Today interest in herpetology, the study of reptiles and amphibians, is growing by leaps and bounds. For many this subject holds interests in the scientific field where studies can be done on behavior, evolution, and ecology.  Others are primarily interested in reptiles and amphibians for their intrinsic value. Whatever your interest, one of the most important steps of herpetology is the identification of the species you will come across in the field.


What is a reptile?

All reptiles are covered in plates, shields, or scales.  If toes are present they will bear claws. Young reptiles always appear as small scaled adults.  Animals belonging to this group include lizards, turtles, snakes,  crocodilians, and the tuatara.


What are amphibians?

Amphibians lack the scales of reptiles and are covered with moist, glandular skin.  Their toes also lack the claws of the reptiles.  The young of this group start out in a larval stage and morph into the adult stage. This larval stage is usually aquatic. Members of this group include toads, frogs, salamanders, and the caecilians.


Anura
(Frogs and Toads)		 Caudata
(Salamanders and Newts)
Testudines
(Turtles)		 Squamata, Lacertillia
(Lizards)
Squamata,Ophidia
(Snakes)Updated!		 Recommended Reading
Links Sources Used

NRAAC Member

Created by Red Lupa Designs
This page is owned and maintained by Jacki Anderson.
CopyrightŠ 1998, 1999
Email me at redlupa@uswest.net