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 #1725434


Americanchld
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 Idenitfication Help

So my dog found these two lizards in the back yard, in california. I googled search them and to me, a girl, they look like aligatior lizards. The one is really big, and I believe is eating the other one. Do wild lizards get this big? Any way let me know what you think. Im also planning on releasing him when I find out what he is. Right now he’s in a 30 gallon tub with dirt and hay. Ive only put him in about 10 minutes ago. So are these 2 aligators lizards?









05/04/08  10:57pm

 #1725489


PrinceSushi
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   Message To: Americanchld   In reference to Message Id: 1725434


 Idenitfication Help

Yes, those are alligator lizards. Either the California allie or San Diego allie.

The behavior in the picture is most likely mating behavior since the smaller one looks female, and the tail is arched up. Ha, the male has to hold on one way or another, and we both know that those tiny arms aren’t any help. It also stimulates the female so that she doesn’t attack him when he climbs on. May is breeding/laying season for alligator lizards. It could also be territorial sparring which isn’t deadly since they are able to run from each other if they feel they are going to lose.

Yes, wild lizards can grow rather large, sometimes larger than captive ones. So far the largest documented alligator lizard that I know of was 17 inches, but larger ones have been seen and verbally reported. The alligator lizard isn’t the largest lizard in Cali either.

If you still have them its best you let them go, particularly the female(smaller one) so that she can prepare to lay her eggs(hopefully in your backyard). I’m sure the male would also love to go back to defending his territory from other suitors and I’m sure he would love to seduce a few more females.

Just be aware. It is illegal to collect these lizards in California without a sports fishing license. It is also illegal to breed, sell, and release without more permits. However, since you have had the lizard in Captivity for a very short time and(hopefully) it hasn’t come in contact with captive reptiles, it should be perfectly fine to release them back into your yard.

If you want an alligator lizard its best to wait until you have a permit to legally collect 2(the bag limit in California). babies and juveniles are the best to start with so you should wait until the beginning of fall. If you have breeders in your backyard, I’m sure it won’t be too hard to find babies during hatching season.
05/05/08  12:21am

 #1725498


William kimmy
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   Message To: PrinceSushi   In reference to Message Id: 1725489


 Idenitfication Help

ummmm......i dont really know cause i have a NORTHERN alligator lizard but that there where they are biting and stuff is really them mating....dont disturb the mating thing cause yea...thats bad.
05/05/08  12:36am

 #1725511


Americanchld
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   Message To: William kimmy   In reference to Message Id: 1725498


 Idenitfication Help

Great Thanks. I will definatly release them. I did not have them come in contact with any of my other reptiles. I didn’t want my captive breed reptiles to be hard or given dieases. So yeah, there going back in the wild now. Thanks for the info.
05/05/08  12:48am

 #1737178


Sassyhollywood
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   Message To: Americanchld   In reference to Message Id: 1725511


 Idenitfication Help

I think that they are Allies w/ unknowen gender
05/16/08  11:26am

 #1741450


L1z4rds rul3!
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   Message To: Sassyhollywood   In reference to Message Id: 1737178


 Idenitfication Help

Yep them’s a pair. Hope ya let ’em go!
05/20/08  04:43pm


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