Alligator fossil map
Where fossils of Alligator have been found, shown on the Earth as it looked about 5 million years ago and on today’s map.
Dots are fossil collections recorded in the Paleobiology Database. The “then” view moves today’s fossil sites back to their positions 5 million years ago (the time slice nearest the median age of the fossils) using the Merdith et al. (2021) plate model; positions are approximate. Open on the timeline map →
| Group | Crocodile relatives |
|---|---|
| Lived | 51.1 million years ago to the present (Ypresian to Holocene) |
| Periods | Paleogene, Neogene, Quaternary |
| Family | Alligatoridae |
| Named by | Daudin 1809 |
| Fossil records | 123 occurrences at 107 locations (PBDB) |
| Found in | United States, China, Germany, United Kingdom, Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, France |
| Rock formations | txn:38421, Chadron, Fleming, Goliad, Alachua, Bermont |
About Alligator
An alligator, or colloquially gator, is a large reptile in the genus Alligator of the family Alligatoridae in the order Crocodilia. The two extant species are the American alligator (A. mississippiensis) and the Chinese alligator (A. sinensis). Additionally, several extinct species of alligator are known from fossil remains. Alligators first appeared during the late Eocene epoch about 37 million years ago.
The term "alligator" is likely an anglicized form of el lagarto, Spanish for "the lizard", which early Spanish explorers and settlers in Florida called the alligator. Early English spellings of the name included allagarta and alagarto.
Alligators are notable for their ability to inhabit climates that are considerably more temperate than those of most other crocodilians. Although they generally prefer subtropical to tropical regions, they are also capable of surviving colder winters in the northern parts of their range.
Text in “About” is quoted from the Wikipedia article Alligator (revision 1379742793), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0; introduction excerpted verbatim, formatting removed. Ages, family, authority and fossil records: Paleobiology Database, accessed 23 October 2026. Ages are those of the rock layers the fossils were found in. Wikidata: Q530397.
