Unlike skinks, fence lizards belong to a group of rough-scaled reptiles called spiny lizards. They are tree climbers. When encountered on the ground, fence lizards will usually dart to the nearest tree, climb up the side opposite their pursuer, and remain motionless. If they are approached closely, they will continue up the trunk, making sure always to stay on the side opposite the pursuer. Although found in a variety of habitats, fence lizards seem to prefer the dry, wooded hillsides and rocky cliffs that characterize most of unglaciated Ohio. Males can be distinguished from females by the dark blue band, outlined in black, across their throat and an iridescent patch of blue on each side of the belly. The male’s back is less distinctly patterned than the female’s. LENGTH: 4" - 7.25"
Text courtesy of the Ohio Division of Wildlife: https://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/portals/wildlife/pdfs/publications/id%20guides/pub354_Reptiles-opt.pdf