Love Bites

Can you #FindThatLizard?!

My co-workers found this southern alligator lizard, Elgaria multicarinata, in our classroom. Somehow it found its way into a dirt-filled bucket that we use for the activities with the kids. Immediately and excitedly, they called me over!

Most animals with mouths bite; southern alligator lizards are no exception. However, these lizards have a particularly strong bite for their size. When captured by predators or humans, these lizards will use their strong jaws to fight back.

Additionally, their powerful jaws allow them to capture fast-moving prey.

Southern alligator lizards also use their jaws during courtship. They have fatigue-resistant jaw muscles that allow a male to latch onto a female’s head until she is ready to mate, which can be over an hour. This is an important part of their mating ritual, so if you see this in the wild, give them space so that they can successfully reproduce.

Scientists aren’t exactly sure why they do this, but it is definitely an interesting phenomenon to observe.

I hope you #FoundThatLizard! Let me know in the comments below!