Sceloporus occidentalis <!-- google_ad_client = "ca-pub-2327677141881672"; /* Short title Links */ google_ad_slot = "3055805829"; google_ad_width = 468; google_ad_height = 15; //-->

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This is a specific care sheet for Western fence lizards (Sceloporus occidentalis), for more in this genus see Category:Sceloporus.

Western fence lizard care sheet Sceloporus occidentalis An adult Western fence lizard Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Subphylum: Vertebrata Class: Reptilia Subclass: Diapsida Order: Squamata Suborder: Lacertilia Family: Phrynosomatidae Subfamily: Phrynosomatinae Genus: Sceloporus Species: S. occidentalis

Pet Reptile (Sceloporus occidentalis) Care Information
Regions Found:	Central Idaho and south through Nevada and west to the Pacific coast of the United States
Natural habitat:
Longevity:
Years to Maturity:
Adult Size:	15.2-23.5 cm (6-9.25")
Temperament:
Housing, Feeding and Climate of Sceloporus occidentalis
Housing Size:
Reptile Foods:	What reptile foods are suggested? Should the reptiles food be live reptile food?
Temperature:
Humidity:
Reptile Lighting:	Are there any special reptile lighting requirements?
Special Requirements:
Breeding Sceloporus occidentalis
Breeding Difficulty:	moderate
Sceloporus occidentalis Clutch Size:	What is the average clutch size for this animal?
Gestation Period:	12-14 weeks
Incubation Temperature:	What temperature do the reptile eggs require?
Incubation Humidity:
Incubation Period:
Health
What are the reptile health concerns? Is pet insurance recommended? Is reptile health a common problem?
Recommended Pet Supplies for Sceloporus occidentalis
Reptile cage (suitable vivarium or aquarium) Reptile heat lamp, UTH, UVB lamp or recommended heating/lighting source Reptile thermometer and thermostat to regulate temperature Water source Reptile accessories and cage decorations Reptile cleaning equipment Reptile food nb. All of these can be purchased from an online pet store

Introduction

S. occidentalis is most commonly referred to as the Western fence lizard. Found from central Idaho and south through Nevada and west to the Pacific coast of the United States. Also known as the 'Blue-Belly' lizard and frequently mistaken for the similar species Uta stansburiana.

Description

The Western fence lizard grows to between 15.2-23.5 cm (6-9.25"). They feature lots of spiny scales over the top of their bodies, those running onto the thigh gradually decrease in size. They are an olive, dark brown colour, with a pattern of paired blotches or wavy bands down their backs and occasionally some striping. Undersurfaces of legs are usually a yellowish-orange. They have blue patches on the sides of their bellies, mature males have blue patches on their throats.

Breeding

This species mates in early spring. A typical gestation period of 12-14 weeks results in a single clutch of between 3-14 eggs, laid May to July. The eggs will then hatch sometime between July to September.