Western Fence Lizard

Behold...a thing of beauty! Well, maybe not to some but I have a special fondness for these little critters. The Western Fence lizard, also known as Blue-Bellies due to the vibrant blue coloration found on the belly and sometimes throat of the males, are as common as muck in the Simi Valley and throughout California. They rely on fast reflexes to avoid becoming prey to snakes, birds and some shrews. These little guys are thought to diminish the danger of transmission of Lyme disease. They seldom bite, and if they do it is hardly noticeable and they will often remain docile if held gently.