WESTERN FENCE LIZARDS One of the most common lizards found in the Conejo Valley backyards and parks is the Western Fence Lizard. This little lizard (approx. 4 inches) is decorated with scales that can look like stripes of spots or chevron patterns. Sometimes fence lizards are very dark before they have warmed up in the sun making them look completely black at a distance. Sunshine is one of the fence lizard's favorite things. It allows their body to get warm and helps them find insects to eat. Although laying in the sun can also put them in danger. Being perched in the open can allow predators to spot them. Luckily, their quick climbing and jumping skills help them get away.
Where in the Conejo: to Spot a Western Fence Lizard
EVERYWHERE!
Western Fence Lizards enjoy sitting on rocks in the sunshine where it is warm. They need to do this because they are cold-blooded. That means their body temperature is dependent on the sun.
Look around your yard. Look at the park. Look on your front porch. The key is to look anywhere the sun is shining.
FUN FACTS & SUPER POWERS
They eat spiders, beetles, mosquitos, & grasshoppers.
They hibernate during the winter.
They change color depending on what temperature they are.
Males tend to have bright blue bellies. Females & young males do not.
When in danger, they can drop their tails, leave them behind, grow a new one.
Be a Herpetologist: Watch & Observe Lizards
What color is the lizard?
How many toes does it have?
How does it move?
What is it doing?
Why do you think it chose that spot to hang out?
(A herpetologist is a person who studies retiles and amphibians.)
Western Fence Lizards are diurnal. Diurnal means they are active during the day and sleep at night. Do you know anyone else like that?
Lizard Laughs
Q: What is a lizard's favorite movie? A: The Lizard of Oz
Q: Why do lizards put on their kitchen floors?
A: Rep-tiles
As you are observing western fence lizards, you may notice them doing push-ups. Make lizards do this to show other lizards this is their territory and to impress females lizards with their blue bellies.
Can you find the Western Fence Lizard hiding in this coloring page?
Earyn McGee is a herpetologist that studies lizards in the Southwestern United States and creator of a fun social media photo game called #FindThatLizard. You can download this coloring sheet she created and several others featuring several different lizards: https://earynmcgee.com/color-that-lizard
Ages: Prek
“A Color of His Own” By Leo Lionni
Ages: K-3
“Lizard from the Park” By: Mark Pett
Educational Books Grades 3-5
“Lizards” by Susan Schafer
Our local libraries are currently closed but do offer curbside pickup. Visit tolibrary.org for more information.
Alligator Lizards can be found in yards too. They are much larger and longer (up to 7 inches long) than the western fence lizard. Although these lizards enjoy sunshine, they prefer to be under rocks or piles of debris (although they would prefer your garage more). Alligator lizards usually have yellow eyes and their bodies can be gray, green, or yellowish with stripes along the backside. These lizards are know to be aggressive and were given the name Alligator Lizard because of their mighty bite.
ARE YOU AN EDUCATOR? If you would like this information in a format you can distribute to your class, let's chat! Email Christina at naturekidsactivities@gmail.com
THIS IS A CLUB SO LET'S SHARE OUR ADVENTURES! This week, share your lizard pictures and finished coloring pages using the hashtag: #CONEJOVALLEYNATURECLUB
