2009 Envirothon2009 EnvirothonReptilesReptiles

Carey Entz Carey Entz

Watershed SpecialistWatershed Specialist

Lycoming County Conservation DistrictLycoming County Conservation District

ReptilesReptiles

air-breathing, air-breathing, cold-bloodedcold-blooded vertebratesvertebrates that have skin covered in that have skin covered in scalesscales as as opposed to hair or feathers. opposed to hair or feathers.

They have descended from vertebrates They have descended from vertebrates with four limbs.with four limbs.

TurtlesTurtles SkinksSkinks LizardsLizards SnakesSnakes

TurtlesTurtles

most of whose body is shielded by a most of whose body is shielded by a special special bonybony or or cartilaginouscartilaginous shellshell developed from their developed from their ribsribs. .

The earliest known turtles date from 215 The earliest known turtles date from 215 millionmillion years ago; making turtles one of years ago; making turtles one of the oldest reptile groups and a more the oldest reptile groups and a more ancient group than ancient group than lizardslizards and and snakessnakes. .

Bog TurtleBog TurtleEndangeredEndangered

Among the smallest turtles in N. AmericaAmong the smallest turtles in N. America Adults are four to 4 1/2 inches longAdults are four to 4 1/2 inches long Appears only in isolated populations.Appears only in isolated populations. Habitat: Habitat: wetlands, bogs, and marsheswetlands, bogs, and marshes Habitat loss is the cause of the decline.Habitat loss is the cause of the decline. Hibernates in the deep mud, under waterHibernates in the deep mud, under water In June: lay 6 eggs/yr.In June: lay 6 eggs/yr. Omnivore: snails, slugs,Omnivore: snails, slugs,

tadpoles, plants, berriestadpoles, plants, berries

Snapping TurtleSnapping Turtle

The only turtle in PA with economic value!The only turtle in PA with economic value! 12 in., Large head, long tail, 12 in., Large head, long tail, plastronplastron

doesn’t cover the entire underside, strong doesn’t cover the entire underside, strong jaws.jaws.

Habitat: Habitat: anywhere there is wateranywhere there is water Hibernates under water for the winterHibernates under water for the winter 20-50 eggs are laid in June in upland20-50 eggs are laid in June in upland

Eastern Box TurtleEastern Box Turtle TerrestrialTerrestrial Turtle Turtle 4-6” long with a high dome shell4-6” long with a high dome shell Has a movable Has a movable plastronplastron with a hinge to with a hinge to

close the shell in to protect itself.close the shell in to protect itself. Males have red eyes.Males have red eyes. Habitat: moist forests, meadowsHabitat: moist forests, meadows May to June: 3-8 eggs laidMay to June: 3-8 eggs laid

In a deep cavity in a field.In a deep cavity in a field. Omnivores: berries, carrion,inveterbratesOmnivores: berries, carrion,inveterbrates

Map TurtleMap Turtle

Common in the lower Susquehanna and Common in the lower Susquehanna and Delaware watersheds.Delaware watersheds.

Aquatic turtle: 7-11” long, with irregular thin Aquatic turtle: 7-11” long, with irregular thin yellow pattern covering its body.yellow pattern covering its body.

Habitat: slow moving rivers and larger lakesHabitat: slow moving rivers and larger lakes Has 2 or more clutches a year of 12-14 eggsHas 2 or more clutches a year of 12-14 eggs Omnivore: Omnivore:

Prefers mollusks and crayfishPrefers mollusks and crayfish

Midland Painted TurtleMidland Painted Turtle Most widespread turtle in North America.Most widespread turtle in North America. 4-6in., 4-6in., CarapaceCarapace olive- black color, Oval olive- black color, Oval

shaped and smooth, shaped and smooth, plastronplastron is yellow, is yellow, Bright yellow dots on the side of the head.Bright yellow dots on the side of the head.

HabitatHabitat: Found basking on a log at the : Found basking on a log at the side of the pond or slow moving streamside of the pond or slow moving stream

Breeding: May-June, 1-2 Breeding: May-June, 1-2 clutchesclutches• 2-20 elliptically shaped eggs in flask shaped2-20 elliptically shaped eggs in flask shaped

nests. Some may over winter in the nest.nests. Some may over winter in the nest.

