DOCSLIB.ORG

Amphibians and Reptiles of Tuskegee National Forest

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Amphibians and Reptiles of Tuskegee National Forest Temporary Pond AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES OF Open Grassy Upland Upland Pine Large Creek Small Creek Habitats of Tuskegee National Forest Amphibians and Reptiles of Abundance Hardwood TUSKEGEE NATIONAL FOREST Checklist Summer Winter Tuskegee National Forest Spring Pond Pond: Permanent wetlands, either natural Fall (oxbow ponds, beaver ponds) or not (human Common Name Scientific Name impoundments). Usually with large areas of open Turtles water with pond lilies and other aquatic Eastern Box Turtle Terrapene carolina* C + + + C C U vegetation. Mud Turtle Kinosternon subrubrum* C + + C C U U Stripe-necked Musk Turtle Sternotherus minor* U + U U Temporary Pond: Wetlands usually full during Stinkpot Sternotherus odoratus* A + C A U Southern Painted Turtle Chrysemys picta* C + C C winter and spring but dry up during the summer. Yellow-bellied Slider Trachemys scripta* A + + A A C C Usually small with no outlet (isolated), and do Alabama Map Turtle Graptemys pulchra* C + C C U not contain large predatory fish. For this reason Chicken Turtle Deirochelys reticularia* C + + C C U they are excellent breeding habitats for certain River Cooter Pseudemys concinna* C + + C C C U amphibians. Usually shallow and grassy, but can Spiny Softshell Apalone spinifera C + C C be very small ditches. Pine Woods Tree Frog Smooth Softshell Apalone mutica ? + Tuskegee National Forest boasts a large number of Alligator Snapping Turtle Macrochelys temminckii ? + Large Creek: Example: Uphapee, Choctafaula amphibian (35) and reptile (45) species. It is Common Snapping Turtle Chelydra serpentina* U + + U Creek. 30-60 feet wide, with deep pools and endowed with many habitat types, from dry Lizards heavy current. Large logs and snags are excellent longleaf pine sandhills to permanent natural Broad-headed Skink Eumeces laticeps* C + + C C for basking turtles. wetlands, offering habitat for a diverse assemblage Mole Skink Eumeces egregius X + Southeastern Five-lined Skink Eumeces inexpectatus U + U U of these animals. Five-lined Skink Eumeces fasciatus* C + + + C C C U Small Creek: Small creeks draining into and out This National Forest is on the Fall Line of Alabama, Ground Skink Scincella lateralis* C + + C C C of beaver ponds; Seepage areas. Shallow creeks Six Lined Racerunner Aspidoscelis sexlineatus* C + C C only 3-6 feet wide. Good breeding habitat for a geographic boundary between distinct ecological regions. Due to its proximity to Auburn Eastern Glass Lizard Ophisaurus ventralis ? + + stream-breeding salamanders and frogs. Slender Glass Lizard Ophisaurus attenuatus X + + University, Tuskegee has a long history of Eastern Fence Lizard Sceloporus undulatus* C + + + C C C U Hardwood Forest: Forest mostly with non- amphibian and reptile research. Green Anole Anolis carolinensis* A + + + + + A A C C coniferous trees, such as oaks and hickories. * denotes detection of this species during 2006-2009 survey Usually fairly moist leaf litter on forest floor. The best way to use this checklist is to plan your This checklist is based on over 50 years of collections from Auburn University scientists A = abundant (observation practically guaranteed in Often younger forests contain many pines. herpetological adventure; we have included appropriate habitat) information on habitat and seasonal abundance so dating from before the forests' establishment C = common (observed frequently in appropriate habitat) Depending on moisture, can be swampy or in 1959 until today (2009). Habitat and seasonal scrubby. you can determine the best strategy to view U = uncommon (observed infrequently in appropriate habitat) wildlife. You can also keep track of what you see information is based on a recent R = rare (only recorded one to three times in Tuskegee survey of Tuskegee from 2006-2009 and make notes, and if you visit the forest National Forest) Upland Pine: Forest mostly with pine trees, by Sean Graham and colleagues. P = occurs near TNF and probably occurs here repeatedly you can compare your checklists or especially longleaf pine. This forest type requires The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in ? = occurs near TNF and may be present here fire to exist, and forest managers are actively keep adding new finds to an old one. Do not all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, X = not recorded recently; possibly extirpated collect native wildlife, it is illegal. Do not release sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or mari- managing the uplands to bring this forest back. tal or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Often open, with a grassy forest floor. unwanted pets or exotic animals. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communica- tion of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).To Open Grassy: Breaks in the forest, often man- You may find something never recorded from this file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Forest or for this area of Alabama. If you think Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, made and managed (wildlife openings, food SW, Washington, DC 20250- 9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and plots). you’ve found a new record, contact the Forest TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Service at (334) 727-2652. Brochure prepared by Sean P. Graham and David A. Steen Cottonmouth Temporary Pond OpenGrassy Large Creek Upland Upland Pine Amphibians and Reptiles of Small Creek Abundance Hardwood Checklist Amphibians and Reptiles of Summer Tuskegee National Forest Winter Spring Pond Fall Tuskegee National Forest Common Name Scientific Name Temporary Pond Snakes Open Grassy Large Creek Upland Upland Pine Small Creek Ringneck Snake Diadophis punctatus* C + + + C C C Abundance Hardwood Checklist Summer Eastern Hognose Snake Heterodon platyrhinos P + + Winter Spotted Salamander Spring Pond Worm Snake Carphophis amoenus P + Fall Common Name Scientific Name Black Racer Coluber constrictor* C+++++++CCCU Salamanders Scarlet Snake Cemophora coccinea* U + + + U Marbled Salamander Ambystoma opacum* C + C C C Mud Snake Farancia abacura* U + + U Spotted Salamander Ambystoma maculatum C + C Mole Kingsnake Lampropeltis calligaster ? + + + Mole Salamander Ambystoma talpoideum* C + C Eastern Kingsnake Lampropeltis getula* U + + + U U U Tiger Salamander Ambystoma tigrinum X + Scarlet Kingsnake Lampropeltis elapsoides ? + Southern Two-lined Salamander Eurycea cirrigera* C + C C C C Corn Snake Elaphe guttata X + + + Three-lined Salamander Eurycea guttolineata* C + + + C Grey Rat Snake Elaphe spiloides* U + + + U U U Chamberlain's Dwarf Salamander Eurycea chamberlaini* C + + + C U U C Coachwhip Masticophis flagellum* U + + U U Slimy Salamander Plethodon glutinosus* U + + C U U U Rough Green Snake Opheodrys aestivus P + + Spotted Dusky Salamander Desmognathus conanti* C + C C C C Eastern Garter Snake Thamnophis sirtalis* C+++++++CCU Red Spotted Newt Notophthalmus viridescens* C + + C C C C Eastern Ribbon Snake Thamnophis sauritus* C + + + + C C U Red Salamander Pseudotriton ruber* C + C C C C Brown Snake Storeria dekayi* C+++++++CCU Mud Salamander Pseudotriton montanus U + Redbelly Snake Storeria occipitomaculata U + + + U U U Four-toed Salamander Hemidactylium scutatum R + + + U Northern Watersnake Nerodia sipedon* U + + + + U U U Three-toed Amphiuma Amphiuma tridactylium* C + C Plain-bellied