ALLIGATOR, a genus of saurian reptiles, of the family of the crocodilidee, and still regarded by some naturalists as a mere sub-genus of crocodilus; although it has recently been proposed to constitute a family or sub-family of alligatoridce, and to divide it into the genera jaeare, alligator, and caiman. The alligators differ from the true crocodiles in the shorter and flatter head, the existence of cavities or pits in the upper jaw, into which (and not into mere notches between the teeth, as in the crocodiles) the long fourth teeth of the under jaw are received, and the much less webbed feet. In consequence of the different manner in which provision is made in the upper jaw for the reception of the longest teeth of the lower, the head of the alligators is broader and the snout more obtuse than in the crocodiles. Their habits are less perfectly aquatic ; they frequent swamps and marshes, and may be seen basking on the dry ground during the day, in the heat of the sun. They are most active during the night, and then make a loud bellowing. They have great strength in their tails, with which the larger ones can easily upset a light canoe. They feed chiefly on fish, but do not object to other animal food. The females lay their eggs, 20 to 60 in number, in the mud, and leave them to be hatched by the beat of the sun, but keep watch over the spot, and show much affection for their young ones, many of which, however, fall a prey to the old males, and to vultures and fishes. There are several species, varying from 2 to 20 ft. and upwards in length. Perhaps the most fierce and dangerous is that found in the southern parts of the United States, as far up the Mississippi as the Red river, A. Lucius. The snout is a little turned up • and its
resemblance to that of a pike has led to the specific name Lucius. In cold weather, these animals bury themselves in. the mud, and become so torpid, that they may be cut to pieces without showing signs of sensibility; but a few hours of bright sunshine are enough to revive them. Like the other species, they are so protected by their mailed plates, that they are not easily killed, except by a shot or blow over the eyes. A very strong kind of leather is prepared from the skin, which is used for making saddles. It is said that a consideMble quantity of oil can be extracted from an A., which is transparent and burns well. The alligators of South America are there very often called caymans, probably an Indian name, and some of them bear the name of yacare, particularly A. sclerops, also dis tinguished as the spectacled cayman, on account of a prominent bony rim surrounding the orbit of each eye. This species appears to be widely distributed over tropical America. and attains a great size. Alligators are not known to exist in any quarter of the world except America, in which, however, true crocodiles are also found. But among the fossils of the s. of England are remains of a true A. (A. hantoniensis) in the Hordle beds. The flesh of alligators is eaten by Indians and negroes. It has a musky flavor.—The origin of the name is uncertain, but it is supposed to be a corruption of the Portuguese a lizard. Cuvier adopted it as a scientific name.