Animal Guide

Arboreal Alligator Lizard

21 destinations · 15 states

Native Range: Pacific coast of North America, from southwestern Oregon through California and into Baja California

The arboreal alligator lizard is a slender, alert lizard that spends much of its time climbing through shrubs, trees, and dense vegetation. Its rough scales and brown, gray, or greenish coloring help it blend into bark and leaves, while its long tail provides balance as it moves through branches. Watch closely and you'll see how carefully it explores. It pauses to scan from a branch, then darts forward to investigate insects, spiders, small animals, or fruit. Despite its name, this lizard is not closely related to alligators. The resemblance comes from its heavily keeled scales and long, angular head, which give it a rugged appearance. Arboreal alligator lizards can also drop their tails when grabbed by a predator, allowing the detached tail to wriggle while the lizard escapes. A replacement tail grows back over time but may look different from the original. At a zoo or reptile exhibit, look for one perched above ground rather than searching only along the floor. Its climbing behavior is the clue that reveals how well this lizard is adapted to life among branches and leaves.

Arboreal Alligator Lizard

Where to see Arboreal Alligator Lizard

21 destinations across 15 states

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