Herpetology Quiz 1

First 10 species on Lab Practical Exam 2

A small lizard (5.0 to 8.0 inches in length) which can be green, brown, or a mixture of both colors; may have some dark patterns on the back. Males are larger and have a pink or reddish throat fan. Females have a white throat and a whitish stripe down the center of their back.

A small lizard (5.0 to 8.0 inches in length) which can be green, brown, or a mixture of both colors; may have some dark patterns on the back. Males are larger and have a pink or reddish throat fan. Females have a white throat and a whitish stripe down the center of their back.

Anolis carolinensis

A medium-sized (up to 19 cm TL), stout lizard with gray to brown back sporting 5 to 8 dark bands. Belly white with varying amounts of blue or greenish blue along ventral edges. Blue patch on throat. The colored areas on the throat and sides of body are more brilliant in breeding males.

Sceloporus undulatus

A long, slender, fast-moving lizard (6.0 to 9.5 inches in length) with 6 light stripes, extending from the head down to the tail, on a dark brown or black background color. Stripes can be yellow, white, gray, or pale blue. Bellies are white to salmon-pink for females and bluish for males. Tail is gray or brown and has a rough feel. Adult males have a broader head than females; females have a heavier body.

Aspidoscelis sexlineata

A medium-sized lizard (5.0 to 7.0 inches in length) with smooth, shiny scales and short legs. Back color ranges from olive-gray to brown. A wide dark brown or black lateral stripe extends from the head onto the tail along each side of the body, bordered by a thin light line above and below. The belly is gray or bluish-gray. Males have dark orange or reddish tint on sides of the head during the breeding season. Adult females are slightly larger than males.

Plestiodon anthracinus

A moderately large, shiny lizard (5.0 to 8.5 inches in length) with highly variable color pattern. Generally the body is brown or black with 5 white or yellowish stripes extending onto the tail. Adult males are uniformly brown or olive with faint stripes; and reddish or orange coloration on the head during the breeding season. Adult females are typically brown with faded stripes and gray or blue-gray tail. Juveniles have a bright blue tail and distinct stripes.

Plestiodon fasciatus

A moderately large, shiny lizard (5.5 to 8.5 inches in length) with highly variable color pattern. Body color is usually brown or black with 5 white or yellowish stripes extending onto the tail. Middle stripe is often thinner than others. Adult males have brown or bronze backs and often lose the middle stripe; they also have reddish or orange coloration on the head during the breeding season. Adult females typically are more faded but retain stripes and coloration. Juveniles have a bright blue tail and distinct stripes.

Plestiodon inexpectatus

 A large, smooth-scaled lizard (6.5 to 12.5 inches in length) with short legs and stocky body.   Adult males, the namesake of this species, are olive-brown with large, swollen red heads during the breeding season.   Adult females are variable, but usually have up to 5 light or faded stripes on brownish body.   Juveniles have 5 distinct, light colored stripes on a black background with a bright blue tail.

Plestiodon laticeps

A small, slender lizard (3.0 to 5.25 inches in length) with smooth, shiny scales and short legs. Background color is variable, but usually golden brown to dark brown with dark stripes running down the side of the back from eye to mid-tail. Small black specks typically dot the back and sides. Adult males have yellow bellies; adult females have white or gray bellies and are larger. Juveniles are similar to adults.

Scincella lateralis

A long, slender, legless lizard (22.0 to 46.0 inches in length) that looks similar to a snake. Distinguished from snakes by having movable eyelids, external ears, and small scales on the belly. A fold of skin running along each side of the body, termed lateral groove (or fold), is distinct. Body color is brownish or tan with narrow black stripe in the center on juveniles. Narrow, dark, longitudinal stripes run down the sides, above and below the groove, from head to tail. Older specimens may have light, irregular crossbands on back and tail.

Ophisaurus attenuatus

a large, semi-aquatic, armored reptile that is related to crocodiles. Their body alone ranges from 6 - 14 feet long. Almost black in color, it has prominent eyes and nostrils with coarse scales over the entire body. It has a large, long head with visible upper teeth along the edge of the jaws. Its front feet have 5 toes, while rear feet have 4 toes that are webbed.

Alligator mississippiensis