Panamint Alligator Lizard

Range

Panamint alligator lizards live in the desert mountain ranges of California in the Inyo and Mono Counties. They can be found on the Panamint Mountains, the White Mountains, the Inyo Mountains, the Nelson Mountains, and the Cosos Mountains.

Habitats

Panamint alligator lizards live in riparian areas in the scrub desert, typically found in canyon bottoms near streams and at the lower edge of the pinon-juniper zone. They may also range some distance from riparian zones into talus slopes, and have been found underneath shrubs and in rock slides in drier areas. These lizards will hide underneath stones or in crevices when inactive.

Identification

Panamint alligator lizards can grow from 9 to 15 inches long from snout to vent and possess a long tail that can grow up to twice the length of the body. These creatures are yellow, beige or gray in color and have large, bony scales. They have alternating light and dark bands which extend from the top to the sides of the body and down to the tail. Panamint alligator lizards are distinguished by their long, slender bodies, pale yellow eyes and powerful jaws. Males will typically have more triangular-shaped heads than females.

Learn more with Schechter Natural History's Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians