Georgia restricted ownership of Argentine black and white tegus in October 2022. October 2023. Florida is home to some pretty fantastic animals. There are three subspecies of the Southern Alligator Lizard: California Alligator Lizard (E. When early Spanish explorers first discovered these massive reptiles, they called them “el legarto,” or “big lizard. Tucson Herpetological Society P. Monitors are dangerous to pets and small animals. Venomous lizards, alligators and crocodiles, and iguanas can cause clinically significant bites. The safest way to observe an alligator is from a distance. two alligator lizards. Alligator lizards move somewhat slower than western fence lizards and often can just be grabbed gently by hand and taken outdoors. Oriental garden lizards vary in color from greyish orange to yellowish-brown. Alligator lizards are capable of complement-mediated killing of the Lyme disease spirochete carried by ticks and may potentially reduce Lyme disease prevalence by cleansing pathogenic organisms from ticks. Crocodile. Alligator lizards are found mostly in the Sierra foothills and along the coast from Baja to. It may surprise you to know that, according to researchers, only 2% of Americans correctly identified alligators as reptiles. Search from 3,121 Alligator Lizards Pictures stock photos, pictures and royalty-free images from iStock. Their enclosure should be a minimum of 30″ long and set up like a woodland floor, with moderate humidity less than 50% and temperatures ranging from a low of 65°F. Common in: Southern California. Some people believe that the lizards are poisonous, and that they are completely harmless. This law was introduced to avoid alligators losing their fear of humans and associating humans with food, which could be dangerous. yes they are more dangerous. Indigenous species include one species of crocodilian, 12 lizard species, 49 snake species, and 31 turtle species. Alligators & Crocodiles. 6 meters) long and can weigh up to 1,000 pounds (450 kg). Frozen imported meat from crocodiles, caimans, iguanas and pythons can be found in the EU. They are saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus), and they hold the record for the most bites. In fact, alligator. sinensis ). One of these is the blue-tailed lizard. The first alligator lived 245 million years ago. The North American west coast is home to the northern alligator lizard (Elgaria coerulea), a medium-sized lizard species belonging to the Anguidae family. These lizards are good swimmers and climbers, and they are often. Mexican beaded lizards have a long lifespan, often. Crocodiles, scorpion fish, sting rays, sea urchins and sharks are just a few of the dangerous animals that you may find when you venture to the ocean. Five species of Viperidae, the poisonous family of snakes with the characteristic heat-sensitive pit between the eye and nostril on either side of a wide head, are found in North Carolina. Frilled lizards are the only species with a frill. They are not dangerous. An alligator's brain weighs only 8 or 9 grams and would take up only one-half of a tablespoon. Another threat these animals face is the ever-booming fashion industry. TSN: 209018. Adult Komodo dragons will eat their young and other dragons but typically eat carrion as their primary food source. Raising a baby alligator is a unique experience that requires plenty of research into the needs of these reptiles and adequate preparation to ensure their habitat meets all their requirements. Tropical House Gecko ( Hemidactylus mabouia) Many people in the Caribbean Islands consider these little. Luckily, these lizards aren’t very aggressive. If you handle some species, however,. My brother and I used to catch lizards and snakes all the time. Five species of shark live in the waters around Jamaica. The Nile monitor is a semi-aquatic lizard that is not native to Florida. Neon silver snake skin pattern texture background. Alligators are strong, huge, apex predators that control their habitats. Six-Lined Racerunner. As with most monitor species, Komodo. Florida Worm Lizards are known for their powerful bite but luckily, they are not poisonous. ©Matt Cornish/Shutterstock. Are alligator lizards dangerous? No. Venomous salivary secretion have been demonstrated in Iguanas (Iguanidae), glass/alligator lizards (Anguidae) and monitors (Varanidae)—notably the Komodo dragon. These lizards are primarily found in forested areas at elevations of 1,000 to 11,000 feet. Common Sagebrush lizards are predated by nocturnal snakes in this region. have a dangerous favorite food – the Black Widow Spider! This highly venomous spider doesn’t have very many predators, but Southern Alligator Lizards eat them frequently. The Striped Legless Lizard is most commonly found in southern New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, where it grows on grass plains. Settle down everybody. Komodos arethe most dangerous, and also the largest extant living lizard species alive today, while Crocodiles are the largest reptile overall. The Cuban crocodile is an endemic species only found in Cuba. In general, however, alligators are considered to be more aggressive than crocodiles. They. Species. Green Highland Racer 3. You’re most likely to spot one during the daytime when it suns itself on rocks and logs. Eastern fence lizards and alligator lizards have the same diet. 9 inches snout to vent length. is likely to make for an excellent spring mating season for alligator lizards, and we need your help to study their mating activity. Arboreal alligators can sell for as much as $2,000 on the U. Most galliwasps are robust-bodied lizards with normally proportioned, complete limbs. They are native to certain areas of Mexico. Lizards are a popular delicacy in many parts of the world. 9 centimetres or 2. Monitor lizards can make an excellent pet for the right person, but they are a much different experience than owning a pet like a dog or a cat. Punch the alligator, poke it in the eyes, hit it in the head. Orange: Anniella stebbinsi - Southern California Legless Lizard. These wild dragons typically weigh about 154 pounds (70 kilograms), but the largest verified specimen reached a length of 10. We’ve put together the pros and cons of having a pet alligator…, and although. Sleep Habits. Lizards are not dangerous to humans, but they can be very aggressive. Geography. However, they tend to avoid people, so encountering one is highly unlikely. 75 inchesThe University of Florida's Croc Docs regularly handle crocodiles and alligators, but Frank Mazzotti says it's not as dangerous as you might think. Different types of lizards need different amounts of water. If you are in Texas, it looks like a texas spiny lizard (they have the same markings and longer tails like this one and we don't have alligator lizards). 5. Common name: Arizona alligator lizard. The saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) is a particularly dangerous shark. Photo by Envato Elements. Elgaria coerulea; Identifying Characteristics: 2. Infection with this type of bacteria can lead to vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and lethargy. Monitor lizards are lizards in the genus Varanus, the only extant genus in the family Varanidae. They're the babies of 27-year-old Snowflake and 16-year-old Blizzard, a pair of albino alligators the zoo and safari. S. They require a specialized environment and diet, and can be very dangerous to humans. Sagebrush lizard (Sceloporus gracious) The sagebrush lizard is small yet adaptable with a wide. The name “alligator lizard” derives from the fact. It may surprise you to know that, according to researchers, only 2% of Americans correctly identified alligators as reptiles. They are not territorial and have a home range of 1 to 2 acres. The types of lizards that people most commonly eat. The lizard may be difficult to dislodge. The King Cobra has a powerful venom which is used to paralyze its prey before ingesting it. [5] They are brown to black in color (the brown may be sandy or greenish) and have black stripes on their backs, but their most distinguishing characteristic is their bright blue bellies. Alligator lizards are found from southern. A large thick-bodied lizard with very roughly-textured black and pink skin that appears beaded. Certain species of Plestiodon skinks have blue tails when young. c. The name "alligator" is likely an anglicized form of el lagarto, the Spanish term for "the lizard",. Other Archosaurs are dinosaurs, Pterosaurs (flying reptiles), and birds. October 2023. What do eastern fence lizards eat? Eastern fence lizards. The laws on keeping caimans differ by state. A large monitor lizard technically has the ability to kill a human. Pleurodont dentition is found in many lizards, like monitor lizards, iguanas and snakes. Southern Alligator Lizards in the United States have a dangerous favorite food – the Black Widow Spider!. Their bellies are cream coloured with brown spots that fade towards the back of the lizard and become darker towards the throat. Wiki User. These lizards are known for their distinctive appearance and behavior, making them a popular choice for those looking to add a unique pet to their collection. 1. While alligator lizards are harmless, there are three types of poisonous lizards to be aware of in the southwestern United States and Mexico: the Gila monster, the Mexican beaded lizard, and the Western diamondback rattlesnake. It quickly approaches the spider, moves into the perfect position for an attack, and then pounces. The hatchlings are approximately 1 1/2 inches long. In-Short. Scientific name: Phrynosoma Cornutum. These reptiles do not possess venom glands. The saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) is a particularly dangerous shark. In. Wiki User. Including tail, it can reach a foot in length (30 cm). That being said, eating a lizard is still not completely safe for dogs. Diet. Alligators are advanced reptiles. It is known for raising its neck frill, or the extra flap of skin around its neck, in an effort to intimidate predators. Geographic distribution of the Madrean Alligator Lizard (Elgaria kingii) in Arizona. They are instinctual living machines. Rhinoceros Iguana (Rhinoceros Iguana). Wall lizards are known to eat their own young, as well as baby alligator lizards. Etymology. Alligators are large reptiles with a reputation for being aggressive and dangerous. m. They have a four-chambered heart, unlike the three-chambered heart found in most reptilians, closely resembling that of a human heart. ”. 7–8. Collared Lizards. This is in reference to the large pores in the leg that release the pheromones. In fact, it is. Like many lizards, this species can drop its tail if attacked, possibly giving it a chance to flee. he would simply observe the reptiles. 3 Alligator lizards (family Anguidae) 2 Snakes. The first is the shape of the snout. cm inch. Panamint Alligator Lizard. Alligator lizards are not poisonous, and their bite will not be harmful to humans, although it is painful because of its sharp teeth. The complex venom of these lizards contains serotonin, arginine esterase, hyaluronidase, phospholipase A2, and ≥ 1 salivary kallikreins but lacks neurotoxic components or. 13. Alligators are not as aggressive as crocodiles. pet market. The glass lizard, also known as the. 3 - 17. Identifying Alligator Lizards in California. That’s why they live further north in the United States. It is one of the most poisonous snakes in the world, its venom being complex and having a very fast cardiotoxic and neurotoxic action. At night, it camouflages itself well amongst the surrounding leaf litter, shrubs, and rocks. Southern Alligator Lizards in California. When you think about dangerous wildlife in Florida, many people think about the alligator. Image by Tedd Greenwald via iNaturalist. American crocodiles can have 'virgin births. 2 Vipers (family Viperidae) 2. So, if you encounter an alligator vs. The young dragons are 18 inches long and live in the trees for several months while they grow. 1. Texas horned lizard. It quickly approaches the. In the wild, these lizards typically hunt during the day for their food. The western black widow spider (Latrodectus hesperus) may spin a. 2 feet. (such as their teeth or claws) are the obvious considerations. First, let’s talk a bit about the diet of a Komodo dragon. Mealworms can be eaten by a wide range of lizards, including desert and western fence lizards. There are few records for this. 13 meters) and weighed 366 pounds (166 kilograms). 5 inch lizard with a long body and small limbs, with a long and thick tail. Lizards in Alabama. What Are Alligator Lizards? / Alligators / By Aubrey Sawyer Alligator lizards are fascinating creatures that are often overlooked in the world of reptiles. From Baja California to British Columbia, we need your help to study their mating behavior. While these massive reptiles can be found in all of the Gulf Coast states, their especially common in Florida. There are 45 lizard species native to Texas. One of the most iconic lizard species native to Australia and New Guinea, the frill-necked lizard is also called the frilled dragon. Adult Gila monsters can grow to 2 feet long and weigh 5 pounds or more, making it our biggest native lizard. None of Texas’ lizards are venomous or present any serious risk to. geckos. - A lizard with a unique nickname could be harmful to Florida's environment and possibly harmful to people, according to biologists. Tetanus prophylaxis should be given (see table ). ALLIGATOR LIZARDS. These giant lizards have been known to attack and even kill humans. The Arizona alligator lizard is a large 5. Crocodiles are more dangerous than alligators because they are bigger, stronger, and more aggressive. In this order are 23 different species, including the American alligator. Best Halloween Costumes for Dogs. 1983). This lizard, the Phrynosoma Cornutum, can be found from North Mexico to Carolina. Alligator lizards; Collared lizards; Tegus; Monitors; Geckos; Many kinds of boas and pythons; Some pets are prohibited, including: Feral. They can infest the liver, bile ducts, and gallbladder. While alligator lizards are harmless, there are three types of poisonous lizards to be aware of in the southwestern United States and Mexico: the Gila monster, the Mexican beaded lizard, and the Western diamondback rattlesnake. Any mice fed to a. The species name occidentalis is simply the Latin word for the west. Toggle the table of contents. Despite their intimidating name and appearance, alligator lizards are not considered dangerous to humans. 