Reptiles and Amphibians of the Table Rocks

Southern Alligator Lizard

Southern Alligator Lizard

Elgaria multicarinata

Alden M. Johnson
© 2001 California Academy of Sciences

Be careful not to pick me up or you will quickly learn of several of my defenses: I can bite quickly and hard, I will poop all over your hand, and I can drop my tail, which continues to wiggle for several minutes allowing me to escape.

I can be found climbing bushes as I search for insects and other small prey in the Oak Savanna, Mixed woodland, Chaparral, or wherever cover is plentiful.

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