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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.

Short-horned Lizard
Western Fence Lizard

Side-by-side comparison

Short-horned Lizard
Western Fence Lizard
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

Short-horned Lizard

10-18 grams

VS
Western Fence Lizard

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.

Short-horned Lizard

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Short-horned Lizard

Western Fence Lizard

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Western Fence Lizard