Lizards of Note - Western Banded Gecko & Alligator Lizard

Coleonyx variegatus

I found this Western Banded Gecko under a large flat rock in the wash on March 20. This is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful lizards.

On March 27 on a trail near the creek, Evelyn spotted "something slimy" go running under a rock. She thought it might be a skink (even though skinks are not slimy) and ran back to find me. Instead, it was a Madrean Alligator Lizard, only the third I had seen at that time. I've seen a few more since then. He was very gentle and spent hours on my aunt's shoulder. (P.S. This guy is not slimy either.)

Elgaria kingii

Year of the Snake - No. 3 Wandering Garder

Thamnophis elegans posed against the white background of a snake bag (pillow case).

Walking with my friends, I found this Wandering Garder (a subspecies of the Western Terrestrial Garder) crossing a trail near the creek. It was late in the afternoon of April 5. He was full grown, about 27 inches. Like all the Wandering Garders that I've found, he had lots of damage to his belly scales.

Year of the Snake - No. 2 California Kingsnake (Juvenile)

On April 2, I found this juvenile California Kingsnake on a rocky cliff area near the creek. The afternoon was warm and the snake was out in the open. Based on tail length, I am guessing it is a male. (Males have longer tails.) He measures 12 inches long.

A beautiful specimen of Lampropeltis getula.

Year of the Snake - No. 1 Coachwhip (Juvenile)

 

After a long winter wait, I finally found the first snake of the year on March 29. I found this juvenile coachwhip under a rock in a wash during a morning walk. Masticophis flagellum is my favorite snake. It is beautiful and fast. This one measures about 24 inches; adults can grow to 68 inches.

Masticophis flagellum