California Reptiles & Amphibians

Small Spiny Lizards in California -
Sceloporus occidentalis/Sceloporus graciosus



Click on a picture for a larger view





Western Fence lizards and Common sagebrush lizards
These two species are very hard to tell apart.

Both are small, diurnal, brownish or grayish spiny lizards patterned with spots and chevrons and stripes on the back. The pictures below might help you differrentiate one from the other where they occur together if you can get a male lizard in hand.
Dorsal view - Sagebrush Lizard on the left, Western Fence Lizard on the rignt.
Note the larger scales on the Western Fence Lizard.
© Patrick Briggs
Ventral view of males- Sagebrush Lizard on the right, Fence Lizard on the left.
The underside markings of males will vary with different locations (and subspecies.)
Note the yellow rear thighs on the Fence Lizard.
© Patrick Briggs
Ventral view of male Western Fence Lizard, showing yellow on rear of thighs.


Western fence lizards
(swifts or bluebellies)
Sceloporus occidentalis


This is one of the most commonly-seen lizards in California. Found in a variety of habitats throughout the state, except much of the deserts, during daylight. Frequently seen standing on top of rocks, boulders, fences, walls, beach driftwood,
trees, as well as on the ground. Often found around suburban houses and yards.

Looking at the underside of males is a good way to differentiate this species from the Sagebrush Lizard. The rear of the limbs are orange or yellow on the Fence Lizard, but not on the Sagebrush Lizard. Also, the male has a more solid blue patch on the throat.


   

   
Male                                                         Male                                                     Female
Researchers are finding that the traditional taxonomy of Sceloporus occidentalis, is incorrect,
therefore many herpetologists do not currently break the species down into subspecies. The range map below is one interpretation of the distribution of the currently-recognized subspecies.


More pictures and information:

S. o. occidentalis

S. o. biseriatus

S. o. bocourtii

S. o. longipes

S. o. becki

S. o. taylori



Common Sagebrush lizards
Sceloporus graciosus

Sagebrush lizards are generally found at higher-elevations, than Fence Lizards, including the Great Basin sagebrush zones, but they also enter river bottoms in the coastal redwoods. They are often seen on the ground, where they will run into bushes or rocks to hide. They are also found on large rocks in the mountains.

Looking at the underside of males is a good way to differentiate this species from the Western Fence Lizard.
The rear of the limbs are not orange or yellow, as they are on the Fence Lizard. The blue throat patch on the male generally has light flecks. There is usually some rusty coloring on the sides of the neck and body, and a black bar on the shoulder.


Male underside
Male underside
Female underside
More pictures and information:

S. g. graciosus

S. g. gracilis

S. g. vandenburgianus






 

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