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YardSmart Marin

WE LOVE LIZARDS!

By: Tracey Liao Van Hooser   |   September 2, 2022

Photo: Karen Gideon

You may have spotted lizards while out on a family hike, scampering across the trail or perhaps doing “push-ups”. Most likely you’ve stumbled upon the western fence lizard. They are sometimes called “blue bellies” because of the striking coloration on the underside of male lizards.

 

The Western Fence Lizard is a Reptile

Reptiles are cold-blooded, have dry scaly skin, and lay eggs. Check out this short YouTube video for kids all about reptiles.

 

They Are Not Dangerous

Some reptiles common to Marin can be dangerous, such as the rattlesnake. Happily, the western fence lizard is not poisonous or venomous. So, how do they protect themselves from predators? Their first instinct is to run and hide. If they are in danger of being eaten, they will entice the predator to go after their tail. Then they drop the tail and run! The tail continues to wriggle even after it’s detached, drawing attention away from the lizard. (Your kids might enjoy those video links!)

 

If you encounter one, please do not try to catch western fence lizards. You don’t want them to drop their tails, as this removes one of their key defense mechanisms and requires a lot of energy to regrow. If you do manage to grab one—they are super quick so it isn’t easy—it might bite you in self-defense.

 

Western fence lizards should not be captured and kept as pets. Although it is legal to do so with a permit, they belong outside and most cannot survive the transition. Consider buying a leopard gecko or crested gecko if you are looking to add a reptile to your family.

Photo: Nanette Londeree

They Are Natural Pest Controllers

These lizards eat insects! They love aphids, beetles, wasps, caterpillars, and spiders, helping to keep bad bugs from infesting your garden. Remember, seeing a few insects isn’t a problem that should have you reaching for bug spray; that’s simply a sign of a healthy, balanced ecosystem.

 

They Kill the Bacteria That Causes Lyme Disease

Borrelia burgdorferi is the bacteria that causes Lyme disease and some ticks are infected with it. When an infected tick bites a western fence lizard, a protein in the lizard’s blood kills that bacteria. Because of this, western fence lizards cannot catch Lyme disease or become carriers of it. Even better, the protein actually enters the tick’s body and eliminates the bacteria from the tick as well. Now the tick cannot spread Lyme disease either! Isn’t nature incredible?

 

Attracting Lizards to Your Garden

Now that you know how beneficial western fence lizards can be, you’ll want to encourage them to hang out in your yard. (Plus, they are just plain fun to watch!) Here’s a great resource with tips to attract reptiles and amphibians to your yard. As always, avoiding pesticides is the first step toward inviting and protecting the good guys you want in your garden.

 

If you see lizards, you’ll know you’ve been successful in attracting them to your garden. You can also keep an eye out for their poop! The little white cap is a key feature that can help you differentiate it from the scat of more problematic visitors (like rats or voles).

Time for a Backyard Safari!

Now, let’s put away the screens and head outside! If you aren't using pesticides, you’ll be amazed at the variety of life you can find in your own backyard. Enjoy the birds, beneficial insects and other bugs—and, of course, the reptiles like the amazing western fence lizard.

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