DISTRIBUTION: Southern Oregon, California, Baja Mexico. 

SIZE: Up to 20 inches (51 cm.) 

TEMPERAMENT: Aggressive at first, but with frequent handling and time spent in captivity becomes very tame. Do not keep with smaller lizards as the alligator lizard may eat them. Males are sometimes territorial. 

HARDINESS: Extremely hardy when properly set up and maintained. 

SEXING: Mature males tend to have larger heads and jowls. 

FOOD: Nutrient fed crickets, mealworms, waxworms, butterworms, kingworms, and various other insects. Larger individuals may eat pinkie mice. 

HOUSING: A pair may be kept in a minimum 20 gallon (76 liter) vivarium. Potting soil or orchid bark may be used as a substrate. Landscape with branches, driftwood, hollow logs, rocks, and green moss. 

WATER: A shallow dish of fresh water should always be available. Replace water and clean daily. Should be misted daily. 

TEMPERATURE/HUMIDITY: Day 75F-84F (24C-29C) gradient. Night 65F-72F (18C-22C). Maintain moderate humidity by daily misting. 

LIGHTING: Fluorescent full spectrum/UV radiant reptile lights are required for long term maintenance. 

HEATING: An under tank heater will provide surface heat. A low wattage incandescent light bulb in a reflector will provide supplemental day heat. Use a thermometer. 

GENERAL NOTES: All species of alligator lizards may be maintained like the southern alligator lizard. Montane (mountain) species require slightly cooler temperatures.