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Southern Alligator Lizard

Southern Alligator Lizard line art illustration (click image to enlarge)

Southern Alligator Lizard full color illustration (click image to enlarge)

Artist's notes:

The Southern Alligator Lizard was completed on 9.21.10. One thing I enjoyed about moving to California was encountering lizards and reptiles frequently. Flipping over a log when hiking in the Bay Area sometimes leads to finding alligator lizards. The drawing is based on an image by the talented wildlife photographer Alice Abela.

Information about the Southern Alligator Lizard:

Southern Alligator Lizards are native to the Pacific Coast of North America. Elgaria multicarinata, as their common name implies, are native to the grasslands, chaparral, and forests of Southern California. They're commonly found not too far from streams, ponds or other water sources. Alligator Lizards have prehensile tails, which can be dropped if attacked. It will grow back, but won't match the coloration of the body as well as the original tail. They do well in captivity and are often kept as pets. Their diet includes insects, small animals such as young mice and birds, tree frogs, and even other lizards. While not poisonous they can inflict a painful bite if handled improperly.