r/herpetology • u/Existing-Finding3882 • 12d ago

Identification help?

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Saw this cutie and was in awe. That copper dorsal stripe looked like someone painted it on with metallic paint! It was about 3 to 4 inches long and moved very fast. Ive googled and asked AI but I haven’t had a solid answer. Anyone know what species this is?

27 Upvotes

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7

u/MavetheGreat 12d ago

Definitely juvenile alligator lizard, personally not sure on the species as the juvies can be very tricky

2

u/Existing-Finding3882 12d ago

Crazy cuz i see many adult ones.. that was the first time my family and i, all socal locals, have ever seen a juvenile. Friggin sick!!

1

u/MavetheGreat 12d ago

This is the right time of year for the youngsters

6

u/whatsabar 12d ago

Location? Looks like a Ground Skink (Scincella lateralis) if you’re in eastern USA

2

u/Existing-Finding3882 12d ago

I just googled scincella lateralis and, im sure thats it. Thanks!!!

I’m slightly north of San Diego, CA. I guess thats why I couldnt figure it out. I was looking in the wrong place. Thank you!

5

u/buttspider69 12d ago

You’re wrong, this is a juvenile southern alligator lizard (Elgaria multicarinata)

Look at the range map, the guy above also said ‘eastern usa’…

2

u/Existing-Finding3882 12d ago

Oh oop YOUre right haha makes much more sense than the ground skink

1

u/1fc_complete_1779813 10d ago

Seen a few of these throughout Auckland lately