Editing Southern alligator lizard (section)

==Description==
[[File:Southernalligatorlizard2.jpg|left|thumb|Adult southern alligator lizard, San Joaquin County California|230x230px]]
The southern alligator lizard measures from {{convert|3|to|7|in|cm|0|abbr=on}} in [[snout-to-vent length]] (SVL). Including tail, it can reach a foot in length (30&nbsp;cm).<ref name="stebbins">[[Robert C. Stebbins|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. {{ISBN|0-395-98272-3}}. (''Elgaria multicarinata'', pp. 331–332 + Plate 41 + Map 124).</ref> It has a round thick body with small legs and a long somewhat [[prehensile]] tail that can be twice as long as the lizard's body.<ref name="sdz" />  Like many lizards, this species can [[autotomy|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.<ref name="sdz" />

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.<ref name="stebbins" /><ref name=":0" />

The scales of ''E. multicarinata'' are [[keeled scales|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.<ref name=":0" />