The Superhero of Lizards?

It’s a bird…

It’s a plane…

It’s…a lizard…?

I get it. Their name makes them sound completely boring: western fence lizard. But that’s just what they want you to think. Little did you know that underneath that Clark-Kent-facade is a secret identity as a crime-fighter with incredible superpowers. Don’t believe me? 

Here are seven reasons why you should:

1. Crime fighting – Lyme disease

In the late 1990s, researchers at University of California, Berkeley discovered that when ticks carrying Lyme disease feed on these lizards, a substance found in the lizard’s blood kills the Lyme disease bacteria. The blood of these lizards, it turns out, contains Lyme’s disease Kryptonite. Kapow!

Though Lyme disease does exist in California, there are fewer cases here compared to the East Coast thanks, in part, to this vigilante lizard.

2. Skydiving

Like any great superhero, western fence lizards never hesitate to launch themselves into mid-air from truly death-defying heights — pretty standard crime-fighting stuff. Sometimes they’re chasing insects or avoiding evil predators; other times it seem like they’re just free falling because, well, it just feels good to be a superhero.

3. Third eye

Wouldn’t it be nice to have eyes in the back of your head? Whelp, this lizard’s got…one. If you look closely, you’ll see a translucent scale on the back of this lizard’s head. That’s actually an eye and it helps measure temperature and tell time (I’m totally serious).

Pretty clever, eh?

4. Quick release tail

All great superheroes have a backup plan when things start to get dangerous. A quick release tail wriggling on the ground or in an enemy’s mouth is the perfect distraction for a clean getaway.

First the lizard contracts muscles at weak spots in its tail. Then the vertebra at these weak points rupture while the nerves, blood vessels and muscles break at the same time.

And then, poof!

5. Best dance moves in the natural kingdom

Being a great dancer isn’t a superhero requirement, but it certainly doesn’t hurt. You’ll often see these lizards doing pushups, bobbing their heads and raising their tails. Yes, it’s all for show. This lizard boogie is a display of dominance to claim territory and court a passing mate.

Check out these sweet moves:

6. Temperature control

Western fence lizards can change their skin color in response to temperature – from darker in the morning to lighter as they warm-up throughout the day. Pretty sophisticated stuff and a clever way to stay cool while wearing a thick-scaled suit. Brilliance!

7. Cryogenically freezing (with one eye open)

From late October to March, it’s a bit too chilly for this sun-loving superhero, so these lizards put themselves in a hibernation-like state known as “brumation”. This makes them easy prey for snakes, birds and other animals.But, never fear, the western fence lizard can sleep with one eye open. Scientists believe that the side of the brain connected to the closed eye is able to sleep, while the side that is connected to the open eye stays awake and watchful.

Western fence lizards can be found in most POST-protected open spaces – grasslands, chaparral, sagebrush, oak woodlands and redwood forests. Next time you see one, tip your hat and say thanks.

Even superheroes need friends.

Learn more about our wildlife linkages program here.