Lizards
Northern Alligator Lizard
Elgaria coerulea
Across the regions where it's common, the Northern Alligator Lizard peaks from March to October.
Shows up in 7 ecoregions and 3 states
Keep Herp Calendar free
Hi, I'm Nick. I built Herp Calendar on my own and I keep it free, with no ads. If it has helped you find a herp this season, a small tip goes straight into the hosting and the data work. Only if you can spare it. Either way, I'm glad you're here.
Lizards
Northern Alligator Lizard
Elgaria coerulea
Description
The northern alligator lizard (Elgaria coerulea) is a species of medium-sized lizard in the family Anguidae. Adults reach a snout-to-vent length (SVL) of about 10 cm (3.9 in) and a total length (tailincluded tail) of roughly 27.5 cm (10.8 in).Wikipedia ↗
Habitat
The northern alligator lizard occurs along the Pacific Coast and in the Rocky Mountains from southern British Columbia through Washington, northern Idaho and western Montana south through Oregon to the coastal range and the Sierra Nevada in central California. As the map shows, the different subspecies have quite different geographic ranges, with E. c. principis being the most widely distributed, whereas E. c. coerulea occurs mainly around the San Francisco area but is also found farther north into Humboldt County.Wikipedia ↗
When it's active
During the spring breeding season, a male lizard grasps the head of a female with his mouth until she is ready to let him mate with her. Besides keeping her from running off to mate with another male, this probably shows her how strong and suitable a mate he is.Wikipedia ↗
When and where it's active
Each row is its own calendar, counted from records in that area. Seasons shift by place.
Ecoregions
States
About the Northern Alligator Lizard
When is the Northern Alligator Lizard most active?
Across the regions where it's common, the Northern Alligator Lizard peaks from March to October.
Where does the Northern Alligator Lizard live?
It has enough records to show in 7 ecoregions and 3 states, including California, Oregon, and Washington.