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Blue Belly Lizard

Blue belly lizard is a common species of lizard found in many parts of United States and northern Mexico. It derives its name from having blue ventral abdomen. The species is diurnal.



    Kingdom Animalia
    Phylum Chordata
    Class Reptilia
    Order Squamata
    Suborder Iguania
    Family Phrynosomatidae
    Genus Sceloporus
    Scientific Name Sceloporus occidentalis


    Other Names Western Fence Lizard
    Length Around 21 cm
    Color Sandy or greenish brown to black with black stripes on the backs; belly is bright blue with yellow ventral sides of the limbs; blue patches on the throats which is faint or absent in females and juveniles; the dorsal surface of some male members have iridescent, bright turquoise blue spots
    Distribution California, eastern and southwestern Oregon, southwestern Idaho, western Utah, Nevada, northwestern Baja California, Arizona
    Habitat Grassland, broken chaparral, woodland, sagebrush, coniferous forest, farmland
    Diet Insects like ants and baby crickets, spiders,  mealworms, waxworms, earthworms, larger crickets, grasshoppers
    Hibernation Fact Hibernates during winter
    Predators Hawks and other birds, raccoons, foxes, snakes
    Breeding Season Spring
    Mode of Reproduction Oviparous (egg laying)
    Clutch Size 3 to 17 eggs
    Incubation Period Around 2 months
    Reproductive Age 1 year of age
    Average Lifespan Up to 5 years
    IUCN Conservation Status Least Concern

    Blue Belly Lizard Pictures Gallery

    Published on October 20th 2016 by under Lizards. Article was last reviewed on 4th June 2019.

    2 responses to “Blue Belly Lizard”

    1. Phyllis white says:

      Is it unusual for a blue belly lizard to be seen in lower Alabama?

      • staff says:

        Not really, but it is more likely that you saw an eastern fence lizard as they are more commonly found in Alabama. And the two species look pretty simialr.

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