Lazing Texas spiny lizards
I lifted an outdoor clock off the brick fireplace wall on Sunday to turn it back an hour and surprised two large Texas spiny lizards that were sheltering behind it. Well, hello there!
I froze, expecting them to dash up the wall. Unlike our non-native, bold-as-brass anoles, Sceloporus olivaceus is quite shy and will dash up a tree if you get too close.
But these two didn’t move except to keep a wary eye on me. I watched them, and they watched me, and eventually I went inside and left the clock on a table, planning to rehang it after the lizards skedaddled.
Twenty minutes later I went back out, camera in hand, just in case, and they were still there. Maybe they were cold, although the day felt pretty warm. They stayed put while I took pictures and admired their Spiderman-like grip and scaly skin. I left the clock on the table that night, and the next day they were gone, no doubt back into the trees.
I’m linking with Tina’s Wildlife Wednesday meme. Check out her blog and comments for more wildlife posts.
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Saw similar in AZ–they are beefier than our little Western Fence Lizards, but undoubtedly as valuable for eating insects. Great photos!
They’re good-sized lizards, the biggest being about 10 inches long from nose to tail. I hope and trust they’re eating lots of bugs. —Pam
Oh, those are great shots, Pam! I especially love the shot of the one looking at you, with maybe a bit of a glare?? 🙂
I love those spiny lizards. I’ve never had them in my garden, but when I worked at Zilker, they were constant companions–and they possess quite charming personalities. Thanks for participating in Wildlife Wednesday!
They do seem to glare, don’t they? I am much fonder of the bold and dapper anoles. These always have such a fierce look. But of course they’re total cowards. I feel lucky to have gotten close enough for these pics. —Pam
This is very cool! I can’t believe they sat there long enough for you to get a few photos. I’ve never been able to snap one.
They’re usually pretty elusive! —Pam
What impressive photos. Do you suppose these are a mating pair? Perhaps before long you’ll have the pitter-patter of tiny clawed feet out holding down the insect population in your lovely gardens.
The nails on their claws are so impressive – it is no wonder they make short work of rock/brick walls or tree trunks. It must be easy-peasy with such great grippers to use. Great to have you throwing in with Wildlife Wednesday this month. Hope to see you back!
I tried to sex them using descriptions I found online, and my best guess is both are female (I see no evidence of blue stripes along the belly, which males have). But who knows? —Pam
They probably weren’t warmed up enough to skedaddle like they usually do. Great pics! Thanks for sharing!
That’s probably it, Phyllis. Thanks for stopping by! —Pam
Oh wow Pam, what really exciting wildlife you have in Texas, lovely close up photographs too!
A telephoto lens helps get just a bit closer! Thanks for commenting, Julie. —Pam
Such fun to see them. I love lizards. We have so few here. These are quite handsome.
I wonder, is it just too cold for lizards in Indiana? —Pam
I can almost hear them saying “Put the clock back!” Great shots.
Right? Maybe they’re back under it now. —Pam
Texan horned lizards are great, love to see them scurrying in the yard. Your pics of the parade were so vibrant, I definitely would like to attend that someday, that’s an event I didn’t know about!
I’m glad you enjoyed my Dead of the Dead parade pics, Heidi. It’s a joyful event. —Pam
These are one of my favorite garden critters. Occasionally, my lizard hunter cocker spaniel will be able to catch one and I’ll peel his jaws open to rescue the unlucky guy. They seem to be pretty tough and often are able to skitter off after the death ride.
Wow, they’re tough little guys, aren’t they? —Pam
Ooh! They look like something George Lucas would dream up.
Haha, yes, they do! —Pam
Very cool! I love lizards. I usually see our native skinks in the summer but they’re smooth skinned and look like snakes with legs.
Skinks are cool. I see them occasionally too. —Pam
I’ve noticed that our western fence lizards will freeze in place when caught unawares – like the squirrels, they seem to think that renders them invisible to humans.
Usually the Texas spiny lizard will flee, which is why I don’t have many pictures of them, although they’re plentiful in my garden. —Pam
They’re very handsome, regal even! I’ve never seen one that close, I like ’em!
It took me a while to get used to these guys, Wendy, after moving here from central Austin, where I only had friendly anoles. These are so skittish — and so much fiercer looking. I sometimes startle one sunning itself on the deck. —Pam
I love this. Lizards are a great sign of a healthy, wildlife-friendly garden, IMHO, and whenever I see them in my own garden or another’s, I have to smile. Your close-up shots are awesome!
I think they’re a good sign too, Luisa. I’m happy to have them! —Pam