Taxobox image Terrapene carolina major 2.jpg image size 240px regnum Animal ia phylum Chordata classis Reptile Reptilia ordo Testudines familia Emydidae genus Terrapene species Terrapene carolina T. carolina subspecies T. c. major trinomial Terrapene carolina major trinomial authority Louis Agassiz Agassiz , 1857 synonyms Cistudo major Louis Agassiz Agassiz , 1857 br Cistudo carolina var. major George Albert Boulenger Boulenger , 1889 br Terrapene major Allen, 1932 br Terrapene carolina major Archie Carr Carr , 1940 The Gulf Coast box turtle Terrapene carolina major is the largest subspecies of the North American box turtle Terrapene carolina . Description Gulf Coast box turtle s have a dome d shell which can grow to 8 inches in shell length. It is generally dark brown or black in color, with yellow striping or blotching, the amount of blotching or striping can vary greatly. Geographic range The Gulf Coast box turtle can be found along the Gulf of Mexico from the state of Louisiana to the state of Florida . Taxonomy and Systematics Hybrid biology Intergrading with other subspecies of box turtle that it shares range with is not uncommon. Habitat They are often found around estuaries and swampy regions, near shallow, permanent bodies of water. References http www.chelonia.org Articles TerrapenecareSZ.htm Chelonia.org Box Turtles Category Terrapene turtle stub ca Terrapene carolina major es Terrapene carolina major ... more details
italictitle taxobox name Myrsine australis image image caption regnum Plantae unranked divisio Angiosperms unranked classis Eudicots unranked ordo Asterids ordo Ericales familia Myrsinaceae genus Myrsine species M. australis binomial Myrsine australis binomial authority Achille Richard A.Rich. Allan Myrsine australis , commonly known as Red Matipo or Mapou ref name native http www.nznativeplants.co.nz shop Primary colonising plants Myrsine australis.html The Native Plant Centre ref is a species of shrub within the family Myrsinaceae . It is endemic to New Zealand and found throughout the country and offshore islands ref name con http www.nzpcn.org.nz flora details.asp?ID 1007 NZ Plant Conservation Network ref . It has crinkly edged leaves which make it easily mistaken for a pittosporum and reddish bark and stems, however reddish and purplish blotching on leaves is often a distinguishing factor. ref name con Growing to around 6 metres in height, it inhabits bush margins and is often planted in regeneration projects. ref name native References reflist Myrsinaceae stub Category Myrsine australis Category Flora of New Zealand ... more details
Taxobox name Squirrel Tree Frog image Tree frog Fern Forest.jpg image width 240px status LC status system IUCN3.1 trend stable regnum Animal ia phylum Chordata classis Amphibia ordo Anura familia Hylidae genus Hyla species H. squirella binomial Hyla squirella binomial authority Louis Augustin Guillaume Bosc Bosc , 1800 synonyms Calamita squirella Blasius Merrem Merrem , 1820 br Hyla delitescens John Eatton LeConte LeConte , 1825 br Auletris squirella Wagler , 1830 br Dendrohyas squirella Johann Jakob von Tschudi Tschudi , 1838 The Squirrel Treefrog Hyla squirella is a small species of tree frog found in the southeastern United States , from Texas to Virginia . Description Squirrel tree frogs are small frogs , about 1.5 inches in length as adults. They are found in many color variations, but most commonly they are green and look very much like the green tree frog Hyla cinerea . They can also be varying shades of yellow or brown , sometimes with white or brown blotching. Gallery gallery Image Hyla squirella1.jpg USGS photograph Image Hyla squirella2.jpg A frog from Mississippi gallery References IUCN2006 assessors Hammerson & Hedges year 2004 id 55662 title Hyla squirella downloaded 12 May 2006 Database entry includes a range map and justification for why this species is of least concern http cars.er.usgs.gov herps Frogs and Toads H squirella h squirella.html USGS Hyla squirella External links commons http www.zo.utexas.edu research txherps frogs hyla.squirella.html Herps of Texas Hyla squirella http fwie.fw.vt.edu VHS frogs and toads of virginia.htm Frogs of Virginia Hylinae stub Category Hyla ca Hyla squirella es Hyla squirella fr Hyla squirella nl Eekhoornboomkikker pl Rzekotka wiewi rcza ru ... more details
italictitle Taxobox name Paranaja multifasciata regnum Animal ia phylum Chordate Chordata subphylum Vertebrate Vertebrata classis Reptile Reptilia ordo Squamata subordo Snake Serpentes familia Elapidae subfamilia Elapinae genus Paranaja genus authority Loveridge, 1944 species P. multifasciata binomial Paranaja multifasciata binomial authority Franz Werner Werner , 1902 synonyms Naja multifasciata Paranaja multifasciata is a species of venomous snake venomous elapid snake commonly known as the Many banded Snake or Burrowing Cobra , the only species within the genus Paranaja . The species is found in the Republic of Congo , the Democratic Republic of Congo and Cameroon in Africa . Despite the common name, the species is not actually banded, but overall iridescent black , with cream colored blotching on each scale zoology scale . The snakes grow to approximately 600 mm in length. Not much is known about their venom poison venom , but it is likely a neurotoxin , like many other elapid snakes. The genus Paranaja was synonymised with Naja in a recent molecular phylogenetic study, as this species is closely related to the forest cobra Naja melanoleuca ref W ster, W., Crookes, S., Ineich, I., Man , Y., Pook, C.E., Trape, J. F. & Broadley D.G. 2007 The phylogeny of cobras inferred from mitochondrial DNA sequences evolution of venom spitting and the phylogeography of the African spitting cobras Serpentes Elapidae Naja nigricollis complex . Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 45, 437 453. ref Subspecies Paranaja multifasciata anomala R. Sternfeld Sternfeld , 1917 Paranaja multifasciata duttoni George Albert Boulenger Boulenger , 1904 Paranaja multifasciata multifasciata Franz Werner Werner , 1902 References references External links EMBL species genus Paranaja species multifasciata Category Elapidae Category Reptiles of Africa Elapidae stub fr Naja multifasciata zh ... more details
