Sagebrush lizards prefer to live in places with abundant shrubbery, especially sagebrush. Are northern alligator lizards dangerous? No, alligator lizards are not dangerous; these lizards are common prey to birds, snakes, and even to common house cats. : Appearance: Alligator lizards, genus Elgaria, are members of the family Anguidae, a family of lizards found in the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Ants, flies, and bugs such as beetles are part of the Common Sagebrush Lizard’s diet. Including tail, it can reach a foot in length (30 cm). Alligator lizards can. The U. of 53. This lizard has a forked tongue for locating prey and powerful jaws with short, rounded teeth. Yes, alligators and crocodiles can mate. The species is endemic to the southwestern United States and adjacent northwestern Mexico. Females measure approximately 8. For example, crocodiles, Caymans and alligators are lizards! These are not typical pets and definitely not something you want in your home. Madrean alligator lizard . Fortunately, these small lizards, like the tiny gecko or anole, are not poisonous for dogs and cats to eat. when you come close to a alligator lizard they calmly walk away. These creatures are commonly kept as exotic pets, but not nearly at the same volume as some other reptiles, like ball pythons or bearded. Orange: Anniella stebbinsi - Southern California Legless Lizard. 9 centimetres or 2. Florida's tropical climate is perfect for lizards, but none of our native or invasive lizards are. It quickly approaches the spider, moves into the perfect position for an attack, and then pounces. Many species of lizards benefit the environment as they help control insect populations. The Gila monster can also be found in the southwestern desert areas in the United States. That’s right – alligators aren’t lizards at all! So if you’ve ever wondered whether this popular belief is actually true or just an old wives’ tale, then read on for our definitive answer. Collared Lizards. Crocodiles are also. Venomous and potentially dangerous. Burmese pythons famously infest the Florida Everglades as an invasive species, so even as they roam the wilds of the sunshine state, human. Common name: Arizona alligator lizard. Only six of the 23 crocodilian species are considered dangerous to adult human beings, most notably the Nile crocodile and saltwater crocodile. Ekgarua kingii Body Length: 3 - 5" Diet: Insects and scorpions This large lizard has a long body, small limbs, and a long, thick tail. Large bony scales, a large head on an elongated body and powerful jaws probably give the lizards their common name. It grows to about 50 cm (about 20 inches), is stout. Northern Alligator Lizard. Lions are carnivores, which means they like to eat meat. SDZWA Library Links. Lizards come in many shapes and sizes as the species differ. There are plenty of creepy crawlies that you should be aware of on land. They’ll attack you if they feel threatened. Common Name : Komodo dragon. Nile monitors are olive green to black in color and have cream-colored or yellow stripes on the jaw and head. It is common knowledge that alligators, crocodiles, and sharks are all dangerous animals. Please SUBSCRIBE NOW! is an Alligator on the loose in the hills of Northern California. However, if a Southern alligator lizard is accidentally ingested by a cat or dog, this can lead to temporary gastrointestinal issues, so consulting with a qualified vet is recommended. Keep in mind, however, that lizard. . When they spot an animal, they will quickly snatch. This guide includes most of the reptiles and amphibians that could possibly be seen on the Oaxaca, Mexico tour run by Wild Latitudes. Frilled lizards are the only species with a frill. (such as their teeth or claws) are the obvious considerations. They have a four-chambered heart, unlike the three-chambered heart found in most reptilians, closely resembling that of a human heart. Western Banded Gecko; Chuckwallas. The reason why lizard poo has such an easily identifiable look is because of the unique way these reptiles expel. Here are some examples of the wildlife in Florida that can be dangerous to humans. Scientific name. They love to bask in the sun and hang out in yards and gardens in the warm months. They also have a unique set of scales on the. “We are now overrun with wall lizards,” she said. The specific name, kingii, is in honor of Phillip Parker King, an Australian-born Royal Navy officer who surveyed the coast of South America. Eggs are placed in rock crevices or burrows of rodents. 3. The crocodile species is medium-sized and is also recognized as “Siamese freshwater crocodile” or “Singapore small-grain”. The snakes, coyotes, bobcats, and hawks are among the predators. Why Lizards. Some have been known to be as small as 8 inches, but most (such as the Nile monitor lizard that has become popular in Florida) can be quite large. Despite their small size, Northern Alligator Lizards are formidable predators. kingii was found on the basis of allozymes (Good 1988) to be the Panamint Alligator Lizard ( E. 