This lizard is not included in any endangered animal lists, but if people don’t stop bothering this lizard’s natural environment by construction and landscaping, it won’t be long when the numbers of this species start to decrease. The northern alligator lizard is a sedentary creature in a way that these don’t move much between populations. These lizards are disturbed easily, and afterward, these will hide for many hours to avoid encountering predators or even humans. This can lead to the enhanced diversity of the northern alligator lizard.Īlligator lizards are every dependent on natural rock formations, and thus removal of these said rocks for construction and landscaping can affect the population of this lizard. The populations of lizards located at the end of its range are very important because these may carry different genes compared to lizards found in the central part of its native area. The northern alligator lizard is at the northern limit of its habitat therefore, it is likely that these will be limited from living further due to harsh cold temperatures. The future of the northern alligator lizard The body is longer, and the tail is thicker as well. The colors are brighter, and the distinct scales at the back and on the top of the head are also becoming brighter. AdultĪdult Northern Alligator Lizards eventually becomes mature and ready to mate. The lizard is also longer, while the eyes are larger as well. The once dark body will now develop distinct scales, colors, and blotches. Juvenileĭuring the juvenile stage, both male and female Northern Alligator Lizards have the same size, color, and shape. Usually, newly born alligator lizards are already energetic and ready to look for their first meal. It is mostly dark in color, and you can’t see any markings or other colors. A baby lizard is so small it may be around the size of a house lizard. Female bears around 15 babies and are born between June and September. The Northern Alligator Lizard has three life stages just like other lizard species: Newly bornĪ northern alligator lizard will bear live young therefore, the babies do not hatch from eggs. shastensis by Fitch in 1934, which is a Shasta alligator lizard. principis by Baird & Girard in 1852, which is a Northwestern alligator lizard. palmeri by Stejneger in 1893, which is a lizard from Sierra. coerulea by Wiegmann in 1828 which is a lizard native in San Francisco This includes the nominotypical subspecies. The northern alligator lizard has four valid subspecies. It lives in an area on sea level to an elevation of 10,990 feet. This lizard species are widely distributed in the areas of the Pacific Coast. Some are found across the mentioned areas while others are native around the areas of San Francisco and farther north to Humboldt County. The different subspecies of this lizard are widely distributed as well. These lizards can also be found in the Sierra Nevada in central California. The northern alligator lizard is found along the Pacific Coast in the Rocky Mountains from the southern part of British Columbia to Washington, the northern part of Idaho, and in the western areas of Montana to Oregon. The belly is a light shade of gray while the eyes are dark. The lizard’s throat and mouth area can be yellow. Along the dorsal part of the lizard, you’ll find brownish scales with dark blotches that may come together to create bands. The skin of the northern alligator lizard can vary in color from brown and white to green, yellow, and brown. This fold separates the scales on the back from the ventral scales. These lizards come with a distinct skin fold found on each side of the body. It was formerly known as Gerrhonotus coeruleus, but recently, it has been classified as the genus Elgaria.Īdult Northern alligator lizards can reach 10 cm with a total length from the snout to the end of the tail of 27.5 cm. The Northern Alligator Lizard is a slender, medium-sized lizard that is native to the North American west coast. Scientific Facts Common Name: Northern Alligator Lizard Scientific Name: Elgaria coerulea Life Span: In captivity from 5 to 8 years Size: Adults from 3 to 6 inches plus the tail Habitat: Dry parts of forests Country of Origin: Pacific coast of the US, to the Rocky Mountains Physical Description
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