Welcome!

Welcome Classes of Herpetologists in 2009! This site is our second attempt to establish a interstate herpetology link to share interesting information about herps and the animals that we will see over the next semester in three different areas along the Eastern US--the coastal plain of SC, and western TN (a new an exciting addition to our herpetological transect), and the breadbasket of OH.

Why, you ask? Well, because learning is fun and we thought you all might enjoy learning about exotic locations with modern technology. Additionally, we each have some different herps in our respectable and respective locations. It is our dream in OH that you sandlappers will find a glass lizard and report the thrill and excitement you felt upon finding it (and a picture would be nice too). We hope the Volunteer State Herpers will find a three-toed amphiuma and show us each of it's lovely toes. We buckeyes on the other hand, will be looking for a gorgeous massasauga or the elusive green salamander, which we will happily and electronically share with you.

Actually, we hope that you will share anything and everything. Happy blogging and happy herping! (posted by Michelle Boone in OH)

Pictures from Panama

I just thought I would share some cool herp pictures from Panama, so here they are! The first is (obviously) an Iguana, and unfortunately for him he was sick...which is the only reason I could get so close to him without being torn up by his tail. The second picture is an aboreal toad. Number three is a gecko eating a bug. There were three species of gecko on the island we stayed at and I proudly found them all :). I was excited. Number four is a marine toad and the fifth is a poison arrow frog. There were three different colors in the rainforrest. I have more pictures that I will post soon!

- Kim Alford

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)