A FIELD GUIDE TO

Text and Illustrations by

ROBERT C. STEBBINS

Professor Emeritus of Zoology and Curator Emeritus of Herpetology,

Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley

SPONSORED BY

THE NATIONAL WILDLIFE FEDERATION

AND THE ROGER TORY PETERSON INS4ITUTE•

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Copyright © 2003 by Robert C. Stebbins

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Stebbins, Robert C. (Robert Cyril).

A field guide to western reptiles and amphibians/Robert C. Stebbins.-3rd. ed. p. cm. — (Peterson field guide series)

Includes bibliographical references (p. 5 1 4). ISBN 0-395-98272-3

I . Reptiles—North America—Identification. 2. Amphibians—North America—Identification. 3. Reptiles—West (U.S.)—Identification. 4. Amphibians—West

(U.S.)—Identification. I. Title. II. Series QL651 .5783 2003

597.9'0978--dc21 2002027561

Book design by Anne Chalmers Typeface: Linotype-Hell Fairfield; Futura Condensed (Adobe)

Photographs by William Leonard

Printed in Singapore

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famed. A Puerto Rican species, the Golden Coqui Frog (E.

coqui), is ovoviviparous. proportions froglike or toadlike. Underside of toes usually has

prominent tubercles at joints, teeth are present in upper jaw, and eardrums generally are smooth and semitransparent. Some

species have a circular fold of skin on belly. Six species in U.S., I introduced.

BARKING FROG Eleutherodactylus augusti Pl. 19, Map 30

IDENTIFICATION: 2-3 3/4 in. (5 .1 –9.5 cm). Toadlike, but toes slender and unwebbecl, with tips slightly expanded and prominent tuber-cules beneath joints. Walks in stilted fashion with hindquarters and heels well off the ground. Fold of skin across back of head and circular fold on belly. Eardrum smooth and semitransparent. Greenish to light brown above, marked with dark blotches that of-ten have light borders. Conspicuous dark brown eyes. Young: Light-colored band across back that rapidly fades with age. Male: Much smaller than female.

Secretive, terrestrial, often rock-dwelling species frequently found in limestone areas. Hides by day under rocks and in mines, wells, caves, fissures, and rodent burrows. Ranges from creosote bush flats, treeless, dry, yucca-covered hills, or brushy woodland into open pine forests. In Tex., found in juniper–live oak wood-land; in Sonora in large, low, dense clumps of cactus. Breeds with onset of summer rainy season. Eggs large-yolked and unpig-mented; laid Feb. June in caves, fissures, or under rocks during periods of rainfall. Young hatch fully formed (no aquatic larval stage). VOICE: Resembles bark of a small dog—a series of rapid yapping notes at intervals of 1 1/2-3 seconds, but more of a gut-tural whurr at close range. May also sound like croak of a raven. SIMILAR SPECIES: Northern Casque-headed Frog, although having fold of skin at back of head, lacks transparent eardrums and nu-merous tubercles on underside of feet. RANGE: Extreme s. Ariz. (Santa Rita, Pajarito, and Huachuca Mts.), se. N.M. (lower Pecos R. drainage), and cen. Tex. (escarpment of Edwards Plateau) south to Isthmus of Tehuantepec. An old report for Parker Canyon, Sierra Anchas, Gila Co., Ariz., requires confimation. Limestone outcrops in the area. Distribution spotty. Near sea level to 8,900 ft. (2,71 o m) in Mexico.

SPADEFOOT TOADS AND RELATIVES: FAMILY PELOBATIDAE

Our species, members of genera Spea and Scaphiopus, are found only in the New World. In general appearance they look a lot

BARKING FROG AND SPADEFOOT TOADS 20I

•

as this species. In our area the Northern Leopard Frog coexists an sionally hybridizes with Plains Leopard Frog (Rana blairi, p. 237 Colo. (Big Sandy Creek area). It also hybridizes with the Chiricahu ard Frog (below) in areas of cen. Ariz. where ranges overlap. Sev clines have occurred in this species in many parts of its range. Fo pie, it has disappeared from East Kootenays and Okanagan Valle suffered a marked decline since i 978 in Alta., roughly north of lat. ,

in Nev. over the past 7o years (See Map 56). The survival status •o scattered populations in Calif. is unknown. Drought, loss of habit4 variety of other human disturbances appear to be largely responsibl

