Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I currently house three American Alligators ranging in size from 3 foot to 6 foot. On several seperate occasions i have witnessed my two larger alligators bellow, and on the majority of these occasions I have noticed on the underside of the mouth two fleshy tuberacles come out from between the scales, my question is can anybody tell me what these are called and there function?

Thanks,
James

These are musk glands, used for chemical communication.

Truly,

Paul Bodnar
Crocodile Wildlife Conservationist

I don't know why but it's extremely hard to find any information on those tubes. I, like yourself, wondered for a long time too.

This is what I've been told as I have not found information on it as of yet. (Though I plan on buying a nice big book on crocodilians soon...once I have $150 for it)
They only exist in males and may be used for marking territory with scent.

I'm not exactly sure if it's correct but that's what I'm told and it does make sense (at least the scent part I guess)

Hopefully that helps ya out or leads you to a better answer. If anyone sees this and has CONFIRMED information on it I'd like to know as well.

Didn't see the reply from Crocodile Paul...Negate mine. Thanks!!!

>>
>>This is what I've been told as I have not found information on it as of yet. (Though I plan on buying a nice big book on crocodilians soon...once I have $150 for it)
>>They only exist in males and may be used for marking territory with scent.
>>

I'd love to get some clarification as well. I've read that all crocodilians of both sexes posses these musk glands. The males evert them during mating and rub them across the female's snout. I know my young alligator likes to evert his/hers during a hissy fit.

Hmm, makes sense! My guy always everts his...almost every time I step into the room.