Watersnake Nerodia erythrogaster* C + + + + + C C C Two-toed Amphiuma Amphiuma means C + C Diamondback Watersnake Nerodia rhombifer ? + Lesser Siren Siren intermedia* C + + C C Gulf Coast Waterdog Necturus cf. beyeri P + Queen Snake Regina septemvitatta R + + Frogs and Toads Glossy Crayfish Snake Regina rigida* U + + + U U U Bronze Frog, "banjo frog" Rana clamitans* A + + + + A A Smooth Earth Snake Virginia valeriae* U + + U U U Bullfrog Rana catesbeiana* A + + + A A Rough Earth Snake Virginia striatula U + Southern Leopard Frog Rana sphenocephala* A + + + + C C C A Southeastern Crowned Snake Tantilla coronata R + Green Treefrog Hyla cinerea* A + A A Cottonmouth Agkistrodon piscivorus* A + + + + + A A C U Gray Treefrog Hyla chrysoscelis* C + + A C C Copperhead Agkistrodon contortrix* C + + C C U Squirrel Treefrog Hyla squirella* U + U U U Timber Rattlesnake Crotalus horridus* U + + U U U Pine Woods Treefrog Hyla femoralis* C + + C C Pigmy Rattlesnake Sistrurus miliarius ? + + Bird-voiced Treefrog Hyla avivoca* A + + A C Barking Treefrog Hyla gratiosa* C + C C Spring Peeper Pseudacris crucifer* A + + C U A * denotes detection of this species during 2006-2009 survey Upland Chorus Frog Pseudacris feriarum* A + + C A A = abundant (observation practically guaranteed in Mountain Chorus Frog Pseudacris brachyphona U + U U appropriate habitat) Ornate Chorus Frog Pseudacris ornata ? + C = common (observed frequently in appropriate habitat) Northern Cricket Frog Acris crepitans* C + + + + C C C U = uncommon (observed infrequently in appropriate habitat) Southern Cricket Frog Acris gryllus* A + + + + A A A U R = rare (only recorded one to three times in Tuskegee Southern Toad Bufo terrestris* C + + C National Forest) Oak Toad Bufo quercicus X + P = occurs near TNF and probably occurs here Fowler's Toad Bufo fowleri* C + + C C ? = occurs near TNF and may be present here Eastern Narrowmouth Toad Gastrophryne carolinensis* C + + C C X = not recorded recently; possibly extirpated Eastern Spadefoot Scaphiopus holbrookii* U + U Corn Snake .
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Indiana Snakes Are Listed Here, and Not All Streams, Ponds and Lakes Suns Beside Creeks
    Midwest Worm Snake Carphophis amoenus satiny gray below with a brown or dark amber Fox Snake Elaphe vulpina This snake version of the earthworm is iris of the eye. The blue racer may show Blue This snake of marshes and wet places has brown above and has a pink belly and sides. It varying shades of gunmetal gray or blue above bold blotches, a grayish- or brownish-yellow is secretive and seldom seen, spending most of and below with a darker head and eye area. Mixed body and a dull orange/reddish head and tail. its time under stones, boards and logs where Racers move fast and sometimes appear to Black It vibrates its tail if cornered, but rarely bites. the ground is moist. It feeds on soft-bodied “chase” people. In fact, this behavior is often Snakes insects and earthworms. associated with courtship and may be used to drive an Black Kingsnake Lampropeltis getulus getulus intruder out of a territory. This glossy black snake has speckles of Rough Green Snake Opheodrys aestivas white and cream that may be less apparent in Smooth Green Snake Opheodrys vernalis Eastern Milk Snake older snakes. It lives on streambanks and in Both species are green above with white, Lampropeltis triangulatum triangulatum moist meadows, where it feeds on other yellow or pale green bellies. The rough green Red Milk Snake snakes, turtle eggs, mice and voles. It is snake has keeled scales that give it a rough Lampropeltis triangulatum syspila “V” generally secretive and can be found under texture. This snake, listed as a species of This snake’s taste for mice makes pattern boards, logs and debris.
