First, a little before 10:00 AM, there was this guy. This is a southern alligator lizard. Scientific name: Elgaria multicarinata. My best guess is it's 10-11 inches long including tail. The jar is one of my 24 oz, I'm too lazy to get up to refill my Gatorade, glasses. I'm pretty sure now the lizard is male. According to a modest amount of research, the head of a male is wider than a female's with a more triangular shape. They are also, typically, about 10% larger than the female. Whatever the gender, it was a relatively easy catch. It was right smack in the middle of my kitchen floor and fortunately it chose to run along a cabinet toe kick and not run under the refrigerator. I took it into my front yard and released it at the base of a large fountain grass plant. It seemed to happily crawl inside and disappear.
Then at about 11:15 AM, I walked into the kitchen again, finding, I suspect, its mate following the first lizard's trail. I noticed after pouring the first lizard out of the glass that it had peed in my Gatorade glass. Can alligator lizards distinguish one another by scent? I'm gonna assume they are able to track each other to some degree. It is my understanding that males stay with females for a period of time after mating, apparently to at least guard against rival males.
I know it's hard to see from this image but this lizard is considerably smaller than the first. Also, it's head isn't nearly as triangular. This Elgaria was not such an easy catch. It went from about the same part of the kitchen, into Lucy's and my bedroom just off the kitchen, next under the door into the guest bathroom, then under the opposite door into the front door hallway and finally back to the bathroom. I circled around. That's where I caught it. Seriously, my heart was racing and Lucy was asleep in her cat bed. I was so afraid of what would happen if Lucy got mixed up in the chase.
Same jar, no pee and I released her exactly where I left the alleged male. I will also note that this one, although significantly smaller, was able to start pulling itself out of the jar with its tail hanging over the edge. I read that Southern alligator lizards' tails, because they are up to twice the length of their bodies, are moderately prehensile and they can climb, suspend, and pull themselves up from branches using their tails.
Meanwhile, walks... I was too busy with other stuff today. I've been walking, although I've been somewhat abbreviated in my treks. I even have some pictures I've thought of posting. I have just been rather discouraged about time sitting due to some aches and pains. I might, at least for awhile, simply post pictures and avoid the banter. Right now an AM walk is on order for tomorrow. I'll have to see. Thanks for reading about my kitchen guests.
Anyway, for all that, will you dance with me?
