The blue belly lizard, also known as the western fence lizard, is a reptile commonly found throughout the western United States and Northern Mexico. These fascinating creatures are known for their striking appearance and their varied diet, which consists of insects such as crickets, ants, worms, and spiders.
In the ecosystem, blue belly lizards play an essential role due to their appetite for insects. However, one might wonder how much a small blue belly lizard can eat and what predators they may encounter in the wild. In this article, we’ll delve deeper into the world of blue belly lizards, exploring their unique features, behavior, and significance within their natural habitat.
What Does a Blue Belly Lizard Eat?
Blue belly lizards, also known as western fence lizards, primarily dine on insects such as crickets, ants, spiders, and worms. Their insectivorous and carnivorous nature allows them to consume various bugs that are smaller than themselves, making them highly adaptable in their diet.
Garden spaces that receive ample sunlight throughout the day often host blue belly lizards due to their insect-rich environment. These lizards exhibit distinctive physical features, including small blue scales surrounding their faces and a prominent blue area on their stomachs and fronts. The main body color may vary between brown, gray, or black, but the presence of blue and sometimes yellow scales around their legs is a unique identifying marker.
Despite their relatively small size, blue belly lizards play a crucial role in managing insect populations in their natural habitats, which include woodlands, grasslands, and sagebrush landscapes. They exhibit diurnal and territorial behaviors, maintaining their insectivorous lifestyle while displaying impressive climbing skills on fences and stones.
By understanding the dietary habits and behavior of blue belly lizards, we can better appreciate their importance in maintaining a balanced ecosystem.
A Comprehensive List of 11 Foods Blue Belly Lizards Consume
Blue belly lizards, also known as western fence lizards, have a diverse diet that mainly consists of various insects and invertebrates. Here is a list of 11 foods that they are known to eat:
- Ants
- Beetles
- Spiders
- Worms (including earthworms)
- Wasps
- Grasshoppers
- Mealworms
- Larvae
- Ladybugs
- Aphids
- Younger bugs (preferred by juvenile lizards)
These lizards tend to eat larger bugs as they grow older, and experts believe that the size of the bug plays a significant role in their food choices. Smaller bugs are often left for juvenile lizards, which helps reduce competition among the younger reptiles.
In addition to their diet, blue belly lizards display interesting characteristics such as color-changing abilities. They adjust their color to better absorb the sun’s warmth, which is essential for their survival. This is why they can often be seen basking in the sun on rocks, fences, and other surfaces.
Blue belly lizards also prefer living in environments close to water sources to ensure easy access to hydration. Overall, these fascinating creatures have an insect-rich diet and unique traits that help them thrive in their natural habitats.
How Much Does a Blue Belly Lizard Eat?
A blue belly lizard typically consumes food about 3-4 times a week. Owners of these interesting creatures have found it best to offer them food for approximately five minutes every other day. This amount tends to be sufficient for their needs.
The majority of a blue belly lizard’s diet consists of insects, accounting for about 97% of their nutritional intake. The remaining 3% often comprises debris, which may be unintentionally consumed while hunting insects.
It is important to note that these fascinating lizards do not require daily feeding. Their basking, lifespan, calcium intake, nutrition, daily activities, and stomachs can be managed efficiently by offering them meals several times a week. Remember to keep a friendly and nurturing environment for your lizard to ensure a healthy, content, and active life.
What Eats Blue Belly Lizards? Their Main Predators
Blue belly lizards, also known as western fence lizards, face various threats in their natural habitats and suburban areas. Some of their main predators include:
- Feral or domesticated cats: Often prey on lizards in residential gardens.
- Shrews: These small mammals actively hunt lizards for food.
- Alligator lizards
- Birds: Birds of prey, such as hawks, may snatch the lizards from the ground or trees.
- Snakes: Known to feed on small reptiles, including blue belly lizards.
- Coyotes and bobcats: Larger predators like these may feed on the lizards occasionally.
To counteract predation, blue belly lizards possess unique defense mechanisms. They can detach their tail to escape the grip of a predator, with the ability to regrow it later. Their speed also helps them dart away from threats.
When cornered, blue belly lizards might bite their enemy, displaying a more aggressive demeanor to defend themselves. Due caution is advised when handling a wild western fence lizard.
Additionally, blue belly lizards are excellent climbers, scaling rocks and even buildings at sharp angles. Interestingly, they prefer basking spots with roughly 45-degree angles, as noted in a study published in Herpetologica.
What to Feed Blue Belly Lizards as a Pet
Blue belly lizards, also known as Western fence lizards (Sceloporus occidentalis), thrive on a diet mainly composed of insects. It’s essential for them to have the opportunity to hunt live prey within their enclosure, as it is an integral part of their natural behavior.
It’s vital to provide a heat lamp or warming rock for your pet lizard to maintain proper body temperature. Adequate hydration is also necessary, achieved by placing a water dish in the enclosure or through daily misting.
You don’t have to feed your pet lizard daily, as they can also enjoy occasional treats. Some of the treats you can offer include:
- Kale
- Cabbage
- Apple
- Mustard greens
- Mealworms
- Live crickets
Please note that not all lizards may be interested in every treat, but feel free to experiment! Additionally, it’s crucial to provide hiding spots in the enclosure, as blue belly lizards prefer seclusion and may not appreciate constantly being in view. Consult with a veterinarian to ensure the best care and diet for your pet lizard, especially when caring for a baby lizard. Remember to always prioritize your pet lizard’s comfort, happiness, and health.