Texas Spiny Lizards Do Push-Ups to Assert Power

If you’ve ever seen a lizard doing tiny push-ups on a fence or rock, you might think it's just being weird or maybe training for a lizard Olympics. But believe it or not, those push-ups actually mean something very serious in the lizard world.

In Texas, there’s a kind of lizard called the Texas Spiny Lizard. It has rough, scaly skin and blends in well with trees and fences. The males do something pretty cool to show off: they do fast, strong push-ups. But they’re not trying to get stronger. They're trying to prove they’re the boss.

Texas Lizards Flex Muscles with Push-Ups

These lizards live in the wild, where space is important. The males need their own territory, a place with food, safety, and a good spot to impress females. But other male lizards want the same thing. That’s where the push-ups come in. When two males meet, they start doing push-ups to show how tough they are. Whoever can keep going longer usually wins. The one who gets tired first or slows down will walk away. No fighting needed.

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Sometimes, two lizards will do push-ups right next to each other, almost like a dance-off. It might look funny to us, but it’s really serious business for them. These little movements help them survive, stay safe, and even find a mate.

Check out the video below:

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