These lizards are represented by seven species in genus Elgaria, a New World lizard that lives in the western USA and Mexico. These lizards have slim bodies, short limbs, and a long tail. These animals can be up to 12 inches (30 cm long) and their tail is approximately one-half of that length! The tail, which is somewhat prehensile and used for climbing, can break off on its own if a predator attacks the lizard. These lizards are somewhat aggressive and will bite when threatened (Wikipedia).
Alligator lizards eat beetles, ants, wasps, aphids, grasshoppers, and other lizards. In my yard, these lizards are a rare occurrence.
Figure 1. Adult Elgaria multicarinata (length approximately 7 inches) from northern Los Angeles County, southern California.
Figure 2. Juvenile Elargia mutlicarinata (length approximately 4 inches) from northern Los Angeles County, southern California.
Classification:
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Reptilia
Order Squamata
Family Anguidae
Genus Elgaria
Species [illustrated here] E. multicarinata subsp.
There are five recognized subspecies, all native to the Pacific Coast of North America. They occur variously from Washington to Baja California, Mexico and occur in a variety of habitats. These lizards have considerable variation in their coloration.
References
wikipedia: 2025
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