variant has a light cream colored base, with red dish brown blotching down the back, and black ... grey blotching. The banding around the tail is still present. Geographic range Found only in western ... more details
italic title Taxobox name Holbrookia image Earless Lizard in WSNM.jpg regnum Animal ia phylum Chordate Chordata subphylum Vertebrata classis Reptilia ordo Squamata subordo Lacertilia familia Phrynosomatidae genus Holbrookia genus authority Charles Fr d ric Girard Girard , 1851 Holbrookia is a genus of earless lizard s, known commonly as the lesser earless lizards , which contains three recognized species that are found throughout the southwestern and central United States , and northern Mexico . They are characterized by having no external ear openings, presumably to prevent sand from entering the body when they are digging. The name Holbrookia is in honor of American zoology zoologist , John Edwards Holbrook . sup http ebeltz.net herps biogappx.html sup Description Lesser earless lizards grow to approximately 2 2.5 inches 50 65 mm snout to vent length SVL , plus a tail 3 4 inches 75 100 mm long. They are typically grey or tan in color, with black blotching. The males usually have blue patches on either side of the belly, whereas the females do not. Females will often change to have bright orange patches when gravid . Behavior Holbrookia species are Diurnal animal diurnal , basking lizard s. They spend the vast majority of their time sunning on rocks, even in the heat of the day. Up until the surface temperature reaches approximately 104 F, when they will retreat to a rock crevice or burrow. They are insectivore insectivorous . Species spot tailed earless lizard, Holbrookia lacerata Edward Drinker Cope Cope , 1880 lesser earless lizard, Holbrookia maculata Charles Fr d ric Girard Girard , 1851 keeled earless lizard, Holbrookia propinqua Spencer Fullerton Baird Baird & Charles Fr d ric Girard Girard , 1852 Geographic range Earless lizards are found in the southwestern and central United States, in the states of Texas , Arizona , New Mexico , Utah , Colorado , Kansas , Oklahoma , and as far north as Nebraska , South Dakota , and Wyoming . They are also found in Mexico ... more details
italic title Taxobox name Ficimia image Ficimia publia.jpg image width image caption Ficimia publia regnum Animal ia phylum Chordate Chordata subphylum Vertebrata classis Reptile Reptilia ordo Squamata subordo Snake Serpentes familia Colubrid ae subfamilia Colubrinae genus Ficimia genus authority John Edward Gray Gray , 1849 subdivision ranks Species subdivision See text Ficimia is a genus of colubrid snake s commonly known as hooknose snakes or hook nosed snakes . There are seven species within the genus . Geographic range They are native primarily to Mexico , but they also range into the United States in the southern tip of Texas , and as far south as Guatemala , Belize and Honduras . Description Hooknose snakes are typically gray or Chartreuse color Olive drab olive green in color, with brown or black blotching down the back, and a cream colored underside. They grow to a length of convert 5 11 in cm abbr on and have a distinct upturned snout, which is similar to that of Hognose hognose snakes genus Heterodon , and is used to aid in burrowing in loose, sandy soil. The dorsal scales are smooth keeled in Heterodon , and the anal plate is divided. ref Schmidt, K.P. and D.D. Davis. 1941. Field Book of Snakes of the United States and Canada. G.P. Putnam s Sons. New York. ref Diet Hook nosed snakes feed primarily on spider s and centipede s. Species Ficimia hardyi small Mendoza Quijano & Hobart Muir Smith H.M. Smith , 1993 small &ndash Hardy s hook nosed snake Ficimia olivacea small John Edward Gray Gray , 1849 small &ndash Mexican hook nosed snake Ficimia publia small Edward Drinker Cope Cope , 1866 small &ndash blotched hook nosed snake Ficimia ramirezi small Hobart Muir Smith H.M. Smith & Langebartel, 1949 small &ndash Ramirez s hook nosed snake Ficimia ruspator small Hobart Muir Smith H.M. Smith & Edward Harrison Taylor Taylor , 1941 small &ndash Guerreran hook nosed snake Ficimia streckeri small Edward Harrison Taylor Taylor , 1941 small &ndash Strecker s hook nose ... more details
