California Alligator Lizard

California Alligator Lizard, Elgaria multicarinata multicarinata

California Alligator Lizard, Elgaria multicarinata multicarinata. Lizard found in a residential area in the greater San Diego area, San Diego, California. Length: 28 cm (11 inches). Identification courtesy of Gary Nafis, CaliforniaHerps.com.s

The California Alligator Lizard, Elgaria multicarinata multicarinata, is a member of the Anguidae Family that of Alligator Lizards, Glass Lizards, Galliwasps, and California Legless Lizards. The Anguidae Family consists of one hundred members placed in ten genera and three subfamilies. There are seven species in the Elgaria genus. The California Alligator Lizard is one of three subspecies of the Southern Alligator Lizard, which includes the Oregon Alligator Lizard, Elgaria multicarnata scincicauda, and the San Diego Alligator Lizard, Elgaria multicarnata webbii. The California Alligator Lizard is known in Mexico as Lagarto Cocodrilo de California.

The California Alligator Lizard  has an elongated body with short limbs and a long tail. They are brown, gray, or yellowish dorsally with red blotches on the center of their back. They have nine to thirteen dark bands on their back, sides, and tail, with adjacent white spots. On some lizards these dark bands are very pronounced, while on others they are covered with reddish or yellowish color. Juveniles are marked differently than adults with a broad tan, reddish, yellow, gray, or beige stripe on their back and less distinct side bars. Their heads are large, usually mottled with dark color, and have powerful jaws (for which they are named). The males have broader heads than the females with a more triangular shape. They have light yellow eyes and their tails are up to twice the length of their body. Their tails can be easily severed as a defense mechanism, and will writhe around for several minutes to distract predators. Their tails will regenerate, however, their regenerated tails are never as long or as rich in color as their original tail. A band of small granular scales separates the larger bone-reinforced scales on their back and belly, creating a fold along each side of their abdomen. These folds allow the body to expand to hold food, eggs, or live young. They can reach 18.9 cm (7.4 inches) from snout to vent with total lengths of up to 51 cm (20 inches). 

California Alligator Lizards mate in spring, most likely from April to May. Unlike some lizard species that engage in elaborate mating displays, breeding behavior of California Alligator Lizard males is more succinct. A male lizard grabs onto the head of a female with his mouth until she is ready to let him mate with her. They can remain attached this way for several hours, almost oblivious to their surroundings. Eggs are laid sometime from May to July. After approximately eleven weeks, the young hatch and resemble miniature adults. While the exact lifespan of the California Alligator Lizard is not well documented, Alligator Lizards can live as long as fifteen years. 

 California Alligator Lizards are active during daylight and twilight, and sometimes they are active at night during hot weather. During the cold periods of winter they become inactive. They are generally secretive and tend to hide in brush or under rocks. Although, they can be observed foraging out in the open or on roads in the morning and evening. They move with a snake-like undulating motion, often tucking their rear legs up against their body and pulling themselves along their belly with their front feet. Their tails are prehensile and can be wrapped around vegetation when climbing. Additionally, they are good swimmers and will sometimes escape predators by diving into water and swimming away. They often will bite onto a predatory snake, on the neck or head, rendering the snake unable to attack. California Alligator Lizards primarily consume small invertebrates, Lizards, small Mammals, and occasionally young Birds. They are capable of eating animals close to or greater than their own body length. Cannibalism is not uncommon for this species as young adults are often preyed upon by mature adults. Edible objects are first approached and visually inspected by moving their head up and down, side-to-side, or in small circles to judge size and distance. If satisfied, the lizard then inspects with their tongue if possible. When ready to strike, the lizard arches its back upward, straightens its front limbs, bends its head and neck backwards, and attacks with a swift downward stroke. 

California Alligator Lizards are native to the Pacific Coast of North America and are found from sea level to altitudes up to 2,400 m (8,000 feet). They range from southern Washington State to Northwest Baja California. Additionally, they are found on most of the Channel Islands and have recently invaded the city of Las Vegas, Nevada. They are typically found in grasslands, chaparral forests, and urban areas.

From a conservation perspective the California Alligator Lizard is currently considered to be of Least Concern due to their wide distribution, tolerance of a broad range of habitats, and presumed large population size. However, the IUCN currently includes all Southern Alligator Lizard species under the same listing so the exact status of this subspecies is unclear. While commercial and residential development has caused localized population declines, many populations continue to exist in remote areas. They are common inhabitants of suburban yards and garages and if encountered, CAUTION should be used as they are capable of inflicting a nasty and painful bite. 

Note: The taxonomy of the Southern Alligator Lizard, Elgaria multicarinata, is under review with controversy surrounding the established three subspecies: the California Alligator Lizard, Elgaria multicarinata multicarinata, the Oregon Alligator Lizard, Elgaria multicarinata scincicauda, and the San Diego Alligator Lizard, Elgaria multicarinata webbii.