CHIRICAHUA LEOPARD FROG Pl. 17 Rana chiricahuensis

IDENTIFICATION: 2-5 2/5 in. (5.1-1 3.7 cm). Similar to Northern ard Frog (p. 234) but stockier, with more rounded head, s limbs, and slightly upturned eyes. Dorsolateral folds usual ken into short segments toward rear and angled inward., rougher, with more tubercles; dorsal spots usually smalle more numerous than in other Leopard Frogs. Ground color greenish or brown. Upper lip stripe diffuse or absent in fr eye. Face usually green. Rear of thigh speckled with "salt-and, per" markings—small light dots, each with a tubercle, scan over a dark ground color. Dull whitish or yellowish below, usu. with gray mottling on throat and sometimes on chest. Yell°, groin and on lower abdomen. Many separate populations 4 stricted aquatic sites, differing in color and pattern. Male: Swo and darkened thumb base.

Highly aquatic, found chiefly in oak and mixed oak an woodlands and pine forests where it frequents rocky streams deep rockbound pools. Also ranges into areas of chaparral,, land, and even desert, and, in addition, to streams; is als tracted to river overflow pools, oxbows, permanent ,sp ponds, and earthen stock tanks. In upland areas breedsf May–Aug. and in lower, warmer localities from mid-Mare June and sporadically through the fall. May breed through year at Alamo Warm Springs, Socorro Co., N.M. VOICE: Long snorelike; a single note lasting 1-2 seconds, sometimes drop in pitch slightly at the end, and repeated intermittently. P that make up the call are given more rapidly (usually over 30 second) than in our other Leopard Frogs, with possible excep of Northern Leopard Frog. Sometimes calls from underwater ILAR SPECIES: See (1 ) Northern Leopard Frog (p. 234). (2) pi Leopard Frog (p. 237 ). (3 ) Lowland Leopard Frog (p. 239). Mountain regions of cen. and se. Ariz., sw. N.M., and Sie Madre Occidental to s. Durango in Mexico. Gap in range

TRUE FROGS

basin in N.M. See descriptions of Northern, Plains, and d Leopard Frogs for interactions of the Chiricahua Leop-og with those species. From around 3,500-8,53o ft. 2,600 m).

I: Has undergone severe declines throughout much of range in

fid, N.M.

LEOPARD FROG Rana blairi Pl. 17, Map 58

!CATION: 2-4 3/8 in. (5 –I I .1 cm). Generally pale-colored. huffy brown to dull green above with brown to olive green spots that lack or have very narrow pale borders. Dark spot t;-on snout. Whitish stripe on upper lip. Usually well-de-

ale spot in center of eardrum. White below, sometimes with fine dark stippling or mottling on throat. Some yellow may

oin, on lower abdomen, and at base of thighs. Dorsolat-

Ids usually not continuous (segmented on lower back) and tl-inward toward rear. Young: Whitish upper-lip stripe often

efined. Male: Deflated vocal sacs (below jaw angle) tend to ,ngthwise folds (skin usually less folded in Northern Leop-

rbg, p. 234). d chiefly on cen. and s. Great Plains, in prairie and desert

land, but also enters oak and oak-pine woodland and farm-'Frequents prairie ponds, streams, and playas where water at is' muddy and shallow. Often breeds in temporary waters. drought-resistant than Northern Leopard Frog. Breeds ct. Tends to breed later than Northern Leopard Frog

ranges overlap or approach one another. viola: Usually 2-4

chucklelike notes, tuck, tuck, tuck, each call usually

g less than i second—shorter and slower-pulsed than ern Leopard Frog's. Voice also described as a series of short, ssing sounds. Grunt and grind notes may also be given. sm.

ViclEs: (I ) Chiricahua Leopard Frog (p. 236) has smaller and e' numerous spots, "salt-and-pepper" markings on back of s, green on face, lacks whitish eardrum spot, and has up-

ed eyes. (2) Rio Grande Leopard Frog (p. 240) has large eyes faint upper-lip stripe, fading or absent in front of eye. (3) land Leopard Frog (p. 239) usually lacks whitish eardrum . See also (4) Northern Leopard Frog (p. 234). RANGE: Se. . and

S.D. and w. Iowa to e. and s. N.M. and cen. Tex.; se. Colo. to . Ind. and cen. Okla. Extends west in N.M. along the Rio ito, Rio Hondo, and upper Rio Penasco to around 7,000 ft. 3o m) near Sierra Blanca, Lincoln Co.; along the Pecos R. to r, Carlsbad, Eddy Co. and in the Rio Grande, including Ash yon near Truth or Consequences, Sierra Co. Isolated on w.

e Chiricahua Mts. (Turkey Creek, etc.) and adjoining Sulphur

vommerms .

TRUE FROGS MEI

black-bordered spot of similar color on each side of head; pace lacks curved lines and ocelli. (2) Rio Grande Cooter shaped marking on 2nd costal scute. (3) Painted Turtle lacks headspot and serrations on posterior margin of carapace. RA Rio Grande drainage in s.-cen. N.M., Tex., and Mex., an Conchos, a Rio Grande tributary in Chihuahua, Mex. In found between 4,1 99 and 4,626 ft. (1,28o—I ,41 o m).

RIO GRANDE COOTER Pseudemys gorzugi PI. 21, M IDENTIFICATION: 3 1/5—I I 1/2 in. (8.1 —29.2 cm). Carapace orn marked with complicated pattern resembling a contour map; swirls of yellow, dusky, and black lines and scattering of 14 blackish spots and blotches. 2nd costal scute usually bears c spicuous yellowish C-shaped marking. Yellowish green stripes head and neck. Usually a yellow or yellowish green large big on each side of head. Feet and tail striped with yellowish, red, black. Plastron largely without pattern except for dark color alo seams. Carapace has serrated rear margin. Young: Plastron may, marked with thin gray lines along seams. Male: Long claws. forefeet. Old adults may become melanistic.

Primarily a river turtle, especially attracted to quieter water' deeper pools. Substratum may be mud, sand, and/or rocks. E algae, probably other plants, and presumably fish and a variety, invertebrates. SIMILAR SPECIES: (I ) Shell of Painted Turtle has sum, rear margin and plastron is ornately marked. (2) Pond Slider. patch of red on each side of head and smooth rear margin to car,' pace. RANGE: From extreme se. N.M. throughout w and s. Tex. alon Pecos and Rio Grande drainages and adjacent Coahuila and Ntiev Leon to n. Tamaulipas, Mex. In N.M. found in Pecos R. drain where it ranges north to Brantley Reservoir. Range includes B and Delaware Rivers. Report from Bitter Lakes area, Chavez C requires verification. From sea level to 3,609 ft. (i ,i oo m).

WESTERN BOX TURTLE (ORNATE BOX TURTLE,

Terrapene ornata PI. 22, Mop IDENTIFICATION: 4-5 3/4 in. (I O.I —I 4.6 cm). Land turtle that can CO pletely enclose itself in its shell, however it does not shun water Front of plastron hinged and can be drawn up tightly against cara. pace. Shell high, rounded, and typically marked with radiat, lines or series of dots of black or dark brown on yellow or horn, colored background. Similar markings may be found on plastro Occasional individuals have plain yellow or horn-colored she, Young: Carapace with yellowish middorsal stripe and spots; plas tron cream or yellowish with large dark central blotch. Male: Firs nail on each hind foot turns inward, which aids male in din

$al. of female during copulation. Iris red (yellowish or reddish in female) and head sometimes greenish.

