Species of the Month

This week we're taking a break from understanding energy sources and trying to understand a species. When you think about lizards, you probably imagine them basking under the hot desert sun or on a tropical island. If that's the case, then June's Species of the Month will surprise you by showing up in some unexpected locations. Say hello to the eastern fence lizard.

Eastern fence lizard (University of Georgia)

Scientific name: Sceloporus undulatus

Kingdom: Animalia (animals)

Class: Reptilia (reptiles)

Order: Squamata (scaled reptiles)

Range: New York south to Florida, west to the Rockies

Habitat: Grasslands and forest edges

Lifespan: Unknown, thought to be four years average

Diet: Insects, some plant matter

Predators: Birds, snakes, other larger lizards, domestic dogs and cats

Conservation Status: No special protection

Other Information: The eastern fence lizard is a widespread reptile. They live under rocks and logs
where they have protection overnight. Cold-blooded, they bask in sunlight during the day to raise their
body temperatures. Normally, they bask close to where they call home. They are little guys. Adults
only grow as long as 19 centimeters. Color varies, but they are usually gray or brown. Males have a
blue patch on the throat and belly. A male will display the throat patch to attract a mate or warn other
males away from his territory. He will also do head bobs and push ups if threatened.
Fence lizard eggs grow after hatching. Mating season begins in April, with hatching taking place from
June to September. The eggs doubles in size between laying and hatching, and babies are half the size
of adults when they emerge. There is no parental care.

Male lizard showing blue throat and belly (University of California, Berkeley)

This week's information is courtesy of the Animal Diversity Web at University of Michigan. Next week
we return to our energy series with a look at wind power.