The Mexican Alligator Lizard (Abronia graminea) is an arboreal (tree-dwelling) reptile. It is also known at the Green Arboreal Alligator Lizard.
The Mexican Alligator Lizard varies in colour from bright emerald green to dark teal-blue. It has a long body with a triangular head. Its tail can regenerate (grow again) if it drops off. It has short legs with long, thin claws.
It grows to about 16 centimetres (6 inches) in length.
It is native to the Sierra Madr Oriental highlands of Mexico. It lives in trees in thick forests with a humid climate. It lives in moss-covered and lichen-covered trees.
It feeds on insects.
The Mexican Alligator Lizard is viviparous, meaning that it gives birth to live young. The female gives birth to 1-12 young, after a pregnancy of 180-240 days.
The Mexican Alligator Lizard lives up to about 10 years.
[Location of photographs: Miami Zoo, Florida, USA]
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM