REPTILES: LIZARDS

Eastern Fence Lizard, Sceloporus undulatus

Family Phrynosomatidae (Horned Lizards and Allies)

Size: Up to 6"

Range: Throughout Colorado

Habitat: A wide variety of sunny habitats, including grasslands, woodlands, brushy areas

The eastern fence lizard includes several subspecies of varying color patterns, including grayish or brownish, with longitudinal striping, spotting, or a combination of the two. In Colorado, these common lizards are sometimes called blue-bellies because the males show blue patches on the belly and chin. The fence lizard is compact and long-tailed, with big feet, a blunt face, and scaled, dry skin. Solitary and active during the day, fence lizards scurry through sheltered areas or among trees, feeding on all kinds of insects and other invertebrates.