I don't know if anybody is still looking at this blog over the summer, but I found a legless lizard and thought I'd post it. This western slender glass lizard (Ophisaurus attenuatus) was found in
Clinton State Park in Lawrence, Kansas. I thought it was just a young snake at first until seeing that the snout-vent length (see 2nd photo) was only about 1/3 of the total body length.
-Andrew Henterly

Spotted Salamander

The other week we were fortunate enough to catch another spotted salamander, Ambystoma maculatum. These beautiful creatures are frequently 6-7 inches in length, and identified by the yellow or orange spots on its back. This specimen was discovered hiding under a log. These species are known to lay their eggs in large masses that are surrounded by a thick, jelly-like matrix. Algae sometimes colonize these masses, in what may be a symbiotic relationship posted by Brian Ulrich).

Fowler's Toad

This last field trip my main herp hunting partner, Beau, spotted a new creature. We were scanning an area of the forest that had a lot of leaf litter and small plants growing. The prized specimen was sitting under the cover of a small plant, but my quickness and agility proved too much for his escape attempt. I grabbed this little creature and we identified him as a Fowler's toad, Bufo woodhousii, and displayed him for our class. As this toad is known to reproduce during may and june, it is not surprising that we found him during this time. Part of the mating ritual of this species is for the male to call for a mate in intervals that may last 30 seconds. If another male amplexes a male then eh will release upon hearing a chirping release call. These toads will sometimes release a noxious secretion from glands on their back, or as in the case of this toad urinate on someone.

Northern Water Snake

This Northern Water Snake (Nerodia Sipedon) was caught at the Hueston Woods Quarry. It was under rock in the stream. Growing to lengths of up to 4 feet, these are the only water snakes found in the northern U.S. Unlike most snakes, they are live bearers, having up to 30 babies at a time. Their brown, gray or reddish colors are variable and their color darkens with age. Very wide spread species across their range. Commonly preyed upon by raccoons, opossums, foxes, and snapping turtles. (Phil Ritz)

Red-Eared Slider

The Red-Eared Slider (Trachemys scripta) was trapped in Bachelor Pond using sardines as bait. Specimen was large, probably at least 8 inches long. This particular individual was probably a pet that was released, as we are just north of their natural range. Not all specimens have the distinctive red stripe on their head. Sometimes it is yellow. The RES prefers muddy slow moving water with a variety of vegetation. (Phil Ritz)

Cricket Frog

Acris Cepitans. The cricket frog is North America's smallest vertebrate with a length of .75-1.5 inches. This specimen was caught at Bachelor Pond. Despite their small body size, they can leap up to 3 feet in one jump. Typically females will lay one egg at a time which is attached to a leaf. Within just a few days the eggs hatch.

(Phil Ritz)

Longtail salamander (Eurycea longicauda)

On our final excursion out into the field we had one of the greatest finds of the semester.  Dr. Boone was able to catch a longtail salamander (Eurycea longicauda) which she said has never been caught during any lab in the past.  It was found in Indian Creek close to the shore.  They are most commonly found under logs, stones, or along streams under rocks.  There habitat ranges from Tennessee up into southern New York.  The salamander is just barely in our range so it was very exciting to see a live specimen.  The specimen was about 4" which is a typical size for these types of salamanders although they can grow up to about 6 or 7".  These salamanders are easy to identify in the field due to there very long tails.  Also the pattern on their tails are quite unique.  Along the length of the tail they posses vertical black markings which can be somewhat seen in the picture above.  The rest of their orange bodies are covered in black spots.  Overall this was a very cool find and to have the opportunity to see one on our last day of class was amazing.  -Roland T. Lefebvre

Fowler's Toad (Bufo woodhousii)

In our last expedition out into the field we visited Indian Creek where we were able to find a brand new herp, the Fowler's Toad (Bufo woodhousii).  It was found in a small fairly non-moving tributary of the main creek.  The specimen was about 1 1/2" long meaning it still has some growing up to do since the Fowler's toad can grow to be 2-3" in length.

There are four main characteristics of this toad that helped us to identify it in the field.  First in its large black spots there are at least three warts.  Second its belly is usually unspotted.  Third it has no enlarged warts on the tibia.  Finally its parotoid gland touches the cranial ridge.  Usually at least three of these factors can be seen and will help to correctly identify this species.

The Fowler's toad ranges from Alabama and Georgia and up as far north as Michigan and across the US into Massachusetts and New Hampshire.  Therefore this toad can be found anywhere in Ohio.  The habitat in which it normally lives are andy areas, around lakes or in river valleys where we found our specimen.  Overall it was very exciting to have such a cool new find on our last day of herping as a class.  -Roland T. Lefebvre

Nerodia sipedon

The first snake we found was the northern water snake, Nerodia sipedon. This one was caught by Andrew. I caught one too, but it was much smaller and not very impressive looking. These guys were plentiful under rocks and were the most common snake we saw. N. sipedon are often mistaken for water moccasins, which are very poisonous. Water snakes are not venomous, but are very bitey and will try to bite you if you do not grip them behind their head.

This one was exceptionally large. Most of the Nerodia sipedon that we found would fit in the palm of your hand: http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/resources/cynthia_parr/watersnake.jpg/medium.jpg

"This resource may not be downloaded and used without permission of the copyright holder except for educational fair use."

I believe this is educational and fair usage.

-BL

Chelydra serpentina

This sucker is Chelydra serpentina. Since no one has yet to blog about him, I will take that chance. Snapping turtles are not social creatures and are vicious when out of their element (like when Morgan is holding it by its shell on its side). They tend to snap their sharp beaks and can reach a fair distance to the side... Further than one may think at first.
However, they are docile when back in water. Snapping turtles like to be in brackish, muddy water where they can dig in and ambush their prey. They are not an endangered species, but are occasionally run over by cars while searching for new nesting sites.

This one was found in a turtle trap set up by Andrew Tucker and Michelle Boone in the pond just outside Formal Gardens in Oxford, OH.

-BL

This is an apparently rare longtail salamander, Eurycea longicauda that Dr. Boone found today on our last field trip. The tail is almost half of the total body length. We found this guy under a rock along one of our fast flowing creeks. We usually only find red-backed salamanders (Plethodon cinereus) in this area, as they are much more common. We also came across some really great salamander egg masses, which someone else will hopefully post.
-Dominique Wagner

SC mystery herp #11

Hey SC herpers - Anybody want to comment on this "find" from our aquarium field trip?
-AW

SC aquarium

Our class and Rosie at the conclusion of our aquarium visit.

Terrapin field trip

SC herpers in front of beautiful Charleston Harbor (where the terrapins were supposed to be). Despite only catching one terrapin, most students were in good enough spirits to pose as their favorite herp!