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Post by rockpickerforever on May 3, 2014 17:22:05 GMT -5
This alligator lizard came into the garage last night. She's about a foot long tip to tip. They definitely have startle factor when they are that big. 
I believe it's a gravid female, looking for a place to lay her eggs! |
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gemfeller
Cave Dweller 
Member since June 2011
Posts: 4,062 
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Post by gemfeller on May 3, 2014 18:20:41 GMT -5
[quote author=" rockpickerforever" They definitely have startle factor when they are that big[/quote] No kidding, especially when you discover one staring out at you when you open your mailbox. At first it looked like a rattlesnake and I practically jumped out of my skin. I'll never know how it got inside unless the lid was left ajar. I drain the drip water from my faceting machine into a 5-gallon bucket and occasionally I forget to empty it. A couple of times I've had to rescue lizards who get inside the bucket for a drink and can't get out. Again, I can't figure out how they get inside but I apparently need to do some patching somewhere. |
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Post by rockpickerforever on May 3, 2014 18:45:13 GMT -5
Rick, this one didn't have much problem getting into the garage, there's a huge gap under the old-style wooden door. But I know what you mean, they can (and do!) get into just about anywhere.
I had gone out in the garage last night to shift laundry around. I saw her, she saw me. At least she just laid there, didn't move. I like them, especially for the free pest control work they do for me, but probably would have freaked if she ran towards me before I realized what it was.
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gemfeller
Cave Dweller
Member since June 2011
Posts: 4,062
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Post by gemfeller on May 3, 2014 19:28:26 GMT -5
I like them too Jean - but they can be startling now and then. A little one lived somewhere around my wooden fence and it couldn't control its curiosity. When I worked nearby it would sneak out and stare at me, then creep closer when it thought there was no danger. I guess I'm easily amused: we had fun checking each other out.
My cat likes them too, especially their detachable tails. He used to get a lot of lizard tail. The cat's getting old and isn't as quick as he used to be so I see more complete lizards these days.
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bentiron
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since September 2011
Posts: 85
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Post by bentiron on May 3, 2014 20:21:10 GMT -5
Nice garden and fruit trees. When I lived in Central Phoenix I had an equally lush garden but when I moved north to one of the pocket communities in the raw desert I gave up gardening since there were more bugs and critters starved for green growing things than I could battle. It was a total loss no matter what strategy I tried and with my health going south I chose to do something else with my time. Still I do miss my in town garden with my fig, peach, apple, grapefruit, orange trees, my raised beds with beautiful composted soil that could grow anything. The fellow that bought our house cut down all the tree, ALL THE TREES, ripped out my 75 rose bushes, my raspberries, strawberries, tore out the raised beds and let the Bermuda grass that I had fought so hard to keep out of the rose beds and raised beds flourish in those areas. His reason, mowing is easier than growing a garden and fruit, veggies come in can. Gardening is good for the soul!!
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jamesp
Cave Dweller
Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,612
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Post by jamesp on May 4, 2014 5:41:31 GMT -5
That lizard is a comical looking critter. Epitome of bad attitude. Looks like a strong set of jaws to boot. Might be a good subject for the Wild Boys show.
Have wondered what reptile has the most powerful jaws. Guessing that a snapping turtle would be high in the rankings. Not to mention the speed that it
can launch it's head out of the shell. Oh yea, crocodilians have incredible jaw strength.
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Post by Pat on May 4, 2014 10:25:56 GMT -5
Human jaws are pretty strong, too, though I wouldn't want to have a contest with any reptile. Masseter The strongest muscle based on its weight is the masseter. With all muscles of the jaw working together it can close the teeth with a force as great as 55 pounds (25 kilograms) on the incisors or 200 pounds (90.7 kilograms) on the molars. From www.loc.gov/rr/scitech/mysteries/muscles.html |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 4, 2014 12:07:15 GMT -5
Jean, looks like you have another generation of alli's getting ready to begin. Nice! Your yard's productivity makes me verdigris.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 4, 2014 12:10:48 GMT -5
that lizard looks like it would take a great polish!  Haha! That's the funniest thing I have heard in awhile. So funny 'cuz it's more than half true. Those things are easily a mohs 8. Proof is when they bite ya and crush your flesh. |
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