Definition

Noun: 1. A type of lizard characterized by a slim body, short limbs, and a distinctive longitudinal fold of skin along each side of its body. This fold allows for expansion, for example, after a large meal or during pregnancy. These lizards are native to western North America.

Examples

• The alligator lizard is often found under rocks and logs in coastal and mountainous regions.
• When threatened, an alligator lizard may bite and hold on tenaciously.
• We observed a southern alligator lizard hunting insects in the garden.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in herpetology (the study of reptiles and amphibians) to specifically refer to lizards of the genus (in North America) and (in Central America), which share these physical characteristics.
• The "alligator" in the name likely refers to the lizard's broad, somewhat triangular head and its defensive behavior, which can be reminiscent of an alligator's bite.

Variants and Related Words

• Southern alligator lizard (): A common species found along the Pacific coast.
• Northern alligator lizard (): A species found in the Pacific Northwest.
• Genus Elgaria: The scientific genus for North American alligator lizards.
• Anguid lizard: The family (Anguidae) to which alligator lizards belong, which also includes glass lizards and legless lizards.

Synonyms

• Anguid lizard (broader family term)
• Folding lizard (descriptive, but not a common name)

Related Phrases/Idioms

• To hold on like an alligator lizard: An informal, regional expression describing a very strong, persistent grip, derived from the lizard's defensive behavior. (e.g., )

Noun

1. slim short-limbed lizard having a distinctive fold on each side that permits expansion; of western North America