Have you SEEN all of the new baby lizards around the ranch?!?!?!...I’ve seen at least 20 of them this week. The body is barely one inch long, and their tail adds about another inch to their length. They’re so cute!
They are sometimes called ‘bluebellies’ because there are two blue stripes on their underside. If you’re quick enough to catch one you can see for yourself – they’re also called ‘SWIFTS’ and for GOOD reason…those puppies are FAST!!.....,
The babies don’t have their blue color yet – their bellies are just all white. When they grow to be adults the blue on the males will be darker than the blue on the females. Below are some photos…
Happy Trails,
Kadin
Western Fence Lizards
(swifts or bluebellies)
The Sceloporus occidentalis longipes or Great Basin Fence Lizard
is found in the coastal Orange County area including Whiting Ranch
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.
Photos courtesy of www.californiaherps.com
