Madrean Alligator Lizard-Photo by Jerry Schudda
DESCRIPTION: A large (up to 140 mm or 5.5" from snout to vent), smooth and shiny lizard with a long body, small limbs, and a long, thick tail. Base coloration is usually tan or gray. Dark brown to red-brown crossbars with dark posterior edges mark the back. There are usually crisp black and white markings on the lips. When not regenerated the tail is more than twice the length of the body. The back and belly are armored with large, stiff, rectangular, scales that are reinforced with bony plates. A soft fold of skin covered with small rounded scales runs along each lower side of the body from the corner of the mouth to the hind limbs. These folds of skin allow the body to expand for breathing, ingesting prey, and egg development. Males have a broad head and crisp, distinct dorsal pattern. Adult females have a relatively pale dorsal pattern, usually lacking dark posterior borders on the crossbands. Juveniles are marked with distinct dark and light bands on the body and tail, dark limbs, and white spots on the lips.
DISTRIBUTION: This lizard's range covers central Arizona's Mogollon Rim country and extends south into the southeastern valleys and "sky island" ranges. It is found at elevations ranging from about 3,000' to over 8,500'.
HABITAT: The Madrean Alligator Lizard inhabits a variety of biotic communities in Arizona including Semidesert Grassland, Interior Chaparral, woodlands, and Petran Montane Conifer Forest. It is found in an equally wide variety of terrain types including open grasslands, iparian coridors, wooded foothills, rocky drainages, canyons, and steep forested slopes. It frequents moist areas, often in association with loose ground cover such as fallen leaves, pine needles, and other dead plant material.
BEHAVIOR: Primarily diurnal and crepuscular. It hibernates during the cold months of winter and late fall. This ground-dweller is often heard rustling through leaf litter before it is seen. When spotted it can be difficult to capture as it quickly slides and zigzags through the ground cover. It is capable of casting off (and regenerating) the tail. Pursuers and predators often end up with nothing but a wiggling tail. It writhes, expels feces, and often bites when captured. An anti predator behavior was documented by Bowker (1987). A Madrean Alligator Lizard was seized by a Striped Whipsnake. In response the lizard bit and held the base of its own tail thereby forming a loop. In this looped posture the lizard would presumably be difficult to swallow. If the snake were to "walk" its mouth around the loop in an effort to swallow the lizard head first, the snake would likely eventually end up with a shed tail in its mouth, providing an opportunity for the lizard to escape.
DIET: The Madrean Alligator Lizard eats a variety of insects including grasshoppers, caterpillars, and moths. It also feeds on scorpions.
REPRODUCTION: Presumably mates in September and October. Females are capable of storing sperm and embryonic development is arrested during the cold winter months. A clutch of up to 15 eggs is laid in late spring or summer. Females may stay with the eggs to tend to them.
REMARKS: This lizard has lived to over 15 years of age in captivity.
By Thomas C. Brennan
Call me when you are ready to buy or sell Real Estate in the Tucson area;
Julie Nellis, ABR, ASR, GRI, e-Pro
Associate Broker
Long Realty
1890 E. River Rd
Tucson, AZ 85718
520-918-3843