5 metres (15. Largely unknown for Southern Alligator Lizards, although may be similar to northern species; Northern species studied by Rutherford and Gregory can be found under favored rocks and do not travel far throughout the year; only one out of 334 lizards moved as far as 750 m (slightly less than . The ones common to North America, Elgaria and Gerrhonotus, includes 8 species ranging from southern Canada down through Central America. Madrean alligator lizard . They’ve also been known to eat birds and eggs, if they can. The Gila monster is the largest lizard in the United States! The Gila monster is not just the largest lizard in the United States, it’s one of four North American lizards that are venomous. The name “alligator lizard” derives from the fact that the dorsal and ventral scales of these lizards are strengthened by bones, similar to alligators. Washington is home to a variety of amphibians (salamanders, frogs, and toads) and reptiles (turtles, lizards, and snakes). They are characterized by a thick. Alligator lizard, any of 42 lizard species in the subfamily Gerrhonotinae of the family Anguidae in any of the following genera: Abronia, Barisia, Elgaria, Gerrhonotus, and Mesaspis. Further, the alligator lizard attains maturity in approximately 18 months and has a lifespan that can extend up to 15 years. state of Alabama is home to 93 indigenous reptile species, not including subspecies. On average, crocodiles can grow up to 23 feet. Keeping a monitor lizard takes patience, learning new skills, and adequately caring for them daily. Tegus that are found in the wild can be legally trapped and killed. The Northern Alligator Lizard is named because it almost has a body that resembles an alligator. only about 15% worldwide and 20% in the US are dangerous to. Are alligator lizard poisonous? With their large heads and powerful jaws, alligator lizards are capable of inflicting a nasty and painful bite. Description : Size: E. Many species of lizards benefit the environment as they help control insect populations. There are three subspecies of the Southern Alligator Lizard: California Alligator Lizard (E. Collared Lizards. Reproduction The northern alligator lizard is live-bearing, producing up to 15 young (typically 4–5), between June and September. Differentiating Poisonous Lizards. Skinks are not poisonous, and they do not have any venom in their bodies that cause allergies or other symptoms to humans. Despite its fearsome appearance, the Mexican alligator lizard is a docile animal that feeds primarily on insects. Owning, trading, selling or offering for sale a dangerous wild animal (unless the animal was owned prior to the law taking effect, and a permit has been issued by our department)For best results, mix a few tablespoons of your pepper of choice with a pint of warm water. They resemble snakes to some extent. To prevent lizards from entering the home, seal all small openings 1/4 inch and larger. In fact, the largest crocodilian species is the alligator snapping turtle, which can grow up to 6 feet in length and weigh over 100 pounds. Reef sharks and nurse sharks are the most commonly sighted but cause little concern because they don’t typically pose a danger. In severe cases, blood pressure may fall. Madrean Alligator Lizard. There are more than 2,500 species of lizards known in the world and they range from legless, snake-like varieties to the better known, four-legged type with five toes on each foot and scaly skin. Conservation status: Least concern. Caiman. Today, we discover the seven most dangerous animals found in Texas’s lakes and rivers. These lizards play a crucial role in desert pest control, helping keep these ecosystems balanced. Alligator lizards are large and serpentine, with long snouts. One thing to be grateful for is that Jamaica is home to zero venomous snakes! Ready to take a look at the most. They can simultaneously remove both solids and liquids from their body. Like many lizards, this species can drop its tail. Western fence lizards play a vital role in the food chain and are an important part of the ecosystem. If you know or suspect that your pet ate a toxic or parasite-carrying variety of lizard or toad, contact your vet immediately. Because of the crocodile’s size, it has more power and can therefore take the risks. . The cloaca allows the lizard to defecate and remove uric acid from the body. Five things to know: Nearly 70 species of lizards have invaded Florida, the Everglades. Bright colors often indicate how poisonous an insect , amphibian, or reptile can be in the animal kingdom. Both the alligator and crocodile are not creatures you should approach or antagonize. They are tan to gray in color with a red or chocolate cross band with dark edges. Crocodiles and alligators are actually reptiles and not scientifically considered to be lizard species. Drymobius chloroticus. The nearest relative of E. Alligator lizards are found from southern British Columbia and the northwestern United States through Mexico and. Southern Alligator Lizards in Oregon have a dangerous favorite food – the Black Widow Spider! This highly. He's a professor at the University of Florida and a member of the Croc Docs — a team of biologists and outreach specialists studying crocodilians, invasive reptiles, and threatened and endangered. Above