Western Fence Lizard's Diet

The western fence lizard is a member of the spiny lizard family.

The western fence lizard, also known as a blue belly or a swift, is a species of lizard native to the western United states including Oregon, California, Nevada and Utah. It is part of the spiny lizard family. The western fence lizard can survive in a variety of climates including coastal scrub, foothills and forested areas. The western fence lizard is a carnivore, eating mostly insects and small animals.

Insects

The western fence lizard eats insects such as flies, crickets and caterpillars.

In its natural habitat, the western fence lizard commonly feeds on caterpillars, beetles, ticks, crickets, flies and ants. The western fence lizard uses its tongue to snatch the insects off of the ground.

Spiders

Though western fence lizards often eat spiders, some spiders prey on baby western fence lizards.

Western fence lizards commonly feed on spiders found in their native habitat. Young western fence lizards, however, are commonly prey for spiders such as the black widow.

Animals

Western fence lizards feed on arthropods such as scorpions.

Western fence lizards eats arthropods such as scorpions and centipedes.

Other Lizards

Western fence lizards are known to eat other, smaller lizards, even ones of the same species.

Though rare, western fence lizards are known to eat other lizards, even ones of the same species.

In Captivity

In captivity, western fence lizards can eat bait insects such as crickets and mealworms.

Western fence lizards are often kept as pets. In addition to caught insects such as flies, beetles and ants, the western fence lizard will eat store-bought insects such as crickets, mealworms and waxworms.

References

• San Diego Natural History Museum: Sceloporus Occidentalis--Western Fence Lizard
• Idaho Museum of Natural History: Sceloporus Occidentalis (Western Fence Lizard)
• California Herps: Sceloporus Occidentalis Bocourtii--Coast Range Fence Lizard

Resources

• University of Oregon: Sceloporus Occidentalis--Some Notes on the Common Oregon Western Fence Lizard