Can You See Me?

[AlwaysConifers]

Western Fence Lizard on a Mesquite Tree in Texas

 

[Marck]

Western fence Lizards (Sceloporus occidentalis) are such wonderful reptiles. They are the most common lizard in my own garden. I also see Alligator lizards (Elgaria sp.).
When an immature tick (Ixodes sp.) bites bites a Western Fence Lizard, a compound in the lizard's blood can disinfect the tick from carrying Lyme Disease (Borrelia burgdorferi, sensu lato). Like I said, wonderful reptiles.

 

[AlwaysConifers]

Hi Marck! Thanks for the comment! That's amazing about the Western fence lizards' blood disinfecting a tick from Lyme disease; I didn't know that! They are wonderful reptiles, aren't they? I always enjoy seeing them. I'm not sure what an Alligator lizard is...I'll to look it up. I mainly see these and geckos around here. Reptiles in general are so fascinating. Thanks again for commenting.