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How can you tell on the Western Fence lizard which sex it is? male or Female?

David

Hey there,

Once you get the hang of it, Western Fence Lizards are really easy to sex. From far away, a good field marker is this: Males are bigger than females, and since they are fairly social lizards, a comparison is often not too difficult to secure. Also, Being very sexually dimorphic (at least depending on the area) Males will generally be black, and will take part in most of the territorial displays, even if you are standing right there. Lots of "push-ups". Females will be grey, or brown, and a much more visible pattern is present. In the hand, Look at the underside of the hind legs. Males will have enlarged spots in a row, called femoral pores. Females generally do not have these, but those that do have them greatly reduced. Also, Just after the vent, there will be a pair of enlarged scales, called the postanal scales. Females do not have these. And the last way I know of is simply belly color. Adult males are very strikingly Blue on their throat, and on either side of the belly. Females sometimes do not have this blue, but those that do, are not very striking at all. I hope this helps, Maybe there are ways that i have overlooked that Jason might know.
So keep asking.
BTW, you were the guy that wanted to build that outdoor pond/riparian area thing weren't you? You wanted to get some lizards for it? If so, how's that going? Have a good one.

-Phil

Thanks for the information. Ya thats me building the pond. I have probably changed the plans since I've talked to you. But everything is kinda on plan, just not timing. Have the demo is done, Just one more wall. And I found a good kit for a really good price. But i ran into some gas and electrical pipes. So give me another month or so, maybemore. But I will get it done.

David