← Herp Calendar map

Lizards

Southern Alligator Lizard

Elgaria multicarinata

Across the regions where it's common, the Southern Alligator Lizard peaks from February to October.

Shows up in 9 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.

Leave a tip

Lizards

Southern Alligator Lizard

Elgaria multicarinata

Look, don't take. Many states regulate collecting reptiles and amphibians. Photograph it, log it on iNaturalist and leave it where you found it.

Description

The southern alligator lizard (Elgaria multicarinata) is a common species of lizard in the family Anguidae. The southern alligator lizard measures from 3 to 7 in (8 to 18 cm) in snout-to-vent length (SVL).Wikipedia ↗

Habitat

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.Wikipedia ↗

When it's active

Mating occurs in spring, typically from April to May, though in warmer regions this species will breed year-round. Eggs are usually laid between May and June and hatch during late summer and early fall.Wikipedia ↗
Alex Abair · CC BY 4.0

When and where it's active

Each row is its own calendar, counted from records in that area. Seasons shift by place.

PeakShoulderQuiet

Ecoregions

States

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
CaliforniaOregonWashington

About the Southern Alligator Lizard

When is the Southern Alligator Lizard most active?

Across the regions where it's common, the Southern Alligator Lizard peaks from February to October.

Where does the Southern Alligator Lizard live?

It has enough records to show in 9 ecoregions and 3 states, including California, Oregon, and Washington.