The rotting vegetation in the nest warms the eggs. The temperature of the nest determines the sex of the hatchlings. The female guards the nest from predators. Alligators are among the most nurturing of the reptiles. DIET Alligators are nocturnal and feed primarily at night.
Younger alligators eat insects, shrimps, snails, small fish, tadpoles and frogs.
Adult gators eat fish, birds, turtles, reptiles, and mammals. They swallow their prey whole. Their conical teeth are used for catching the prey, not tearing it apart. Very few Deinosuchus fossils have been found. Very few Deinosuchus fossils have been found.