Taxobox name Western Lyre Snake image Trimorphodon biscutatus vilkinsonii.jpg image caption Texas Lyre Snake, Trimorphodon biscutatus vilkinsonii regnum Animal ia phylum Chordate Chordata classis Reptile Reptilia ordo Squamata subordo Serpentes familia Colubrid ae genus Trimorphodon species T. biscutatus binomial Trimorphodon biscutatus binomial authority Andr Marie Constant Dum ril Dum ril , Gabriel Bibron Bibron & Auguste Dum ril Dum ril , 1854 The Western Lyre Snake Trimorphodon biscutatus is a mildly venom poison venomous colubrid snake native to the western United States , northern Mexico , and Central America . Description They are a moderately sized snake, attaining lengths of approximately 1 meter at adult size. They are generally a brown , tan color tan or grey in color with dark brown blotching down the back. They have large eye s with vertical pupil s. Behavior They are nocturnal and secretive, spending most of their time in rock crevices, and other areas difficult for potential predators to access. Their diet nutrition diet consists of lizard s, small rodent s, frog s, and bat s. Their venom is not considered to be harmful to humans. Geographic range Western lyre snakes are found in the United States from the western Texas , across the southwestern states of New Mexico and Arizona to California , and north into southern Nevada . In Mexico they are found primarily in the Baja California and Chihuahua state Chihuahua regions. The most recently identified subspecies of western lyre snake, Trimorphodon biscutatus quadruplex is found throughout Central America . Subspecies Western Lyre Snake, Trimorphodon biscutatus biscutatus Andr Marie Constant Dum ril Dum ril , Gabriel Bibron Bibron & Auguste Dum ril Dum ril , 1854 Sonoran Lyre Snake, Trimorphodon biscutatus lambda Edward Drinker Cope Cope , 1886 Baja California Lyre Snake, Trimorphodon biscutatus lyrophanes Edward Drinker Cope Cope , 1860 Trimorphodon biscutatus quadruplex Hobart M. Smith Smith , 1941 T ... more details
Taxobox name Great Plains Toad status LC status system IUCN3.1 trend down image Bufo cognatus1.jpg image width 250px regnum Animal ia phylum Chordate Chordata classis Amphibian Amphibia ordo Frog Anura familia True toad Bufonidae genus Bufo species B. cognatus binomial Bufo cognatus binomial authority Thomas Say Say , 1823 The Great Plains Toad Bufo cognatus is a relatively large species of toad . It ranges from southern Alberta , throughout the midwest United States and the inland western United States into northern Mexico . The great plains toad is grey , brown , and green in color, with darker colored blotching. It can grow to anywhere between convert 2 and 4.5 in cm abbr on in length. Its primary diet nutrition diet is various species of cutworm s. It prefers grassland habitat with loose soil that is easy to burrow in. Breeding occurs throughout the spring and summer months, most often immediately after heavy rainfall. In dry areas it may only emerge from its burrow for a few weeks when conditions are right, and usually at night, but in areas with permanent water bodies and abundant rain it may be active all day. ref Grismer, L. L. 2002 . Amphibians and Reptiles of Baja California . Los Angeles University of California Press, 69. ref Its mating call is a very loud, harsh chirping noise repeated many times really fast. The toad is predated by the Plains Garter Snake Thamnophis radix . It uses chemoreceptors to sense chemical cues left by the snake. References aut Pauly, G. B., D. F. F. M. Hillis, and D. C. Cannatella. 2004 The history of a Nearctic colonization Molecular phylogenetics and biogeography of the Nearctic toads Bufo . Evolution 58 2517 2535. IUCN2006 assessors Hammerson & Santos Barrera year 2004 id 54612 title Bufo cognatus downloaded 12 May 2006 Database entry includes a range map and justification for why this species is of least concern http www.zo.utexas.edu research txherps frogs bufo.cognatus.html Herps of Texas Bufo cognatus references Externa ... more details
italic title Taxobox name Great Plains Narrowmouth Toad status LC status system IUCN3.1 trend stable image Gastrophryne olivacea.jpg image caption Great Plains Narrowmouth Toad br Gastrophryne olivacea regnum Animal ia phylum Chordate Chordata classis Amphibia ordo Anura subordo Neobatrachia familia Microhylidae subfamilia Microhylinae genus Gastrophryne species G. olivacea binomial Gastrophryne olivacea binomial authority Edward Hallowell herpetologist Hallowell , 1856 synonyms Engystoma olivaceum The Great Plains Narrowmouth Toad Gastrophryne olivacea is a species of Microhylidae microhylid frog . They are found throughout much of the south Central United States central United States from the state of Nebraska south through Texas , and into northern Mexico . Though not a true toad , they are often referred to as toads, because they are terrestrial. Description Great plains narrowmouth toads are a small 1.5 inches , flat bodied species, with a sharply pointed snout. They are typically olive green to grey brown in color, sometimes with black blotching. Their underside is lighter colored. Their skin secretions can cause severe burning pain if they get into your eyes, it is important wash your hands thoroughly after handling this frog. Behavior & Habitat The great plains narrowmouth toad is found in a wide range of habitat s, but most frequently in moist ground or leaf litter, and under rocks or fallen logs. They breed throughout the spring and summer months in pools of water left by rainfall. Their primary diet is ant s. Taxonomy G. olivacea was once considered a subspecies of the eastern narrowmouth toad, Gastrophryne carolinensis G. carolinensis , and when it was granted full species status it was divided into two separate subspecies for a time. The subspecies were eventually found to be the same. References IUCN2006 assessors Santos Barrera & Hammerson year 2004 id 57815 title Gastrophryne olivacea downloaded 12 May 2006 Database entry includes a range map and jus ... more details
