This Great Basin fence lizard, Sceloporus occidentalis longipes, warmed up to getting its photo taken by finding an optimal spot in the sun to achieve perfect radiance.
Longipes is one of five subspecies of the western fence lizard.
Fence lizards are diurnal, meaning they are mostly active during the day just like us; however, they are able to change color as they regulate their body temperature, ranging from light grey or tan to nearly jet black while basking. Some have bright blue bellies if you’re fortunate enough to see them!
Their mating time is in the spring, with eggs buried in nests until August when they hatch.
While they are not a threatened or protected species, greater urbanization has caused changes in their physical features, such as having shorter limbs and toes from hanging out on man-made surfaces, and having fewer scales as a result of urban heat islands. Higher year-round temperatures cause their scales to become larger and fewer in number, which helps them prevent water loss from evaporation.
Photo: Esther Chase
