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Reptiles and Amphibians
of
Highlands County, Florida
by Daniel Parker
All
photos by the author unless otherwise mentioned
Copyright
2007
NONVENOMOUS SNAKES |
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Florida Scarlet
Snake Cemophora coccinea coccinea
Common
The scarlet snake is one of two species (the other being the scarlet
kingsnake) that are sometimes confused with the venomous coral snake. The
scarlet snake can be distinguished from the coral snake by having a a red tip to the nose (the coral snake's
is black), having red and black bands that touch, and having a white belly. The
scarlet snake is found in most terrestrial habitats, but may be most common in
pine flatwoods. Though it is locally abundant, the scarlet snake is
rarely seen because it is a secretive burrower and is active mostly at night.
It's diet is made up almost entirely of the eggs of other reptiles.
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Southern
Black Racer Coluber constrictor priapus Common
This is the
most commonly seen snake in Highlands County. It is found in
nearly every habitat and adapts well to areas disturbed by people. The
adults are easily recognized by their plain black coloration above and a white
chin. Juveniles are quite different, with a reddish brown diamond pattern on a
gray background. True to its name, the racer moves quickly, which helps it to
escape predators or chase down the lizards, frogs, and small rodents on which it
feeds. I once caught a black racer (along with a greater siren, pig frog, and
many tadpoles) in a funnel trap half submerged under water in a marsh. This
observation confirms this species ability to exploit all types of habitats,
including aquatic ones.
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Southern
Ringneck Snake Diadophis punctatus punctatus
Common
This small snake is easily
recognized by the broken orange ring around the neck. It is common in all
terrestrial habitats. Though secretive and primarily nocturnal, it is often seen
around houses when debris or sod is removed, or it falls into a swimming pool and cannot
get out. It feeds on earthworms, frogs, lizards, and other snakes and is totally
harmless to humans.
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Eastern Indigo Snake Drymarchon corais couperi
Locally
Common
Threatened Species
This large snake is protected by law and should not be disturbed. Though
populations have been reduced or extirpated in many areas, the indigo
snake is still
common in some areas of Highlands County where there is adequate space
for this wide-ranging snake to roam. This snake is most often associated
with xeric habitats, where it uses gopher tortoise burrows for
shelter. It is found in other terrestrial habitats and can adapt to disturbed habitats,
especially agricultural areas with canals. However, it may be quickly
eliminated in developed areas. Indigo snakes are indiscriminate feeders
on small mammals, amphibians, and reptiles including other snakes and
even small gopher tortoises.
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Corn Snake Elaphe guttata
guttata Common
The corn snake or red rat snake is a very successful species that can be
found in all terrestrial habitats, even developed areas. It is easily
identified by its red blotches on an orange, peach, or grayish
background. The belly is patterned with white and black and somewhat
resembles a piano keyboard. It is occasionally active during the day in
the spring, but is primarily nocturnal. It may forage on the ground, in
bushes, trees, or on fences and the sides of houses. It preys on
lizards, rodents, and birds.
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Yellow Rat
Snake Elaphe obsoleta quadrivittata
Locally Common
The yellow rat snake is often called the "chicken snake" by Floridians. It
may have gotten that name from raiding eggs and young chicks from
chicken coupes. It is beneficial to humans, however, because of its
ravenous consumption of rodents. Adult Yellow Rat Snakes are widely
recognized by their coloration and four dark stripes. Juveniles look
quite different, with dark blotches on a gray background. This snake is
not common in the scrub of the ridge, but may be found around low areas
such as bay heads. It is abundant in most lowland habitats off the
ridge.
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Everglades
Rat Snake Elaphe obsoleta rossalleni Uncommon
This subspecies or color variation (depending on who you talk to)
intergrades with the yellow rat snake in Highlands County and is similar
except for the orange coloration of the adults. This subspecies is
thought to have once occupied the Everglades and Kissimmee Prairie
regions, but may now be reduced in number because of the habitat destruction
of those areas. Rat snakes are still common in those areas, but they
tend to have more traits associated with the yellow rat snake than with
the Everglades rat snake.
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Eastern Mud
Snake Farancia abacura abacura Locally
Common
This large beautiful snake is common in wetland areas where it feeds on
aquatic salamanders. Though it spends much of its time in the water, it
may be seen crossing roads at night. It is a shiny black snake with red
or pink bars extending up onto the sides from the belly. The red pattern
may reach across the back to form rings in juveniles, but recedes to the
sides with age. Black and white anerythristic specimens (lacking red pigment)
have popped up in neighboring counties. Adult mud Snakes feed almost exclusively on aquatic
salamanders such as sirens and amphiumas,
though juveniles also feed on tadpoles.
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Eastern Hognose
Snake Heterodon platirhinos Rare
The Eastern Hognose Snake is now rare throughout much of the southern
half of Florida. It may still turn up in dry, sandy habitats. Coloration
is variable in this snake, but most in our area are some shade of dark
brown or gray. Juveniles are boldly patterned. This snake gets its name
from its upturned snout, which it uses to burrow through sand for its
favorite food: toads. It also eats other types of amphibians. When
disturbed, it may puff and hiss to try to intimidate a possible
predator. If this doesn't work to scare off the attacker, it will roll
over and play dead.
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Florida
Kingsnake Lampropeltis getula floridana
Rare
This snake is rare or possibly extirpated in Highlands County. There has
not been a record of this snake in this county in the last 15 years. It
has been speculated that it may still occur in certain agricultural
areas with canals, as it is common in those types of areas in
neighboring Glades County. Adult Florida kingsnakes are black or brown
with yellow crossbars and varying degrees of speckling. Juveniles have a
similar pattern, but are not speckled and may have some red coloration
on the sides. Florida kingsnakes prey on a variety of small animals
including rodents, amphibians, and reptiles, especially other snakes.
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Scarlet
Kingsnake Lampropeltis triangulum elapsoides
Uncommon
This beautiful nonvenomous snake is patterned with red, black, and
yellow bands. It is sometimes confused with the venomous coral snake,
but is distinguished by having a red tip to the nose (the coral snake
is black) and having red and black bands that touch. Scarlet kingsnakes
may occur in all terrestrial habitats, but seem most prevalent in pine
flatwoods. Scarlet kingsnakes are rarely seen by most people because
they stay hidden beneath bark, rotting logs, rocks and other forms of
natural cover much of the time. They are occasionally found beneath
pieces of discarded tin or old boards. Like other kingsnakes, this
species may eat other snakes, but they will also consume small rodents,
frogs, and lizards.
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Eastern
Coachwhip Masticophis flagellum flagellum
Locally Common
Though reduced in many areas where upland habitats have been developed,
coachwhips are still common in dry scrub and sandhill habitats in
Highlands County. They are the fastest snakes in Florida. When one is
seen, it is often for only a fleeting moment as the snake races for
cover. Adult coachwhips usually have a dark colored head and neck,
resembling the handle of a whip. Juveniles are light brown or tan over
the entire body. Some adults retain this coloration and never develop
the dark head. They prey on rodents and lizards.
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Florida
Water Snake Nerodia fasciata pictiventris
Common
The Florida water snake is the most common water snake in Highlands
County and may be found in a variety of permanent and temporary wetland
habitats. It is occasionally found some distance from the nearest water.
One specimen seen crossing a road through dry scrub habitat while
another was found near the entrance of a gopher tortoise burrow. The
Florida water snake is variable in color and pattern. Some have dark
bands on a brown or reddish background while others may be almost plain
black. Though they are often confused with the venomous cottonmouth,
water snakes are totally harmless to humans. All water snakes have a
round pupil, while the cottonmouth's is vertically elongated.
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Florida Green
Water Snake Nerodia floridana Locally
Common
This large water snake prefers open marshy habitats and feeds primarily
on amphibians. It occurs in heavily vegetated canals, ditches, and lake
edges on the ridge, but is most common
in the wet pasture areas on either side. It may be drab green, brown, or
reddish brown. Though it may react with defensive strikes if disturbed,
like all water snakes, this snake does not hold its mouth open in a
threat display like the venomous cottonmouth.
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Brown Water Snake Nerodia
taxpilota Uncommom
The brown water snake prefers areas of permanent water such as lakes and
rivers. It frequents areas with trees or
structures such as docks or bridges. It feeds primarily on fish, though
it is generally not a danger to game fish populations. This is the best
climber of the water snakes and may be seen high in trees over the
water. If disturbed, it drops off into the water to escape. It is this
species and not the venomous cottonmouth that occasionally falls out of
trees into boats. True to its name, the ground color is brown. It is
patterned with darker brown square blotches on the back and
vertical bars on the sides.
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Florida Rough Green Snake Opheodrys aestivus carinatus
Uncommon
The green snake is not often seen in Highlands County, but may be more
common than it appears. Its bright green coloration helps it to blend
masterfully with the vegetation which it
inhabits. The green snake is a good climber and can be seen high in
bushes and trees, though it may also be found in open prairie, flatwoods,
and scrub
areas. It
tends to shun developed areas. This is one of the only snakes in our
area that feeds mostly on insects.
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Florida
Pine Snake Pituophis melanoleucas mugitus
Rare
Species of Special Concern
This large, impressive and secretive snake is rarely seen . It may spend over 80 % of its time underground. It has
suffered from the destruction of sandhill habitats throughout its range.
Though sandhills appear to be its preferred habitat, it may also be
found in scrub, dry prairie, and old fields. Throughout most of its
range, the pine snake specializes in preying upon pocket gophers. An
interesting situation occurs in much of Highlands County and other
counties in the southern part of the state where pocket gophers do not
occur. Pine snakes prey on other small mammals and birds
here. When encountered by a human or predator, the pine snake will hiss
loudly. Despite its fearsome display, it is totally harmless to humans.
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Striped Crayfish Snake
Regina alleni Locally
Common
The crayfish snake is dark and shiny with stripes slightly lighter than
the background.
It is found primarily in swamps, marshes, and flooded pasture areas off
the ridge where it preys extensively on, you guessed it, crayfish. This
is one of the most aquatic snakes in Florida and looks awkward as it
tries to move on land. Many are killed by cars as the snakes warm
themselves on the road at night. Because this snake is adapted
to acidic, tannin-stained waters, specimens in captivity often develop
skin infections and die because the pH of the water is too high.
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Pine Woods Snakes
Rhadinaea flavilata Uncommon
This rarely seen little snake inhabits low pine flatwoods and dry
prairies. It is light brown or orange above with a yellow or white
belly. It is sometimes called the yellow-lipped Snake, though the lips
are rarely a shade of yellow. It feeds primarily on small amphibians.
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South
Florida Swamp Snake Seminatrix pygaea cyclas
Locally Common
This small snake is highly aquatic and often occurs in the same swampy
and marshy areas as the striped crayfish snake. It may also be found in
highly vegetated lake borders. I once observed a Florida mud turtle
eating a swamp snake at the edge of a Polk County lake. This snake preys
on a variety of small invertebrates and amphibians.
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Short-tailed Snake
Stilosoma extenuatum Rare
Threatened Species
This small, extremely slender snake is uncommon throughout its small range.
It has dark blotches on a light gray background and, sometimes, and
orange stripe down the center of the back. It is endemic to Florida,
which means that it is found nowhere else. The short-tailed snake occurs
primarily in sandhill habitats, though it is sometimes found in scrub.
It is thought to feed on crowned snakes and other small reptiles.
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Florida Brown Snake
Storeria dekayi victa Locally
Common
This small snake rarely grows
longer than one foot in length. Like its name suggest, many individuals
of this snake are brown, though some in our area are reddish-brown to
bright red. A pattern consisting of a light stripe down the center of
the back and collar around the neck may be more distinct in some
specimens than others. The brown snake may be found in most terrestrial habitats and is common in
some areas, but rare or absent in other areas. It is often found under
human generated debris in the cooler months of the year and crossing
roads at night in the warmer months.
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Peninsula
Crowned Snake Tantilla relicta relicta Locally
Common
The crowned Snake is the smallest snake native to Highlands County. It
occurs on the Lake Wales Ridge and other ridges in Central Florida. Most
of the body of this snake is tan to pinkish in coloration. The head is
black and a thin black ring encircles the neck. It seems to prefer
sandhill habitats, but is also found in scrub and scrubby flatwoods. This tiny snake
is occasionally seen under various surface debris or in leaf
litter, where it it is thought to feed primarily on centipedes.
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Peninsula
Ribbon Snake Thamnophis sauritus sackenii Common
This slender species of garter Snake is one of the most abundant snakes
in Highlands County. The ribbon snake is brown or black with yellow
stripes on either side of the body and a darker, less distinct stripe
running down the back. It is common both on and off the ridge anywhere
near permanent or temporary water. On the ridge, it is often found where
small ponds, ditches, and bayheads break up the dry scrub. It may be
seen during the day, but is most active around sunset, often crossing
roads in numbers. The ribbon snake is a good climber and often ascends
into trees and bushes to forage or bask. It preys primarily on small
amphibians and fish.
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Eastern
Garter Snake Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis Locally
Common
The eastern garter snake is most common in open terrestrial habitats
and wetlands. On the ridge it is usually found near water. The garter
snakes of Highlands County are usually some shade of green with a distinct
stripe on the back and each side. Some specimens are a beautiful
turquoise color. The garter Snake feeds mainly on amphibians and fish.
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Smooth Earth
Snake Virginia valeriae valeriae Rare
This tiny snake occurs in an isolated colony near Lake Placid. This is
over 100 miles removed from any other known population of smooth earth
snake. The color is uniform gray or brown. Very little is known about
this rare snake in Highlands County. More northern populations are known
as secretive burrowers that feed primarily on earthworms.
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Brahminy Blind Snake Ramphotyphlops braminus
Rare
Exotic
This tiny introduced species has spread through much of south Florida
and has recently been documented in Highlands County. It is spread in
flowerpots of tropical plants grown in south Florida. The blind snake is
black and shiny with no visible eyes. It resembles a worm more than a
typical snake. This is an all-female parthenogenic species which
reproduces by self fertilization. It will probably become more common in
our area as it has in many other areas of the Florida.
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Southern
Hognose Snake Heterodon simus
Peripheral, Not Known to Occur in Highlands County
This short, stout snake has a more sharply upturned snout than the
eastern hognose. It displays some similar behaviors, but its threat
display is less elaborate. The southern hognose is more distinctly
marked and less variable than the eastern hognose, with dark blotches on
a gray or yellowish background. It prefers sandhill habitat and is
eliminated by development. It feeds mainly on toads. Though it
apparently has not been recorded in Highlands County, it has been found
just to the north in Polk County.
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South Florida Mole Kingsnake Lampropeltis calligaster occipitolineata
Peripheral, Not Known to Occur in Highlands County
Though this rare snake has apparently not been recorded in Highlands
County, it has been reported in Desoto, Okeechobee, Glades, and Polk Counties, so
it can be expected to occur here. The mole king snake prefers
dry prairie habitat, which in our area has been greatly degraded by
agriculture and development. It has also been found in cattle pastures,
orange groves, and oak hammocks. Juveniles are gray with maroon to black blotches. This pattern may be retained or
fade with age. Some old adults may be almost uniform brown. Like other
kingsnakes, this species preys on other snakes, lizards, and small
rodents.
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VENOMOUS
SNAKES |
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Florida
Cottonmouth Agkistrodon piscivorus conanti
Locally Common
Venomous
This venomous species is most common in marshes, swamps, flooded
flatwoods, and pastures. It is rarely seen near the permanent lakes of
the ridge, where nonvenomous water snakes dominate. Despite popular
belief, cottonmouths are not aggressive and will never chase a person.
When encountered by people, most will flee or stand their ground. This
snakes gets it name from its habit of holding its mouth open when
disturbed, in an attempt to intimidate a potential predator. Unlike all water snakes, the
cottonmouth has a
vertically elongated pupil (not round). The juveniles are more boldly
marked than the adults, and are sometimes incorrectly identified as
copperheads, though copperheads do not occur in our area. The cottonmouth is an
indiscriminate feeder that will eat most small animals and even carrion.
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Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake Crotalus adamanteus
Uncommon
Venomous
This venomous snake has become rare in Highlands County because of
habitat destruction, road mortality, and direct persecution by humans. It is one of the
largest and most dangerous snakes in North America, but it is not
aggressive, and will not bite unless disturbed. Most bites are caused by
people trying to handle or kill snakes. This snake may occur in most
terrestrial habitats, but it requires large tracts of suitable habitat to
survive. It does not adapt well to disturbed areas. Diamondbacks feed on
a variety of small mammals and birds including rabbits, squirrels, and
quail.
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Dusky
Pygmy Rattle Snake Sistrurus miliarius barbouri
Locally
Common
Venomous
The pygmy rattlesnake is common in some pine flatwoods and prairie
areas. In other areas of its range, it is common in scrub and sandhill
habitats, but it does not seem to be so in Highlands County. This snake
is gray with black blotches. Many specimens have a red or orange stripe
running down the center of the back. Pygmy rattlers are probably the
nippiest of our venomous snakes. Luckily, they do not have particularly
strong venom and lack the capacity to deliver large amounts. However, a
bite could be potentially serious and this snake should not be taken for
granted.
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Eastern Coral
Snake Micrurus fulvius fulvius Common
Venomous
Though it possesses a dangerous venom, the coral snake is not aggressive
and is not dangerous unless handled or molested. It feeds mainly upon
glass lizards, skinks, and other snakes. This snake is common in
Highlands County and may occur in most terrestrial habitats. The coral
snake is especially common in scrub, sandhill, and oak hammocks. It may
be active during the day or night when temperatures are favorable.
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LIZARDS
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Green Anole Anolis carolinensis
Common
Though abundant in years past, the green anole is now reduced in
number because of competition from the exotic brown anole. It is,
however, still a familiar backyard species for many Floridians and is
often called a chameleon. True chameleons are found in the Africa and
Asia. The green anole inhabits many habitats and may be just as
common in scrub as it is in swamps. It may be seen in low bushes or high
in trees. This lizard is capable of considerable color changes and in a
short amount of time it can change from bright green to a more subdued
brown or vice versa. Males often display a bright red dewlap (throat
fan) to communicate with other lizards and claim their territory. In
captivity, males have been observed to put on their territorial display
towards other species such as racerunners and scrub lizards.
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Knight Anole Anolis equestris* Rare
Exotic
This big anole (up to 18 inches long) is native to Cuba. It is known
from only a few specimens in Highlands County and it is not known
whether or not there is actually a breeding population here. The few
individuals seen may just be hitchhikers on plants brought in from
nurseries in southeast Florida, where it is firmly established. The
knight anole is usually found high in the canopies of trees, where it
feeds on various insects and fruit. Like the smaller green anole, this
species is capable of considerable color change. If caught, it should be
handled carefully because it is capable of delivering a painful bite.
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Brown Anole Anolis sagrei
Common
Exotic
This exotic anole has become one of the most abundant lizards in the
state. Native to Cuba and the Bahamas, it has invaded nearly every
habitat in Florida, though it is most common in areas disturbed by
humans. This species has reduced populations of the native green anole
through competition for habitat and even outright predation. It does not usually venture as as
high into trees as the green anole and is more often seen on the ground
or in low bushes. Brown anoles are variable in pattern and color.
Females often have a light stripe down the center of the back which may
be bordered by a dark zigzag or chain-like pattern. The background color
is light brown or gray and the head may be reddish. The much larger
males usually have an indistinct pattern of speckles and a bright red
dewlap (throat fan) bordered in yellow. Though not capable of as extreme
color changes as some other anoles, it can change from light to dark
shades.
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Florida Scrub Lizard
Sceloporus woodi
Locally Common
The scrub lizard is found only
in Central and South Florida. This lizard may be seen hunting insects on open,
sandy patches of ground in scrub habitat. If approached, it will quickly flee to
the nearest brush or trees. The scrub lizard is gray with a dark stripe on each
side and brilliant blue patches on the underside. Some individuals have dark
bars across the back. Though it is not legally protected, The Florida Committee
on Rare and Endangered Plants and Animals has classified this species as
threatened. Like many of Florida's xeric adapted species, this lizard is
threatened by the destruction of its habitat. Though the it is common
where its habitat remains intact, unlike such lizards as anoles and five-lined
skinks, the it cannot adapt to the lawns and gardens of human habitations.
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Curlytail
Lizard Leiocephalus carinatus
Uncommon
Exotic
This exotic lizard originally
descends from the Carribbean. Highlands County populations probably hitchhiked
from south Florida in potted plants. This lizard thrives mostly in disturbed
habitats and is most often seen as it forages on sidewalks and the edges of
parking lots. It may be established in areas of downtown Lake Placid and has
been reported near Sebring. It tends to be a chunky lizard with an indistinct
pattern of dark stripes on a gray, brown, or greenish background. True to its
name, its tail is often curled up behind it as it runs.
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Six-lined Racerunner Cnemidophorus sexlineatus sexlineatus
Locally Common
This
fast moving lizard is common in dry, sandy habitats such as scrub and sandhill.
Racerunners are able to maintain an extremely high body temperature of over 110
degrees Fahrenheit, which is one of the reasons they can move so fast. This is
one of the few reptiles that is likely to be seen active in middle of the day in
hot weather. True to its name, this species has six white or yellow lines along
the back on a dark background. Many individuals of this species have a beautiful
light blue belly.
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Blue-tailed Mole Skink Eumeces egregius lividus
Locally Common
Threatened
This beautiful little lizard is endemic to the Lake Wales Ridge and is
threatened by development of scrub and sandhill habitats. It is apparently
absent in many areas of seemingly suitable habitat. Like the sand skink with which it
shares its habitat, the mole skink is able to move through loose sand rapidly
through a sand-swimming motion. It often burrows just beneath the surface
of the sand and is sometimes found under natural or artificial debris and leaf
litter. This skink
may or may not actually have a blue tail as it may turn red or purplish in older
specimens.
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Southeastern Five-lined Skink Eumeces inexpectatus
Common
Because of
its abundance around houses and in gardens and its large size (up to 8 inches),
this is our most visible skink. It forages both on the ground and above it in
trees and on manmade woodpiles and decks. It is often seen hiding under
artificial cover.
Juveniles have five light stripes on a black background and a blue tail. Adults
may turn brown and lose the stripes. Both juveniles and adults may have red
coloration on the head.
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Ground Skink Scincilla
lateralis
Common
This tiny lizard is abundant, but often goes unnoticed because of
its size. It may be found in many habitats, but is most abundant in
hammocks with a layer of leaf litter, where it forages for small
insects. This is not a colorful skink, being mostly light brown with
dark brown stripes on the sides.
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Sand Skink Neoseps reynoldsi
Locally
Common
Threatened
The sand skink is a truly unique lizard. It is found only on Central Florida
ridges and is threatened by habitat destruction. The sand skink is well-adapted
to sandy scrub habitats and uses sand-swimming as its primary means of
locomotion. It may bask just below the surface of the sand or take refuge under
dead palmetto fronds, boards, or other surface debris. When discovered it seems
to literally dive back into the sand and disappear. Its white or silvery
coloration helps it blend very well with the white sand. The sand skink has tiny
legs and only one or two toes on each foot.
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Tokay Gecko
Gekko gekko*
Rare
Exotic
This large exotic gecko is often imported from Asia for the pet trade and has
become established in many areas of Florida where captives have escaped or have
been released. This gecko is easily recognized by its light blue coloration and
red spots. Care should be taken in handling this feisty lizard, as bites can be
quite painful. Geckos are unique among lizards in having a voice The tokay gecko
is one of the most vocal members of this group, calling loudly at night. This
lizard is known in Highlands County from only a few specimens and is not known
to be breeding here.
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Indopacific Gecko
Hemidactylus garnotii
Common
Exotic
The Indopacific gecko is a very successful introduced species that may be seen
at night on the walls of buildings, especially where there are lights which
attract insects. It is also one of the few reptiles that seems to thrive living
indoors. Though it is most abundant around human habitations, it is sometimes
found in more natural habitats. This gecko is grayish brown with dark speckling
during the day and turns to a pale translucent peach color at night. It is an
all female, parthenogenic species. Eggs can sometimes be seen through the skin
of the belly.
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Tropical House Gecko Hemidactylus mabouia
Uncommon
Exotic
This gecko is now firmly established in Highlands County at several localities
in both Lake Placid and Sebring and may be spreading. It has replaced the
Indopacific as the dominant house gecko throughout much of south Florida and may
do the same in our area. The tropical house gecko is gray with dark bars across
the back. It is darker during the day than at night. Unlike the Indopacific
gecko, this species has tubercles giving it a somewhat a warty appearance.