italic title Taxobox name Texas night snake image Hypsiglena torquata jani.jpg regnum Animal ia phylum Chordate Chordata classis Reptile Reptilia ordo Squamata subordo Serpentes familia Colubrid ae subfamilia Dipsadinae genus Hypsiglena species Hypsiglena torquata H. torquata subspecies H. t. jani trinomial Hypsiglena torquata jani trinomial authority Alfredo Dug s Dug s , 1866 synonyms Liophis janii Alfredo Dug s Dug s , 1866 range map Hypsiglena torquata jani distribution.svg range map width range map caption The distribution of Hypsiglena torquata jani brown , which now includes the two former subspecies Hypsiglena torquata dunklei orange , and Hypsiglena torquata texana yellow . The Texas night snake Hypsiglena torquata jani is a species of small colubrid snake native to the southern United States and Mexico . The epithet jani is in honor of Italian taxonomy taxonomist Giorgio Jan . Description The Texas night snake grows from 10 to 16 inches 25 to 40 cm in length, record 20 inches 51 cm . ref Conant, Roger. 1975. A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America, 2nd edition. Houghton Mifflin. Boston, ref It is typically a light grey or tan color tan in color, with dark brown or dark grey blotching down the back and an unmarked underside. They have smooth scale zoology scales , eye s with vertically elliptical pupil s, and are considered to be opisthoglypha rear fanged venomous snake venomous , though they are not dangerous to humans. Behavior and diet As their common name implies, they are a primarily nocturnal animal nocturnal snake. Their diet nutrition diet consists of primarily lizard s, but they will also eat smaller snake s and occasionally soft bodied insect s. They prefer semi arid habitat ecology habitats with rocky soils. Reproduction They are an oviparous species that breed in the spring rainy season, laying 4 6 egg biology eggs that take approximately 8 weeks to incubate before hatching. The eggs average 27 mm ... more details
Taxobox name Checkered Whiptail status LC status system IUCN3.1 regnum Animal ia phylum Chordate Chordata classis Reptile Reptilia ordo Squamata subordo Sauria familia Teiidae genus Cnemidophorus species C. tesselatus binomial Cnemidophorus tesselatus binomial authority Thomas Say Say , 1823 synonyms Ameiva tesselata br small Thomas Say Say , 1823 small br Cnemidophorus grahamii br small Spencer Fullerton Baird Baird & Charles Fr d ric Girard Girard , 1852 small br Aspidoscelis tesselata br small T.W. Reeder Reeder , 2002 small The Checkered Whiptail Cnemidophorus tesselatus is a species of lizard found in the southwestern United States in Colorado , Texas and New Mexico , and in northern Mexico in Chihuahua state Chihuahua and Coahuila . Many sources believe that the species originated from the Hybrid biology hybridization of the Marbled Whiptail, Cnemidophorus marmoratus , the Plateau Spotted Whiptail, Cnemidophorus septemvittatus and possibly the Six lined Racerunner, Cnemidophorus sexlineatus . It is one of many lizard species known to be parthenogenesis parthenogenic . It is sometimes referred to as the Common Checkered Whiptail to differentiate it from several other species known as checkered whiptails. Description The Checkered Whiptail grows to about 4 inches in length. Their pattern and base coloration varies widely, with brown or black blotching, checkering or striping on a pale yellow or white base color. Their rear legs often have dark spotting, and their underside is usually white with dark flecking on the throat area. They are slender bodied, with a long tail . Behavior Like other species of whiptail lizard, the Checkered Whiptail is diurnal animal diurnal and insectivore insectivorous . They are wary, energetic, and fast moving, darting for cover if approached. They are found in semi arid, rocky habitat ecology habitats , normally in canyon lands or hilled regions. They are parthenogenic, laying up to eight unfertilized egg biology eggs in mid summer, ... more details
Taxobox name Dwarf Salamander status LC status system IUCN3.1 image E quadridigitata USGS.jpg image width 240px regnum Animal ia phylum Chordata classis Amphibia ordo Caudata familia Lungless salamander Plethodontidae genus Eurycea species E. quadridigitata binomial Eurycea quadridigitata binomial authority John Edwards Holbrook Holbrook , 1842 synonyms Salamandra quadridigitata br small Holbrook, 1842 small br Batrachoseps quadridigitata br small Spencer Fullerton Baird Baird , 1850 small br Manculus quadridigitatus br small Edward Drinker Cope Cope , 1869 small br Manculus remifer br small Cope, 1871 small The Dwarf Salamander Eurycea quadridigitata is a species of salamander native to the southern United States , from North Carolina to Oklahoma , south to Texas along the Gulf of Mexico states to northern Florida . Some sources refer to it as the Four fingered Manculus , Dwarf Four toed Salamander , or the Florida Dwarf Salamander . Description The Dwarf Salamander grows from 2 to 3.5 inches in length. It has a slender body and a long tail. It is typically yellow brown in color with darker brown blotching and dark stripes down each side, but the pattern and coloration can vary widely. The epithet quadridigitatat is to denote that each of its feet has four toes. Behavior The Dwarf Salamander prefers habitats of swampy pine woods. It is nocturnal animal nocturnal and spends most of its time under leaf litter, or forest floor debris. Breeding occurs in the fall, with 12 to 48 egg biology eggs being laid singly or in small clutches attached to submerged debris in shallow, slow moving or still water. References http research.amnh.org herpetology amphibia references.php?id 22354 Amphibian Species of the World Eurycea quadridigitata http www.zo.utexas.edu research txherps salamanders eurycea.quadridigitata.html Herps of Texas Eurycea quadridigitata http pick5.pick.uga.edu mp 20q?search Eurycea quadridigitata Discover Life Eurycea quadridigitata http www.iucnredlist.org s ... more details
Unreferenced date December 2007 Taxobox image Sebastes caurinus.jpg 120px image caption Sebastes caurinius, or the copper rockfish regnum Animalia phylum Chordata subphylum Vertebrata classis Actinopterygii ordo Scorpaeniformes subordo Scorpaenoidei familia Scorpaenidae genus Sebastes species S. caurinus binomial Sebastes caurinus binomial authority Eschmeyer , 1983 The copper rockfish , sebastes caurinus , is a fish of the Sebastidae family rockfish, rockcod and thornyheads . It is a relatively common rockfish of the Pacific coast. It is very widespread in its distribution, known from the very northern reaches of the Gulf of Alaska , to the Pacific side of the Baja California peninsula , north of Guerrero Negro . The copper rockfish is also very widely distributed in depth, from the subtidal shallows to over 600ft. Copper rockfish are known to be highly variable in coloration, ranging from a dark reddish brown, with pale copper blotching along the sides, to a lighter pinkish brown with a yellowish white mottling on the flanks. At one time it was thought that these variations were two different fish Sebastes caurinus and Sebastes vexillaris . It is now known however that it is simply one species. Males are known to mature between three and seven years, while females mature between four and eight years. Generally the larger a female is, the more young she will bear. Copper Rockfish are a viviparous fish giving birth to live young after a gestation period of around 10 months. They are a long lived fish reaching ages of over forty years old. Copper Rockfish are a modest fish reaching a maximum size of just 22in and a weight of 10lbs. Juveniles are almost exclusively found in kelp beds and shallow rocky areas. They begin life feeding primarily on planktonic crustaceans. As they grow they continue to feed on increasingly larger crustaceans such as shrimp and crabs as well as squid and octopus. Smaller fish also make up a large part of their diet. In turn copper rockfish ... more details
italic title Taxobox name mole kingsnake image Lampropeltis calligaster rhombomaculata.jpg image size 200px image caption mole kingsnake, Lampropeltis calligaster rhombomaculata regnum Animal ia phylum Chordate Chordata subphylum Vertebrata classis Reptile Reptilia ordo Squamata subordo Serpentes familia Colubrid ae genus Lampropeltis species L. calligaster subspecies L. c. rhombomaculata trinomial Lampropeltis calligaster rhombomaculata trinomial authority John Edwards Holbrook Holbrook , 1840 synonyms Coluber rhombo maculatus John Edwards Holbrook Holbrook , 1840 Coronella rhombomaculata John Edwards Holbrook Holbrook , 1842 Ophibolus rhombomaculatus Spencer Fullerton Baird Baird & Charles Fr d ric Girard Girard , 1853 Lampropeltis rhombomaculata Edward Drinker Cope Cope , 1860 Lampropeltis calligaster rhombomaculata Roger Conant herpetologist Conant & Collins, 1991 ref The Reptile Database. www.reptile database.org. ref Lampropeltis calligaster rhombomaculata known commonly as the mole kingsnake or brown kingsnake is a subspecies of the Lampropeltis calligaster prairie kingsnake Lampropeltis calligaster . Geographic range The mole kingsnake is found throughout the southeastern United States and Mid Atlantic States , but is absent from the Appalachian Mountains . Description L. c. rhombomaculata is generally light brown or gray in color, with dark brown, orange, or reddish brown blotching down the length of its body. They are capable of growing to lengths of 30 40 inches 76.2 101.6 cm . They are easily mistaken for the Milk Snake milk snake and the venomous Agkistrodon contortrix copperhead , which both share the same type of habitat, and can have similar markings. Some specimens have their markings faded, to appear almost a solid brown color. Juveniles are generally more vivid in markings and coloration. They have small reddish colored markings on the head. Behavior Mole kingsnakes preferred habitat is open fields with loose, dry soil, typically on the edge ... more details
italictitle Taxobox name Cat gecko image Aeluroscalabotes felinus.jpg regnum Animal ia phylum Chordate Chordata classis Reptile Reptilia ordo Squamata subordo Lacertilia familia Gecko Gekkonidae subfamilia Aeluroscalabotinae genus Aeluroscalabotes species A. felinus binomial Aeluroscalabotes felinus binomial authority Albert C. L. G. G nther G nther , 1864 synonyms Pentadactylus felinus br Pentadactylus borneensis br Pentadactylus dorsalis br Aelurosaurus felinus br Aelurosaurus dorsalis br Aeluroscalabotes longicaudatus br Aeluroscalabotes dorsalis The cat gecko , Aeluroscalabotes felinus , is a species of gecko found in Indonesia , Malaysia , Singapore , Cambodia and Thailand . It is the Monotypic taxon only species within the genus Aeluroscalabotes , and the only genus found within the taxonomy taxonomic family biology Subfamily Aeluroscalabotinae . It is commonly called the cat gecko because of its habit of curling up with its tail around itself when it sleeps, similar to a cat . Description The cat gecko is a lightly built gecko, typically red brown in color with white spots on its body, and solid white under its chin, and sometimes to the belly. Some specimens have brown blotching along the back. It is considered to be one of the more primitive geckos, and is physically quite similar in body structure to the few fossil s of early geckos which have been discovered. They can grow to approximately 18 cm 7 inches , with males typically being smaller than females. Unlike most arboreal geckos it does not have toe pads setae which allow it to climb sheer surfaces. It instead relies on small retractile claws, and a prehensility prehensile tail Image Aeluroscalabotes felinus2.jpg 200px left thumb Behavior semi arboreal and preferring cool, humid, montane rainforest habitat ecology habitats , the cat gecko is primarily nocturnal animal nocturnal and insectivore insectivorous , consuming a wide variety of small insect s. Taxonomy The species has been redescribe ... more details