marily a prairie turtle. Over much of range inhabits treeless and gently rolling country grown to grass or scattered low

es, but also occurs in open woodlands. Seeks sites where soil dy or otherwise suitable for burrowing. Both self-con-

ded burrows or those made by kangaroo rats may be used. also be found under boards, rocks, and other objects. Box es are omnivorous, eating a great variety of animal and plant

tiSt—insects (beetles, grasshoppers, crickets, caterpillars) and invertebrates, including earthworms and crayfish; reptiles, carrion; berries, melons, cactus fruits and pads, tender

Pt.s, and leaves. In some areas tortoise "sign" consists of dis-.ed piles of cow dung into which they have dug in search of ties and other insects. Active March–Nov. Breeds both spring autumn. Clutch of 2-8 eggs, laid May–Aug. Activity stimu-

oclthy rainfall. RANGE: Sw. S.D., s. Mich., and Ind. south to Gulf tand extreme n. Mex.; e. Tex. across s. N.M. to se. Ariz. to

ar, west_ as e. base of Baboquivari Mts.) and Sonora. Near sea 'ito around 7,546 ft. (2,3o o m). SKIES: DESERT BOX TURTLE, T. o. luteola. Pale radiating lines on

amore numerous than in Ornate Box Turtle, II-14 on 2nd costal ield. Markings become less distinct with advancing age and eventually

iiist; shells of most old individuals are uniform straw color or pale

xiish brown. ORNATE BOX TURTLE, T. o. ornata. Fewer pale radiat-

jiiies (5- 1 o) on 2nd costal shield than in Desert Box Turtle. Usually

ous fading of shell with advancing age.

D4TORTOISES: FAMILY TESTUDINIDAE

nd-dwelling chelonians with domed shell and elephant-like s, ranging into some of the most arid parts of the world. tit 4o species. Majority are herbivorous, feeding on leaves,

oft stems, and fruits, but some occasionally eat animal-matter. cur: on all continents except Australia and Antarctica. Includes

tortoises of Galapagos Is. and islands in Indian Ocean. Only xrr'gopher tortoises (genus Gopherus) occur in N. America. In,

',,h:tion to our species, the Desert Tortoise (below), gopher tor-toises include its close relative the Texas Tortoise of s. Tex. and Te. Mexico, the Gopher Tortoise of se. U.S., and the large Boson

tortoise of n.-cen. Mexico.

'RT TORTOISE Gopherus agassizii PI. 22, Mop 63

ENTIFICATION: 8-15 in (20.3-38.1 cm). A high-domed shell, usu-3i with prominent growth lines on shields of both carapace and

DESERT TORTOISE BOX AND POND TURTLES 254

WHIPTAILS

southern part of range. Usually 6 or fewer light stripes. C dark field between pale dorsolateral stripe and lowermost stripe varies: may be gray, reddish brown, or dark brown to Young: Tail blue. Male: Throat, chest, and (far south in range) e ventral surface (including underside of tail) may be orange, distinctly so during breeding season.

Inhabits washes, streams, terraces, and other sandy areas o where there are rocks and patches of brush and rocky hillst Frequents coastal chaparral, thornscrub, and streamside gm, 1-2 clutches of 1-4 eggs, laid June—July in northern pa range. Eats insects (termites, beetles, etc.) and spiders. RecO of feeding on a hatchling Zebra-tailed Lizard and Side-blotO Lizard. SIMILAR SPECIES:(I ) Baja California VVhiptail (Pl. 53; P 4 always has at least 6 light dorsal stripes (usually 7 or 8); in a where Orange-throated Whiptail shares its range, latter usu has fewer than 6 stripes. (2) Western Whiptail (p. 326) has vague striping (if any), spotted pattern, and divided frontoj etal. RANGE: Santa Ana R., Orange Co., and near Colton,- Bernardino Co., Calif., west of crest of Peninsular Ranges, so to tip of Baja Calif. Sea level to perhaps around 2,000 ft. (610 REMARKS: An estimated 75 percent of former range in U.S. detroyed by velopments; remaining populations highly fragmented.

BAJA CALIFORNIA WHIPTAIL Cnemidophorus labialis

Close relative of Orange-throated Whiptail endemic to Baja (see p. 428).