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Mediterranean Gecko Hemidactylus turcicus
Rare
Exotic
The Mediterranean gecko was the first house gecko species to become established
in Florida and was very successful for several years. The introduction of other
species seems to have reduced its numbers drastically. It is not known whether
this gecko was ever common in Highlands County, but it certainly is not now. It
may still occur in a few isolated colonies as it does in some heavily developed
areas of Polk County. This species is pinkish in coloration and has heavily tuburculate scales, giving it the
wartiest appearance of our geckos. It is
almost invariably seen on, in, or in the immediate vicinity of human habitations
and does not seem to colonize natural habitats.
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Eastern Glass Lizard Ophisaurus
ventralis
Common
Glass Lizards are legless and have very long tails, often causing them to be
confused with snakes. The vertebrae of the eastern glass lizard have fracture
planes that allow the tail to be broken and regenerated. This is the most common
glass lizard throughout much of the state and can be found in most terrestrial
habitats, though they are less common on the ridge than the slender glass
lizard. This lizard is variable in color throughout its range, but most
specimens in Highlands County are brown above and yellow below with a thick dark
stripe on each side. This species does not have a dark stripe down the center of
the back.
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Eastern Slender Glass Lizard Ophisaurus attenuatus longicaudus
Locally Common
The slender glass lizard is the most common glass lizard in xeric habitats of
Highlands County. It is quite secretive and spends most of its time burrowed
beneath the sand, but it may be seen basking or crossing roads in the morning or
evening in warm weather. Like the eastern glass lizard, the tail is easily
broken and can be regenerated. All glass lizards have a crease in the skin on
both sides of the body called the lateral fold. The slender glass lizard can be
distinguished from the other species because it is the only one with stripes
below the lateral fold. In addition to these stripes, it may have stripes on the
sides above the lateral fold and a thin stripe down the center of the back. The
ground color is light brown.
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Island
Glass Lizard Ophisaurus compressus
Locally Common
Though often described as preferring dry sandy habitats, in Highlands County and
neighboring counties the island glass lizard seems to be most common in
periodically flooded prairies, flatwoods, and pastures. It may be found in dry areas near
ponds, but the slender glass lizard is the dominant species in scrub and
sandhill. It can be seen crossing roads at almost any time of day, but is most
often seen in the evening.
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AMPHISBAENS
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Florida Worm Lizard Rhineura floridana
Uncommon
The Florida Worm Lizard is not actually a true lizard. It differs from lizards
in having its scales arranged in rings called annuli. This makes it look
somewhat like an earthworm. The worm lizard is not often seen, because it stays
in underground burrows most of the time. It is encountered most often by
gardeners and farmers when it is accidentally shoveled or plowed from below the
ground or when it is forced to the surface by saturating rains. It may be most common in scrub and sandhill habitats, but can turn up in
any terrestrial habitat that does not frequently flood.
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(Photo by R.D. Bartlett)
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CROCODILIANS
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American Alligator
Alligator mississippiensis
Common
Alligators inhabit nearly all
freshwater bodies in the state. They are the
largest reptiles in Florida with a maximum length of around 18 feet.
Most
do not grow that long, however. 'Gators can be very dangerous and should
not
be approached or fed in the wild. Those that are fed learn to associate
humans
with food which may lead to an attack. Alligators
naturally feed on many types
of animals. Small individuals may eat insects, fish, amphibians, snakes.
Larger
ones may eat mammals such as raccoons, hogs, deer, and the occasional
dog. Their
broad snouts are especially adapted to crushing the shells of turtles.
Juvenile
alligators have a pattern of yellow bands on a black background,
which fades as
they grow.
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TURTLES |
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Florida Softshell Turtle Apalone ferox
Common
This large turtle may
inhabit any permanent freshwater habitat. It is easily
identified by the elongated, snorkel-like nose and flexible, leathery
shell.
Hatchlings are greenish in color and boldly marked with round spots and
an
orange ring around the carapace. This pattern fades to a uniform light
brown or
pinkish color in the adults. Softshells are agile in the water and can
move surprisingly quickly on land. They have sharp claws, a long neck, and
strong
jaws that are capable of delivering a painful bite, so use caution
when
handling them. If a softshell is crossing a road and one wishes to
rescue it
without injury to the turtle or the rescuer, one method is to gently
coax it
headfirst into a five gallon bucket. With its head and claws restrained
in the
bucket, it can then be safely moved a short distance. Softshells are
primarily
carnivores, feeding on a variety of small animals and carrion.
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Florida Snapping Turtle Chelydra serpentina osceola
Uncommon
The snapper is one of the more infrequently seen turtles in Highlands County.