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. two alligator lizards. Despite their intimidating name and appearance, alligator lizards are not considered dangerous to humans. I have been keeping reptiles as pets for over 20 years, and I. No known venomous or poisonous lizard species are found in Florida. he would simply observe the. These include saltwater crocodiles and king cobras. They also use their flat, very sharp, serrated. It is closely related to the famed Gila monster and it also has a dangerous venom. The northern sagebrush lizard appears similar to the western fence lizard, but they are smaller in size (adults less than 2. Advertisement. 3 Alligator lizards (family Anguidae) 2 Snakes. Alligators that live in the wild can live up to 50 years. Southern California’s alligator lizards eat the arachnids with abandon, and seem to have evolved immunity to their toxins. Although the site is open to the general public, librarian services and some resources are reserved for SDZ Global staff and volunteers. Elgaria m. 1990–2010: 10 deaths. The species is endemic to the central region of the American state of Texas, and south into adjacent northern Mexico . 3 - 17. American Alligator ( Alligator mississippiensis) The American alligator is an apex predator found in many lakes and rivers in Texas. When caught in their grasp, it’s nearly impossible to fight back against a crocodile. Common Chuckwalla; Collared Lizards. They may enter your home searching for warm places like near light fixtures or heating vents. The complex venom of these lizards contains serotonin, arginine esterase, hyaluronidase, phospholipase A2, and ≥ 1 salivary kallikreins but lacks neurotoxic components or. American Crocodile 2. Respecting their natural habitats and appreciating. Scientific name: Ophisaurus attenuatus ssp. But these can bite you if you corner them and they feel threatened by your presence so never attempt to do this. Alligator lizards are fascinating creatures found in various parts of North America. According to dream analyst Lauri Loewenberg, alligator dreams are a common one, and one she has a lot herself. Panamint Alligator Lizard. You can find these lizards almost anywhere. They are not dangerous by nature. The lizard may be difficult to dislodge. They are good swimmers, and can often be seen basking in the sun on A warm day. These lizards are carnivorous, and they have a very diverse diet. Other Archosaurs are dinosaurs, Pterosaurs (flying reptiles), and birds. The safest way to observe an alligator is from a distance. Working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. These lizards often attain considerable size, their heads are of the diamond shape popularly thought to. Fadil Basymeleh. Rhinoceros Iguana (Rhinoceros Iguana). Texas alligator lizards have long bodies with checkered scales and tiny legs. Other states currently have little or no legislation on these reptiles, but that might well change in the future. The genus name Sceloporus is derived from two Greek words: Skelos, meaning leg, and porous, meaning pore or hole. The North American west coast is home to the northern alligator lizard (Elgaria coerulea), a medium-sized lizard species belonging to the Anguidae family. They look like giant lizards – the name comes from the Ancient Greek word krokódilos which means lizard – and although they are not lizards, they are part of the reptile family. In severe cases, blood pressure may fall. Washington is home to a variety of amphibians (salamanders, frogs, and toads) and reptiles (turtles, lizards, and snakes). While they may act like they are going to bite, I've never been hurt. Western alligator lizards are predators, and their diet consists mostly of small mammals such as mice and rats. The scientific name of the green arboreal alligator lizard is Abronia graminea. The Mexican Alligator Lizard is part of the 67 different species of alligator lizards and belongs to the Squamata order and the Anguidea family. So, if you encounter an alligator vs. Diet. In this order are 23 different species, including the American alligator. How easy or otherwise it is to get a caiman permit varies. These bright blue-green lizards live in trees and eat insects. They are native to certain areas of Mexico. The western black widow spider (Latrodectus hesperus) may spin a. The bites of American. 1. Even more surprising: a single lizard will not only eat one or two, but five spiders without any affectation. While lizards typically prefer to avoid confrontation, in some cases they can bite or poison dogs. Because fireflies, elder bugs, and luminous bugs can be poisonous to Mexican alligator lizards, they should not be fed to them. They have very long tails and can grow to 5-7 inches long. 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. They will also eat insects, other reptiles (including snakes), birds, and amphibians. Mutch says the alligator lizards are gone now. Image by Tedd Greenwald via iNaturalist. Arboreal alligators can sell for as much as $2,000 on the U. 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. They eat insects and are preyed on by birds, mammals, and larger lizards. Exclusion. In 1987, the alligator became the official state reptile of Florida. Komodo dragons can run 11 miles per hour, while alligators can run up to 30 mph. Crocodiles and alligators are actually reptiles and not scientifically considered to be lizard species. And while they are known to hunt down zebras or gazelles sometimes they aren’t as lucky and will feast on smaller animals. Amongst all of them, below listed are the most dangerous lizards:. They have blackish-green bodies with differing patterns of bright yellow spots and stripes. A few closely related species are also known as “crocodile skinks,” but the red-eyed is the most well known. Alligator lizards (Gerrhonotus) Transvolcanic aligator lizard (Barisia imbricata) Mexican aligator lizard (Abronia graminea). It represents Florida’s wilderness, swamps, and lakes. American alligator. Collared Lizards. My goals were to 1) assess patterns of tick presenceThe genus alligator covers large reptiles in the Crocodilia order that make up the family Alligatoridae with two living species:. Unlike most lizards and reptiles, female Northern Alligator lizards give birth to their young ones—as many as. Acrodont dentition is found in agamid lizards, like water dragons, bearded dragons and. You’re most likely to spot one during the daytime when it suns itself on rocks and logs. You loop the rope around the neck of the lizard and pull on the opposite end to tighten it. The Northern Alligator Lizard is named because it almost has a body that resembles an alligator. In 1987 the Florida state reptile officially became the American Alligator. The species name occidentalis is simply the Latin word for the west. multicarinata) has red blotches on. Venomous lizards, alligators and crocodiles, and iguanas can cause clinically significant bites. Depends on where you are. It kinda looks like an alligator lizard, if you are in California or somewhere. They are found in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, South America, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, North America and Oceania. only about 15% worldwide and 20% in the US are dangerous to. Lizards are not dangerous to humans, but they can be very aggressive. Common name: Texas horned lizard. The Nile monitor is a semi-aquatic lizard that is not native to Florida. They are aggressive and will bite if threatened, which hurts but isn’t toxic. Both animals are known to be aggressive, and attacks on humans are not uncommon. 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. However, they tend to avoid people, so encountering one is highly unlikely. The species is endemic to the southwestern United States and adjacent northwestern Mexico. ) snout to vent length and 254mm (10 in. Loss of weight. 5 feet) and weigh up to 70–80 kg (150–180 lbs). Common Sagebrush lizards are predated by nocturnal snakes in this region. Record species have been reported getting as. Alligator lizards are generally dark-colored, with patterns that can range from spots to stripes. CC BY-SA 4. Alligator lizards are not poisonous creatures. The largest of these species is the black caiman, a potentially dangerous animal. 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). Inherently dangerous or endangered animals in Kentucky are banned, including venomous reptiles. Bright colors often indicate how poisonous an insect , amphibian, or reptile can be in the animal kingdom. They are relative Easy to care for, and can be a lot of fun to watch. New Caledonian Giant Gecko (Rhacodactylus leachianus) 23. Bites from crocodiles or alligators are usually fatal. In Florida, feeding wild alligators is illegal. All species of skinks share the same bright skin feature, which is why many assume they are poisonous. Black dragon lizards are dangerous when provoked or. They are not territorial and have a home range of 1 to 2 acres. And while size doesn't always equate to lethality, the Komodo dragon is easily the world's deadliest lizard too. Geckos may be captured in a small container, then released outdoors. 4. 13 meters) and weighed 366 pounds (166 kilograms). In fact, alligator lizards are often kept as pets because of their docile nature and relatively easy care. Elgaria coerulea; Identifying Characteristics: 2. Most lizards, in reality, are harmless to humans, as are most turtles; however, there are certain members of both groups that can kill, maim, make ill, or inflict at least mild levels of pain on their hapless human. Crocodiles and alligators have both killed human beings in the past, but several factors make crocodiles far more dangerous than alligators. Kentucky’s change in regulation now prohibits pet ownership of dangerous animals such as elephants, lions, bears, tigers, rhinos, leopards and certain primates. pet market. Whiptail lizards (and probably a few other types of lizard), donkeys, long-haired goats, iguanas and flamingos will probably make their presence known. An alligator, or colloquially gator, is a large reptile in the Crocodilia order in the genus Alligator of the family Alligatoridae. Symptoms and Signs Of about 3000 snake species throughout the world, only about 15% worldwide and 20% in the US are dangerous to humans because of venom or toxic salivary secretions (see table. Most lizards lay eggs but some give birth to live young. two alligator lizards. The types of lizards that people most commonly eat. Northern Alligator Lizard. Young Komodo dragons eat small animals, eggs, insects, and small reptiles. Average Lifespan in Captivity: 9 years. October 2023. There are three subspecies of the Southern Alligator Lizard: California Alligator Lizard (E. Chinese crocodile lizards are the last surviving species of their genus and family, the Shinisauridae, which dates back more than 100 million years. Alligators are large reptiles with a reputation for being aggressive and dangerous. 1 day ago · Mazzotti has spent the decades since studying crocodiles, alligators, and many other reptile species in Everglades National Park and beyond. They are not territorial and have a home range of 1 to 2 acres. They are typically docile and not very aggressive. If you know or suspect that your pet ate a toxic or parasite-carrying variety of lizard or toad, contact your vet immediately. That being said, eating a lizard is still not completely safe for dogs. Oak forest skink (Plestiodon lynxe) A common trait in poisonous lizard species is. Various suggestions for removing Gila monsters include the. One of the most iconic lizard species native to Australia and New Guinea, the frill-necked lizard is also called the frilled dragon. Luckily, these lizards aren’t very aggressive. Frozen imported meat from crocodiles, caimans, iguanas and pythons can be found in the EU. Nile crocodiles are one of the most dangerous reptiles in the world, and new evidence shows this species may even be found in the U. #5: Baby Alligators are One the Fastest Reptiles in the World. What we do know about crocodiles is that 6 out of the 23 species are dangerous to humans. Fortunately, these small lizards, like the tiny gecko or anole, are not poisonous for dogs and cats to eat. The laws on keeping caimans differ by state. These pages are part of the San Diego Zoo Global Library website. Copy. Updated: 12/16/2022. Common Sagebrush lizards are predated by nocturnal snakes in this region. [4] The alligator lizard is not hesitant when facing the spider. San Francisco Alligator Lizard Elgaria coerulea coerulea: Video: Range shown in Red and adjacent Gray : Dark lines on. 2. 75-5. The Panamint Alligator lizards have long bodies, large heads, and strong jaws like their larger. Fortunately, Panamint alligator lizards are completely different from the previous 2, at least in terms of appearance. The researchers observed that anole lizards have “hydrophobic skin” that is water-resistant and allows for a thin layer of air to form around their bodies when they dive underwater. The Mexican Alligator Lizard is part of the 67 different species of alligator lizards and belongs to the Squamata order and the Anguidea family. This combined image shows Todd Hardwick wrangling, "Fred," a 10-foot alligator out of a. Fast Facts. When they spot an animal, they will quickly snatch. There are 67 species of alligator lizards ranging throughout the world. Tails is short and fat. 1983). The alligator lizard is not hesitant when facing the spider. List of reptiles of Washington. Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. Smaller pets can potentially be seen as a prey. We have the Southern Alligator. They’re both large reptiles with lizard-like bodies, tough skin, long tails, stubby legs, elongated snouts, and large teeth. Black Widow Spider. Today, we discover the seven most dangerous animals found in Texas’s lakes and rivers. 