    [Show full text]
  • Significant New Records of Amphibians and Reptiles from Georgia, USA
    GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION 597 Herpetological Review, 2015, 46(4), 597–601. © 2015 by Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles Significant New Records of Amphibians and Reptiles from Georgia, USA Distributional maps found in Amphibians and Reptiles of records for a variety of amphibian and reptile species in Georgia. Georgia (Jensen et al. 2008), along with subsequent geographical All records below were verified by David Bechler (VSU), Nikole distribution notes published in Herpetological Review, serve Castleberry (GMNH), David Laurencio (AUM), Lance McBrayer as essential references for county-level occurrence data for (GSU), and David Steen (SRSU), and datum used was WGS84. herpetofauna in Georgia. Collectively, these resources aid Standard English names follow Crother (2012). biologists by helping to identify distributional gaps for which to target survey efforts. Herein we report newly documented county CAUDATA — SALAMANDERS DIRK J. STEVENSON AMBYSTOMA OPACUM (Marbled Salamander). CALHOUN CO.: CHRISTOPHER L. JENKINS 7.8 km W Leary (31.488749°N, 84.595917°W). 18 October 2014. D. KEVIN M. STOHLGREN Stevenson. GMNH 50875. LOWNDES CO.: Langdale Park, Valdosta The Orianne Society, 100 Phoenix Road, Athens, (30.878524°N, 83.317114°W). 3 April 1998. J. Evans. VSU C0015. Georgia 30605, USA First Georgia record for the Suwannee River drainage. MURRAY JOHN B. JENSEN* CO.: Conasauga Natural Area (34.845116°N, 84.848180°W). 12 Georgia Department of Natural Resources, 116 Rum November 2013. N. Klaus and C. Muise. GMNH 50548. Creek Drive, Forsyth, Georgia 31029, USA DAVID L. BECHLER Department of Biology, Valdosta State University, Valdosta, AMBYSTOMA TALPOIDEUM (Mole Salamander). BERRIEN CO.: Georgia 31602, USA St.
    [Show full text]
  • Maryland Envirothon: Wildlife Section
    3/17/2021 Maryland Envirothon: Class Amphibia & Reptilia KERRY WIXTED WILDLIFE AND HERITAGE SERVICE March 2021 1 Amphibia Overview •>40 species in Maryland •Anura (frogs & toads) •Caudata (salamanders & newts) •Lay soft, jelly-like eggs (no shell) •Have larval state with gills •Breathe & drink through skin Gray treefrog by Kerry Wixted Note: This guide is an overview of select species found in Maryland. 2 Anura • ~20 species in Maryland • Frogs & toads • Short-bodied & tailless (as adults) • Typically lay eggs in water & hatch into aquatic larvae Green treefrog by Kerry Wixted Order: Anura 3 1 3/17/2021 Family Bufonidae (Toads) Photo by Kerry Wixted by Photo Kerry Photo by Judy Gallagher CC 2.0 CC by by Photo Gallagher Judy American Toad (Anaxyrus americanus ) Fowler's Toad (Anaxyrus fowleri) 2-3.5”; typically 1-2 spots/ wart; parotoid gland is 2-3”; typically 3+ spots/ wart; parotoid gland separated from the cranial crest or connected narrowly is in contact w/ the cranial crest; Call: a short, by a spur; enlarged warts on tibia; Call: an elongated trill brash and whiny call lasting 2-4 seconds or whir lasting 5-30 seconds and resembles a simultaneous whistle and hum Order: Anura; Family Bufonidae 4 Family Hylidae (Treefrogs) Spring Peeper Gray Treefrog & Cope’s Gray Treefrog (Pseudacris crucifer) (Hyla versicolor & Hyla chrysoscelis) 0.75 - 1.25”; Brown, tan, or yellowish with dark X-shaped 1.25 - 2” (Identical in appearance); Gray to white with mark on back; Dark bar between eye; Mask from nose darker streaking, resembling a tree knot; Cream square through eye and tympanum, often extending down side below each eye; Inner thigh yellow or orange; enlarged Call: Clear, shrill, high-pitched whistle or peep toe pads; Call (H.
