Northern alligator lizard
The northern alligator lizard (Elgaria coerulea) is a species of medium-sized lizard in the family Anguidae. The species is endemic to the North American west coast. Taxonomy The northern alligator lizard was formerly known by the scientific name of Gerrhonotus coeruleus , but more recently has been assigned to the genus Elgaria. Subspecies Four subspecies are recognized as being valid, including the nominotypical subspecies. E. c. coerulea – San Francisco alligator lizard E. c. palmeri – Sierra alligator lizard E. c. principis – Northwestern alligator lizard E. c. shastensis – Shasta alligator lizard A trinomial authority in parentheses indicates that the subspecies was originally described in a genus other than Elgaria. The subspecies E. c. principis is one of five species of lizards in Canada. Etymology The subspecific name, palmeri, is in honor of American zoologist Theodore Sherman Palmer. Description The northern alligator lizard is a medium-sized slender lizard. Adults reach a snout-to-vent length (SVL) of about and a total length (including tail) of roughly . It has a distinct skin fold on each side, separating the keeled scales on the back from the smooth ventral scales. The skin varies in color, but can be brown and white or greenish