Keeping A Northern Alligator Lizard

0.2: The Many Subspecies of The Northern Alligator Lizard

       The Northern, or Northwestern, Alligator Lizard contains of several subspecies that have been officially recorded and approved. All of these subspecies require the same care and have generally the same temperament, but differing physical attributes. What subspecies you'd prefer to own comes down to personal preference, as no matter what, the same work will be put into owning it.

       The Sierra Alligator Lizard
       Perhaps the most colorful variety of Northwestern Alligator Lizard, the Sierra Alligator Lizard is commonly found among the forests of the Sierra foothills. Sierra Alligator lizards are green in color, with a sometimes blue tint to their scales. Sierra Alligator lizards may grow smaller in size than other subspecies, on average ranging from 9 to 11 inches from snout to tail tip.

       San Francisco Alligator Lizard
       San Francisco Alligator lizards will often have more striped banding on their back scales, and usually build up a thicker torso. San Francisco Alligator lizards are not just native to San Francisco, but can also be observed from several neighboring towns and cities. They have characteristically dark and complex sides, with light tan backs.

       The Shasta Alligator Lizard
       Shasta Alligator lizards are rather murky tan in color, with a smoother and less robust physical appearance than other subspecies. Shasta Alligator lizards oftentimes have less banding on their backs, as well as less coloration atop their heads, sometimes reaching towards the neck as well.

       The Forest Alligator Lizard
       The Forest Alligator Lizard is perhaps the most common subspecies in Northern California. With a usually reddish back partnering grayish sides, Forest Alligator lizards blend in well amongst several different terrains. They may be found in a variety of coloring and patterns, but the photo above displays the most common type.

       The Woodland Alligator Lizard
       Also known as the San Diego Alligator Lizard, the Woodland Alligator Lizard is an extremely popular variety to come across in Southern California, although it does classify as a northern alligator lizard, not a southern.

       The Panamint Alligator Lizard
       The Panamint Alligator Lizard is arguably the most alien in appearance, in comparison to it's related subspecies. Only found in a very small native range, the Panamint Alligator Lizard is the least common to come across and it is not recommended that wild specimens be caught and brought into captivity.