U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Reptiles and Amphibians Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge

Amphibians and Reptiles Great Plains Toad (Bufo cognatus) blossoms of the creosote bush are an important May occur throughout the drainage areas of the food. When sprinting, this species runs on its Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge is refuge, in the eastern valleys. hind legs. comprised of 860,000 acres of Lower Sonoran Desert habitat. A general look at the refuge Sonoran Green Toad (Bufo retiformes) Zebra-tailed lizard (Callisaurus draconoides) depicts small but very rugged mountain ranges, Very localized. In the United States occurs only A swift moving, colorful lizard with a black and separated by broad alluvial plains except in the in southern Arizona. On the refuge it is present white ringed tail usually seen in the valleys and lower central portion, where a volcanic in the Aqua Dulce Mountains and the lower San lower hills throughout the refuge. formation penetrates the refuge from Mexico. Cristobal Wash area. Colorado Desert Fringe-toed Lizard (Uma The over-all hot and dry climate of the refuge is Colorado River Toad (Bufo alvarius) notata) ideally suited to the needs of cold-blooded Largest native toad in the western U.S., with Highly localized in the sand dune area reptiles. Generally the region experiences adults often 20 cm long in length. This toad is surrounding the Pinacate lava field. When 90-100 straight days of 100 degrees F. common at water tanks and catchments pursued, this lizard readily runs and buries temperatures during June to October. Rainfall throughout the refuge. itself in loose sand. on the refuge varies from a 7.5 cm average in the western regions, to a 20 cm average on the Red-spotted Toad (Bufo punctatus) Collared Lizard east side (a distance of some 60 miles). Rainfall Most common toad throughout the refuge. (Crotaphytus collaris) occurs during July, August, and September in This lizard inhabits rocky areas throughout the the form of brief but intense summer thunder Frogs refuge where it may be seen jumping from rock showers along with longer winter storms that Canyon Treefrog (Hyla arenicolor) to rock searching for other lizards and crickets. soak into the ground. Freezing temperatures Highly localized, present at or near natural Being an aggressive reptile, the collared lizard during the winter months rarely occur. permanent water sites. may attempt to bite if caught.

The species listed in this brochure are the result Other toad and frog species thought to occur on Long-nosed Leopard Lizard (Gambelia of notes and observations of many people over the refuge include: Western Spadefoot Toad wislizenii) the course of several years. (Scaphiopus hammondii); Woodhouse’s Toad Not common. Present primarily in lowlands and (Bufo woodhousei australis); and the flats across the southern portions of the refuge. The list is considered to be incomplete and is Burrowing Treefrog (Pternohyla fodiens). Habits similar to C. collaris feeding mainly on intended to offer an introduction for the refuge lizards, spiders, and insects. visitors. Reptiles Desert Spiny Lizard Amphibians are described as having moist Turtles (Sceloporus magister) Associated primarily with brushy areas such as glandular skin, and toes without claws. Their Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agassizi) young pass through a larval stage (usually Present in the eastern portions (Pima County) mesquite thickets. Very recognizable by its aquatic) before metamorphosing into the adult. of this refuge. This desert dweller is most thick, heavy scales. It has a very thick body and is stoutly built. Frogs and toads belong to this group. active in the spring and following late summer rains. Flowers and new green growth are Reptiles have scales, shield or plates covering favorite foods of the tortoise. The tortoise Long-tailed Brush Lizard (Urosaurus graciosus) their bodies and their toes (when present) bear becomes dormant in burrows during the hottest claws. In this group belong the turtles, lizard, summer and cooler winter months. Present in valleys, associated with mesquite and snakes. and palo verde stands. Aptly named as its tail is Lizards often twice as long as its body length. Amphibians Desert Banded Gecko (Coleonyx variegatus) Tree Lizard (Urosaurus ornatus) This colorful little lizard is present throughout