fence lizard

American  

noun

1. either of two spiny lizards, Sceloporus undulatus and S. occidentalis, of the U.S. and northern Mexico, often seen on fences.

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Etymology

Origin of fence lizard

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70

Example Sentences

At some point, one climbed a post and became known to us ever onward as the fence lizard.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 25, 2025

Common species such as the fence lizard could serve as a benchmark for scientists monitoring rarer or more elusive creatures.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 25, 2025

According to a leading dataset of animal and plant observations, the fence lizard is the most commonly spotted reptile in the U.S.; and the top species in California.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 25, 2025

In Los Angeles County, it was the Western fence lizard, followed by the western honey bee.

From New York Times • May 15, 2023

One species is found in the United States and is known under various names, such as the green lizard, the fence lizard and the alligator lizard.

From Pathfinder or, The Missing Tenderfoot by Douglas, Alan