Many authorities have accepted research concluding that the island fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis becki) is its own unique species.

The island fence lizard is a relatively small species characterized by keeled and pointed dorsal scales of uniform size across the back, sides, and belly.

The lizard's overall coloration varies between brown, gray, or black with blotches, and it may have light markings forming stripes or irregular lines along the sides of the back.

Males typically establish territory on elevated perches in order to observe potential mates or rivals.

Males defend their territory through physical combat, and try to attract females through displays of head-bobbing and pushups to show off blue throat and ventral colors.

The specific epithet, becki, is in honor of Rollo Howard Beck, an American ornithologist who collected the first specimens.