The One That Started it All - Texas Alligator Lizard (Gerrhonotus infernalis)

My family moved to Austin, Texas in 1980 when I was just a wee laddie.  At 5, I was already obsessed with reptiles and amphibians.  I remember the first time I saw a Texas alligator lizard (Gerrhonotus infernalis) in the wild, and it changed my life forever.  I talked about this experience on my recent interview on Amphibicast.

There was a rock retaining wall in the backyard at our house in Austin, and I was looking around the wall for herps when I noticed a really long tail hanging out of one of the cracks in the wall.  I’ve never been afraid to stick my hands in holes and other places where most folks wouldn’t.  I slowly pulled the tail, trying not to break it, and pulled my scaly prize out to hold and admire.  Most Texas alligator lizards are relatively docile when encountered in the wild.  Sometimes, males can hiss and try to bite, but they’re usually pretty chill.  That moment, discovering the beautiful lizard, changed my life.

I’ve spent the last several decades working with reptiles and amphibians, and this species will always hold a special place in my heart being the species that fueled my lifelong fascination for all things cold-blooded.