Mite Pockets

The Serpent Princess of Dancing Snake Nature Photography shares these photos and info about this possible protection from predators.

All photos courtesy of Dancing Snake Nature Photography

Eastern Collared Lizard, female
(NB: my go-to site for reptiles is currently off-line)

Common Side-blotched Lizard, male

Ornate Tree Lizard

Click on each photo for a larger view.

TSP writes:

See the [tiny] orange spot at the base of the hind leg on each lizard? Scientists think these are mite pockets. Mites congregate into the pockets to create the orange color. One theory is that the pockets protect the lizard when basking. No predator wants to eat a lizard infested with mites. I have seen these pockets on several different species of lizards; males and females.