Fauna
Reptile · GBIF taxon 2468284

Madrean Alligator Lizard

Elgaria kingii

Also 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
Madrean Alligator Lizard reference1 / 7
Licensed reference(c) L. Reid, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
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
Classification
  1. FamilyAnguidae
  2. SpeciesElgaria kingii
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. 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.
Related species
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