Though occasionally seen crossing roads, it is primarily aquatic and is rarely seen basking. It may be found in any permanent water body and can sometimes
be observed from board walks crossing swamps. It is the most aggressive of our
turtles, often lunging forward and extending its long neck to strike when
encountered on land. If you are attempting to rescue a snapper crossing a road,
you can use the same method mentioned above for softshells or gently lift the
turtle by its long tail to move it a short distance. Snappers should not be
handled in this manner for long periods of time because of the risk of injury to
the turtle.
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Common Musk Turtle
Sternotherus odoratus Uncommon
With an average adult length of
three to four inches, this species is our
smallest turtle species. Hatchlings are penny-sized. It may be dark
brown to
black in coloration with two yellow stripes on each side of the head. It
is
sometimes called the stinkpot because of the strong musk it may release
when captured. The common musk turtle may be found in shallow areas of
any body
of water, but is infrequently seen because of its small size and
nocturnal
habits. This is one of the few turtles that actually climbs quite well
and may
be seen basking in trees overhanging the water. Unlike most turtles
which bury
their eggs, musk and mud turtles often lay their small clutches of one
to three
hard-shelled eggs right on the surface of the ground or piles of
shoreline
debris.
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Loggerhead Musk Turtle Sternotherus minor minor
Rare
The only record of the loggerhead musk turtle in Highlands County is based on
single specimen found by Walter Meshaka in Lake June-in-Winter near Lake Placid.
A turtle collector in Polk County reported seeing them in other lakes on the
Lake Wales Ridge. This seems strange since it is considered primarily an
inhabitant of spring runs and rivers in north Florida. It is not otherwise
known to occur south of Orange and Lake Counties. If there is a viable
population here, it may be expected to inhabit rivers, creeks, and, apparently, large lakes.
The loggerhead musk turtle may be identified by its large gray head which is speckled in
black.
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Striped Mud Turtle Kinosteron baurii palmarum
Common
This is the most common turtle species in Highlands County.
Striped mud turtles may inhabit any body of water including temporary ponds and
puddles and seem to be at least partially terrestrial, often wandering and even
laying eggs far from water. They are sometimes found under artificial cover such
as boards or tin. These small turtles may eat on land or in the water and are
often noted for their strange habit of eating cow dung in pastures. They may be
seen crossing roads at any time of day or night, especially in rainy weather.
Many of these turtle of killed by cars as they migrate in mass after large
tropical weather systems in the summer and fall. There are two extremes in shell
pattern variation in this species. One has three thin light stripes on a dark
background while the other has a mainly light-colored shell with two thick dark
stripes. Most fall somewhere in between. In some specimens, the stripes are
faded and barely visible. Like the common musk turtle, this species usually has
light stripes on the face. Unlike the musk turtles, however, mud turtles have a
hinged plastron which allows them to partially close their shells.
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Florida Mud
Turtle Kinosteron subrubrum steindachneri
Uncommon
The Florida mud turtle is not nearly as abundant as the striped mud turtle,
but it is reportedly common in certain areas. It may inhabit most permanent bodies of
water and wetlands and is not as inclined to wander long distances across land
as the striped mud, though it may be seen crossing roads like
that species. The head may be mottled, spotted, or indistinctly striped, but the
pattern is usually more obscure than the common musk or striped mud turtle. Many
specimens appear to be plain olive or dark brown.
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Florida Chicken
Turtle Deirochelys reticularia chrysea
Uncommon
The chicken turtle is an inhabitant of
shallow, weedy wetlands and bodies of
water, especially marshes. It feeds on a variety of small animals including
crayfish, amphibians, and small fish. It frequently wanders on land especially
in rainy weather, possibly in search of temporary wetlands where food may be
abundant. It may bask on logs or mats of vegetation, but is not often
observed doing so in groups like its relatives the cooter and redbelly turtle.
The chicken turtle has thin yellow stripes on its face and its shell is marked
with an orange or yellow net-like pattern. It can be distinguished from other
similar turtles by the presence of striped "pants," vertical yellow
striping on either side of the tail.
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Peninsula Cooter Pseudemys
floridana peninsularis
Common
The peninsula cooter is
a large turtle (shell can exceed 15 inches)
that
inhabits permanent water bodies such as large ponds, lakes, and rivers. It is
often seen basking on logs or the shoreline. As an adult, it feeds primarily on
aquatic vegetation, but juveniles often feed on insects and other small animals.
This turtle has a dark carapace with vertical yellow or tan markings. The shell
pattern may be obscured by algae growth. The head and neck are striped in yellow
and there are a pair of hairpin shaped markings on the top of the head.
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Florida Redbelly Turtle
Pseudemys nelsoni
Common
The
Florida redbelly turtle looks similar in many ways to the peninsula cooter, but
it has red markings on the carapace and lacks the hairpin-shaped markings on the
top of the head. It also has a notch in the middle of the upper jaw, which is
lacking the cooter. Some individuals actually have red or orange plastrons,
but this is not always the case. This turtle is diet is similar to the cooter,
but it tends to be more abundant in small ponds, creeks, and marshes than the
other species. There is much overlap however, and both species are often seen in
the same habitat and sometimes even basking together on the same logs.
