Panamint Aligator Lizard

[desertdweller]

It is a casual and frequent visitor in my yard in Northren Arizona which is in the transition zone, high desert. Was able to capture this photo as I was holding it (him/her?) :? I love the diversity here. Anyone have the treat to see one of these guys? Apparently they are all over. The genus/species is Elgaria panamintina.

 

[desertdweller]

one more photo...

 

[lhystrix]

Very cool. Anguids and Teiids are my favorite lizards.
Alligator lizards are great. The next time I'm in AZ maybe I'll be lucky enough to see one of those.

Here's one from southern CA. It's an image of an old 35mm picture from '89 of a southern alligator lizard, Elgaria multicarinata. I always enjoyed catching and releasing them just for fun, and had great pair back then. The coloration in the second image is true to life.

 

[desertdweller]

Very nice. Quite the long tail, reminds me of a legless lizard a bit.

 

[LeilaNami]

I tried holding an alligator lizard once (I was doing cage cleaning)...He clamped down on my finger and refused to give it back

 

[357wheelgunner]

Nice catch OP!

The last time I tried to catch a lizard its tail fell off in my hand, then wiggled and shot blood all over me while the lizard hobbled off. I was younger and horrified, I thought I killed it. My laughing neighbor told me that they do that on purpose, and that it would grow back.

I haven't touched a wild lizard since...

 

[lhystrix]

Very nice. Quite the long tail, reminds me of a legless lizard a bit.

Yeah, basically they are alligator lizards minus the legs. No alligator lizards in my area, but I think there are three or four species of glass (legless) lizards.

Is that juvenile coloration on yours, or do some adults look like that, too?

Nice catch OP!

The last time I tried to catch a lizard its tail fell off in my hand, then wiggled and shot blood all over me while the lizard hobbled off. I was younger and horrified, I thought I killed it. My laughing neighbor told me that they do that on purpose, and that it would grow back.

I haven't touched a wild lizard since...

No offense, but that is kind of funny!

 

[357wheelgunner]

No offense, but that is kind of funny!

I try to see the positives when I do stupid things and make an ass out of myself, so I try to share those experiences.

Glad you enjoyed