    [Show full text]
  • Amphibians and Reptiles of Bankhead National Forest Hardwood Checklist Summer Winter Spring Pond
    Habitats of Bankhead National Forest AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES OF Large Creek/River BANKHEAD NATIONAL FOREST Temporary Pond Pond: Permanent wetlands, either natural Amphibians and Reptiles of Open Grassy Upland Pine Small Creek Abundance (beaver ponds) or human impoundments, e.g. Bankhead National Forest Hardwood Checklist Summer Winter Brushy Creek Lake. Usually large areas of open Spring Pond water with pond lilies and aquatic vegetation. Fall Common Name Scientific Name Turtles Temporary Pond: Wetlands usually full during Spiny Softshell Apalone spinifera P + P P P winter and spring but dry during summer. Common Snapping Turtle Chelydra serpentina* C + + + + C C C Usually small with no outlet (isolated) and no Common Map Turtle Graptemys geographica U + + U U U large predatory fish. They are excellent breeding Alabama Map Turtle Graptemys pulchra P + P P P habitats for certain amphibians. Usually shallow Mud Turtle Kinosternon subrubrum U + + + U U U and grassy but can be very small ditches. Alligator Snapping Turtle Macrochelys temminckii ? + ? ? ? River Cooter Pseudemys concinna* C + + C U U Large Creek: Example: Sipsey Fork. 30-60 feet Flattened Musk Turtle Sternotherus depressus U + + U U U wide, with deep pools and heavy current. Large Red Milk Snake Stinkpot Sternotherus odoratus* U + + + U U U logs and snags are excellent for basking turtles. Bankhead National Forest, comprising nearly 182,000 Yellow-bellied Slider Trachemys scripta* C + + + C C C acres, represents one of the largest tracts of contiguous Often contain large boulders and flat rocks. Eastern Box Turtle Terrapene carolina* A + + + C A C forest in Alabama. The unique mixture of moist hardwood forests and drier pine uplands boasts a wide Small Creek: Small creeks draining upland Lizards variety of amphibians (26 species) and reptiles (46 Green Anole Anolis carolinensis* A + + + A A C areas; seepage areas.
    [Show full text]
  • Eastern Wormsnake Carphophis Amoenus
    Natural Heritage Eastern Wormsnake & Endangered Species Carphophis amoenus Program State Status: Threatened www.mass.gov/nhesp Federal Status: None Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife DESCRIPTION: Eastern Wormsnakes are small, glossy, thin snakes, and range from 18-37 cm (7-14.5 inches) in length. The body is unpatterned, gray or tan to dark brown. Distinguishing characteristics include a slightly flattened and pointed nose, small eyes, and a pink venter. Venter coloration extends onto sides of body to include 1st to 2nd scale rows. The tail length is short and has a blunt spine-like tip. The body typically has 13 scale rows. The scales are unkeeled and the annual plate is divided. They are a non-venomous snake in the Coluidae family. Based on research conducted in Kentucky, females Eastern Wormsnakes are slightly larger than males (mass: F = about 6.6g, M = about 4.6g); number of ventral scales (F = 112-150, M = 106-138). However, Copyright J.D.Wilson, 2006; www.discoverlife.org males have a longer tail length/body length (F = 11.3- 20.3, M = 13.4-20.4) and greater average number of SIMILAR SPECIES IN MASSACHUSETTS: There subcaudal scales (F = 14-36, M = 25-40). are three small snakes in Massachusetts that may be confused with the Eastern Wormsnake. The little brown Juveniles look like adults but the pattern is darker brown snake (Storeria dekayi) has a faint pattern of parallel and the venter brighter pink. spotting on the dorsum and lacks a pointed snout. The ring-necked snake (Diadophis punctatus) has a distinct cream or yellow colored ring across the neck and a cream colored venter; some have black crescent-shaped spots down the mid-venter.
    [Show full text]
  • Legal Authority Over the Use of Native Amphibians and Reptiles in the United States State of the Union
    STATE OF THE UNION: Legal Authority Over the Use of Native Amphibians and Reptiles in the United States STATE OF THE UNION: Legal Authority Over the Use of Native Amphibians and Reptiles in the United States Coordinating Editors Priya Nanjappa1 and Paulette M. Conrad2 Editorial Assistants Randi Logsdon3, Cara Allen3, Brian Todd4, and Betsy Bolster3 1Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies Washington, DC 2Nevada Department of Wildlife Las Vegas, NV 3California Department of Fish and Game Sacramento, CA 4University of California-Davis Davis, CA ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS WE THANK THE FOLLOWING PARTNERS FOR FUNDING AND IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS RELATED TO THE DEVELOPMENT, EDITING, AND PRODUCTION OF THIS DOCUMENT: US Fish & Wildlife Service Competitive State Wildlife Grant Program funding for “Amphibian & Reptile Conservation Need” proposal, with its five primary partner states: l Missouri Department of Conservation l Nevada Department of Wildlife l California Department of Fish and Game l Georgia Department of Natural Resources l Michigan Department of Natural Resources Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation Arizona Game and Fish Department US Fish & Wildlife Service, International Affairs, International Wildlife Trade Program DJ Case & Associates Special thanks to Victor Young for his skill and assistance in graphic design for this document. 2009 Amphibian & Reptile Regulatory Summit Planning Team: Polly Conrad (Nevada Department of Wildlife), Gene Elms (Arizona Game and Fish Department), Mike Harris (Georgia Department of Natural Resources), Captain Linda Harrison (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission), Priya Nanjappa (Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies), Matt Wagner (Texas Parks and Wildlife Department), and Captain John West (since retired, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) Nanjappa, P.
    [Show full text]
  • 09/24/2002 11:12 Am
    ACTION: NO DATE: 09/24/2002 CHANGE 11:12 AM 1501:31-25-04 Reptiles and amphibians regulations. (A) "Native" reptiles or amphibians are those taxa listed in Ohio Revised Code section 1531.01 (WW) and (XX) and includes any individual, parts, eggs, tadpoles, or offspring dead or alive. (B) No endangered reptile or amphibian designated as such may be possessed, bred, sold, offered for sale, traded or bartered except in accordance with Ohio Revised Code section 1531.25 and Ohio Administrative Code rules 1501:31-23-01 and 1501:31-25-04 (this rule). (C) Except as provided in paragraph (B) of this rule, an Ohio resident, with a propagating license, may possess native reptiles or amphibians, live or dead which have been wild captured, legally obtained from out of state or captively produced. The following are exceptions to this rule: (1) The following taxa shall be taken, bought and/or sold in accordance with Ohio Administrative Code rule 1501:31-13-05: Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) Green frog (Rana clamitans) Snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina serpentina) Spiny softshell turtle (Apalone spinifera spinifera) Smooth softshell turtle (Apalone mutica mutica) (2) Except as provided in paragraph (B) of this rule and paragraph (B) of rule 1501:31-13-05 of the Administrative Code, an Ohio resident 17 years of age or younger may possess without a propagating license not more than four individuals or 25 eggs, tadpoles, or larvae of each native reptile or amphibian, live or dead which have been taken from the wild, legally obtained from out of state or captively produced.
    [Show full text]
  • Snakes of New Jersey Brochure
    Introduction Throughout history, no other group of animals has undergone and sur- Snakes: Descriptions, Pictures and 4. Corn snake (Elaphe guttata guttata): vived such mass disdain. Today, in spite of the overwhelming common 24”-72”L. The corn snake is a ➣ Wash the bite with soap and water. Snakes have been around for over 100,000,000 years and despite the Range Maps state endangered species found odds, historically, 23 species of snakes existed in New Jersey. However, sense and the biological facts that attest to the snake’s value to our 1. Northern water snake (Nerodia sipedon sipedon): ➣ Immobilize the bitten area and keep it lower than your environment, a good portion of the general public still looks on the in the Pine Barrens of NJ. It heart. most herpetologists believe the non-venomous queen snake is now 22”-53”L. This is one of the most inhabits sandy, forested areas SNAKES OF extirpated (locally extinct) in New Jersey. 22 species of snakes can still snake as something to be feared, destroyed, or at best relegated to common snakes in NJ, inhabit- preferring pine-oak forest with be found in the most densely populated state in the country. Two of our glassed-in cages at zoos. ing freshwater streams, ponds, an understory of low brush. It ➣ lakes, swamps, marshes, and What not to do if bitten by a snake species are venomous, the timber rattlesnake and the northern All snakes can swim, but only the northern water snake and may also be found in hollow queen snake rely heavily on waterbodies.
    [Show full text]
  • Venomous Snakes in Pennsylvania
    Coexisting with snakes Snakes are an essential component of Pennsylvania’s wildlife What are the Differences? resources. Fear of snakes often stems from a lack of knowledge of its habits and role in the ecosystem. Some people don’t think about Pennsylvania snakes until snakes show up in their backyard, shed or house. The Venomous or nonvenomous? majority of snakes appearing in these areas are nonvenomous and There are 18 nonvenomous and three venomous snake harmless. Still, it is understandable that when a snake is discovered Snakes species in Pennsylvania. Some key physical differences between near or in the house, people quickly seek a way to remove it. these two groups of Pennsylvania snakes facilitate identification. Take precautions to prevent snakes from entering dwellings. All Pennsylvania native venomous snakes possess an Sealing openings and cracks, especially at or near ground level, is indentation or pit on each side of the head between the eye and an excellent preventive measure. Removing debris in the yard or nostril, a vertically elliptical eye pupil resembling that of a cat, and moving the wood pile farther from the house can also help. Snakes a single row of scales on the underside of the tail. have biological needs such as food and cover that must be met Nonvenomous Pennsylvania native snakes do not possess for them to remain in a location. If those needs are not met, they facial pits, have round eye pupils and a double row of scales on move on. the underside of the tail. Field guides are great tools for bridging gaps in knowledge.
    [Show full text]
  • Reptiles of Tennessee
    11/5/2015 Reptiles of Tennessee William Sutton, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Wildlife Ecology Tennessee State University General Comments • Reptiles are ectothermic, scaled vertebrates that generally lay shelled eggs • Two major clades (diapsids and anapsids) • Diapsids (crocodiles, lizards, snakes, tuatara, and birds) • Therapsids (current-day mammals) • Anapsids (Turtles and tortoises) General Comments • General taxonomy of reptiles • Do it with me now! Kingdom – Animalia Phylum – Chordata Class – Reptilia Order – Squamata (Lacertilia, Serpentes, Amphisbaenia) Crocodilia Testudines Sphenodontia Family – Colubridae Genus – Lampropeltis Species – triangulum 1 11/5/2015 General Comments • Reptile families in TN • Squamata (Lacertilia [Lizards]) - Dactyloidae - Phrynosomatidae - Anguidae - Scincidae - Teiidae • Squamata (Serpentes [snakes]) - Colubridae - Viperidae • Testudines - Emydidae - Chelydridae - Trionychidae - Kinosternidae Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis) Family - Dactyloidae 1. Lime green coloration 2. Pointed snout 3. Blocky scalation 4. Large dewlap in males 5. Large toepads 6. Common in dry, sun-exposed habs. 7. Oviparous Eastern Fence Lizard (Sceloporus undulatus) Family - Phrynosomatidae 1. Sharp (keeled) scales 2. Gray-brown dorsal coloration 3. Striking blue/white venter 4. Clawed toetips 5. Common in dry, sun-exposed habs. 6. Oviparous 2 11/5/2015 North Americ Racer (Coluber constrictor) Family - Colubridae 1. Double anal plate 2. Smooth scales 3. Jet black dorsum, white chin/belly 4. Circular in cross-section 5. Oviparous 6. Non-Venomous Eastern/Gray Ratsnake (Pantherophis spiloides/alleghaniensis) Family - Colubridae 1. Double anal plate 2. Weakly keeled scales 3. Blackish/white/gray mottling on dorsum 4. Whitish throat and ventrum 5. Loaf-like in cross section 6. Oviparous 7. Non-venomous Eastern Black Kingsnake (Lampropeltis nigra) Family - Colubridae 1. Single anal plate 2.
    [Show full text]
  • Carphophis Vermis (Kennicott)
    HTTPS://JOURNALS.KU.EDU/REPTILESANDAMPHIBIANSTABLE OF CONTENTS IRCF REPTILES & AMPHIBIANSREPTILES • VOL15, & N OAMPHIBIANS 4 • DEC 2008 189• 28(2): 306 • AUG 2021 IRCF REPTILES & AMPHIBIANS CONSERVATION AND NATURAL HISTORY TABLE OF CONTENTS FEATUREAn Amelanistic ARTICLES Western Wormsnake . Chasing Bullsnakes (Pituophis catenifer sayi) in Wisconsin: (CarphophisOn the Road to Understanding thevermis Ecology and Conservation) offrom the Midwest’s Giant Missouri, Serpent ...................... Joshua M. Kapfer USA 190 . The Shared History of Treeboas (Corallus grenadensis) and Humans on Grenada: A Hypothetical Excursion ............................................................................................................................Robert W. Henderson 198 John S. Parmerlee, Jr. and Robert Powell RESEARCH ARTICLES Department of Biology, Avila University, Kansas City, Missouri 64145, USA ([email protected] [corresponding author], [email protected]) . The Texas Horned Lizard in Central and Western Texas ....................... Emily Henry, Jason Brewer, Krista Mougey, and Gad Perry 204 . The Knight Anole (Anolis equestris) in Florida .............................................Brian J. Camposano, Kenneth L. Krysko, Kevin M. Enge, Ellen M. Donlan, and Michael Granatosky 212 ccounts of CONSERVATIONunusually colored wormsnakes ALERT in the genus is nearly white with just a faint pinkish hue (Fig. 1). The eyes ACarphophis (Allard. World’s 1945; Mammals Harrisin Crisis ..............................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • North Carolina Reptiles and Amphibians of Historical Note in the Collection of the Zoological Survey of India
    Th e Jo11rnal of rhe Elisha Mirche/1 Scienrific Sociecy, 115(1), 1999, pp. 1- 7 NORTH CAROLINA REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS OF HISTORICAL NOTE IN THE COLLECTION OF THE ZOOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA AARON M. BAUER Department of Biology, Villanova University Villanova, PA 19085-1699 INDRANEIL DAS Institute of Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Sarawak, Malaysia Abstract: The collection of the Zoological Survey of India in Calcutta contains several North American reptile and amphibian specimens of historical note. Three type specimens of snakes, two of which are still extant, currently regarded as junior synonyms of Farancia abacura, F. erytrogramma, and Virginia striatula, are among these specimens. The bulk of the mid-19th Century American herpe­ tological material in Calcutta was obtained through a donation of a collection from the North Carolina Coastal Plain, probably from the vicinity of Jackson, Northampton County, to the Asiatic Society of Bengal in the mid-1850s. Key words: Reptilia; Serpentes; North Carolina; Zoological Survey of India. INTRODUCTION The collection of the Zoological Survey of India (formerly the Indian Museum, and earlier, the Asiatic Society of Bengal) is large and historically significant and contains the type material associated with a large number of amphibian and reptile species. Among the noteworthy portions of the collection are specimens amassed by and/or reported on by workers such as Theodore Cantor (1809-1860), Edward Blyth (1810- 1873), Thomas Jerdon ( 1811- 1872), John Anderson (1833- 1900), William Blanford (1832-1905), William Theobald (1829-1908), Ferdinand Sto­ liczka (1838-1874), William Sclater (1863- 1944), and Thomas Nelson Annandale (1876-1924).
    [Show full text]