Great basin fence lizard
A species of Spiny lizards Scientific name : Sceloporus occidentalis longipes Genus : Spiny lizards
Great basin fence lizard, A species of Spiny lizards
Scientific name: Sceloporus occidentalis longipes
Genus: Spiny lizards
Content
Description General Info
Photo By jonnysperling , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
Great basin fence lizard bears a critical ecological role as a prolific insectivore, controlling insect populations in its native habitat. It displays a basking behavior, absorbing sunlight on rocks or tree trunks, which aids in temperature regulation. During severe weather conditions, great basin fence lizard goes into brumation, a form of dormancy in cold-blooded animals, which optimizes survival in harsh climates.
General Info
Lifespan
6-10 years
Diet
Great basin fence lizard's primary dietary preference lies in small invertebrates. The species avidly consumes ants, various beetles, and spiders. Their feeding habits are usually opportunistic and vary seasonally.
Appearance
Great basin fence lizard is a medium-sized lizard, possessing a rough, spiny skin. Its back exhibits a greyish-brown to dark brown color adorned with retroflex markings, while its belly ranges from bluish to pinkish. Males feature striking blue patches on their throats and undersides with the intensity varying with age. Females, noticeably less colorful, display a series of dark, wavy crossbars on their backs. Notably, the tail is almost twice as long as the body.
Behavior
Great basin fence lizard is characterized by its diurnal, predominantly solitary lifestyle, and displays exceptional climbing skills, frequently occupying tree trunks and fences. Males exhibit notable display behavior, demonstrating push-ups and lateral extensions of the body to mark territory or in response to perceived threats. They also hibernate during colder months.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
North american spiny lizards Genus
Spiny lizards Species
Great basin fence lizard 
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