Definition

Noun: 1. A type of spiny lizard: A common lizard of the genus Sceloporus, characterized by spiny scales, often seen basking on fences, rocks, or logs in the United States and northern Mexico.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • We saw a fence lizard sunning itself on the old wooden rail.
  • The fence lizard darted into a crack in the rocks when it sensed our approach.
  • Eastern fence lizards and western fence lizards are two common species.

Advanced Usage

• Ecological Role: Fence lizards are important for insect control, as they feed on ants, beetles, and other arthropods.
• Defensive Behavior: When threatened, a fence lizard will often run to the opposite side of a tree trunk or post, keeping the object between itself and the predator.

Variants and Related Words

• Spiny lizard: A general common name for lizards in the genus , which includes fence lizards.
• Blue-belly: A colloquial name for the western fence lizard (), referring to the bright blue patches on its belly.
• Swift: Another common name sometimes used for these agile lizards.

Synonyms

• Sceloporus lizard: The scientific genus name, used as a general term.
• Swifts (in some regional contexts).

Related Phrases

• To do push-ups: A behavioral phrase often associated with fence lizards. Male fence lizards perform distinctive "push-up" displays to attract mates and defend territory.
  • The male fence lizard was doing push-ups on the fence post to show dominance.

Notes

• The term "fence lizard" specifically refers to lizards in the genus known for this basking behavior. It is not a general term for any lizard found on a fence.
• Their presence is often considered a sign of a healthy, insect-balanced ecosystem in their habitat range.

Noun

1. spiny lizard often seen basking on fences in the United States and northern Mexico