JACKSON – An Eastern fence lizard, New Jersey’s only native spiny lizard, was recently photographed soaking up the sun on a fence at the Forest Resource Education Center in Jackson.
Often found along forest edges, open woodlands, and shrublands in the southern portion of the state, the Eastern fence lizard (Sceloporus undulatus) is known for its rough, keeled, and pointed scales. A distinctive dark stripe runs lengthwise along the back of each thigh in both sexes, though their coloration and patterns differ.
Males are typically brown with little to no back patterning, but can be identified by the striking blue patches on the sides of their bellies and the base of their throats. Females, more muted in color, are usually gray with wavy lines across their backs and lighter, less extensive blue markings.
These reptiles spend much of their day basking on fence posts, trees, rocks, or stumps before retreating underground or into rock piles at night.
Have you seen one of these elusive reptiles in New Jersey? Wildlife watchers are encouraged to keep an eye out and admire these unique native creatures from a distance.
