Elgaria coerulea principis
A species of Western alligator lizards Scientific name : Elgaria coerulea principis Genus : Western alligator lizards
Elgaria coerulea principis, A species of Western alligator lizards
Scientific name: Elgaria coerulea principis
Genus: Western alligator lizards
Content
Description General Info
Photo By seandaniels , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Elgaria coerulea principis is renowned for its exceptional adaptation to versatile feeding habits, as it primarily preys on both terrestrial and aquatic organisms, attesting to its ecological flexibility. Of particular interest is its behavioral strategy of thermoregulation, wherein it maximizes body heat absorption by basking in the sun, critical for its survival in various temperature ranges.
General Info
Lifespan
10-15 years
Diet
Elgaria coerulea principis is predominantly insectivorous, relishing on a diet of beetles, ants, termites, spiders, and other small invertebrates. This lizard's foraging nature lends to its opportunistic feeding behavior.
Appearance
Elgaria coerulea principis is a moderately-sized lizard with a robust body and elongated head. Its rough-textured skin, predominantly a deep bluish-black, is dotted with mottled patterns of lighter greys or blues. Armor-like scales protect both its body and its noticeably long, tapering tail. Notable differentiation in appearance due to age, gender, or subspecies have yet to be recognized in this species.
Behavior
Elgaria coerulea principis is a diurnal, solitary species noted for its burrowing and foraging behaviors. Dominated by territorial instincts, it tends to inhabit rocky habitats where it uses its specialized limbs to capture invertebrates. This species exhibits significant homing behaviors and has a complex social hierarchy, marked by scent communication and rigorous defense of its environment.
Photo By seandaniels , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Anguid lizards Species
Elgaria coerulea principis