Texas spiny lizard facts for kids
The Texas spiny lizard (Sceloporus olivaceus) is a cool lizard that lives in the south-central United States, in states like Texas, Arizona, and Oklahoma. You can also find them in northeastern Mexico. These lizards are very common and often hang out in trees or on fences.
Quick facts for kids Texas spiny lizard |
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| Sceloporus olivaceus | |
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What Does It Look Like?
Adult Texas spiny lizards grow to be about 7.5 to 11 inches (19 to 28 cm) long, including their tail. They are usually grey with black, white, or reddish-brown spots on their back. Their patterns can look different depending on where they live. These colors and patterns help them blend in perfectly with tree bark, keeping them safe from predators.
Their belly is usually light grey. But male lizards often have bright blue patches on each side of their belly. Their scales feel spiny, which gives them their name! They also have long toes and sharp claws, which are great for climbing trees.
How Does It Behave?
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The Texas spiny lizard is active during the day (this is called diurnal). They love climbing trees, especially mesquite trees, where there are lots of leaves on the ground. You can also spot them in neighborhoods, warming up on fences or climbing telephone poles.
These lizards are usually shy and nervous. If you get too close, they will quickly run up a tree or dash through the leaves on the ground, making a bit of noise. They are insectivores, which means they eat insects. They enjoy munching on different kinds of beetles and other bugs.
Reproduction
Texas spiny lizards lay eggs. They breed throughout the spring and summer months. A female lizard can lay groups of eggs, called clutches, as many as four times in one year!
Push-Up Contest!
Male Texas spiny lizards have a funny way of settling arguments over their territory. When two males meet, they might have what looks like a push-up contest! Both lizards will start doing push-ups until one of them gives up and runs away. It's their way of showing who is stronger without actually fighting.
As a Pet
Even though you don't usually find them for sale everywhere, Texas spiny lizards can make great pets. They are tough and get used to living in a home easily. They will happily eat crickets that you can buy at a pet store. However, they do need special lights that give off ultraviolet (UV) rays to stay healthy.
