Three Alligator Lizards mating on the Gualala Ridge photographed by Emily Nelson

The male Alligator Lizard "holds" the female's head while they mate. It looks like he is biting her! But in Emily's photo there are two males "holding" her head. One of the males is a California Alligator Lizard and the other is a San Francisco Alligator Lizard, as is the female. Thanks to Gary Nafis for the identification of these critters. If you are interested in learning more about amphibians and reptiles, here's Gary's excellent web site. http://www.californiaherps.com/index.html

Is it good to be a female San Francisco Alligator Lizard? She wasn't talking.