ExploreReptiles

Northern Alligator Lizard

Elgaria coerulea

The Northern Alligator Lizard is a cool reptile that looks like a little dragon! It has a long body and can be green or brown, helping it blend in with its surroundings.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Northern Alligator Lizard has a long, slender body with tough, keeled scales that give it a rough texture. Its coloring varies from brown to grey or olive-green, often with dark bands or blotches. A distinct fold of skin runs along its sides.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassSquamataOrderLacertiliaFamilyAnguidaeGenusElgaria
Northern Alligator Lizard
solitary trait badgecamouflaged trait badgegrassland trait badgeinsectivorous trait badge
Northern Alligator Lizard

Category

Reptiles

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

A special side groove lets their body expand when eating or pregnant.

Their long, sticky tongue can snatch up unsuspecting insects in a flash!

These lizards give birth to live young, not eggs, which is quite rare!

They have sharp, conical teeth perfect for gripping slippery insects and worms.

Special abilities

Ability

Escape Artist

Northern Alligator Lizard can detach its tail to distract predators, giving it a chance to flee to safety.

Ability

Blended Hunter

Northern Alligator Lizard has rough, banded scales that help it disappear perfectly into its forest environment.

Ability

Armored Skin

Northern Alligator Lizard has tough, keeled scales and bony plates under its skin for protection from attacks.

Measurements & details

Length
10-30 cm
Weight
0.005-0.03 kg
Lifespan
10-15 years
Top Speed
10 km/h
Clutch Size
2-15
Incubation
48-65 days

Diet & Feeding

Tiny hunters, they feast on insects and other small critters found in their woodland homes.

Primary Foods

  • crickets
  • spiders
  • grasshoppers
  • slugs
  • snails
  • sowbugs

Foraging Methods

  • Ambush
  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

If you see a lizard, watch it from a distance and don't try to touch it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Northern Alligator Lizard?

10-30 cm

How much does Northern Alligator Lizard weigh?

0.005-0.03 kg

How long does Northern Alligator Lizard live?

10-15 years

How fast can Northern Alligator Lizard move?

10 km/h

What does Northern Alligator Lizard eat?

Tiny hunters, they feast on insects and other small critters found in their woodland homes.

Where is Northern Alligator Lizard usually found?

Grasslands

How does Northern Alligator Lizard hunt?

Ambush and Foraging

How many eggs does Northern Alligator Lizard lay?

2-15

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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