Red-eared SliderRed-eared Slider Introduced species from the MississippiIntroduced species from the Mississippi 10” long Aquatic turtle with a red patch 10” long Aquatic turtle with a red patch

above the eye.above the eye. The have gained a foothold in PA waters The have gained a foothold in PA waters

after people illegally released their pets after people illegally released their pets into the wild.into the wild.

Habitat: Slow moving water Habitat: Slow moving water with soft muddy bottomswith soft muddy bottoms Opportunistic: Opportunistic:

Mostly feeding on plantsMostly feeding on plants

Spotted TurtleSpotted Turtle

3-4 in., Black with yellow spots, females 3-4 in., Black with yellow spots, females have yellow eyes while males have brownhave yellow eyes while males have brown

Habitat:Habitat: Spring feed wetlands, and bogs Spring feed wetlands, and bogs Often found basking in clumps of grasses.Often found basking in clumps of grasses. BreedingBreeding: May-March, digs a flask : May-March, digs a flask

shaped nest and lays 3-5 eggs in June.shaped nest and lays 3-5 eggs in June. Eggs hatch in late September - AugustEggs hatch in late September - August

Wood TurtleWood Turtle

Terrestrial TurtleTerrestrial Turtle 5-8in., Brown and keeled, pyramidal 5-8in., Brown and keeled, pyramidal

scales, scales, plastronplastron is yellow, legs are orange. is yellow, legs are orange. Habitat: Habitat: hardwood forest to marshy hardwood forest to marshy

meadows, Hibernates in water during the meadows, Hibernates in water during the winter monthswinter months

• Breeding: May- June, 4-12 eggs a Breeding: May- June, 4-12 eggs a yearyear

• Young may still in the nest through Young may still in the nest through the winterthe winter

LizardsLizards Lizards are often four-legged, with Lizards are often four-legged, with scalesscales.. Lizards possess external ears and most Lizards possess external ears and most

have movable eyelids. have movable eyelids. Due to their smooth, shiny appearance, Due to their smooth, shiny appearance,

some lizards can appear slimy or slippery some lizards can appear slimy or slippery although their skin is actually very dry due although their skin is actually very dry due to a lack of to a lack of porespores to excrete water and to excrete water and oils.oils.

Northern Fence LizardNorthern Fence Lizard

Only lizard in pa.Only lizard in pa. In the spiny lizard familyIn the spiny lizard family Only 4-7” long, Gray-BrownOnly 4-7” long, Gray-Brown More commonly found in southern pa.More commonly found in southern pa. Territorial to grassy or open woodland.Territorial to grassy or open woodland. June 2-4 clutches of 13 eggsJune 2-4 clutches of 13 eggs Beetles are the preferred food Beetles are the preferred food They will eat other types of insectsThey will eat other types of insects

SkinksSkinks Skinks look roughly like true lizards, but Skinks look roughly like true lizards, but

most species have no pronounced neck most species have no pronounced neck and relatively small legs. and relatively small legs.

Several Several generagenera have no limbs at all, others have no limbs at all, others have only reduced limbs. have only reduced limbs.

Skinks usually have long, tapering tails Skinks usually have long, tapering tails that can be shed and that can be shed and regeneratedregenerated..

Northern Coal SkinkNorthern Coal Skink

5-7” brown with a pair of light stripes5-7” brown with a pair of light stripes Juveniles have a bluish colored tailJuveniles have a bluish colored tail Found foraging during the daylight hoursFound foraging during the daylight hours Found in North central and N.west PaFound in North central and N.west Pa Habitat: damp, moist woodsHabitat: damp, moist woods June: 8-9 eggsJune: 8-9 eggs Female will guard the eggsFemale will guard the eggs Insectivores Insectivores

SnakesSnakes SnakeSnake is an elongate is an elongate reptilereptile of the of the

suborder suborder SerpentesSerpentes. Like all reptiles, . Like all reptiles, snakes are snakes are ectothermicectothermic and covered in and covered in scalesscales..

