| Species | Elgaria multicarinata (Blainville, 1835) |
| Family | Anguidae (Alligator Lizards and allies) |
| Status | none |
| State Rank | S4 |
| Global Rank | G5 |
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This is a large, slim, gray-brown to brown lizard with keeled scales, short legs and a long tail. An adult grows to 141 mm (5.6 in.) snout-vent length with a tail twice the body length. The dorsal and ventral scales are rectangular. Along the sides of the body, between the dorsal and ventral scales, there is an area where the scales are small and the skin is able to expand and fold. The overall dorsal coloration is brown with black spots forming transverse bands across the dorsal surface. White spots may be present on the edges of the lateral scales. The underside is light colored with no dark pigmentation on the lateral edges of each scale. The eyes are yellow or gold. The tail is easily shed. Males have a head that is broader and more triangular than females. Hatchlings and juveniles are similar to adults but the dorsum is plain brownish to reddish and the dorsal scales are typically lighter in color than the body folds. See Photos Page.
Northern and Southern Alligator Lizards are the only lizards in Washington with rectangular scales and folds on the sides of the body. Northern Alligator Lizards differ in being smaller (less 100 mm snout-vent length), having dark pigmentation on the lateral edges of the ventral scales and in having brown eyes. See Key Features Page.
The phenology of this species is poorly known in Washington. Activity starts in early April depending on location and weather conditions. Similar to our other lizard species, activity probably continues into October or early November. Breeding behavior starts soon after surface activity commences. Females lay eggs in talus in June. In Oregon, hatchlings start to appear in September and October. Similar to Northern Alligator Lizards, overwintering most likely occurs in rock features such as talus.
Southern Alligator Lizards occur in the East Cascades Ecoregion. See Distribution Map.
For information on the complete range of this species, see NatureServe Explorer.
This species is typically found in rocky, grassy or brushy openings within open forested landscapes, primarily Oregon oak-ponderosa pine. They are also common along creeks and have been observed swimming and basking on rocks within creeks.
They are active during the day and much less secretive than the Northern Alligator Lizard. This may be due in part to the fact that they are much larger and therefore easier to see and hear as they move along the ground. They also climb with assistance from their prehensile tail and can be seen on the lower portions of tree trunks and in shrubs.
This species is aggressive and will bite when captured. The tail is easily shed when the lizard is threatened. This behavior can be life saving for the lizard but is not without negative consequences. Until the individual regenerates the tail and energy resources stored therein, reproductive fitness, and even survival, is lower than for lizards with intact tails.
No declines have been reported. The species has a limited range in Washington. They can be common in suitable habitat. The lack of recent observations from some areas is likely due to a lack of survey effort and interest.
Recent observations can be submitted to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife WSDM database by contacting Lori Salzer by E-mail salzeljs@dfw.wa.gov.
The authors are unaware of current research on this species.
The authors are unaware of major threats and management concerns for this species.
Nussbaum et al. (1983), Stebbins (2003), Storm and Leonard (1995)
Hallock, L.A. and McAllister, K.R. 2009. Southern Alligator Lizard. Washington Herp Atlas. http://www1.dnr.wa.gov/nhp/refdesk/herp/
Last updated: May 2009