Reptile · Alligator lizard
Northern alligator lizard care guide
Elgaria coerulea
The northern alligator lizard is a intermediate-level alligator lizard from Pacific NW incl. southern BC. Adults reach 20–30 cm and live 8–12 years in captivity. Native to BC; captive-bred only. Keep cool.
- Enclosure 60 × 45 × 45 cm
- Temp Basking 28–30°C, cool 16–18°C
- Humidity 50–70%
How much does a northern alligator lizard cost in Canada?
Northern alligator lizard quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 20–30 cm
- Lifespan
- 8–12 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Pacific NW incl. southern BC
- Minimum enclosure
- 60 × 45 × 45 cm (24 × 18 × 18 in, ≈ 32 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Basking 28–30°C, cool 16–18°C
- Humidity
- 50–70%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Insectivore – crickets, roaches, slugs
- Bioactive style
- Temperate forest
Northern alligator lizard enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 60 × 45 × 45 cm (24 × 18 × 18 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a temperate forest bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix10 cm
Keep a moisture gradient: drier on top and at the warm end, slightly moist underneath and at the cool end.
Temperature: Basking 28–30°C, cool 16–18°C. Humidity: 50–70%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a northern alligator lizard eat?
Insectivore – crickets, roaches, slugs. Adults every 2–3 days, juveniles daily.
Handling, temperament & health
Calm but may bite.
Health watch: Heat stress and tail loss.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check temperatures and refresh water.
Weekly
- Lightly moisten the cool end and lower soil.
- Spot-clean waste.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter; check hides and branches are stable.
Yearly
- Partially refresh soil in high-traffic areas.
- Replace UVB bulbs (if used).
Recommended for a northern alligator lizard bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (60 × 45 × 45 cm).
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 10 cm
Coco Husk Chips - Dried Loose Pack
Optional top layer (coco husk chips)
Red Oak Leaves 15/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Cork Bark Flats
A hide in each temperature zone
Cork Branches
Many colubrids climb more than people expect
Northern alligator lizard FAQ
Is the northern alligator lizard good for beginners?
The northern alligator lizard is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Calm but may bite.
What size enclosure does a northern alligator lizard need?
At least 60 × 45 × 45 cm (about 24 × 18 × 18 inches, roughly 32 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a northern alligator lizard cost in Canada?
Typically $80–200 CAD to buy, about $490–930 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $150–250 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a northern alligator lizard need?
Temperature: Basking 28–30°C, cool 16–18°C. Humidity: 50–70%.
What does a northern alligator lizard eat?
Insectivore – crickets, roaches, slugs. Adults every 2–3 days, juveniles daily.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.