The Mexican alligator lizard also known as the living alligator lizard was described by Edward Drinker Cope, an American breeder, in 1864. The lizards come in a variety of colors depending on the UVB light they are exposed to. contact. The lizard turns vibrant green when exposed to natural sunlight but appears bright teal when placed under UVB light.
Adult lizards are 12 inches long and possess a slender tail that accounts for nearly half of their length. They are slow movers and tend to bite when threatened.