Image: A pair of mating southern alligator lizards observed by Jacob, Oscar (age 5), and Mae (age 4) org/observations/73385631 in their front yard in the Valley Village neighborhood of Los Angeles on April 7, 2021. There are three major natural disaster threats that Rome is susceptible to—wildfires, hurricanes, and tornadoes. Next are the teeth. One of the most important things to note about alligator lizards is that they are harmless to humans. Along the sides of the body, between the dorsal and ventral scales, there is an area. i see blue belly lizards more than daily outside my backyard they do not bite, though alligator lizards i see alot and have caught many, alligator lizards are alot more relaxed. Study now. While having a pet lizard may seem fun, monitor lizards are a big commitment and are. Lizards vs Crocodiles (Video) Venemous; Common Diseases;. Skip to contentThe alligator lizard is the most common reptile in the redwood forest and the most common one at Caz. A majority of the eggs in a crocodile’s clutch will never hatch due to these factors. On the other hand, alligators can be quite dangerous. The Panamint Alligator Lizard prefers sandy slopes, creek beds, and bajadas from 2,000 to 6,000 feet. Keeping a monitor lizard takes patience, learning new skills, and adequately caring for them daily. Sierra Alligator Lizard (E. ”They live from middle Texas to North Carolina. Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. They are generally safe to eat when cooked properly. Their reputation of fearsomeness was not, however, built on being venomous. Caimans inhabit Mexico and Central & South America from marshes and. 10. Southern Alligator lizards are not poisonous to cats and dogs alike, as these lizards are not toxic. Alligator lizards, despite their intimidating name, are generally not dangerous to humans. Not Dangerous to Humans: Video: Range shown in Red : Adults are typically 4 to 5 ft. Alligators are generally considered to be more aggressive than crocodiles, but crocodiles are more likely to attack humans. Elgaria m. 3. The species is endemic to the southwestern United States and adjacent northwestern Mexico. European wall lizards have longer limbs and toes, and may have green or blue. Monitor lizards can make an excellent pet for the right person, but they are a much different experience than owning a pet like a dog or a cat. Alligator Vs Crocodile. The Mexican Alligator Lizard is part of the 67 different species of alligator lizards and belongs to the Squamata order and the Anguidea family. Young Komodo dragons eat small animals, eggs, insects, and small reptiles. Several Northern Alligator Lizards died in the laboratory after they ate caterpillars of the cinnabar moth, an introduced pest control agent for controlling poisonous Tansy Ragweed (Senecio jacobaea), and there is a possibility that this exotic moth may have adverse effects on Northern Alligator Lizard populations (Nussbaum et al. AnteatersSharks. Northern Alligator Lizard. Nile monitors are olive green to black in color and have cream-colored or yellow stripes on the jaw and head. Fast Facts. Both animals are cold-blooded and require relatively warm temperatures to thrive. Golden scale pattern of a reptile. Western alligator lizards are predators, and their diet consists mostly of small mammals such as mice and rats. Because of their small size, North American lizards are easy for dogs and cats to catch and eat. OK, maybe it has, but no reason to panic. Caiman, any of several species of Central and South American reptiles that are related to alligators and are usually placed with them in the family Alligatoridae. They are not venomous, and they do not have the ability to cause serious harm to people. Lizards are more like ancient reptiles than either snakes or turtles. Top 5 Most Dangerous Lizards In The World. S. Northern Alligator Lizard. 3 feet (3. Deer Waterfowl Duck, Goose, Teal, Rail, Gallinule, and Snipe Dove Woodcock Small Game Quail, Rabbit, and Squirrel Turkey Other Resident Game Birds Crow and Pheasant Alligator Furbearers Beaver, Bobcat, Coyote, Fox (Gray and Red), Mink, Muskrat, Nutria, Opossum, River Otter, Raccoon, and Skunk Depredation Order Blackbird, Cowbird, and. Alligators are black or gray on top with a cream-colored underside, possess a U-shaped snout, and are smaller and timider than crocodiles. Common name: Texas horned lizard. Alligator lizards eat a variety of small prey, including insects, spiders, and other lizards. Look Out for Amorous Alligator Lizards. Unfortunately, Rome, Georgia is on the very high side of the Natural Disaster Index, coming in second in the country. And while they are known to hunt down zebras or gazelles sometimes they aren’t as lucky and will feast on smaller animals. 