Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Can anyone tell me how to sex Texas Alligator Lizards and their caging requirements. I don't know much about these lizards.

With respect to sexing - handle them somewhat roughly (not mean, just sudden movements) so they open their vents. Males will display hemipenises.

Of my four baby alligator lizards just under 3 months old, I've already been able to determine two are male, and two are probably female, using this method.

If they are adults, males have much wider heads.

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As far as care - I've never kept Texas - but this is what a guru told me, as I'm hoping to aquire some next season:

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Michael,
Gerrhonotus are kept differently than Elgaria. Several basic requirements: full spectrum UV lighting with close access via basking branches, room temperatures (they do NOT like excessive heat), calcium and mineral dusting of commercial (cricket) food, with frequent addition of large spiders, centipedes, grasshoppers, lizards (sceloporus and anolis), any other large insects/ arthropods as long as they are pesticide free. I brumate mine between Thanksgiving and Valentines Day at 58F, they are primarily fall breeders. Hatchlings require somewhat greater humidity (a hide box with dampened paper towels will do) and to be kept separately or in pairs, as larger groups tend to have members with missing digits and tails from their aggressive feeding responses; otherwise the above apply to them as well. I use limestone rocks securely placed in stacks for shelter, with a large dry multibranched set of twigs for basking. Keep the setup simple, you will see your lizards out most of the ti! me. They are, in my opinion, amongst the most spectacular and personable of North American Saurians. Best,
Dr. Philip Ralidis
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3.0 WC; 0.3 CB L. getula californiae
1.0 CB L. getula nigrita
0.1.1 WC; 0.0.3 CH Elgaria multicarinata multicarinata