The alligator lizard is part of a family of which there are 67 species worldwide. One can find approximately eight different species from Canada down into South America. These lizards are commonly found living close to rivers and streams, down in the drier grasslands and frequenting the moist areas of foothills or mountains. Located in a variety of habitats, they can be found hiding in rocky crevices, windfall and undergrowth. They are rather pugnacious and tend to thrash around when caught. They can deliver a painful bite to anyone who has in mind to capture them and keep as a pet lizard.

The alligator lizard is medium to dark brown with much darker crossbrands. He also sheds in the same way as a snake, all in one piece. He has a flat wedge-shaped head with very little neck definition and the body and head being the same width. They have small thin legs with five toes and a lateral fold which runs from the corners of the mouth, all the way to the tail. This lizard shows off his slightly keeled and shingled large scales. Your pet lizard must live in temperatures of 70 degrees to 80 degrees, and have a basking area of between 80 to 90 degrees. The temperature should be controlled and drop to between 65 to 75 degrees at night time.

As a pet lizard, his home should be a semi-moist terrarium with many low climbing facilities and hiding places. A water bowl where your pet lizard can easily emerge himself, must be provided. The bottom of the cage should consist of potting soil that has been lightened with orchid bark or cyprus mulch. The cage of this alligator lizard should also contain coverings of sphagnum moss, plants, bark slabs and branches. Some of the area should be kept damp. UVB Lighting is necessary if there is no access to the preferred, regular unfiltered sunlight.

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