Southern Alligator Lizard

About the Southern Alligator Lizard

The southern alligator lizard (Elgaria multicarinata) is a common species of lizard in the family Anguidae. The species is native to the Pacific coast of North America. It ranges from Baja California to the state of Washington and lives in a variety of habitats including grasslands, chaparral, forests, and even urban areas. In dry climates, it is likely to be found in moist areas or near streams. There are five recognized subspecies.

The following five subspecies are recognized as being valid, including the nominotypical subspecies. Elgaria multicarinata ignava (Van Denburgh, 1905) Elgaria multicarinata multicarinata (Blainville, 1835) Elgaria multicarinata nana (Fitch, 1934)

Elgaria multicarinata scincicauda (Skilton, 1849) Elgaria multicarinata webbii (Baird, 1859) The generic name Elgaria is possibly named for an "Elgar" or a pun on "alligator." The specific name multicarinata refers to the keeled scales characteristic of this species. The common name "alligator lizard" is a reference to the fact that the back and belly scales of these lizards are reinforced by bone, as they are in alligators.

The subspecific name webbii is in honor... Wikipedia →