All snakes are All snakes are carnivorouscarnivorous and can be and can be distinguished from distinguished from legless lizardslegless lizards by their by their lack of eyelids, limbs, external ears, and lack of eyelids, limbs, external ears, and vestiges of forelimbs. vestiges of forelimbs.

Black Rat SnakeBlack Rat Snake

Largest snake in pa. 42-100” longLargest snake in pa. 42-100” long Active during the day.Active during the day. Plain shiny black with a whitish bellyPlain shiny black with a whitish belly Young are deeply patterned gray/brownYoung are deeply patterned gray/brown Habitat: Varity- farms, forests, hillsidesHabitat: Varity- farms, forests, hillsides Jun- Aug:30 eggs laidJun- Aug:30 eggs laid

In decayed logs or leaf pileIn decayed logs or leaf pile Eats tree frogs, mice and Eats tree frogs, mice and other small mammals.other small mammals.

Eastern Garter SnakeEastern Garter Snake

Most common snake in North AmericaMost common snake in North America 18-26” long, dark green/ black with 3 18-26” long, dark green/ black with 3

stripes with spots between the stripesstripes with spots between the stripes Generally the last to hibernate in the fall.Generally the last to hibernate in the fall. Built in self defense: Musk glandsBuilt in self defense: Musk glands Habitat: wet meadows, marshesHabitat: wet meadows, marshes Livebearer: 7-85 in AugustLivebearer: 7-85 in August Prefers earthwormsPrefers earthworms

Salamanders, frogs and toads.Salamanders, frogs and toads.

Eastern Hognose SnakeEastern Hognose Snake AKA Puff Adder, Hissing, Spreading AdderAKA Puff Adder, Hissing, Spreading Adder 18-45” upturned snot, square patches18-45” upturned snot, square patches If disturbed it flattens its head and hissesIf disturbed it flattens its head and hisses It also may play dead… Its harmless!It also may play dead… Its harmless! Habitat: Dry terrain, open areas Habitat: Dry terrain, open areas and rocky hillsides.and rocky hillsides. June- July: 6-61 eggs in the sandJune- July: 6-61 eggs in the sand Prefers toads and frogsPrefers toads and frogs

Salamanders and insectsSalamanders and insects

Eastern MassasaugaEastern MassasaugaENDANGEREDENDANGERED

Rattlesnake, Venomous, Pit ViperRattlesnake, Venomous, Pit Viper Vertical pupil similar to a cats eye.Vertical pupil similar to a cats eye. Smallest of the 3 poisonous snake in pa.Smallest of the 3 poisonous snake in pa. Venom is not as toxic as the timber rattler.Venom is not as toxic as the timber rattler. Endangered due to loss of habitatEndangered due to loss of habitat Habitat: Marshy, swamplandsHabitat: Marshy, swamplands Livebearer of 2-20 young in JulyLivebearer of 2-20 young in July Prefers frogs, toads and Prefers frogs, toads and salamanderssalamanders

Eastern Milk SnakeEastern Milk Snake Pa most beneficial and misidentified snake Pa most beneficial and misidentified snake Often killed by mistake for a copperheadOften killed by mistake for a copperhead.. Cream colored snake with red patchesCream colored snake with red patches Belly: black and white checkerboardBelly: black and white checkerboard

Copperheads belly is unmarkedCopperheads belly is unmarked Found in all 67 counties in PaFound in all 67 counties in Pa July:6-25 eggs laid in rotting logJuly:6-25 eggs laid in rotting log Eats rodents, lizards, birds, snakesEats rodents, lizards, birds, snakes

Including venomous snakes!Including venomous snakes!

Eastern Smooth Green SnakeEastern Smooth Green Snake AKA Green Grass SnakeAKA Green Grass Snake Most gentle of all North America snakesMost gentle of all North America snakes 14-20” long, bright green, plain white belly14-20” long, bright green, plain white belly Active during the dayActive during the day Habitat: meadows, moist grassy fields.Habitat: meadows, moist grassy fields. Aug: 3-10 eggs laid under a stoneAug: 3-10 eggs laid under a stone Females may nest togetherFemales may nest together InsectivorousInsectivorous

Northern Brown SnakeNorthern Brown Snake

AKA Dekay’s Snake for the zoologist that AKA Dekay’s Snake for the zoologist that named the snake, James Edward Dekay.named the snake, James Edward Dekay.

One of PA smallest snakes 9-13”One of PA smallest snakes 9-13” Brown with 2 parallel rows of darker spotsBrown with 2 parallel rows of darker spots Habitat: Generally found around water, Habitat: Generally found around water,

moist upland and marshes.moist upland and marshes. Livebearer to 3-30 young in July-SeptLivebearer to 3-30 young in July-Sept Prefers worms, slugs, and snails.Prefers worms, slugs, and snails.

Northern CopperheadNorthern Copperhead Venomous, Pit ViperVenomous, Pit Viper Vertical pupil similar to a cats eye.Vertical pupil similar to a cats eye. 24-26” long, stout-bodied, copper-brown24-26” long, stout-bodied, copper-brown Livebearer: 1-14 are born in AugustLivebearer: 1-14 are born in August Young are gray with a yellow tailYoung are gray with a yellow tail

They use the tail as a lure.They use the tail as a lure. Habitat: upland, wooded hillsidesHabitat: upland, wooded hillsides Eats insects at first then rodentsEats insects at first then rodents

Sometimes birds, cicadas, caterpillarsSometimes birds, cicadas, caterpillars

Northern Ringneck SnakeNorthern Ringneck Snake

Relatively small harmless snakeRelatively small harmless snake If threatened can emit a pungent muskIf threatened can emit a pungent musk 10-24” black snake with a yellow belly and 10-24” black snake with a yellow belly and

matching yellow collar.matching yellow collar. Found in all 67 counties in pa.Found in all 67 counties in pa. Habitat: Mostly forested rocky hillsides.Habitat: Mostly forested rocky hillsides. 2-6 eggs are laid in June2-6 eggs are laid in June Prefers salamanders Prefers salamanders

Worms, slugs, lizards, insectsWorms, slugs, lizards, insects

Northern Water SnakeNorthern Water Snake Largest Pa water snake, Non poisonousLargest Pa water snake, Non poisonous 24-50” long, Array of colors red, brown, 24-50” long, Array of colors red, brown,

black. Light bands sometime hard to see.black. Light bands sometime hard to see. Territorial, nasty disposition, inflicts a Territorial, nasty disposition, inflicts a

severe bite that may bleed profusely.severe bite that may bleed profusely. Due to an anticoagulant in the saliva.Due to an anticoagulant in the saliva.

Habitat: found near water.Habitat: found near water. Livebearer to 25 young in OctoberLivebearer to 25 young in October Prefers frogs, salamanders, Prefers frogs, salamanders, crayfish, slow moving fishcrayfish, slow moving fish

Ribbon SnakesRibbon Snakes

A cousin to the Garter, but more aquaticA cousin to the Garter, but more aquatic 18-26” long, slender, agile, 3 bright yellow 18-26” long, slender, agile, 3 bright yellow

stripes.stripes. Two species in pa: Eastern and NorthernTwo species in pa: Eastern and Northern

Eastern: black body and Northern: ReddishEastern: black body and Northern: Reddish Habitat: Wet meadows, bogs, marshes, Habitat: Wet meadows, bogs, marshes,

shallow lakes and ponds, small streamsshallow lakes and ponds, small streams Livebearer: 3-25 in JulyLivebearer: 3-25 in July Prefers frogs, salamanders, small fishPrefers frogs, salamanders, small fish

PA Threatened and EndangeredPA Threatened and Endangered

Endangered:Endangered: Bog TurtleBog Turtle Eastern MassasaugaEastern Massasauga Kirtland's SnakeKirtland's Snake

Threatened:Threatened: Red Bellied TurtleRed Bellied Turtle Rough Green SnakeRough Green Snake Timber RattlesnakeTimber Rattlesnake

Candidates: Brodhead Skink Blandlings Turtle

2009 Envirothon 2009 Envirothon Aquatic ResourcesAquatic Resources

http://www.envirothonpa.org/Aquatic-Ecology.shtml http://www.envirothonpa.org/Aquatic-Ecology.shtml