Northern Alligator Lizard

Description:

Northern Alligator Lizards are long-bodied lizards that are characterized by a distinct fold of skin (dorsolateral fold) that separates the keeled dorsal scales from the smooth ventral scales. The scales in the region of the fold are granular and contrast with the scale types on either side. These lizards are brown or brownish-green dorsally, and are light colored ventrally. The ventral scales are edged laterally with a dark line (this is different from the Southern Alligator Lizard, which has a dark line running down the center of the ventral scales). Northern Alligator Lizards have a somewhat triangular head with a pointed snout, and brown or darkly pigmented eyes. Northern Alligator Lizards are medium sized, reaching sizes of around 100mm (4 in.) snout to vent length and 254mm (10 in.) total length (Nussbaum et al. 1983, Storm and Leonard 1995). The fairly long tail is usually less than twice the body length (Stebbins 1985). Northern Alligator Lizards are one of only two species of Idaho lizards that give birth to live young (viviparous) rather than laying eggs (oviparous). The neonates emerge from transparent membranes soon after birth. The young lizards differ from adults by having a brassy or brownish-tan stripe dorsally that lacks much of the dark markings present on adults.

Habitat:

Northern Alligator Lizards are found in cooler and wetter environments than any other species of Idaho lizards. They are often found in forest clearings or edges, under logs and other surface debris. They can also be found in talus slopes that are associated with forests.

Notes:

"AS SMALL AS A BLADE OF GRASS" I only spotted this tiny lizard due to the noise it made as it scurried through the the dried grasses.