18. Lifespan. "Across the board, any sort of creature in a dream that has a big mouth, sharp teeth, and is known for biting—like. Background: The Crocodilian Family Tree. There is an actual animal here. The crocodile skink, also known as the “red-eyed crocodile skink,” is a unique reptile native to New Guinea. Adult alligators are much stronger than humans, making us naturally consider them as dangerous. When getting rid of lizards in the house, the right method depends on the species. American Alligator ( Alligator mississippiensis) The American alligator is an apex predator found in many lakes and rivers in Texas. Panamint Alligator LizardAlligator lizards, which can reach two feet in length, also are covered in colorful, rectangular scales with dark crossbands. when you come close to a alligator lizard they calmly walk away. 2. They are amphibious carnivores and live along the edges of rivers and other bodies of water. It kinda looks like an alligator lizard, if you are in California or somewhere. When caught in their grasp, it’s nearly impossible to fight back against a crocodile. In fact, alligator lizards are often kept as pets because of their docile nature and relatively easy care. A house with water, food and shelter are what attracts lizards in your home. The difference is that alligators can regrow the same tooth up to 50 times during their lifetime, which makes sense given the type of prey they’re eating. 2–3. Background on Alligators. Insects are not poisonous to lizards, but some people mistakenly believe that lizards cannot consume mealworms. The reptiles are very territorial and will attack each other to protect turf, Kroboth said. The only two poisonous lizards in North America are the Gila monster and the beaded lizard. The snakes, coyotes, bobcats, and hawks are among the predators. In the wild, Nile monitors face several predators, including crocodiles, leopards, and lions. It belongs to the Abronia genus and the class of Reptilia, which also includes snakes and turtles. The temperature in the nest determines sex of the offspring. An alligator, or colloquially gator, is a large reptile in the Crocodilia order in the genus Alligator of the family Alligatoridae. 31. 30. As ectothermic reptiles, an alligator’s body temperature changes based on the outside environment. Usually seen sitting on top of desert rocks. They hide in thickets and underneath logs and boulders. They can grow up to 13 feet long and have tiger-like stripes across their body. Rejected dangerous and barbaric methods include application of a flame under the animal's jaw, instilling gasoline or chloroform into its mouth or severing its jaw. These reptiles are shy and elusive creatures that prefer to avoid human contact whenever possible . King cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) We start with some reptilian royalty. . Keep in mind, however, that lizard. An adult alligator lizard reaches around 4 inches long from the snout to the back side, not counting its tail. Sagebrush lizards prefer to live in places with abundant shrubbery, especially sagebrush. Nassau County Emergency Services officers ended up removing three Gila monsters, which are venomous lizards, one alligator, two crocodile-like lizards known as Caimans and five bearded lizards. The California Alligator Lizard (Elgaria multicarinata multicarinata is a long brown, yellow or grey lizard with red blotches on the back and 9-13 dark bands on the sides, back and tail. Alligator lizards Are semi-aquatic, which means they like to spend time both in and out of the water. Northern alligator lizards are small to medium-sized rough-scaled lizards with short limbs and a long tail. In comparison to lizards all over the world, the Northern Alligator Lizard is only grouped as a medium-sized lizard, but it is rather large in comparison to the lizards of Washington. Only six of the 23 crocodilian species are considered dangerous to adult human beings, most notably the Nile crocodile and saltwater crocodile. Alligator meat is a delicacy in China. Plesiosaurs, pliosaurs, ichthyosaurs, and dinosaurs are part of the diverse group of now-extinct reptiles that were once found on Earth but that we are now unlikely to encounter. Subjects > Animals & Plants > Reptiles. The term crocodile is sometimes used even more loosely to include all extant members of the order Crocodilia, which includes the alligators and caimans (family Alligatoridae. Young alligators can grow back up to 9 inches of a lost tail, a study finds. The Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum) was named for the Gila River Basin and occurs in parts of the U. Large, diurnal, rock-dwelling desert lizards with large heads and a dark collar around the neck. Alligator classification: reptiles (direct ancestors: dinosaurs) An alligator’s heart has four chambers (most reptiles have 3) The American alligator is known as the largest. Southern California’s alligator lizards eat the arachnids with abandon, and seem to have evolved immunity to their toxins. panamintina ), a similar appearing species occurring 400 km (240 mi) to the northwest in canyons of the Inyo, White, Panamint, and other. Adults can approach about 3.