WESTERN FENCE LIZARD — US FISH AND WILDLIFE
Did you know the Western Fence Lizard:
a) can reduce hay fever allergies by absorbing pollen through its skin
b) can relieve headaches if you rub their blue bellies on your forehead
c) can prevent Lyme disease by removing the Lyme disease bacteria from infected ticks
d) can reduce the inflammation of Athlete’s Foot through its saliva
e) holds the world record for push-ups in a single day
Scroll down for correct answer:
b
b
b
b
b
Correct answer:
c)
Western Fence lizards (aka blue bellies) can remove the Lyme disease bacterium from ticks. It’s one of those strange-but-true-facts which explains why Lyme disease occurs less often out West then anywhere else. Their blue bellies, on the other hand, come into play during courtship season when the males flatten their sides to show off their striking color. It’s also a warning to other males in the area.
