What key requirement do moist woodlands and damp meadows provide for *E. coerulea*?
Answer
Adequate ground cover for concealment
While moisture is crucial to prevent desiccation, the primary requirement within the preferred microhabitats of moist woodlands, damp meadows, and areas near water bodies, is the presence of adequate ground cover. Since the Northern Alligator Lizard is terrestrial and strongly prefers remaining concealed, effective cover is vital for regulating body temperature and avoiding detection by predators. This cover consists of insulating materials such as overturned logs, flat rocks, thick layers of leaf litter, or loose bark, which shield the lizard from both the drying effects of the sun during the day and cold temperatures during the night.
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