Northern Alligator Lizard (Elgaria coerulea). 



Description: One of two lizard species in western Montana, the Northern alligator lizard is a 

 member of the Anguidae family. The family is characterized by having elongate bodies, 

 relatively short limbs and a lateral skin fold on each side of the body. Adult Northern 

 alligator lizards range from 3.5 - 5.5" in snout-vent length. The head is broader and more 

 triangular in males than females. The eyes have considerable black pigment. Although most 

 species of Elgaria have distinct black and brown bands running across the dorsal surface, the 

 bands are broken and indistinct in the Montana specimens. The ventral surface has a series of 

 longitudinal dark lines located at the scale junctions. Females give birth to 2-15 living young 

 (Stebbins 1985), which have a more distinct banding pattern on the dorsal surface than the 

 adults. 



Habitat and Habits: The Alligator lizard is found in a variety of habitats, including under logs in 

 dry open forests, near streams in moist, cool forests, and around buildings. They have been 

 seen in rocky, open Ponderosa forests in the Three Rivers and Cabinet Districts, and in the 

 riparian zone of Big Creek on the Rexford District. Little is known about reproduction in this 

 part of their range; it is assumed that they mate in spring and that the young are born in late 

 summer. They are primarily carnivorous, feeding on a variety of small insects and other 

 invertebrates. 



Surveying: Although various lizard traps and mark/recapture techniques have been designed, 

 probably the best approach is to visit known sites, especially on warm, sunny days, and allow 

 considerable time just to sit and watch the area for activity. 



Status: Sight records exist for the Cabinet, Three Rivers, and Rexford districts of the KNF. 

 Given the paucity of sightings, it is recommended that all sight records be kept on file. 



Montana Natural Heritage Program Rank: G5 S3. 



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