Western side-blotched lizard
A species of Side-blotched lizards Scientific name : Uta stansburiana elegans Genus : Side-blotched lizards
Western side-blotched lizard, A species of Side-blotched lizards
Scientific name: Uta stansburiana elegans
Genus: Side-blotched lizards
Content
Description General Info
Photo By richbreisch , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
Western side-blotched lizard is a dynamic species, showcasing behaviors as captivating as diurnal activity and territorial defense. Emerging predominantly during daylight hours, it feeds on a wide array of arthropods, making significant contributions to insect population control. Its territorial defense, particularly among males during mating season, offers a powerful representation of intra-specific competition, highlighting its adaptability in a fluctuating ecological system.
General Info
Lifespan
5-10 years
Diet
Western side-blotched lizard predominantly feasts on insects, particularly ants and beetles. Its diet is complemented by spiders, caterpillars, and occasionally, small lizards and plants, making it an opportunistic omnivore.
Appearance
Western side-blotched lizard is a small-sized reptile with a length range of 2.5 to 3.5 inches. It sports a lean, elongated body covered in scales, with a long tail that exceeds its body length. This lizard's coloration is primarily dusty brown or grey, with darker, spotted patterns noteworthy on their backs and sides. Males distinguish themselves with blue patches on their bellies and abdomens, whereas females and young ones lack this feature.
Behavior
Western side-blotched lizard is a solitary reptile, primarily active during the day. Known for its territorial nature, males actively defend territory, often through ritualistic display and combat. Their diet mainly consists of invertebrates such as insects. Thigmothermic behavior is also prominent, where western side-blotched lizard basks on rocks to regulate its body temperature.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
North american spiny lizards Genus
Side-blotched lizards Species
Western side-blotched lizard 
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