While its diet reflects the side-blotched lizard's spryness, this reptile often falls prey to a variety of enemies, namely snakes, hawks. and roadrunners. Just prior to mating season, males stake out and begin to actively defend territories. By perching himself on a large rock, the male can continually survey his territory while making his presence known to would-be mates and male intruders. If another male ventures into his territory, the male side-blotched lizard warns the intruder by displaying himself through head bobbing and by strutting around. If the warning does not work, the resident male will attack and bite the trespasser.
Attacks only last a few seconds and the majority of times the defending male is triumphant.
Patricia Hefre is a freelance writer who has published articles nationally and internationally on a range of topics.