Description: Alligator lizards, genus Elgaria, are members of the family Anguidae, a family of lizards found in the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Large bony scales, a large head on an elongated body and powerful jaws probably give the lizards their common name. They are characterized by a slim body with short limbs and long tail. The tail can reach twice the length of its body if it has never been broken off and regenerated. Color is light yellow, beige, or gray with broad light or dark brown bands circling the top and sides, and white marks on the sides behind each band. The underside is cream colored with gray flecks.
The tail is banded. The eyes are pale yellow. Male heads are broader and more triangular than that of females. The dark bands of juveniles contrasts stronly with a light background
Habitat: This lizard occurs in regions dominated by scrub desert, Joshua-tree woodland, and the lower edge of the pinyon-juniper belt. Most known locations are in canyon riparian zones below permanent springs; but individuals may range into talus slopes some distance from the immediate riparian zone. Individuals have been found under willow thickets along watercourses, under shrubs in drier areas, and in rock slides. When inactive, the lizards hide underground, under stones or wood, or in crevices. Habitats in order of decreasing favorability: along creeks with riparian vegetation, along small springs with riparian vegetation, near small springs in pinyon-juniper or Joshua tree woodland, pinyon juniper and Joshua tree woodland in canyons or washes.
Range:Elgaria panamintina is endemic to California, from 2,500–7,513 feet in the desert mountain ranges of Inyo and Mono Counties. They include the Panamint Range of Death Valley National Park, the Inyo Mountains, the White Mountains, and the Coso Mountains.
Reproduction: Mates in the spring. Mating has been observed in May.
Status: In a 12-month finding, USFWS (2019) found listing this species as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act is not warranted. Previously, in a 90-day petition finding, USFWS (2015) found the petition action may be warranted and initiated a status review.
Disclaimer: ITIS taxonomy is based on the latest scientific consensus available, and is provided as a general reference source for interested parties. However, it is not a legal authority for statutory or regulatory purposes. While every effort has been made to provide the most reliable and up-to-date information available, ultimate legal requirements with respect to species are contained in provisions of treaties to which the United States is a party, wildlife statutes, regulations, and any applicable notices that have been published in the Federal Register. For further information on U.S. legal requirements with respect to protected taxa, please contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
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