Description: The Texas alligator lizard is a medium-sized lizard, attaining a maximum total length (including tail) of around 24 to 25 inches. It is the largest lizard species in Texas, and one of the largest alligator lizards in the world. This lizard has a flat, wedge-shaped head. Its body is generally a yellow-brown color, often with darker brown and white checker patterning on its dorsal surfaces, and uniformly light-colored, white, or grey on its ventral surfaces. Its scales are very stiff and plate-like. It has short limbs, and a tail that can fall off to distract a potential predator, but will regrow in time.

Habitat: G. infernalis is often found on rocky hillsides, where it hides among the stones or in limestone crevices.

Range: The species is endemic to the central region of the American state of Texas, and south into adjacent northern Mexico.

Found in these States: TX

Diet: The primary diet of G. infernalis is insects and other invertebrates, but it may sometimes prey on nestling birds or rodents.

Reproduction: Breeding occurs year ound; sometimes, multiple clutches of eggs are laid per year. Females will often stay near the nesting site to protect it, but no parental care occurs once the young alligator lizards hatch. The young generally have more striking markings, and are only about 3 to 4 inches long (including tail).

Status: Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, tolerance of a broad range of habitats, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category.

Subspecies: None

Taxonomy: