Although She looks like a miniature Alligator, Alligator Lizard is actually related to Old World and New World Legless Lizards. This shy Lizard can fold her legs against her body, and move like Snake, twisting and turning. However because of her unusually large mouth, sharp teeth, and strong jaw muscles, She is named “Alligator Lizard”.
Extremely wary, Alligator Lizard darts for cover at any sign of danger. Secretive, She is regarded as an oddity by people in areas where She lives. Alligator Lizard spends most of her time hiding under logs and rocks. Because She eats Insects, She can make her home in urban areas.
When cornered, Alligator Lizard has several escape strategies. This pugnacious little lizard will thrash around giving the attacker a painful bite. At other times, She will detach her long tail and race away. Meanwhile, the detached tail wiggles and twitches for a few minutes confusing her Enemy.
Alligator Lizard teaches the importance of having several escape plans. If She can’t hide, She will detach her tail as a diversion. And her sharp teeth deliver a painful bite.
Note: Alligator Lizard is cousin to Monitor Lizards, and is also related to Legless Lizards of the Old and New Worlds.
Conservation Note: Alligator Lizard is protected throughout her range in the United States.
Purchase field guides on alligator lizards and other Western reptiles from Amazon.com.
Alligator Lizard photo copyrighted by Gary Nafis of California Herps. To see more pictures of the different species of Alligator Lizards visit California's Native Reptiles and Amphibians
Va. Carper
April 15, 2008