Eastern Fence Lizard
Sceloporus undulatus
A rough-scaled native lizard often seen basking on pine trunks, fences, and fallen logs.
Eastern Fence Lizards favor dry, open woodlands, pine habitats, sandy edges, fences, and yards with sunlit logs or rough-barked trees. In Florida they are most associated with the Panhandle, north, and portions of central Florida.
They rely on small patches of bare ground, leaf litter, downed wood, and escape cover. Pesticide reduction and retention of safe logs and native vegetation can make properties friendlier to this insect-eating lizard.
Habitat:
Pine Flatwoods and Sandhills, Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Residential Areas
Area / Range:
Florida Panhandle, North Florida, Central Florida
Diet:
Consumes ants, beetles, spiders, grasshoppers, moths, and other small arthropods captured on the ground or tree trunks.
Behavior:
Basks in sunny patches and darts to the far side of a trunk when approached. Males perform head-bobs and push-ups to display blue belly patches and defend territories.
Daytime
Active Times:
Best time to see:
Sunny mornings and afternoons in spring through fall on trunks, fences, stumps, and logs.
Florida Native Status:
Native
Conservation Status:
Least Concern; local habitat simplification, pesticides, pets, and fire suppression can reduce populations.
Safety Level:
Low
Safety Information:
Harmless to people. Avoid grabbing the lizard because it may drop its tail or bite defensively; keep cats indoors and let trapped animals exit through an open door.
Benefits to Property:
Consumes many insects and spiders and contributes to the native prey base for birds and snakes.
Property Concerns:
Causes no structural damage and does not infest homes. Individuals may occasionally enter garages or screened areas.
Fun Fact:
- The rough scales help break up its outline against bark.
- Males flash blue belly patches during displays.
- It can sprint around a tree trunk to stay hidden from an observer.
Wildlife Laws:
Native lizards should be left unharmed. Collection, possession, and activities on protected lands may be regulated; follow current Florida wildlife and park rules.
Identification:
Eastern Fence Lizards are gray to brown with strongly keeled, spiny scales and dark wavy crossbars. Males develop bright blue patches on the throat and sides of the belly; females usually show a more patterned back and less blue.