Western fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis)

Short answers

Western fence lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?

80×40×50 cm.

Western fence lizard: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 26–33 °C, basking spot 42 °C, at night 14–19 °C.

Western fence lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0).

Western fence lizard: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 5–8 years.

Western fence lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).

Climate

Daytime temperature

26–33 °C

Night temperature

14–19 °C

Basking spot

42 °C

Humidity

40–55 %

UVB

Essential (UVB 10.0)

Enclosure

Minimum size

80×40×50 cm

Substrate

Sand-loam, flat stones, pieces of bark, dry branches

Feeding

Food

House crickets, crickets, mealworm larvae

Feeding interval

3–4×/week

Key facts

Adult size

14–22 cm total length

Life expectancy

5–8 years

Origin

The western USA

Protection status

Not listed under CITES

Brumation

A winter rest of 10–14 weeks at 6–12 °C

Cohabitation

Keeping them singly is the least stressful option. One male with one or two females (1,2) is also possible if every animal gets its own basking spot and hide, and animals of different sizes are fed separately. Two males do not get on: they fight with push-ups and, if needed, bites over territory and the basking spot until one is injured or sits permanently in a corner.

Notes

The male has brilliant blue belly patches. From temperate latitudes – it needs a cool, long winter rest. Straightforward and suitable for medium-sized dry terrariums.

Do you keep this species?

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Related species

• Bunch-grass lizard (Sceloporus mucronatus) – Beginner with some knowledge
• Blue spiny lizard (Sceloporus cyanogenys) – Intermediate
• Clark's spiny lizard (Sceloporus clarkii) – Beginner
• Eastern spiny lizard (Sceloporus spinosus) – Beginner with some knowledge
• Crevice spiny lizard (Sceloporus poinsettii) – Beginner
• Fire-headed spiny lizard (Sceloporus pyrocephalus) – Beginner with some knowledge
• Florida scrub lizard (Sceloporus woodi) – Beginner with some knowledge
• Blue spiny lizard (Sceloporus serrifer) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Western fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (80×40×50 cm), substrate (Sand-loam, flat stones, pieces of bark, dry branches), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.