Western Fence Lizard

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Western Fence Lizard

Western Fence Lizard

One of my companions along Bridge Mountain-North Peak route. Red Rocks, Nevada. May 2008. Western Fence Lizards (Sceloporus occidentalis biseriatus) are very common in Red Rocks. Their color ranges from light gray to black. They are often also called "Blue-bellies" or "Swifts". Interesting fact: It has been discovered that when ticks caring Lyme disease feed on the western fence lizard the bacteria that cause Lyme disease are killed. In areas where western fence lizards occur the incidents of Lyme disease are lower.
Anya Jingle
on May 27, 2008 3:00 am
Image Type(s): Wildlife
Image ID: 406967

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cp0915

cp0915 - May 27, 2008 11:22 am - Voted 10/10

Great trivia

Fantastic picture, and the Lyme disease info is comforting. Go, Western Fence Lizard, go!

Anya Jingle

Anya Jingle - May 27, 2008 2:25 pm - Hasn't voted

Re: Great trivia

Thank you. I remember back in 2005 both Red Rocks and Lake Mead seemed to be infested with ticks. We would always finish the day with several ticks walking on our clothes. Grose! But, recently it's been good. I haven't seen any :)

cp0915

cp0915 - May 27, 2008 5:40 pm - Voted 10/10

Re: Great trivia

Yeah, I've come away pretty clean myself this year. Had quite a few when I was on Davidson Peak a couple months ago.

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