Do side-blotched lizards make good pets?

The side-blotched lizard is such a prolific breeder, however, that it is not on any endangered list. Although side-blotched lizards are very territorial, they are easy to care for as pets.

How big does a side-blotched lizard get?

1.5 – 2.5 inches long
The side-blotched lizard is a small brownish gray lizard ranges from 1.5 – 2.5 inches long from snout to vent.

Do side-blotched lizards eat fruit?

For the most part, side-blotched lizards are insectivorous organisms. They also once in a while display omnivorous tendencies — eating plant matter unintentionally or out of the need for hydration. However, consumption of any plants is very few and far between for this lizard species.

What do baby side-blotched lizards eat?

Feeding: Side-blotched lizards eat a wide variety of insects and other arthropods. Little time is spent foraging. Lizards feed opportunistically on any moving insect of suitable size that passes nearby as they bask or move about their home range. Food also includes scorpions, spiders, mites, ticks and sowbugs.

Do side-blotched lizards eat scorpions?

Males often have bright throat colors. These lizards are prey for many desert species. In turn, the side-blotched lizards eat arthropods, such as insects, spiders, and occasionally scorpions.

What is a morph lizard?

A lizard morph is a lizard that differs in appearance from the parents because of altered genes and DNA. Most morphs are bred, but they can also occur naturally. Alterations in genes and DNA causes the offspring to undergo a mutation.

What kind of lizard is a side blotched lizard?

The Common Side-blotched Lizard ( Uta stansburiana) is one of the most familiar and well-studied lizards in the western United States. This is a small (< 64 mm SVL), rather stocky lizard with a gular fold and ear openings.

What kind of lizard is brown with brown spots?

The Common Side-blotched Lizard ( Uta stansburiana) is one of the most familiar and well-studied lizards in the western United States. This is a small (< 64 mm SVL), rather stocky lizard with a gular fold and ear openings. The dorsum is mostly brown to gray-brown with light stripes, blotches, or spots.

What kind of food does a side blotched lizard eat?

Parker (1974) estimated that some hatchlings reached adult size by September. Common Side-blotched Lizards are opportunistic sit and wait predators, consuming mostly arthropods. Beetles, grasshoppers, crickets, ants, and termites are common in the diet. Small lizards are occasionally consumed, as well (Parker and Pianka 1975).

When do side blotched lizards appear in Baja California?

However, Grismer (2002) noted nocturnally active lizards in Baja California and islands in the Gulf of California from April through September. Most activity occurs from March through October; however, in the lowlands and the southern portions of its range the Common Side-blotched Lizard may be active throughout the winter.

What does a side blotched lizard look like?

What they look like. Common Side-blotched Lizards are small lizards that can be up to 5 inches long. Can be distinguished from other small lizards by a dark blue-gray to black blotch just behind each of their front limbs. Their back is light gray or tan and, although there are a wide variety of markings, most have both light and dark spots.

Where do side blotched lizards live in California?

A male side-blotched lizard tries to pursuade a female, chasing her and displaying. She is not interested, so she runs off the rock into the San Diego County desert. Common Side-blotched lizards in the Mohave Desert in San Bernardino County bask on rocks, do territorial push-ups and move around in the desert.

Who are the Predators of the side blotched lizard?

Side-blotched lizard. These lizards are prey for many desert species. Snakes, larger lizards, and birds all make formidable predators to side-blotched lizards. Larger lizard species, such as collared, leopard, and spiny lizards, and roadrunners are the main predators. In turn, the side-blotched lizards eat arthropods, such as insects,…

The Common Side-blotched Lizard ( Uta stansburiana) is one of the most familiar and well-studied lizards in the western United States. This is a small (< 64 mm SVL), rather stocky lizard with a gular fold and ear openings. The dorsum is mostly brown to gray-brown with light stripes, blotches, or spots.