Basking swift

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This northern fence lizard (aka swift) was in a particularly relaxed posture, so much so that he though he was keeping a close eye on me as I got closer, she didn't want to get up. Nikon 200 Micro, SB-28 off camera, Velvia. Exposure data not recorded.

-- Peter May (peter.may@stetson.edu), July 26, 1999

Answers

Hmm, I've heard of parthenogenetic whiptail and gecko species, where all the individuals are females, but I've never heard of a hermaphroditic fence lizard before. Will wonders never cease!

The dark (flash) shadow under the head is perhaps a little distracting, and I wish the lizard's body was in focus a little further back than it is, but you've captured the pattern and posture and expression very well.

-- John Sullivan (sullivan@spies.com), July 26, 1999.


Cute, John. This is probably a female, given the prominence of the chevrons on her back. I hope you're not suggesting that I actually proofread/edit my posts before hitting the submit button. Thanks for your comments, sarcasm and all.

-- Peter May (peter.may@stetson.edu), July 26, 1999.

Peter, she certainly has that "please don't make me move" look in her eye. You captured her expression and repose well. But, I not only would like to see more in focus, but more of her. Those outstretched hind legs can only reinforce her relaxed posture. The first time I saw an anole climb to an uppermost leaf on a shrub and stretch out in this manner I too moved the camera closer and got the same "go away and let me relax" look. An interesting moment in animal/human communication, wouldn't you say? Donna

-- Donna P. Bollenbach (cassidy@icubed.net), July 26, 1999.

Very nice photo, but I think, by the markings, it's an alligator lizard.

-- Todd Frederick (fredrick@hotcity.com), July 26, 1999.

Peter, I like the watchful eye. She clearly is trying to be as lazy as possible for as long as possible... Sounds like college.

As for the "alligator lizard" identification: this is definitely not Gerrhonotus (as you well know). Scale characteristics and body morphology (and range, for that matter) suggest that you have correctly identified a female fence lizard, Sceloporus undulatus. They are often very hard to approach without having them run away, but you've done it again! Good job!

-- Joe Cheatwood (cheatwoo@ufl.edu), July 27, 1999.



Thanks to all for your comments. Joe is correct; this is Sceloporus - it was photographed in northern Virginia (which you couldn't know, Todd), far from the range of the nearest Gerrhonotus. Donna - I took several full body shots, but this one had the most impact for me, mainly because of the detail in the head and eye.

Peter

-- Peter May (peter.may@stetson.edu), July 27, 1999.


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