Alligator Lizard
SPECIES INFORMATION
ALLIGATOR LIZARD, Gerrhonotus (unk. subspecies)
Order: Sauria Family: Anguinidae (About 15 Gerrhonotus species)
Description:
12 to 24 inches. Elongated bodies, prehensile tails which they drop as a defense mechanism and can regenerate. Scales are reinforced by bony plates called osteoderms, producing a stiff body. No dorsal crests or dewlaps. Lateral fold along lower part of sides of body. Head long and pointed. Short and powerful legs, ending in 5 small-clawed toes. Tongue long and slightly notched.
May bite or exude odiferous anal excretions when caught. The Southern alligator lizard (Gerrhonotus multicarinatus) may grasp its hind foot in its jaws when caught. This has been suggested to prevent snakes from swallowing them, since they cannot find an end to start down their throats.
Distribution:
Western North America through central America. Seek dense vegetation in sheltered wooded areas. Prefer rather cool, humid conditions, but may range into arid lowlands in the vicinity of springs and streams.
Breeding:
Varies according to different species.
Nesting:
Species living in cooler climates are viviparous; species living in warmer climates are oviparous. Young are 3 to 4 inches at hatching.
Diet:
Insects, spiders, small invertebrates, lizards, rodents, eggs, small mammals.
References:
The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Reptiles and Amphibians. John L. Behler. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, Inc., 1979.
Lizards in Captivity. Richard H. Wynne. Neptune, New Jersey: T.F.H. Publications, Inc., Ltd., 1981.
The Care of Reptiles and Amphibians in Captivity. Christopher Mattison. Dorset: Blandford Books Ltd., 1982.
Living Reptiles of the World. Karl P. Schmidt and Robert F. Inger. Garden City, New York: Doubleday and Company, Inc., 1957.
A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians. Robert C. Stebbins. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1966.
All About Lizards. Robert G. Sprackland Jr. Neptune City, New Jersey: T.F.H. Publications, Inc., Ltd., 1977.
The Completely Illustrated Atlas of Reptiles and Amphibians for the Terrarium. Fritz Jurgen Obst, Dr. Klaus Richter, and Dr. Udo Jacob. Translated by U.E. Friese. Neptune City, New Jersey: T.F.H. Publications, Inc., 1988.
