Northwest Wildlife Snakes - this page is devoted to the serpentine wildlife of the great Northwest

Northern Alligator lizards (Gerrhonotus coeruleus). In a prelude to mating males seize the female with an obviously firm grip; it is reported that they copulate in this position for up to 24 hours. While I have not personally witnessed this day long ritual I can attest to the fact that they are not easily disturbed in this activity. The pair I photographed allowed me to get very close and never seemed the least disturbed at the intrusion. The photo on the right almost does look like an alligator peering out of its lair. This guy was about seven inches long. I recently received an email from Pam in California. Pam witnessed a pair of male alligator lizards competing for a single female by repeatedly biting and pulling her in different directions. From Pam's description it must have been quite an energetic display since Pam noticed the trio due to the ruckus they were making amidst the leaves. Thanks. Pam!

Here's some more photos of mating Alligator Lizards sent in by Ian and Tina from their porch in northern California. Ian reports that there was quite a ferocious competition going on as the male fended off rivals for his lady and that he has seen more alligator lizards in 2009 than any other time before. He also says that once the male managed to fend off the other suitors he held on to his mate for thirty hours! Thank you so much Tina and Ian for the beautiful pictures.

4 Families and 13 Species of Sub order Lacertilia represent wildlife in the Northwest:

Northern Alligator Lizard (Gerrhonotus coeruleus) - Up to 6 inches in length (believe I've seen them up to seven inches), this is a hardy lizard. Its range extends into British Columbia; one of the most northern ranging lizards in North America.

Southern Alligator Lizard (Gerrhonotus multicarinatus) - Very similar in color and body type to the Northern Alligator Lizard. Its range is confined to California, Oregon, and the southern part of Washington.

The order, Squamata, sub order Lacertilia consists of about 3,000 species worldwide and are the largest group of living reptiles. In size, color, and behavior lizards exhibit a fascinating diversity. They range in size from 2 inch geckos and Madagascar chameleons to the 10 feet long monster Komodo Dragon of Indonesia. There are carnivores and herbivores. Some are as drab as a dead leaf, others display wonderful colors, and some change color according to mood or environment. Mainly residents of warmer regions in both dry and tropical climates, we are fortunate that several of these reptiles thrive in cooler habitats as well.

The Anguidae family of lizards is widespread in North America. Eighty species inhabit the US, two of which, the Northern Alligator lizard and the Southern Alligator lizard, are native to our region. Anguides are notable for their stiff bodies and tails thanks to a series of bony plates, osteoderms, beneath the scales. This gives the anguides a characteristic extreme rigidity. Respiration is made possible by a flexible groove of scales that runs along the side of the animal.

Northwest Alligator lizards are an unusually common species for such a cool climate. Generally topping out at four to five inches the northern is smaller than the southern variety. I have found these guys in very large numbers along rock beds near stream and rivers, but I've also found them in suburban neighborhoods so the population appears quite healthy. They do well in captivity and readily gobble up mealworms.

Southern Alligator lizards are distinguished from their northern cousins by a body length of up to six inches with a tail making up nearly half of those inches. Look for yellow eyes in the southern variety and a dark streak down the center of the ventral scales.

The Iguanid family of lizards are an active, visually oriented group of reptiels comprised of 600 to 700 species. Brightly colored and territorial, the iguanids are known for their head bobbing and pushup type displays when defending territory or seeking a mate. Some of these lizards expand their chest and a conspicuous throat fan to enhance the effect.

Collard Lizards are the most brightly colored representatives of this family in our area. Found in Eastern Washington and Idaho, they are common throughout the Midwest. Exceptionally fast runners this beautiful blue green reptile becomes a turquoise streak that seems to flash across the ground when disturbed.

Horned lizards or Horned Toads are perhaps our most distinctive species. Blunt headed and grumpy looking they are almost comical in appearance. Bristling with spiky, pointed scales around the head and protruding from the sides of the body these squat little lizards blend perfectly against the beige sandy background of their habitat. This camouflage is so deceptive that I have actually had one of these guys lying between me feet for a while before I noticed it. Horned lizards are notorious ant eaters. Although I have know some that will take meal worms and other insects, ants are generally the preferred food. If you do not have a ready supply of ants do not capture one of these lizards and expect it to live long in captivity.