Taxobox name Texas spiny lizard image Sceloporus olivaceus.jpg image caption Sceloporus olivaceus status LC status system iucn3.1 regnum Animal ia phylum Chordate Chordata subphylum Vertebrata classis Reptile Reptilia ordo Squamata subordo Iguania familia Phrynosomatidae genus Sceloporus species S. olivaceus binomial Sceloporus olivaceus binomial authority Hobart Muir Smith H.M. Smith , 1934 The Texas spiny lizard Sceloporus olivaceus is a species of Phrynosomatidae phrynosomatid lizard native to the south central United States , in the states of Texas and Oklahoma , and northeastern Mexico in the states of Coahuila , Nuevo Le n , Tamaulipas , and San Luis Potos . They are quite common throughout their range, where they can be found in trees or on fences. Description Texas spiny lizards are 7.5 11 inches 19 28 cm in total length, and are typically grey in color with black , white , or red brown blotching down the back. Patterns vary greatly by locality, but the colors and pattern typically serve to be adequate camouflage against the bark of trees in its chosen habitat ecology habitat . The underside is usually uniformly light grey in color, but males typically have blue patches on either side of the belly. Their scale zoology scales have a distinctly spiny texture to them. They have long toes, and sharp claws suited to climbing. Due to their spiny appearance, they are sometimes mistaken for horned lizard s. Behavior The Texas spiny lizard is diurnal animal diurnal and arboreal . Their preferred habitat is mesquite trees, over areas with a significant amount of ground leaf litter, but they are often found in suburban areas basking on fences or climbing telephone poles. Typically shy and nervous, when approached they will usually retreat up a tree or flee noisily through leaf litter on the ground. They are insectivore insectivorous , and eat a variety of beetle s and other insect s. Breeding occurs throughout the spring and summer months, and clutches of egg biology ... more details
Taxobox name Python curtus breitensteini image Python breitensteini .jpg regnum Animalia phylum Chordata subphylum Vertebrata classis Reptilia ordo Squamata subordo Serpentes familia Pythonidae genus Python genus Python species Python curtus P. curtus subspecies P. c. breitensteini trinomial Python curtus breitensteini trinomial authority Franz Steindachner Steindachner , 1880 synonyms Python breitensteini Steindachner, 1880 Python curtus breitensteini Stull, 1935 Python curtus breitensteini Stimson, 1969 ref name McD99 McDiarmid RW, Campbell JA, Tour T. 1999. Snake Species of the World A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference, vol. 1. Herpetologists League. 511 pp. ISBN 1 893777 00 6 series . ISBN 1 893777 01 4 volume . ref Common names Borneo short tailed python, Borneo python. Python curtus breitensteini is a non venomous Pythonidae python subspecies ref name ITIS ITIS id 635073 taxon Python curtus breitensteini accessdate 15 September 2007 ref found mostly on the island of Borneo . Description File BorneopythonAugmented.jpg left thumb 200px Juvenile. Adults have been reported to attain a length of 2.1 m 7 feet , although they are usually no more than 1.2 m 4 feet . Heavy bodied, they can weigh as much as 13.6 kg 30 lb . Females are generally larger than males. The head is broad with several thermoreceptive pits along the nose. The tail is short and tapering. The color pattern is usually tan with brown blotching, which varies greatly. Though there have been no reported instances of albinism , a few individuals display a significantly lighter color, appearing more yellow than brown. Juveniles have a more contrasting pattern than adults. The head is usually yellow. Geographic range Found mostly in Indonesia and Malaysia , on the island of Borneo , they also have been recorded in Singapore . Has also been found on Sumatra , Bangka Island and others islands in the Strait of Malacca , including the Lingga Island , the Riau Islands , and Bint ... more details
Taxobox image Smilisca baudinii01.jpg status LC status system IUCN3.1 trend stable status ref ref IUCN2006 assessors Santos Barrera et al. year 2004 id 56006 title Smilisca baudinii downloaded 12 May 2006 Database entry includes a range map and justification for why this species is of least concern ref regnum Animal ia phylum Chordate Chordata classis Amphibian Amphibia ordo Frog Anura familia Hylidae genus Mexican Treefrogs Smilisca species S. baudinii binomial Smilisca baudinii binomial authority Andr Marie Constant Dum ril Dum ril & Gabriel Bibron Bibron , 1841 synonyms Hyla baudinii br Hyla vanvlietii br Hyla vociferans br Hyla muricolor br Smilisca daulinia br Hyla beltrani br Hyla manisorum Smilisca baudinii is a nocturnal animal nocturnal species of Hylidae tree frog whose native range extends from the Sonoran Desert and the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas ref cite web url http www.zo.utexas.edu research txherps frogs