Southern alligator lizard

Template:Short description Template:Speciesbox

The southern alligator lizard (Elgaria multicarinata) is a common species of lizard in the family Anguidae. The species is native to the Pacific coast of North America.<ref name="iucn status 19 November 2021" /><ref name="sdz">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> 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.<ref name=sdz/><ref name="stebbins" /> In dry climates, it is likely to be found in moist areas or near streams.<ref name=sdz/> There are five recognized subspecies.

SubspeciesEdit

The following five subspecies are recognized as being valid, including the nominotypical subspecies.<ref name=RDB>Template:NRDB species</ref>

Elgaria multicarinata ignava Template:Small
Elgaria multicarinata multicarinata Template:Small
Elgaria multicarinata nana Template:Small
Elgaria multicarinata scincicauda Template:Small
Elgaria multicarinata webbii Template:Small

Taxonomy and etymologyEdit

The generic 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.<ref name=":0">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> 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.<ref name=":1">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

The subspecific name webbii is in honor of Thomas Hopkins Webb (1801–1866) who was Secretary of the United States and Mexican Boundary Survey (1848–1855).<ref>Beolens, Bo; Watkins, Michael; Grayson, Michael (2011). The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. Template:ISBN. (Elgaria multicarinata webbii, p. 280).</ref> The subspecific name scincicauda means "skink tail".

DescriptionEdit

File:Southernalligatorlizard2.jpg

Adult southern alligator lizard, San Joaquin County California

The southern alligator lizard measures from Template:Convert in snout-to-vent length (SVL). Including tail, it can reach a foot in length (30 cm).<ref name="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. Template:ISBN. (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 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 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" />

Geographic range and habitatEdit

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.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> This species is particularly common in foothill oak woodlands, and is often found hiding under rocks, logs, or other surface cover.<ref name=":0" />

DietEdit

E. multicarinata eats small arthropods, slugs, lizards, small mammals, and occasionally young birds and eggs.<ref name="stebbins" />

The southern alligator lizard frequently eats western black widow spiders, and has demonstrated an immunity to the spider's potent venom.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Behavior and reproductionEdit

File:Southern Alligator Lizard Threat Display.jpg

Defensive 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.<ref name=":0" /> E. multicarinata is notable for its vicious self-defense, and will bite and defecate if handled.<ref name="sdz" />

Mating occurs in spring, typically from April to May, though in warmer regions this species will breed year-round.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> Eggs are usually laid between May and June and hatch during late summer and early fall.<ref name=":0" /> 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.<ref name=":1" />

ReferencesEdit

Template:Reflist

External linksEdit

Template:Sister project