LLOLA - Finding and Photographing Lizards | Natural History Museum of Los Angeles

Finding and Photographing Lizards

When should I look for lizards?

In our region lizards are diurnal (active during the daytime) and visible between late spring and early fall, when the temperature is between 75 and 89 degrees Fahrenheit.

As with many animals, lizard behavior changes greatly with the seasons. In early spring, when the weather is still cool (March and April), lizards will tend to stay underground and only venture out during the warmest part of the day. Later in the spring, when temperatures rise they can be seen throughout the day.  Once temperatures soar in the summer, lizards become crepuscular — visible only during the cooler mornings and evenings, prefering to stay in their burrows during the hottest part of the day. Winter is usually a time to aestivate (a state similar to hibernation), since lizard food is scarce.

Where should I look for lizards?

The best places to look for lizards in the L.A. basin are dry, sunny areas with rocky outcroppings or rock piles, underbrush, and wood or trash piles.

Once you have found a likely lizard habitat, scan the area with a pair of binoculars or your naked eyes. You are looking for movement close to the ground. If you see no movement, begin to walk slowly through the area. As you walk, any lizards that has been motionless may begin to move. Some lizards are more approachable than others, so remember to use slow movements. Also many lizards are territorial, so you may come back to the same spot next week and find the same lizard! 

Try not to disturb the habitat for your safety as well as theirs! 

Photographing Lizards

Lizards move very quickly, so as soon as you find yourself in lizard habitat get your camera ready! When you see a lizard:

• FREEZE and wait a moment.  SLOWLY get your camera in place before you get any closer.
• Move SLOWLY towards the lizard, taking as many photos as you can while you walk (watch out for rocks — we don't want you to trip)!
• If your camera has a zoom, use it. Make sure you rehearse your controls before heading out.
• Try to get pictures of the lizard in full sun. Photos in the shade are sometimes harder to identify.
• After getting several good photos of the lizard, take a moment to photograph its habitat — both macro and micro.

A macro habitat is the general surroundings with plants, trails, and other landmarks.

A micro habitat is the exact spot you found the lizard — on a fence, or under a board.

Field Safety

As with any excursion to the out-of-doors (even in an urban setting) one should prepare properly to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

• Always wear appropriate attire and take extra water, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit.
• Take approrpriate maps for the area your are exploring.
• Be sure you have permission to be on the property you are exploring.
• Be sure to read trail and park signage. It may alert you to any potentially dangerous wildlife in the area.
• The only venomous reptile in California is the rattlesnake, which sometimes hides in the same places that lizards do.  To stay safe in any rattlesnake area stay on the marked trails, don't put your hands or feet in places you can't see, and always use common sense.

If you feel uncomfortable in the field join us for the next staff-led LLOLA trip:  e-mail us at lostlizards@nhm.org to find out when the next one is scheduled.

I Found a Dead Lizard...

Remember lizards are protected by laws, please DO NOT ATTEMPT TO KILL, COLLECT, or TAKE* ANY WILD LIZARD.  However, if you find an already deceased lizard in a non-natural area you can submit it to the Museum, for our collection.  Here is what you need to do:

1.  Write to us at lostlizards@nhm.org and give us as many details as possible about how the lizard was acquired, and what condition it is in.  We can only accept specimens that are in relatively good condition and have appropriate data (such as the location where it was found).  We do not accept pet store animals, only those with an address where they were found in the wild. i.e. USA, Los Angeles County, Burbank, 500 E. Palm Avenue near the steps of an apartment building in an alley.

2.  After you e-mail us, store the lizard until you can bring/send it to the Museum. If you are going to be bringing the specimen to the Museum within the next 24 hours you can store it in a Ziploc bag in your refrigerator, or freezer if it will be longer.

3.  Before you bring/send the lizard specimen to the Museum, please make sure you have made arrangements with a staff person (visit our contact section).  There are specific instructions we need to give you, lizard specimens can not be left at the front desk!