Found in brushy areas throughout the refuge Toads and frogs are not generally thought of as the refuge but is seldom seen as it is nocturnal. resident of the desert, but some five toads and The gecko is capable of emiting chirping and Side Blotched Lizard (Uta stansburiana) at least one frog species occur on the Cabeza squeaking sounds. Prieta NWR. Most, such as the Colorado River Most common lizard observed on the refuge, and all months of the year. A warm December Toad, are located in close association with many Chuckwalla (Sauromalus obesus) or January day will bring out a few of these made water catchments or natural basins that Largest of the lizards on the refuge and is lizards. It is a relatively small lizard with little fill with water during summer storms. Others, present in all of the mountain ranges. Although dark spots behind its front legs. Males often such as Couch’s Spadefoot Toad, occur extremely wary, the chuckwalla can often be have small blue dots on their tails and backs. throughout the refuge and are very active seen sunning itself on top of distant boulders. It following summer thunder showers. is strictly a vegetarian. Desert Horned Lizard (Phyrnosoma platyrhinos) Toads Desert Iguana (Dipsosaurus doralis) Abundant throughout the refuge in valley areas Couch’s Spadefoot Toad (Scaphiopus couchi) This lizard occurs throughout the refuge often and washes. This member of the lizard family Occurs in the eastern valleys of the refuge. among kangaroo rat dens on creosote bush feeds almost exclusively on ants. As a defensive Most noted for its black “spades” on its hind covered flats. The rat dens provide living mechanism, these lizards can squirt blood from feet which it uses for digging and burrowing. quarters and protection while the yellow their eyes sockets. Regal Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma solare) Western Patch-nosed Snake (Salvadora Sidewinder (Crotalis cerastes) Common to the eastern portion of the refuge hexalepis) Easily the most common of the rattlesnakes (Pima County). Similar to P. platyrhinos except Found on the lower mountain slopes and valley inhabiting the refuge. It is present throughout its “horns” are larger and more distinctive. floors. Medium sized snake (around one meter) the area and is easily recognized by its “horns” with a pronounced triangular patch on nose. just above its eyes. Its unique method of Great Basin Whiptail (Cnemidophorus tigris) locomotion gives it its name. A whiptail is recognized by its long, sleek body, Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans) pointed nose and very long tail. These lizards A noctural resident of the refuge on valley Black-tailed Rattlesnake (Crotalis molossus) are common throughout the refuge and can floors and in brushy areas. Looks like faded A large rattlesnake with a black tail and often be seen during the heat of day searching gopher snake. Brown, cream, pinkish or sometimes also a black snout usually found in for termites and other insects. yellowish gray in color with gray blotches rocky hill areas. edged with black. Sonoran Spotted Whiptail (Cnemidophorus Tiger Rattlesnake (Crotalus tigris) sonorae) Gopher Snake (Pituophis melanoleucus) Active night and day. Back has irregular Present only in the far eastern portions of the One of the largest snakes on the refuge, often crossbands (’Tiger’ markings). Observed in refuge. The Little Ajo Mountains seem to be exceeding three meters. When encountered it Agua Dulce mountains near abandoned adits. the western edge of their range. A bright blue may flatten its head, vibrate its tail, and hiss tail separates these from the other whiptails. loudly, imitating a rattlesnake. Present Mojave Rattlesnake (Crotalis scutulatus) throughout the refuge. A common rattlesnake found in all areas of the Red-backed Whiptail (Cnemidophorus burti refuge. This snake should be considered very xanthonotus) California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getulus dangerous as its venom is highly toxic, Found on the refuge in the Agua Dulce californiae) containing substantial amounts of neurotoxin in Mountains. This subspecies has a limited and Medium-sized snake with smooth scales. addition to the regular hemotoxin found in other spotty distribution. It is found elsewhere in Observed on bajadas on the refuge. rattlesnakes. This snake will rarely rattle, even Arizona. when disturbed. Long-nosed Snake (Rinocheilus leconti) Gila Monster (Heloderma suspectum) A medium-sized, colorful snake which readily Other snake species thought to occur on the The only poisonous lizard in the United States. burrows into sand or gravel. Commonly seen on refuge include the Blind Snake (Leptotyphlops A large heavy bodied lizard with black and the refuge. humilis). orange, or pink ’bead-like’ scales. The gila monster kills its prey by chewing and grinding Western Shovel-nosed Snake (Chionactis The coral snake is a member of a group of with powerful jaws which allow its venom to occipitalis) snakes which deposit poison through a chewing run down grooves on its rear teeth. A small snake (30.5 cm) which burrows readily action which allows the venom to run into the through sand and gravel valley floors on the bite through hollow front teeth. Their venom is Other lizard species thought to occur on the refuge. a variety of neurotoxin which attacks the refuge are: Sonoran Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus nervous system of its victim. The poison of the clarki); Flat-tailed Horned Lizard Arizona Lyre Snake (Trimorphodon disutatus coral snake is highly toxic and very dangerous. (Phrynosoma m’callii); and the Desert Night lambda subsp.) Lizard (Xantusia vigilis). A resident primarily of rocky terrain. The lyre The lyre snakes poison victims in much the snake is mildly venomous; the effect of its same way as the coral snake – by chewing. Snakes venom on man is not well known. Not The difference being that the lyre snake’s Rosy Boa (Lichanura trivirgata) considered dangerous. grooved teeth are in the rear of its mouth. Not Observed on rocky bajadas. A heavy bodied a great deal is known about the venom of the snake. Scales are smooth and shiny with a slaty, Spotted Night Snake (Hypseglena torquata) lyre snake but it is not considered to be beige or rosy color. Another mildly venomous snake like the lyre dangerous to people. snake. It uses rear grooved teeth to “chew” Spotted Leaf-nosed Snake (Phyllorhynchus poison into a bite. Associated primarily with The rattlesnakes are truly an advanced decurtatus) rocky, low hills of the refuge. poisonous reptile. They are pit vipers, a group Lives on valley floors and in washes in the of snakes possessing a heat detecting pit on eastern portions of the refuge. The snakes Poisonous Snakes both sides of the head to help locate prey prefer the creosote bush flats where they feed Arizona Coral Snake (Micruroides passing close by. Their fangs are hollow on small lizards. euryxanthus) “needles” which extend outward when the A highly dangerous, poisonous snake which mouth is open and can literally “inject” poison Saddled Leaf-nosed Snake (Phyllorhynchus should never be handled. Only two verified into victims. Rattlesnakes are very common in browni) sightings of this snake on the refuge indicate the desert and this, along with their large size Closely related to the spotted leaf-nosed snake, that chances of encountering the coral snake makes them very dangerous snakes. The poison this snake occupies the rocky areas of the are probably slim. is a type of hemotoxin – the poison destroys desert between the valley floor and the blood cells which causes destruction and decay mountains. Closely associated with stands of Western Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalis of body tissue. saguaro cactus and palo verde vegetation belts. atrox) The largest of the western rattlesnakes and Note: obtain information on snake bite Coachwhip (Red Racer) (Masticophis probably the most dangerous due to its size. prevention before entering the refuge. flagellum) Found all across the refuge, primarily in the Present all across the refuge in the lower hills lower hills. and valley floors. It often uses rodent burrows under creosote bushes for hiding. Coachwhips Speckled Rattlesnake (Crotalis mitchelli) Remember are swift, aggressive, and may attempt to bite if Inhabits the rocky areas of the mountains. caught. Often confused with the tiger rattlesnake (C. To disturb in any way or to possess tigris). Positive identification is by counting any amphibian, reptile, or other Sonoran Whipsnake scales on the head. animal without proper (Masticophis bilineatus) authorization permit is a violation Occurring primarily in the Pima County portions of both state and federal laws. of the refuge. This species may climb trees, feeding on young birds and small lizards.