Taxonomy
This lizard was formerly known under the scientific name of Gerrhonotus coeruleus (Wiegmann, 1828), but is nowadays classed as Elgaria coerulea. There are four subspecies:
- E.c. coerulea Wiegmann 1828: San Francisco Alligator Lizard
- E.c. palmeri Stejneger 1893: Sierra Alligator Lizard
- E.c. principis Baird and Girard 1852: Northwestern Alligator Lizard
- E.c. shastensis Fitch 1934: Shasta Alligator Lizard
The subspecies E.c. principis is one of five species of lizards in Canada.
Read more about this topic: Northern Alligator Lizard