ABOUT THIS BOOK

The only comprehensive book about the state's 182 species and subspecies of snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs, and salamanders

Generously illustrated, it contains photographs and range maps for each species, showing the specific locality from which each specimen on record was collected. The text includes keys, detailed descriptions, accounts of habitats and life histories, remarks about variations and ecological disturbances, as well as general information on such topics as collecting and care in captivity. The volume is an essential guide for herpetologists of all ages.

AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY

Robert H. Mount is retired from the Department of Zoology-Entomology at Auburn University.

REVIEWS

“An important advancement in the knowledge of herpetology of the southeastern United States. Mount has produced both a superb state faunal survey replete with original data, and an in-depth scholarly treatment of many taxonomic problems. . . . A copy should be in the possession of everyone interested in amphibians and reptiles.”
—Association of Southeastern Biologists Bulletin
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Contents

Preface to the 1996 Reprint Edition

Preface

Acknowledgments

Introduction

History of Herpetology in Alabama

About Subspecies

Climate of Alabama

The Herpetofauna—Regional Composition

The Fall Line as a Barrier to Dispersal

The Coastal Plain

The Upland Regions

Problematical Forms

Valid Forms Whose Ranges Closely Approach Alabama

Forms of Doubtful Taxonomic Validity Reported in Alabama

Introduced Species

Species Erroneously Reported from Alabama

Accounts of Taxa

Scientific Names

Common Names

Descriptions

Distribution

Habits

Photographs

Check List of the Reptiles and Amphibians of Alabama

Taxonomic Keys to the Reptiles and Amphibians of Alabama

Key to the Orders of Amphibia

Key to the Orders and Suborders of Reptiles

Key to the Frogs and Toads

Species Key to the Larval Frogs and Toads

Key to the Salamanders

Key to the Lizards

Key to the Snakes

Key to the Turtles

Order Anura—Frogs and Toads

Order Caudata (Urodela)—Salamanders

Order Trachystomata—Sirens

Order Crocodilia—Crocodilians

Order Squamata—Lizards and Snakes

Order Testudinata—Turtles

Collecting and Preserving Specimens

Collecting

Killing

Fixing and Preserving

Reptiles and Amphibians as Captives

Snakes and Lizards

Turtles

Frogs, Toads, and Salamanders

Poisonous Snakes and Snakebite Treatment

Glossary

Literature Cited

Appendix

Threatened and Endangered Species

Index