HABITAT: A variety of biotic communities are home to this lizard. In southeastern Arizona it is found in Chihuahuan Desertscrub, Semidesert Grassland, and Madrean Evergreen Woodland. In northern Arizona it occurs in Great Basin Desertscrub, Plains and Great Basin Grassland, woodlands, and Petran Montane Conifer Forest. In southeastern Arizona it is usually encountered in low valleys, grassy plains, bajadas, and foothills. In northern Arizona it inhabits a wider variety of habitats ranging from low valleys and plains into steep mountainous terrain such as rocky canyons and forested slopes. It is usually encountered in relatively open, sunlit areas with plenty of basking sites such as rock piles, wood piles, and fallen logs.

BEHAVIOR: During the summer this diurnal lizard is most active mid morning and late afternoon. In spring and fall it can be active all day long. It forages on the ground but climbs onto rocks, trees, fence posts, and wood piles to bask. It hibernates during the cold months of winter and late fall. 

DIET: The Southwestern Fence Lizard sits and waits for prey to wander within close proximity. It feeds on a variety of insects including termites, ants, beetles, grasshoppers, flies, larvae, and wasps. It also eats a variety of spiders, snails, and small lizards.

REPRODUCTION: Mating begins in spring and continues into early summer. One to 4 clutches of eggs are laid in late spring and summer. Clutch size ranges from 1 to 10 eggs. Hatchlings begin to emerge in June and continue to emerge through September.

By Thomas C. Brennan

Brennan, T. C., & A. T. Holycross. 2006. A Field Guide to Amphibians and Reptiles in Arizona. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, AZ