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. Study now. However, some lizards can excrete venom by biting, which can cause: Lethargy, Weakness. The northern alligator lizard is small with rough scales and a long tail. Home Animals Reptiles Are Alligators Dangerous To Humans? What You Need to Know. High temperatures are dangerous for the Mexican alligator lizard. These lizards are primarily found in forested areas at elevations of 1,000 to 11,000 feet. Although some lizards eat plants, most lizards feed on insects. You can catch a skink using a snare, which is a long rod with a small rope on one end. Reproduction The northern alligator lizard is live-bearing, producing up to 15 young (typically 4–5), between June and September. Komodo dragons are deadly monitor lizards that regularly prey on animals that are larger than them and can easily kill a human being. Large and venomous snakes require a permit. One of these is the blue-tailed lizard. The initiative is one supported by IFAW and other animal welfare groups. There have been many documented cases of alligator-crocodile hybrids. American Alligator ( Alligator mississippiensis) The American alligator is an apex predator found in many lakes and rivers in Texas. cm inch. Tetanus prophylaxis should be given (see table ). Alligator lizards are a type of lizard that is found in North and South America. #4. Six-Lined Racerunner. There are two main extant species: Chinese and American alligators. 2. Usually seen sitting on top of desert rocks. They are not dangerous. What do eastern fence lizards eat? Eastern fence lizards. It can reach up to two feet in length and has a wide variety of colors, including gray, green, black, brown, and pink. Subjects > Animals & Plants > Reptiles. Spring is mating season for alligator lizards. With a slender body and long tail, this spiny visitor. Weighing in at 300 pounds and 10 feet in length, the Komodo dragon ranks number one as the largest lizard. Snake skin background. and are an invasive. 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. 5 inches (snout-vent length) [4] and a total length of about 21 centimetres (8. Lizards are much less dangerous, but there is a large diversity of them to be found. My brother and I used to catch lizards and snakes all the time. With the high demand of leather and reptile skin, water monitors are at the top of the most exploited animals. In fact, the venom doesn’t appear to impact these lizards at all, allowing lizards to make a nourishing meal of dangerous spider prey. They can grow up to 13 feet long and have tiger-like stripes across their body. Their limbs are short, but alligator lizards have long tails, sometimes as much as twice the body length. A reduced digit count and reduced limb size is, however, present in the obscure taxa . Although, some males have been recorded to be 16 feet long and weigh a. com. Any deadly, dangerous, or poisonous reptiles; Any deadly or dangerous reptiles over 8 feet long; Some native wildlife may not be kept as pets, including: Skunks; Hoofed animals; Cooperheads; Cottonmouths; Timber and pygmy rattlesnakes; Massasaugas; Wolves and hybrids; Black bears; You will need a permit to possess the following "large. If the victim survives, there is a high risk of infection. Tony Rivard first observed these two lizards on a South Pasadena. Collins, The Center for North American Herpetology; key illustrations by Helen Zane Jensen Longitudinal stripes down length of very slender body, total length to about 7. Komodo dragons are undoubtedly one of the world’s largest and most dangerous lizards. The Madrean alligator lizard has armor-like scales and a fold in the skin that runs the length of their body, which may allow the relatively. The Komodo Dragon is the largest lizard in the world, and also one of the most dangerous monitor lizards. A large monitor lizard technically has the ability to kill a human. AnteatersSharks. That being said, eating a lizard is still not completely safe for dogs. As one of the most iconic and potentially dangerous inhabitants of Texas’s lakes and. Length. When properly cared for and supervised, domesticated tegus are generally not dangerous to other mid-sized pets such as cats and dogs. Image Credit: John Rakestraw, Shutterstock. Common name: Eastern slender glass lizard. Louisiana has strict laws regarding ownership of threatened or endangered species. ∙ 13y ago. It has a round thick body with small legs and a long somewhat prehensile tail that can be twice as long as the lizard's body. This species is however common in North America. The adults living in urban areas had a 75 to 80 percent likelihood of having lost their tails, the authors write, compared to 55 to 60 percent for their rural counterparts. Alligator lizards are endangered reptiles native to the Mexican states of Veracruz and Pueblo. 1. The hatchlings are approximately 1 1/2 inches long. Predators like raccoons, lizards, mongooses, and more especially enjoy crocodile eggs and pose a huge threat to the unborn babies. It prefers to live in mesquite trees and lowland areas that have heavy ground leaf cover. They are harmless bur can be aggressive and will bite. Northern alligator lizard. Next are the teeth. A house with water, food and shelter are what attracts lizards in your home. The only poisonous lizard in the US – the Gila monster – lives in Nevada. 