Northern alligator lizard (Elgaria coerulea)
Lizards · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Northern alligator lizard (Elgaria coerulea) (origin: The west coast of the USA and Canada). Adult size around 20–28 cm. Life expectancy 8–15 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Northern alligator lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?
100×50×50 cm for a pair.
Northern alligator lizard: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 20–25 °C, basking spot Basking spot 30–33 °C, at night 12–16 °C.
Northern alligator lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Recommended (UVB 5.0).
Northern alligator lizard: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 8–15 years.
Northern alligator lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 20–25 °C
- Night temperature
- 12–16 °C
- Basking spot
- Basking spot 30–33 °C
- Humidity
- 60–80 %
- UVB
- Recommended (UVB 5.0)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 100×50×50 cm for a pair
- Substrate
- Forest-floor substrate with leaf litter, bark and moss
Feeding
- Food
- Crickets, roaches, house crickets and earthworms, dusted regularly with calcium and vitamins
- Feeding interval
- adults 2–3×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 20–28 cm
- Life expectancy
- 8–15 years
- Origin
- The west coast of the USA and Canada
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- No winter rest; somewhat cooler and drier in winter
- Cohabitation
- A pair or 1.2; males never together. The reason: several males fight over territory and the warm spot until one is injured or spends its life in a corner. Females usually get on, but each needs its own warm spot and hide; feed them separately once they differ in size.
Notes
Keep it cool — this species comes from humid coniferous forest, not from desert. Live-bearing.
Do you keep this species?
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Related species
- Madrean alligator lizard (Elgaria kingii) – Intermediate
- Baja California alligator lizard (Elgaria paucicarinata) – Intermediate
- Panamint alligator lizard (Elgaria panamintina) – Intermediate
- Southern alligator lizard (Elgaria multicarinata) – Beginner
- Large psammodromus (Psammodromus algirus) – Intermediate
- Pamphylian green lizard (Lacerta pamphylica) – Intermediate
- Artvin lizard (Darevskia derjugini) – Intermediate
- Asian glass lizard (Dopasia gracilis) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Northern alligator lizard (Elgaria coerulea) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (100×50×50 cm for a pair), substrate (Forest-floor substrate with leaf litter, bark and moss), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_alligator_lizard, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Elgaria&species=coerulea
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).