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Reptiles of the United States  
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A Guide to the Reptiles &
Amphibians of the United States
U.S. Reptile Guide snakes lizards Turtles turtles salamanders Alligators of the US
Snakes of the U.S.

Turtles Alter Nesting Dates Due To Temperature Change
Researchers say turtles nesting along the Mississippi River and other areas are altering their nesting dates in response to rising temperatures.
Jurassic Turtles Could Swim
Around 164 million years ago the earliest aquatic turtles lived in lakes and lagoons on the Isle of Skye, Scotland, according to new research.
Low Concentrations Of Pesticides Can Become Toxic Mixture For Amphibians
Ten of the world's most popular pesticides can decimate amphibian populations when mixed together even if the concentration of the individual chemicals are within limits considered safe, according to new research. Such "cocktails of contaminants" are frequently detected in nature, a new article notes.
Global Warming Link To Amphibian Declines In Doubt
Evidence that global warming is causing the worldwide declines of amphibians may not be as conclusive as previously thought, according to biologists. The findings, which contradict two widely held views, could help reveal what is killing the frogs and toads and aid in their conservation.
Loggerhead Turtle Release To Provide Vital Information To Scientific Community
Biologists will release two juvenile loggerhead sea turtles raised in captivity into the Indian River Lagoon near Sebastian Inlet. Dubbed Milton and FeeBee, the turtles were part of a sex ratio study.
 

An Online Guide to the Reptiles & Amphibians of the United States


Herpedia.com is not a reference for keeping reptiles or amphibians in your home, nor is it a truely scientific type encyclopedia that covers all of the different biological difference between two subspecies (i.e. genetic diferences). It leans more to listing and identifying the species & subspecies of every reptile and amphibian in North America that have been recognized to date. Information such as the person credited for the discovery, year of discovery (naming), the scientific name and pronounciation, distribution maps, conservation maps, photographs, and information pages for each that contain the size, general description, range, habitat, mating/breeding, etc.

 

Remember when you were a child and caught your first frog, turtle, or snake? To many of us, that was the beginning of a life long love of reptiles and amphibians. For me it was an on and off hobby until few years ago. Now it is a passion in my life that needed an outlet. I have researched many species over the years using books, magazine, and the interent. We always found it difficult to find the information in one place, and had to purchase mutliple reptile books and such to find out about different species from different parts of the world.

 

Amphibians

There are two of the three major groups of amphibians present in the United States and they are represented by 194 species. They are the salamanders (including newts) (112 species) and the frogs & toads (82 species).

Salamanders resemble lizards in that they have slender bodies, long tails, distinct body regions, and usually front and hinds legs of nearly the same size. Like most amphibians, they have a moist scaleless skin. Salamanders lack the scales, claws, and external ear opening that are present in lizards.

Frogs and Toads are easily identified by their hind feet. True frogs have webbed toes, Tree frogs have toe pads and webbing, Toads have tubercles and no webbing, Spadefoot Toads have a horny projection (the spade) and no webbing.

Reptiles

There are some 283 species of native and introduced species of reptiles in the U.S. They are represented by Crocodilians (3 species), turtles (59 species), lizards (115 species), amphisbaenid (1 species), and snakes (115 species).

Crocodilians, with their size alone, are easily identified as the giants of the reptiles in the U.S. Their size, massive heads, protruding eyes and nostrils, and heavily muscular bodies, compressed tails distinguish them from their cousins, the lizards.

Turtles are recognized by everyone by their shells, which are generally used to distinguish species.

Snakes are the most specializes group of reptiles. They are distinctive in having a long scaled body. Unlike lizards, they have no arms or legs, external ear openings, or eyelids.

Lizards share characteristics with the crocodilians and snakes, but unlike the crocodilians they lack the size, and unlike snakes, they have arms, legs, eyelids, and external ear openings. Snakes and lizards have three types of scales: smooth, keeled, and granular.

And the single species of Amphisbaenid is found in Florida and has a long limbless body that resembles an earthworm. The body scales have formed into rings that encircle the body.

 
 

 

 

 

Our Community of Reptile and Amphibian Sites


Below are listed links to our other reptile and amphibian sites. You will find some that contain information on just certain species, others provide information on keeping them in captivity, one that will help you find a rescue or shelter in your area so you can adopt or surrender a reptile, one to find a vet that will take your reptile, amphibian or other exotic pet, and finally one that is a full feature reptile community containing reptile forums, classifieds, auctions, galleries, and much more! Take a few minutes and stop by our other sites to read and learn about reptiles and amphibians.


Herp Kingdom     Reptile Rescue League     Herp Vet Directory     Reptile Care Sheets     East Coast Hots     Coral Snakes


 
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Reptiles & Amphibians Listed by State


Want to know what reptiles and amphibians are in your state? Now you can get a complete list of all reptiles and amphibians for each state in our "The Reptiles & Amphibian of the United States" state directory. Want to see how this project is coming along? Click Here

 

 

 

 

 

Recommended Reptile & Amphibian Books at Amazon.com


         

 

 

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