Short-horned Lizard vs Western Fence Lizard
How does the Short-horned Lizard compare to the Western Fence Lizard? They are both members of the Phrynosomatidae family. Below we put their classification, habitat, diet, size, and conservation status side by side — and settle who would win in a fight.


Side-by-side comparison
- Scientific name
- Phrynosoma hernandesi
- Sceloporus occidentalis
- Classification
- Reptile
- Reptile
- Family
- Phrynosomatidae
- Phrynosomatidae
- Habitat
- Semi-arid grasslands, sagebrush plains, and open forests
- Woodlands, grasslands, chaparral, and suburban areas
- Diet
- Insectivore
- Insectivore
- Conservation status
- Least Concern
- Least Concern
- Lifespan
- 5-8 years
- 4-6 years
- Weight
- 10-18 grams
- 10-20 grams
Short-horned Lizard vs Western Fence Lizard: who would win?

Short-horned Lizard
10-18 grams

Western Fence Lizard
10-20 grams
Too close to call speculative confidence
Short-horned Lizard and Western Fence Lizard are closely matched on both size (10-18 grams vs 10-20 grams) and diet, so the outcome would come down to circumstance. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.
Similarities
- Both are reptiles.
- Both belong to the Phrynosomatidae family.
- Both have a insectivore diet.
- Both are listed as Least Concern.
Differences
- Habitat: Semi-arid grasslands, sagebrush plains, and open forests vs Woodlands, grasslands, chaparral, and suburban areas.
- Weight: 10-18 grams vs 10-20 grams.
Short-horned Lizard vs Western Fence Lizard: FAQ
Who would win in a fight, a Short-horned Lizard or a Western Fence Lizard?
Too close to call. Short-horned Lizard and Western Fence Lizard are closely matched on both size (10-18 grams vs 10-20 grams) and diet, so the outcome would come down to circumstance. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.
What is the difference between a Short-horned Lizard and a Western Fence Lizard?
Short-horned Lizard and Western Fence Lizard differ in several ways — habitat: semi-arid grasslands, sagebrush plains, and open forests vs woodlands, grasslands, chaparral, and suburban areas. weight: 10-18 grams vs 10-20 grams.
Do Short-horned Lizard and Western Fence Lizard live in the same habitat?
No — Short-horned Lizard lives in semi-arid grasslands, sagebrush plains, and open forests, while Western Fence Lizard is found in woodlands, grasslands, chaparral, and suburban areas.
What do Short-horned Lizard and Western Fence Lizard eat?
Both Short-horned Lizard and Western Fence Lizard have a insectivore diet.
Which is more endangered, the Short-horned Lizard or the Western Fence Lizard?
Short-horned Lizard is listed as Least Concern, while Western Fence Lizard is listed as Least Concern.
How big are Short-horned Lizard and Western Fence Lizard?
Short-horned Lizard weighs around 10-18 grams, while Western Fence Lizard weighs around 10-20 grams.

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Short-horned Lizard

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Western Fence Lizard




