about 21 cm. They are brown to black in color (the brown may be sandy or greenish) and have black stripes on their back, but their most distinguishing characteristic is their bright blue belly. The ventral sides of the limbs are yellow. These lizards also have blue patches on their throats. This bright coloration is faint or absent in both females and juveniles. The scales of S. occidentalis are sharply keeled, and between the interparietal and rear of thighs, there are 35-57 scales. (Wikipedia)
urban cactus and succulent garden.
Spotted on Dec 14, 2016
Submitted on Jan 15, 2019
4 Comments
If you're ever coming here to visit your kids, give me a heads up so we can meet!
Hi Ava. Good to hear from you. I've been kind of out of it lately. Trying to get motivated to get back to posting. I'm glad the reference was a help. I've been helped by so many and am always happy when I can return the favor. Our kids returned to San Diego (Santee) last week. I thought of you. Have a great day.
Tukup! I never thanked you for this excellent reference on California lizards which I am now sending to another spotter. Thanks so much!
Hi Ava. I've been digging a little to try to give you more than a "I think it is" answer. This website <http://www.californiaherps.com/identific...> is excellent on California lizards. Scroll down to "Western Fence Lizards and Sagebrush Lizards" and click. That show 8 pictures and a map. I believe the 7th picture explains why the top lizard doesn't have the clear markings the bottom one does. It also shows, on the map the subspecies "Orange: Sceloporus occidentalis longipes - Great Basin Fence Lizard." Nice shot. Thanks for making me dig, that's how I learn.