Category Archives: Reptiles

A Small Drama, Alligator

July 3, 2020 Ellen Jennings 1 Comment

I had been watching this Alligator as he floated in the water with his full back sticking up. Usually just see the head is out of the water unless they are actively using their tail to swim. He was staying in place.

I suspected he might be profiling, basically showing off, to either impress a female or warn off other males. And wham, he smacked the water with his head.

Expecting more, I waited, but that was it. There are dozens of large Alligators in this immediate area and evidently they were not impressed.

Reptiles

Anole on Trumpet Vine Pod

June 28, 2020 Ellen Jennings 6 Comments

I seem to be seeing Green Anoles everywhere lately, and climbing on all sorts of things.

This dried pod is from last year’s Trumpet Vine which surprisingly hasn’t popped open.

The Anole was showing off his Dewlap, also known as a throat fan. They do this to attract mates and to establish their territory, alerting an intruding male that he’s gone to far.

Reptiles

Juvenile Carolina Anole

June 24, 2020 Ellen Jennings 5 Comments

There were a few young Green Anoles exploring the plants on our patio this morning.

They are about an inch (25mm) long when they hatch, and these were about double that.

Anole juveniles are immediately mobile, with food and self protection their primary needs. Anoles eat a variety of insects and I’ve read they will attempt to eat anything smaller than their own head.

Reptiles

Broken Tail On A Tail

June 22, 2020 Ellen Jennings 4 Comments

I spotted this Green Anole with a broken off tail perched on a dried cat tail flower head at the swamp.

Anoles can regrow at least part of a lost tail but it is not of the same design.

The original tail has small bones while the replacement is cartilage, probably affecting its flexibility. Somehow they make do.

Reptiles

Turtle in the Grass

June 9, 2020 Ellen Jennings 4 Comments

I usually see Yellow-bellied Sliders either in a pond or basking on a bank. This may be the first time I’d seen one walk across a field.

I did some identification research and was surprised to discover nearly 30 species of turtles can be found in South Carolina.

Santee National Wildlife Refuge, Cuddo Unit

Reptiles

Anole on Wood Duck Box

June 7, 2020 Ellen Jennings Leave a comment

Always looking for a snack, anoles will climb or jump on anything,

This anole was checking around the sides of a Wood Duck box standing in the swamp. I suspect he peaked in the hole although I didn’t see him do it.

Reptiles

Patrolling the Pond

May 24, 2020 Ellen Jennings 2 Comments

Alligators take casual swims around this pond, often looking for a sunny spot to get out of the water. After some heavy rains they have less places to choose.