Herps terms

Herpetofauna

Refers to the amphibians and reptiles collectively.

SVL (snout to vent length)

Measurement from the tip of the snout to the vent, commonly used in herpetology.

Tympanum

The external ear structure in amphibians, often visible as a circular membrane.

Parotoid glands

Enlarged glands located behind the eyes of some toads that secrete neurotoxins.

Carapace

The upper shell of a turtle or tortoise.

Plastron

The lower shell of a turtle or tortoise.

Fossorial

Referring to species that are adapted for digging and burrowing.

Granular skin

Skin texture with a bumpy or rough appearance, typical in some amphibians.

Ephemeral wetlands

Temporary wetlands that dry up for part of the year.

Explosive breeders

Species that reproduce rapidly in response to favorable environmental conditions, typically heavy rains.

Keel

A ridge along the back of some turtles indicating a specific shell shape.

Noxious substance

Harmful or toxic chemicals released by some animals as a defense mechanism.

Unkenreflex

A defensive posture in newts and salamanders where they arch their back to display toxins.

Cloaca

The common exit for the urinary, reproductive, and digestive tracts in amphibians and reptiles.

Vent

The external opening of the cloaca in amphibians and reptiles.

Dimorphic

Having two distinct forms; in this context, referring to differences between male and female salamanders.

Ambystoma

A genus of salamanders known as mole salamanders, often found in North America.

Agkistrodon contortrix

The scientific name for the Copperhead, a venomous snake.

Morphology

The study of the form and structure of organisms.

Colubrids

A family of snakes that are largely non-venomous, but can have some mild venom.

Predation

The preying of one animal on others.

Eurycea cirrigera

The scientific name for the Southern Two-lined Salamander.

Lithobates catesbeianus

The scientific name for the Bullfrog, the largest frog in the US.

Trachemys scripta

The scientific name for the Slider Turtle.

Pseudacris crucifer

The scientific name for the Spring Peeper.

Hyla cinerea

The scientific name for the Green Treefrog.

Diadophis punctatus

The scientific name for the Ringneck Snake.

Scaphiopus holbrookii

The scientific name for the Eastern Spadefoot Toad.

Anaxyrus americanus

The scientific name for the American Toad.

Nerodia sipedon

The scientific name for the Northern Watersnake.

Pantherophis obsoletus

The scientific name for the Rat Snake.

Sceloporus undulatus

The scientific name for the Eastern Fence Lizard.

Plestiodon fasciatus

The scientific name for the Five-lined Skink.