Madrean
Alligator Lizard
Elgaria kingii
Body length: 3 - 5"
Diet: Insects and scorpions
Some alligator lizards are limbless, and all resemble snakes to some extent. The
Madrean alligator lizard found at Tonto National Monument has tiny legs, and is
distinguished by armor-like scales and a fold in the skin that runs the length
of the body. It is thought that this fold allows the relatively inflexible body
to expand during breathing, after feeding, or when the female is carrying eggs.
Alligator lizards are not common at Tonto National Monument, and are probably
confined to the woodland areas in and near Cave Creek Canyon. Alligator lizards
are generally day-active. They are often heard before they are seen, rustling
through dry leaves on the ground.
NPS
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Updated
May 8, 2005