CANYON SPOTTED WHIPTAIL Pl. 40, Milli Cnemidophorus burti

IDENTIFICATION: 3 1/2-5 1/2 in. (8.9-1 4 cm). A large, spotted whip with 6-7 light stripes; stripes faint or absent in large adult ma Vertebral (middorsal) stripe may be present or absent. Mor less speckled with pale spots above. Often reddish color on and neck, sometimes over entire back. Supraorbital semicir normal (Fig. 18, Pl. 37, p. i o8), extending toward snout, to near front end of frontoparietal. Abruptly enlarged posts brachials and scales on gular fold. 85—I I 5 dorsal granules. Y Striping distinct. Spots in dark fields. Orange or reddish tail.

Inhabits mountain canyons, arroyos, and mesas in arid semiarid regions, entering lowland desert along stream cours Found in dense shrubby vegetation, often among rocks near manent and intermittent streams. Clutches of i —i o eggs, 14 summer. Eats insects (ants, termites, caterpillars, beetles, i larvae and pupae) and spiders. SIMILAR SPECIES: See Chihuah

Whiptail (p. 323), Sonoran Spotted Whiptail (p. 324), Spotted Whiptail (p. 325). RANGE: S. and se. Ariz., ex-

w. N.M., and Sonora, and n. Sinaloa, Mex. 'ItS: RED-BACKED WHIPTAIL, C. b. xanthonotus (Pl. 40). Back `brown to reddish orange; red color stops abiuptly along upper

`.Sides and upper surfaces of neck, legs, and feet dark grayish green

h. Striping and spotting on back more or less obscured by reddish ground color, less so in young. Primarily montane, with fragmented

k ution. Ranges north to Sierra Estrella, southwest of Phoenix, east t northeast of Coyote Mts., Pima Co., and west to Agua Dulce Mts., &Organ Pipe Cactus Nat'l Monument. Frequents desert-edge habi-huniper, oak, cactus (organ pipe, etc.), desert scrub, and grassland.

SPOTTED WHIPTAIL, C. b. stictogrammus (PI. 40). Adults :much larger size than Red-backed Whiptail. Reddish or rust color

►per surfaces less extensive—when present usually confined to head

„'eak. Young have bright orange to reddish tail. The only Whiptail in est except the Texas Spotted Whiptail that has I oo or more dorsal

es. Some localities are Santa Catalina, Santa Rita, Baboquivari, and

;to Mts.; vicinity of Oracle (north end Santa Catalina Mts.), Pinal

d Mineral Hot Springs, Cochise Co., Ariz. Guadalupe Canyon in e sw. N.M.; Sonora. Near sea level to around 4,500 ft. (I ,370 m).

EXICO WHIPTAIL (ALL-FEMALE) PI. 38, Mop 122 horus neomexicanus

NTIFICATION: 2 3/8-3% in. (6-8.5 cm). A whiptail with 6-7 pale Opes, including wavy middorsal stripe that forks on neck.

orbital semicircles penetrate deeply toward snout, usually .arating 3rd and often 2nd supraocular from the frontal. Small,

se light spots on sides between light stripes. Often pale eenish to bluish below. Tail grayish at base, grading to greenish

eenish blue toward tip. Postantebrachials not enlarged. dorsal granules. Young: Ground color of body black, stripes

ow, well-defined whitish spots in dark fields on sides. Green-o greenish blue tail.

,riMarily lives in bottomlands of historically perpetually dis-ed habitats caused by flooding. Frequents areas of loose sand =Iced sandy soil amid low grass, saltbush, desert tea, and

ttered yucca and mesquite. Inhabits mostly plains grassland, Od'plain habitats of sandy river basins, and edges of desert

s. 1-2 clutches of 1-4 eggs, laid June—July. Eats insects as beetles, ants, lepidopterans, grasshoppers) and spiders.

11,111 SPECIES: Distinguished from other striped whiptails by com- don of forward extension of supraorbital semicircles, well-de- , ea stripes with light spots in dark fields on sides, wavy middor-

;, tripe, and greenish tail. RANGE: Rio Grande valley from near

P1.53, Map

WHIPTAILS