Western Fence Lizard (or Blue-belly Lizard)

Description:

The kids find these blue-belly lizards quite frequently... they are always returned to the backyard where they can frequently be seen sunning themselves.

Habitat:

Southern California, inland backyard on rocks and sand

Notes:

Interesting fun fact: "Studies have shown Lyme disease is lower in areas where these lizards occur. When ticks carrying Lyme disease feed on the lizards' blood (which they commonly do, especially around their ears), a protein in their blood kills the bacterium that causes Lyme disease. The blood inside the ticks' gut is therefore cleansed and no longer carries Lyme disease." -Wiki