We have a new pet of sorts — or, rather, hubby will tell you he does.  We’re reasonably confident it’s a young Texas Spiny Lizard.  Young, because she (we believe it’s a female) is about half the size of the larger versions we’ve seen throughout the yard.  Over the last couple of weeks, we’ve seen a slew of young lizards throughout the yard.  Why do we think it’s a she?  Males are supposed to have blue lines on their bellies.  While we can’t see her belly, this shot shows a clear view of tan sides on her underside. (Double-click on the picture to open a larger image and a better view)

Here’s a left side view of the same critter:

Why do we say she’s a “pet”?  We have tons of these lizards and tons of skinks throughout the yard.  They’re in and around the steps, they’re in the trees, they run across the driveway constantly, but they all run whenever we approach.  This lizard seems curious about us.  Hubby was working on a project near the steps, and she just sat out there and watched him work.  I can walk up and down the steps (as long as I’m quiet), and she doesn’t run.  She was sitting on the middle of the step, and hubby walked around the side of the house, and as he approached, she ran toward him to sit on the edge of the step like this.  I swear she ran to greet him.  Is that far-fetched?  Probably. From what I read, they are tamable and make good pets.  We’re perfectly happy to leave her outside consuming bugs.  But it would be really cool to be able to touch her.  Hubby came close.  She let his finger get within inches of her before she scampered back between the steps.

We have these in the yard and driveway down in San Antonio, too (we thought they were Mission Lizards, but I think we were mistaken — this seems to match better).  The lizards hang out and watch hubby work.  They make good companions.

Save