Gerrhonotus infernalis
| Texas alligator lizard | |
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| Texas Alligator Lizard, Gerrhonotus infernalis | |
Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Family: | Anguidae |
| Genus: | Gerrhonotus |
| Species: | G. infernalis
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| Binomial name | |
| Gerrhonotus infernalis Baird, 1859
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| Synonyms[2] | |
The Texas alligator lizard (Gerrhonotus infernalis) is a species of lizard in the subfamily Gerrhonotinae of the family Anguidae. The species is endemic to the central region of the American state of Texas, and south into adjacent northern Mexico.
Description
The Texas alligator lizard is a medium-sized lizard, attaining a maximum total length (including tail) of around 24 to 25 in (61 to 64 cm). It is the largest lizard species in Texas, and one of the largest alligator lizards in the world. This lizard has a flat, wedge-shaped head. Its body is generally a
Errhonotine lizards are known for their broad heads, short limbs and being heavily armored with scales, from which the common name alligator lizard derived. Gerrhonotus liocephalus, in particular, can be easily recognized by 16 longitudinal rows of dorsal scales and 46 to 54 dorsal scales from the occiput to the base of the tail (Brown 1950). Osteologically, it has supranasal expansion, prefrontal-superciliary contact, a single preocular, loss of one canthal/loreal element, and two temporals contacting the orbit (Good 1988). The color pattern of this species undergoes considerable change with age. Hatchlings are a deep metallic brown with well-defined white crossbands (Bartlett 1999). Adult color pattern ranges from a tan yellowish to a reddish brown with eight to ten lighter crossbands on the dorsum that are weakly edged with brown. The head and ventrum are unmarked with the tail being similar to the dorsum. Crossbands on aged specimens are vague. Texas Alligator Lizard hatchlings are around four inches in length, and can reach up to 20 inches in length at full maturiy (Bevans 1956).
Behavior
The Texas alligator lizard is a relatively slow, diurnal lizard, with quite good vision. Though not generally aggressive, it may bite if handled, and is incorrectly considered to be venomous by many cultures.
Habitat
G. infernalis is often found on rocky hillsides, where it hides among the stones or in limestone crevices. Though uncommonly seen in its most suitable habitats, Gerrhonotus liocephalus has a range from the Edwards Plateau of Central Texas, south throughout low-mid elevations in eastern Mexico.
Diet
The primary diet of G. infernalis is insects and other invertebrates, but it may sometimes prey on nestling birds or rodents.
Reproduction
Breeding occurs year-round; sometimes, multiple
References
- . Retrieved 20 November 2021.
- ^ Species Gerrhonotus infernalis at The Reptile Database . www.reptile-database.org.
Another: https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Gerrhonotus_liocephalus/
Further reading
- Baird SF (1859). "Description of New Genera and Species of North American Lizards in the Museum of the Smithsonian Institution". Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia 10: 253–256. (Gerrhonotus infernalis, new species, p. 255).
- ISBN 0-394-50824-6. (Gerrhonotus liocephalus infernalis, p. 541).
- ISBN 0-395-19977-8(paperback). (Gerrhonotus liocephalus infernalis, p. 134 + Plate 13 + Map 94).
- ISBN 0-307-13666-3. (Gerrhonotus liocephalus infernalis, pp. 88–89).
- Zim HS, Smith HM (1956). Reptiles and Amphibians: A Guide to Familiar Species: A Golden Nature Guide. Revised Edition. New York: Simon and Schuster. 160 pp. (Gerrhonotus liocephalus [infernalis], pp. 66, 155).
External links
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