smilisca.baudinii.html title Smilisca baudinii Mexican Treefrog work Herps of Texas publisher University of Texas at Austin accessdate 2010 04 27 ref south to Costa Rica . Common names include Mexican Tree Frog , Baudin s Tree Frog and Van Vliet s Frog . They are usually found within lightly forest ed areas near permanent sources of water. Description The Mexican Tree Frog is generally a brown grey in color, with darker brown irregular blotching. Their underside is typically a lighter grey or white . Their legs have distinctive dark banding. Taxonomy The species has numerous synonymous classifications due to Disjunct distribution disjunct populations , and was mistakenly redescribed on several different occasions by different field researchers. Conservation The Mexican Tree Frog is considered to be a threatened species in the United States US state of Texas . ref cite web url http www.tpwd.state.tx.us huntwild wild species mtreefrog title Mexican Treefrog Smilisca baudinii work Wildlife Fact Sheets publisher Texas Parks and Wildlife Department ... more details
Taxobox name Canyon Tree Frog status LC status system IUCN3.1 trend stable regnum Animal ia phylum Chordata classis Amphibia ordo Anura familia Hylidae genus Hyla species H. arenicolor binomial Hyla arenicolor binomial authority Edward Drinker Cope Cope , 1866 synonyms Hyla copii br Hyla affinis br Hyliola digueti The Canyon Tree Frog Hyla arenicolor is a species of tree frog native to the rocky plateau areas of southern United States , primarily in the states of New Mexico and Arizona , but it also ranges to neighboring states of Utah , Texas and Colorado , and as far south as the Mexican states of Michoac n , Mexico state M xico , Guanajuato , Guerrero , and Oaxaca . Description Canyon tree frogs grow to 2 2.25 inches in length, and are typically a brown , grey brown, or grey green in color, often with darker colored blotching. They can vary quite a bit, but usually match the soil or rock coloration of their native habitat to serve as camouflage . Those from limestone habitats are lighter colored, and those from regions composed mostly of granite can even be pink in coloration. Most have bright yellow in their groin region, and faded banding on their legs. Behavior Canyon tree frogs are mostly nocturnal animal nocturnal and carnivore carnivorous . They are typically found in semi arid, rocky habitats near a permanent water source. Breeding occurs during the spring rains, and large, floating egg biology egg masses of 100 or more eggs are laid on the water. During periods of low rainfall, the frogs will take refuge in rock crevices. References IUCN2006 assessors Santos Barrera & Hammerson year 2004 id 55396 title Hyla arenicolor downloaded 12 May 2006 Database entry includes a range map and a brief justification of why this species is of least concern. http www.iucnredlist.org search rangemap.php?species 55396 IUCN RangeMap Hyla arenicolor http research.amnh.org herpetology amphibia references.php?id 4148 Amphibian Species of the World Hyla arenicolor http wc.pima.e ... more details
Taxobox name Upland Chorus Frog status LC status system IUCN3.1 trend stable image Pseudacris feriarum.jpg regnum Animal ia phylum Chordate Chordata classis Amphibia ordo Anura familia Hylidae genus Pseudacris species P. feriarum binomial Pseudacris feriarum binomial authority Spencer Fullerton Baird Baird , 1854 synonyms Pseudacris triseriata feriarum Upland Chorus Frog Pseudacris feriarum is a species of chorus frog found in the United States . It was recently separated from the Western Chorus Frog , Pseudacris triseriata , being identified as an individual species rather than a subspecies . Description Upland Chorus Frogs are usually brown , grey brown, or red dish brown in color, with darker blotching. They grow from 0.75 1.5 inches 1.9 3.8 cm in size. Geographic distribution Found in the southern and eastern United States, the Upland Chorus Frog is found from the state of New Jersey to the Florida panhandle west to eastern Texas and southeast Oklahoma . Behavior Upland Chorus Frogs are secretive, nocturnal animal nocturnal frog s, and are rarely seen or heard except immediately after rains. They are an almost entirely terrestrial species, and found in a variety of habitats, but usually moderately moist, vegetated areas, not far from a permanent water source. Like most frogs, they are insectivore insectivorous . Breeding occurs throughout the year, but most frequently during the cooler, more rainy periods from November to March. egg biology Eggs are laid in clusters of 60 or so, in water and attached to vegetation. The female can lay upwards of 1,000 eggs at a time. Conservation status The upland chorus frog is listed as a protected species in the state of New Jersey, primarily due to habitat destruction. Because of its restrictive habitat preferences, this species is declining in several states, particularly in areas where roadside ditches and other ephemeral pools are being drained or destroyed for new developments. References IUCN2006 assessors Hamm ... more details