1 Family Emydidae. We never recommend setting a lizard trap, since this will typically kill or injure lizards. There are many different species of alligator lizard, and they vary in size, color, and patterns. $400 (Negotiable) Latest Listings Featured. Species. A backyard lizard invasion has not begun. Because of the crocodile’s size, it has more power and can therefore take the risks. he would simply observe the reptiles. Preferring little meals they can consume in one or two bites, alligators eat almost any kind of meat, be it birds, fish, small mammals, or even other reptiles. Are Alligator Lizards Harmful? No, alligator lizards are not harmful. Southern Alligator Lizard. While the brown portion is the lizard’s poop, the white part is essentially the lizard’s urine. The rare reptiles hatched this summer at Wild Florida in Kenansville, Florida. 2 inches Habitat: Arid and semi-arid regions with lots of holes and crevices About: They have a broad, black uninterrupted collar with white borders, a small pale bluish spot just above the shoulder. Female alligators are fiercely protective of the nest and hatchlings and are especially dangerous. Like many lizards, this species can drop its tail if attacked, possibly giving it a chance to flee. There are many alternate names for this lizard. The monitor lizard also knows no loyalty. Alligator lizards are carnivores, and feed on insects, small mammals, and other lizards. 2 feet. They are amphibious carnivores and live along the edges of rivers and other bodies of water. 2 cm). The saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) is a particularly dangerous shark. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. Background on Alligators. The two extant species are the American alligator. Alligator hatchlings are some of the fastest reptiles in the world. multicarinata ranges from 2 7/8 - 7 inches in snout to vent length (7. It belongs to the Abronia genus and the class of Reptilia, which also includes snakes and turtles. They usually prefer dry habitats, like deserts and rocky outcrops, but can also be found in wetter areas near rivers and streams. Their bellies are cream coloured with brown spots that fade towards the back of the lizard and become darker towards the throat. The Panamint Alligator Lizard prefers sandy slopes, creek beds, and bajadas from 2,000 to 6,000 feet. Scientific name: Phrynosoma Cornutum. Geographic distribution of the Madrean Alligator Lizard (Elgaria kingii) in Arizona. Rough-skinned newts are salamander-like creatures native to northern California, Oregon, Washington, and southern Alaska, Keyler says. The Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum) was named for the Gila River Basin and occurs in parts of the U. Are alligator lizards dangerous? No. The incident took place at 8 p. Subspecies. This semiaquatic species spends part of its. "While black widow bites are not usually dangerous, they are very painful and can. Shark attacks mostly occur when a shark mistakes a human for a turtle or other creature. It is one of the most poisonous snakes in the world, its venom being complex and having a very fast cardiotoxic and neurotoxic action. . Adult Komodo dragons will eat their young and other dragons but typically eat carrion as their primary food source. Alligator lizards do not typically bask in the sun out in the open or on top of a rock like many other lizard species. The blue-tailed lizards are known as skinks. Scientific Name. These reptiles are shy and elusive creatures that prefer to avoid human contact. Further, the alligator lizard attains maturity in approximately 18 months and has a lifespan that can extend up to 15 years. They can grow to a very large size and actually be quite dangerous. kingii was found on the basis of allozymes (Good 1988) to be the Panamint Alligator Lizard ( E. The name “alligator lizard” derives from the fact that the dorsal and ventral scales of these lizards are strengthened by bones, similar to alligators. The cloaca allows the lizard to defecate and remove uric acid from the body. Introduction. Gekkota: This group contains every single species of gecko, including those with eyelids. Common in: Southern California. Tucson Herpetological Society P. 18. Panamint Alligator Lizard. "When I was a wee graduate student, I read that alligator lizards could eat black widows," Chris Feldman,. Lizards vs Crocodiles (Video) Venemous; Common Diseases;. Because their dorsal and ventral scales are reinforced with bone, they have a fold of skin along each side of its body to expand for breathing or to make room. In fact the Australian Saltwater crocodile is the world’s largest living reptile and would have rivalled some types of dinosaurs in size.