Texas Alligator Lizard Facts
- This intriguing product of reptilian evolution most frequently goes by the attention-grabbing common name of Texas Alligator Lizard. For the moment, this distinctive and remarkable animal has no other broadly accepted general title within its range, despite its popularity.
- Within the scientific world, however, the animal’s perhaps much better known by its technical appellation. Unfortunately, like many such terms, that’s a difficult one for the layperson to pronounce. That’s because the marvel holds the official tag Gerrhonotus infernalis.
- The amazing creature received that moniker due to the efforts of Spencer Fullerton Baird. The respected American herpetologist accomplished the first recognition of it as a separate and distinct species. He achieved that scientifically noteworthy deed in the year 1859.
- This marvelous work of Nature and evolution stands out from its numerous relatives in at least one respect. That’s true since it ranks as one of the largest of all known reptiles collectively called alligator lizards. It’s also the largest lizard in the region of the world it lives in.
- Thankfully, the Texas Alligator Lizard appears to be maintaining a thriving and abundant population base. That pleasant trend also seems to extend throughout its entire range. The IUCN thus presently lists it as Least Concern on its famous Red List of Threatened Species.
- The impressive creature nevertheless should be considered as facing several potential threats to its continued existence as a species, at least. That’s a lamentable state it shares with all life on earth, though. These include the perils of habitat loss and ongoing climate change.
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Texas Alligator Lizard Physical Description
The fascinating Texas Alligator Lizard generally appeals to most of those fortunate enough to encounter it. The animal typically does so, however, due more to its appearance than pure size. That’s true since, though large for its specific kind, it remains only an average-sized lizard.
It follows a pattern of evolution common to most animals on earth, including lizards. That’s in the fact that it shows a certain degree of the physiological characteristic of sexual dimorphism. In the case of this particular species, though, that trait natural manifests in terms of sheer size.
More specifically, the males attain greater overall body measurements than the female of the species. However, that difference remains extremely slight. Distinguishing the genders of individuals based purely on their outward appearance can therefore be difficult for untrained observers.
Taken collectively, mature specimens of this reptile achieve a mean body length roughly ranging from 16 – 18 in (41 – 46 cm). The thin, elongated tail, though, adds an additional average of 8 – 9 in (20 – 23 cm). The tail thus gives it a total mean length of about 24 – 25 in (61 – 64 cm).
In coloring, both sexes of the mesmerizing Texas Alligator Lizard display the same basic pattern. This primarily consists of a background of yellowish-brown. Yet, the upper back often shows a darker brown, with an off-white checkered pattern present. The stomach appears gray or white.
One other feature, however, also catches the eye, and serves to earn it part of its common name. That’s the presence of stiff, plate-like scales covering much of the body. The legs, meanwhile, develop as relatively short, and its tail can be lost, but regrow over a short span of time.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Reptilia
- Order: Squamata
- Family: Anguidae
- Genus: Gerrhonotus
- Species: G. infernalis
Texas Alligator Lizard Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
The impressive Texas Alligator Lizard apparently evolved as native to only a small swathe of the earth’s surface. But, the exact location of this zone of habitation probably won’t come as a surprise to anyone. That’s true since, as the name itself implies, it’s mainly present in the state of Texas.
This remarkable member of the United States, appears in the approximate south-central portion of the country. Within that area, though, this unique animal only lives in the central and southern sections. It also lives in small portions of the northern regions of the country of Mexico.
Inside of that territorial range, the extraordinary lizard displays a moderate amount of flexibility regarding its choice of habitat. It thus resides in several different types of local ecosystems. Yet, in all of the areas in which it makes its home, it generally lives in either arid or semi-arid regions.
Most frequently, the intrepid reptile lives in regions composed of rocky hillsides and slopes, likely because these provide ample cover. It does dwell in other locations, though. Some of these include such places as inside rocky canyons, and close to comparatively rocky springs or streams.
The aptly-named Texas Alligator Lizard developed as carnivorous in its nature, as well as diurnal. Generally, it consumes smaller sources of nutrition, including insects and other, similar-sized invertebrates. But, the reptile occasionally feeds on small rodents, or even nesting birds.
When not actively hunting its prey, the animal generally spends the majority of its time hiding in the shade. Breeding takes place throughout the year, with several clutches being laid. Females typically remain close to the nest until after hatching occurs, but then ignore their young thereafter.
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