Long skinny lizard ID ?

[old pudd fisher]

Got lots of lizards in my backyard and they all look about the same, but never seen one like this. Wonder what kind it is.46534 Look how long its tail is.

[JHDucky]

I have them in my yard, don't always see them. I am not sure of the name I have just called them Alligator Lizards. On cold days I have picked them up and put them on my arm.

[DEVOREFLYER]

It's a Skink.

[old pudd fisher]

What the hell is a Skink Devore.

[DEVOREFLYER]

The lack of a long neck was the giveaway, that and the extra long tail.

"Skinks look roughly like true lizards, but most species have no pronounced neck and their legs are relatively small; several genera (e.g., Typhlosaurus) have no limbs at all. Other genera, such as Neoseps, have reduced limbs, lacking forelegs, and with fewer than five toes (digits) on each foot. In such species, their locomotion resembles that of snakes more than that of lizards with well-developed limbs. As a general rule, the longer the digits, the more arboreal the species is likely to be.
Most species of skinks have long, tapering tails they can shed if predators grab onto them. Such species generally can regenerate the lost part of a tail, though imperfectly. Species with stumpy tails have no special regenerative abilities."

[DEVOREFLYER]

Upon a photo look a like it appears to be a Southern alligator lizard (Elgaria multicarinata) is a lizard native to the Pacific coast of North America.[1] It is common throughout Southern California and can be found in grasslands, chaparral, and forests as well as urban areas.[1] In dry climates, it is likely to be found in moist areas or near streams.[1] Three subspecies can be distinguished: the California alligator lizard (E. m. multicarinata), the San Diego alligator lizard (E. m. webbii), and the Oregon alligator lizard (E. m. scincicauda).[2]

The southern alligator lizard has a long, somewhat prehensile tail, up to twice the length of its body.[1] Like many lizards, however, it can drop its tail if attacked, possibly giving it a chance to flee;[1] the tail will regenerate, but will never be as long or richly colored as the original.[citation needed] Individuals with intact tails can reach up to about 28cm (11in) total length.[citation needed]

The lizards can frequently be found near human habitation and are notable for their fearless self-defense; they will often bite and defecate if handled.[1] In the wild they eat small arthropods, slugs, lizards, small mammals and occasionally young birds and eggs.[2]

[old pudd fisher]

Thanks we need Smoke Hound to pipe in, also I seen a Tarantula Wasp today. Those things are bad *** for their size. I guess I was a little bored today thanks for reading.

[DEVOREFLYER]

If your bored I got painting to do, my least favorite honey do.....lol

[old pudd fisher]

I like painting and did a lot of it in my working days. But don't like the prep work. But it looks so good when its a done.

[TUNAVIC]

I see alligator lizards in my yard all the time,then I've seen one or two that are yellow almost bright yellow,I thought that they were albinos,now I'm more unsure,they never hang around long enough for a pic though.

Cya Tuna Vic

[old pudd fisher]

Don't think that this guy is a alligator lizard Vic I have them to. This one is very skinny and has a super long tail, very different looking lizard and hope he stays around I like em.

[Skyler]

It's definitely a southern alligator lizard. I've been catching them and turning them loose in my garden for years. They are actually quite common around here. The reason you don't see them often is because unlike most lizards, they are actually nocturnal.

[City Dad]

It's a squawfish lizzard... as anyone can see

[old pudd fisher]

Thanks guys I looked it up and its a baby southern alligator lizard. It was only a little over 5 inches long but that tail was three times longer the his body and didn't have the color like adults have.

[DEVOREFLYER]

Thanks guys I looked it up and its a baby southern alligator lizard. It was only a little over 5 inches long but that tail was three times longer the his body and didn't have the color like adults have.

That and the photo angle of the neck is what first had me thinking Skink. We have a lot of Skinks up on the hill.

[Skyler]

It's a squawfish lizzard... as anyone can see

Midshipman...

[DarkShadow]

I came here for this:


It's a squawfish lizzard... as anyone can see

And this:


Midshipman...

I am not disappointed.

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And a tarantula hawk, OPF? I used to think they were friendly and wanted to catch one to play with, until I read up on them.