A quick share this morning of a male Prairie Lizard I photographed on a boulder at a campsite at Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge last week.
Prairie Lizard at a campsite in Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge – Canon R7, handheld, f8, 1/400, ISO 800, Canon EF 100-400mm II at 400mm, natural light
The temperature hit 100°F that afternoon, and the male Prairie Lizard was on a boulder in the shade of the oak trees surrounding the campsite at the Doris Campground. I grabbed my camera and set out to photograph him.
Male Prairie Lizards display distinct iridescent blue patches bordered by black on the belly and throat.
Prairie Lizards thrive in a variety of habitats including grasslands with sparse vegetation, sandy soils, rocky outcrops, open woodlands, woodland edges, and prairies. They are often seen basking on rocks, logs, tree trunks, and fence posts.
Prairie Lizards eat a variety of insects, including ants, beetles, spiders, and other small arthropods. They are ambush foragers and rely on basking in direct sunlight to maintain their body temperature.
The Prairie Lizards I saw at the refuge reminded me of the Eastern Fence Lizards I had in my yard and garden in Virginia.
Life is good.
Mia
Come to my Prairie Lizard gallery later, I’ll add more photos when I have time.
Another “brilliant” lizard pic. Such color and detail…beautiful. Thanks Mia.
Love that colour.
You are spotting beautiful lizards! 100! plus humid, yuck.