Species Spotlight: Eastern Fence Lizard (Sceloporus undulatus)

Eastern Fence Lizard

You may know them as 'wood lizards' or 'swift lizards' but they are more readily known as Eastern Fence Lizards. Quick and agile they are commonly found on fences and open woodlands throughout its range in most of the eastern United States from New York State south to Florida and west to South Dakota. Here at the park they can easily be spotted on the fence around our butterfly garden looking for insects and spiders to nosh on. They can also be seen throughout the parks open woodlands of pines and hardwoods scampering around the ground and around stumps, rocky outcrops, brush piles and up trees. They are strictly diurnal and are often seen basking in the sun until disturbed where they will dart off quickly for cover.

Fence lizards are 4 to 7 inches in length and are generally brown, gray or bronze in color with several wavy crossbands along its body. The bellies are generally white with black flecks scattered about. If you are lucky enough to see the belly of the adult males you will be treated to patches of deep bright iridescent blue, greenish blue or bluish-black markings. The scales are pointed and overlap giving the fence lizard a rough appearance. Compared to other lizards found in the park and the state of North Carolina this rough scaly appearance makes them easily identifiable. When winter comes they can be found hibernating in logs, under rocks, stumps or other sheltered areas. On warmer winter days they will emerge to bask in the sunlight.


Male fence lizards are highly territorial and will fend off competing males (usually by displaying their blue patches through a series of ‘push-ups”) for breeding grounds and feeding locations. Fence lizards use their keen eyesight to spot prey. They will find a favorable perch and then ‘sit and wait’ for their prey to come. Fence lizards can eat their weight in insects and spiders most every day making them a friend to gardeners. These lizards can also become prey themselves to snakes, mammals and larger birds and rely on camouflage and speed to evade such predators. If captured, they can bite, feign death and or have its tail break off potentially giving the lizard a chance to escape. Like all of North Carolinas native lizards they have fractures along their vertebrae that allow the tail to break off. In time a new tail will partially regenerate.

Eastern Fence Lizards are fun little reptiles adding life and personality to Little River Regional Park. If you ever have tried to catch one before you know just how fast these little buggers can be. Eastern Fence Lizards call Little River Regional Park home and I encourage you to come out and visit the park to see if you con spot one at our garden or along one of our trails.