The southern alligator lizard (''Elgaria multicarinata'') is a common

species In biology, a species is the basic unit of classification and a taxonomic rank of an organism, as well as a unit of biodiversity. A species is often defined as the largest group of organisms in which any two individuals of the appropriate s ...

of lizard in the

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Anguidae Anguidae refers to a large and diverse family of lizards native to the Northern Hemisphere. Common characteristics of this group include a reduced supratemporal arch, striations on the medial faces of tooth crowns, osteoderms, and a lateral fold ...

. 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.

Subspecies

The following five subspecies are recognized as being valid, including the

nominotypical subspecies In biological classification, subspecies is a rank below species, used for populations that live in different areas and vary in size, shape, or other physical characteristics (morphology), but that can successfully interbreed. Not all species ...

. *''Elgaria multicarinata ignava'' *''Elgaria multicarinata multicarinata'' *''Elgaria multicarinata nana'' *''Elgaria multicarinata scincicauda'' *''Elgaria multicarinata webbii''

Taxonomy and etymology

The

generic Generic or generics may refer to: In business * Generic term, a common name used for a range or class of similar things not protected by trademark * Generic brand, a brand for a product that does not have an associated brand or trademark, other ...

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 of Thomas Hopkins Webb (1801–1866) who was Secretary of the

United States and Mexican Boundary Survey The United States and Mexican Boundary Survey (1848–1855) determined the border between the United States and Mexico as defined in the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which had ended the Mexican–American War. The results of the survey were publis ...

(1848–1855). The subspecific name ''scincicauda'' means "skink tail".

Description

The southern alligator lizard measures from in snout-to-vent length (SVL). Including tail, it can reach a foot in length (30 cm). Stebbins Robert C. (2003). ''A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians, Third Edition''. The Peterson Field Guide Series ®. Boston and New York: Houghton Mifflin. xiii + 533 pp. . (''Elgaria multicarinata'', pp. 331–332 + Plate 41 + Map 124). It has a round thick body with small legs and a long somewhat

prehensile Prehensility is the quality of an appendage or organ that has adapted for grasping or holding. The word is derived from the Latin term ''prehendere'', meaning "to grasp". The ability to grasp is likely derived from a number of different orig ...

tail that can be twice as long as the lizard's body. Like many lizards, this species can drop its tail if attacked, possibly giving it a chance to flee. It lives on average 10 to 15 years, and survives well in captivity. The color of this species is variable, and can be brown, gray, green, or yellowish above, often with red blotches on the middle of the back. Usually there are between 9 and 13 dark crossbands on the back, sides, and tail, with adjacent white spots. These crossbands can be pronounced or covered with reddish or yellowish color. The scales of ''E. multicarinata'' are keeled on the back, sides, and legs. There are 14 rows of scales across the back at the middle of the body. A band of smaller granular scales separates the larger scales on the back and stomach, creating a fold along each side of the animal. These folds allow the body to expand to hold food or eggs.

Geographic range and habitat

The southern alligator lizard is native to the Pacific coast of North America, ranging from the state of Washington to Baja California. These lizards can be found across many diverse habitats, including grassland, open forest, chaparral, suburban and urban areas, and even into the desert along the Mojave River. This species is particularly common in foothill oak woodlands, and is often found hiding under rocks, logs, or other surface cover.

Diet

''E. multicarinata'' eats small arthropods, slugs, lizards, small mammals, and occasionally young birds and eggs. The southern alligator lizard frequently eat western black widow spiders, and has demonstrated an immunity to the spider's potent venom.

Behavior and reproduction

Southern Alligator Lizard Threat Display

The southern alligator lizard frequently can be found near human habitation, and is often seen foraging in the mornings and evenings. It is often found in or around suburban yards and garages. ''E. multicarinata'' is notable for its vicious self-defense, and will bite and defecate if handled. Mating occurs in spring, typically from April to May, though in warmer regions this species will breed year-round. Eggs are usually laid between May and June and hatch during late summer and early fall. Females lay two clutches of eggs per year, often in decaying wood or plant matter to keep them warm. Females will guard the eggs until they hatch.

References

External links

Western Ecological Research Center: "''Elgaria multicarinatus'' ", the southern alligator lizard