italic title Taxobox name prairie kingsnake image Lampropeltis calligaster calligaster.jpg image caption prairie kingsnake br Lampropeltis calligaster calligaster regnum Animal ia phylum Chordate Chordata subphylum Vertebrata classis Reptile Reptilia ordo Squamata subordo Serpentes familia Colubrid ae genus Lampropeltis species L. calligaster binomial Lampropeltis calligaster binomial authority Richard Harlan Harlan , 1827 synonyms Coluber calligaster Richard Harlan Harlan , 1827 Ablabes triangulum var. calligaster Edward Hallowell herpetologist Hallowell , 1856 Ophibolus calligaster Edward Drinker Cope Cope , 1900 Lampropeltis calligaster is a species of kingsnake known commonly as the prairie kingsnake . Geographic range It is found throughout the Midwestern United States midwestern and southeastern United States , from Nebraska to Virginia , Florida to Texas . Description Lampropeltis calligaster is generally a light brown or grey in color, with dark grey, dark brown , or red dish brown blotching down the length of its body. They are capable of growing to lengths of 30 40 inches 76.2 101.6 cm . They are easily mistaken for various species of rat snake of the genus Pantherophis , which share habitat, and can have similar markings. Some specimens have their markings faded, to appear almost a solid brown color. Juveniles usually have a brown stripe down the back of the body. They have two black spots behind the head and smaller black spots down the back on both sides of the stripe. Behavior Prairie kingsnakes preferred habitat is open grassland with loose, dry soil, typically on the edge of a forest ed region, not far from a permanent source of water. Their diet nutrition diet consists primarily of rodent s, but they will also consume lizard s, frog s and occasionally other snake s. They are non venom poison venomous , and typically docile. Like most colubrid s, if harassed they will shake their tail , which if in dry leaf litter can sound remarkably like ... more details
The name Big eyed Tree Frog is also used for Litoria exophthalmia from New Guinea . Taxobox name Big eyed Tree Frog status VU status system IUCN3.1 trend down image Leptopelis vermiculatus2.jpg regnum Animal ia phylum Chordata subphylum Vertebrata classis Amphibia superordo Batrachia ordo Anura familia Hyperoliidae genus Leptopelis species L. vermiculatus binomial Leptopelis vermiculatus binomial authority George Albert Boulenger Boulenger , 1909 synonyms Hylambates vermiculatus br Leptopelis signifer The Big eyed Tree Frog , or Peacock Tree Frog Leptopelis vermiculatus is a species of frog found in forest areas in the Africa n country of Tanzania . In some literature it is referred to as the Amani Forest Tree Frog . Physical description Image Leptopelis vermiculatus.jpg thumb 200px left A brown phase Big eyed Tree Frog This species is a medium to large frog ranging from 40 85 mm in length. It has two very different colour phases. In one phase they are a bright green with scattered black specks all over the Dorsum biology dorsal surface and the sides are marble with black and white . With some specimens the end of the tibia to the toes, forearms and upper lip have white blotching outlined with dark green or black. In the other phase they are brown with an irregular shaped, darker brown triangular patch on the dorsum. Randomly placed darker or lighter brown spots and patches may appear over the dorsal surface, legs and forearms and a dark brown streak often runs from behind the tympanum zoology tympanum ending halfway between the armpit and groin . In both phases the ventral surface is cream white. Some specimens show a transition between both phases and change from the green phase to the brown phase as they mature. The eye s are very big compared with body size and are golden with brown lines and flecks. It has large toe pads that are used for climbing. The tympanum is distinct. Ecology and behaviour This species inhabits the closed canopy wet tropical rainfore ... more details
Taxobox name Pig Frog image Rana grylio.jpg image width 240px status LC status system IUCN3.1 trend down regnum Animal ia phylum Chordate Chordata classis Amphibia ordo Anura familia Ranidae genus Rana genus Rana species R. grylio binomial Rana grylio binomial authority Leonhard Hess Stejneger Stejneger , 1901 synonyms center Lithobates grylio The Pig Frog Rana grylio ref name Hillis2007 Hillis, D. M. 2007. Constraints in naming parts of the Tree of Life. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 42 331 338. ref ref name HillisandWilcox2005 Hillis, D. M., and T. P. Wilcox. 2005. Phylogeny of the New World true frogs Rana . Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 34 299 314. ref is a species of aquatic frog found in the Southeastern United States south eastern United States , from the state of South Carolina to Texas . Some sources also refer to it as the Lagoon Frog or the Southern Bullfrog . Physical description The Pig Frog is green or grey green in color, with brown or black blotching. They have fully webbed feet, a sharply pointed nose, and a large ears tympanum zoology tympanum . They are easily mistaken for various other species of the genus Rana genus Rana which they share geographic range with, including the Bullfrog Rana catesbeiana . They grow to a length of 3.25 to 5.5 inches. Ecology and behavior Almost entirely aquatic, they are found predominantly on the edges of lake s, or in cypress swamps and marsh es that are heavy with vegetation. They are nocturnal animal nocturnal . Its pig like grunt can be heard during the warm months of the year Diet Their primary diet nutrition diet is crayfish , but like most frogs, they will consume almost anything they can swallow, including insect s, fish , and other frogs. Reproduction Breeding takes place from spring through to summer. egg biology Eggs are laid in large masses of up to 10,000 at a time on the surface of the water. This species gets its common name from the call that males use to attract females, which sounds ... more details
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