Blue Belly Lizards Diet
The Sceloporus occidentalis or blue belly lizard, also called the Western fence lizard or a swift, is a small lizard common to California and surrounding U.S. states. This spiny lizard is generally only 3 to 4 inches in length and is light to dark gray with dark blotches. Males of the species have bright blue to greenish markings, which gives them one of their common names.
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Insects
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The diet of the blue belly lizard is composed entirely of insects and other invertebrates. In the wild, this creature eats spiders, ants, caterpillars, flies, beetles and any other small arthropods that will fit in its mouth. The lizard spends a great deal of time in high places, where it can easily see prey from a distance and can change its color to match its background.
Captivity
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In captivity, the blue belly lizard can consume most insects readily available at pet stores. They enjoy eating ants, crickets, waxworms and similar creatures, though calcium supplementation is required. Mealworms are only appropriate for the largest blue belly lizards, as they may be too big for juveniles to successfully eat.
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Predation
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Blue belly lizards' habit of hunting from high places puts them at risk from other predators. Hawks and other raptors, kingsnakes, striped racer snakes, shrews and other mammalian predators all prey on the Western fence lizard. This reptile relies primarily on its speed and agility to escape from dangerous situations, and is primarily active during the daylight hours.
Environment
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The blue belly lizard is most likely to be found hunting or basking during the day. It prefers habitats with a vertical component like rock outcroppings, cliffs and open forested areas with available logs and rocks. Blue belly lizards avoid moist, densely forested areas and flat desert valleys in favor of higher ground. In captivity, they prefer a daytime temperature of 80 to 95 F, with a night temperature around 75 to 80 F.
Warning
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While captive blue belly lizards will happily eat wild caught insects, this practice is dangerous. Insects caught outside or around the house may have been exposed to pesticides, chemicals or parasites, and can injure the lizard's health. It's best for pet owners to rely on commercially bred insects known to be free from contaminants.
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References
- Photo Credit lizard image by pearlguy from Fotolia.com
