Bold? Shy? Why?

The ornate tree lizard, Urosaurus ornatus, is a species I saw a lot while I lived in Arizona, who you’ll be looking for tonight. They’re a favorite of mine because they have such personalities. I’ve had one just up to me, look me up and down and run away.

I’m curious as to what makes some lizards more bold (curious and slower to run away) vs shy ( runs away as soon as you look or take a step in their direction). In this study of ornate tree lizard they found that lizards with blue throat coloring are more dominant to lizards with yellow throats. But the yellow throated lizards are more bold. It took them longer than the blue throated lizards to flee a simulated predator.

Still, this doesn’t fully answer my question. Why are some lizards bold and others shy?

The way other animals experience and interpret the world is so fascinating to me. If only we could actually talk to them.

What might make you feel bold or shy in a real/perceived dangerous situation?

Also can you #FindThatLizard?

Let me know in the comments with #FoundThatLizard!