Lizard Love at the Nix Nature Center

Ah, Spring is here again.
Only 3 days into Spring, and the Western Fence Lizards are at it! Check out the video that I took on 23 March 2009 of what I'm assuming is one manly Western Fence lizard attempting to woo two female Western Fence lizards :)

This video is also available on NIOC's general YouTube channel, HERE. Note the rhythmic set of push-ups that the male does when both females are on the little ledge to the right.




And since the video isn't the greatest in pixel quality, here are a few romantic photos to get you excited about Springtime. =)

Here in the photo to the left, we can see that blue color underneath the male's belly... that he's probably trying to show off!




Shot #2... oh the anticipation of love. Or baby lizards. Or Both :)










Shot #3. If plants are more your thing, don't worry, we'll have more updates on plants soon :)








Shot #4 - out in the sun, the male is trying to figure out what to do next. Note the interesting flattened out posture of the lizard behind him.







Some good links on the Western Fence Lizard:
http://www.sdnhm.org/fieldguide/herps/scel-occ.html
http://www.werc.usgs.gov/fieldguide/scoc.htm

On this webpage (a student's project), one notes:

"During the breeding season males will sit atop their territory to both fend off other males and to attract females. The lizards begin to mate their second year, the males will do what looks like a rhythmic set of pushups to attract mates. Females are usually closer to the ground and harder to spot than males. Once ready to mate she will appear and the male will vertically flatten his body to display his brilliant blue colors (Schwenkmeyer,2001). He then holds the females neck in his jaws while mating commences. If the female changes her mind during copulation she turns on her back and kicks the male off with all four legs (Angilletta,2001). During mating the normally tan to brown dorsal scales on the male will turn a brilliant blue (Brookshire,2001). At present it is unknown if the couple is monogamous during the breeding season."

Well, doesn't look too monogamous to me! :) ... Anyone want to comment?