I photographed this Prairie Lizard on my property near the Ouachita National Forest in Arkansas. If you look closely, you’ll notice a small spider crawling on the lizard’s back. Interestingly, the lizard paid no attention to the spider, despite the fact that spiders are part of its diet. At the time, the lizard seemed more focused on me than its tiny hitchhiker.
Habitat and Setting
This photo was taken in an area of my property where I often find Prairie Lizards. The spot features several piled logs, providing an ideal habitat for these reptiles. The logs offer basking spots where the lizards can absorb heat, as well as crevices for hiding from predators. Being near the Ouachita National Forest also means the area is rich in biodiversity, providing ample food sources like insects and arachnids.
Camera Settings and Technique
For this shot, I used a Fujifilm X-T3 camera paired with a Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II lens via a Fringer EF-FX Pro adapter. I was shooting handheld, which required careful technique to keep the image sharp. Here were my settings:
- Shooting Mode: Aperture Priority (AV)
- Shutter Speed: 1/1300 sec
- Aperture: f/8
- ISO: 800
- Exposure Compensation: -0.3 EV
The aperture of f/8 provided a depth of field that kept the lizard and its textured background in focus while isolating it from the more distant, blurred elements. The fast shutter speed of 1/1300 sec allowed me to freeze any slight movements from the lizard or the camera, ensuring a sharp capture. I used a -0.3 EV exposure compensation to prevent any blown highlights, given the bright sunlight.
Prairie Lizard Behavior and Characteristics
Prairie Lizards are small, agile reptiles commonly found in Arkansas. They prefer sunny spots where they can bask, often on rocks, logs, or low tree branches. These lizards are insectivores, feeding on a variety of small invertebrates, including spiders, beetles, and ants. They are also known for their territorial behavior, especially during the breeding season when males display their bright blue bellies to attract females or ward off rivals.
The blue coloring on the sides of this male lizard is a sign of breeding season, which typically peaks in spring and early summer. The lizard’s attention toward me might have been due to territorial instincts or simple curiosity. These reptiles can be skittish, but once they acclimate to a human’s presence, they often resume their normal behavior, providing excellent photography opportunities.
Tips for Photographing Reptiles
- Use a Telephoto Lens: This allows you to keep your distance and avoid startling the lizard while still getting a detailed shot.
- Aim for a Fast Shutter Speed: Reptiles can make sudden movements, so a shutter speed of at least 1/1000 sec helps capture any action without motion blur.
- Adjust Exposure Compensation: In bright conditions, lower the exposure slightly to avoid washing out details.
- Focus on the Eyes: A sharp focus on the lizard’s eyes draws the viewer’s attention and adds life to the image.
The Ouachita National Forest’s Role in Local Wildlife
Located near my property, the Ouachita National Forest spans over 1.8 million acres and serves as a haven for diverse wildlife, including reptiles like Prairie Lizards. The forest provides a mix of hardwood and pine habitats, supporting a range of species. Areas with downed logs and sunny clearings are prime spots for observing lizards, as these locations offer both basking opportunities and abundant prey.
Photographing this Prairie Lizard provided insight into the small interactions that occur in nature every day, like a spider crawling over its back without any apparent concern. Moments like these remind us that even the smallest creatures play a part in the intricate web of life around us.