Reptile · GBIF taxon 2468284
Madrean Alligator Lizard
Elgaria kingiiAlso known as King's Alligator Lizard, Arizona Alligator Lizard, El Lagarto de Montaña
Madrean alligator lizards are secretive, heavy-bodied reptiles recognized by their rectangular bony scales and bold crossbanding along the back and tail. They move deliberately through leaf litter, oak-pine woodlands, and rocky canyons in search of spiders, beetles, and small invertebrates. When threatened, they often freeze or retreat into tight rock crevices, but can drop their tails or deliver a firm bite if cornered.
ReptileSecretiveWoodland
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Beetles
- Spiders
- Grasshoppers
Predators
- Hawks
- Snakes
- Ringtails
ThreatsSevere wildfires, habitat loss, and extreme drought
HabitatsOak-pine woodlands, riparian canyons, rocky hillsides, and chaparral
Life span10–15 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyAnguidae
- SpeciesElgaria kingii
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Capable of a surprisingly firm defensive bite if picked up or cornered; observe without handling.
Responsible observation
- Scan leaf litter: Look for slow, deliberate rustling around oak bases during cool mornings.
- Keep distance: Observe without grabbing or trapping, as cornered individuals bite defensively.
- Inspect rock fissures: Watch shaded crevices in rocky canyons where they shelter from heat.
Predator (c) Daniel McNair, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Predator Polinova / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Alex Abair, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Alex Abair · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Gavin Slater, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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