The Northern Alligator Lizard is a small, short-legged, long-bodied lizard with a triangular head that resembles a miniature alligator, giving it its name. They grow to a maximum of 20 cm total length, with females being slightly larger than males. Males typically have slightly wider heads than females. The size, colouration, and behaviour of Alligator Lizards makes them very cryptic. They are usually brown with a pale belly, and may have dark blotches or a broad bronze stripe down the middle of the back. They are very secretive animals, and their first defense when threatened is to run and hide. When captured, they may release an unpleasant smelling mix of feces and musk, bite, or autotomizeDefinition:The ability to shed part or all of the tail as a defensive mechanism. Nervous impulses in the tail cause it to twitch for some time, distracting potential predators long enough to allow the animal to escape. their tail. The dropped tail will distract predators allowing the Alligator Lizard to escape. They will eventually regrow the tail, although it usually grows back shorter and fatter than before. The tail of the Alligator Lizard is an important fat reserve, so autotomy is likely a last resort, however, many Alligator Lizards are observed with regenerated tails, suggesting it is likely a successful tactic when threatened.