Western Fence Lizard's Diet

The western fence lizard, also known as a blue belly or a swift, is a species of lizard native to the western United states including Oregon, California, Nevada and Utah. It is part of the spiny lizard family. The western fence lizard can survive in a variety of climates including coastal scrub, foothills and forested areas. The western fence lizard is a carnivore, eating mostly insects and small animals.

In its natural habitat, the western fence lizard commonly feeds on caterpillars, beetles, ticks, crickets, flies and ants. The western fence lizard uses its tongue to snatch the insects off of the ground.

Western fence lizards commonly feed on spiders found in their native habitat. Young western fence lizards, however, are commonly prey for spiders such as the black widow.

Western fence lizards eats arthropods such as scorpions and centipedes.

Though rare, western fence lizards are known to eat other lizards, even ones of the same species.

Western fence lizards are often kept as pets. In addition to caught insects such as flies, beetles and ants, the western fence lizard will eat store-bought insects such as crickets, mealworms and waxworms.