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Red-eared
Slider
Trachemys
scripta elegans Rare Exotic
This turtle may not have
officially been documented in Highlands County, but it is bound to occur there.
Until recently, it was the most common pet turtle and, unfortunately, many pet
owners released specimens when they got too big to easily care for. Because
feral populations became established all over Florida, Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission banned keeping or selling red-eared sliders without a
special permit. The red-eared slider is easy to identify when it is young
because it is the only turtle in Florida to have a red streak on each side of the
head. Juveniles have a bright green background color which fades to dark brown
or black with age. Older specimens often become melanistic, meaning they are
almost completely black, even on the head.
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Florida Box Turtle Terrapene
carolina bauri Uncommon
This beautiful terrestrial turtle was once common
throughout most of the peninsula of Floridas, but it has now
been reduced to small, local populations in most areas. Its preferred
habitats
in our area are pine flatwoods, hammocks, and dry prairie. It may also
be found
in pastures. It is rarely found in scrub. Box turtles are omnivores, meaning that they eat many
different things including plants, fruits, mushrooms (even poisonous
ones),
insects, snails, worms, slugs, small snakes, and dead animals. The box
turtle is
easily identified by its shell pattern of radiating yellow lines on a
black or
dark brown background. Hatchlings, which are rarely seen, have only a
yellow
spot on each scute.
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Gopher Tortoise Gopherus
polyphemus
Locally Common
Species
of Special Concern
This is our only native tortoise species and it is still common where
appropriate habitat exist. The gopher tortoise prefers dry sandy areas where it
can build its famous, long burrows. Unfortunately, Highlands County's dry
uplands are prime areas for development and the tortoises habitat is being
destroyed at an astonishing rate. The gopher tortoise is a keystone species,
which means that other animals depend on it to provide habitat and shelter,
including many other reptiles and amphibians, most notably the gopher frog. The
gopher tortoise grazes on grasses, fruit, and the leaves of low growing
vegetation. This species is protected and should not be disturbed in most
cases. Well-intentioned people sometimes move gopher tortoises from busy roads
to areas they believe to be safer. However, this practice removes tortoises from
their familiar home ranges and burrows and can spread a respiratory disease, so
it should be avoided. In the case that it must be rescued from a road, move the tortoise
off of the road in the direction it was heading.
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FROGS
AND TOADS
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Florida Cricket Frog Acris gryllus dorsalis
Common
This
tiny frog rarely exceeds one inch in length and can usually be found at the
grassy edges of any wetland or water body. When disturbed, it will often jump
into the water but swim right back to the shore. The color is quite variable and
individuals may have a brown, red, green, or yellow Y-shaped marking from
behind the eyes down the center of the back on a gray or brown background. The
cricket frog’s call is a clicking sound that has been compared to the tapping of
glass marbles together and may be heard any time of year.
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Green Treefrog Hyla cinerea
Common
This common frog is found in many habitats, but seems to be most abundant in
open areas such as marshes, prairie, and pastures where it often clings to the
branches and leaves of low vegetation. It may be seen around windows and lights
on buildings because of the abundance of insects attracted to light. Like many
other treefrogs, this species is capable of considerable color change. Resting
or cold green treefrogs may be tan, olive, or brown, but active and warm
specimens are bright green. This species has a white stripe on either side of
the body and sometimes tiny yellow speckles. Like other treefrogs, this species
often calls on warm rainy nights and is sometimes called the “rain frog.” Its
call has been described as a “quonk."
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Squirrel
Treefrog Hyla squirella Common
This small species is probably the most abundant treefrog in Florida. It is
usually plain light green to brown with little or no pattern. This frog uses
many different habitats, including those that have been disturbed by people.
This is the most commonly seen treefrog around houses and on windows. Its call
sounds similar to the quack of a duck.
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Pine Woods
Treefrog Hyla femoralis Locally
Common
This small treefrog is not as abundant as the green or squirrel, but it is still
common in its preferred habitat: pine woods and various wooded wetland habitats.
This frog can be whitish, reddish brown, or green in coloration. It can be
easily identified by the yellow spots on the backs of the thighs. Its call
sounds like a rapid “dik-dak-dik-dak.”
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Barking Treefrog Hyla gratiosa
Uncommon
The barking treefrog is the largest native treefrog in Florida. It is present in
pine flatwoods and scrub habitats, but it is not as common here as more northern
parts of Florida. It does not adapt very well to human alterations of its natural
habitat. This treefrog is capable of drastic color changes but is usually light
green with dark green or brown spots. At times, the spots are barely visible.
This frog is known to hybridize with the green treefrog in some areas and it is
not known if this takes place in Highlands County. The sound of a large chorus
of these frogs sounds like a group of barking hounds.
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Cuban Treefrog Osteopilus septentrionalis
Common
Exotic
The Cuban treefrog was present in Key West as long as 50 years ago and has
spread throughout the peninsula of Florida since that time. This large treefrog
is often transported from location to location on ornamental plants. Like
several of the native treefrogs, this species is commonly seen on the outside of
buildings and may eat or displace other frogs there. The Cuban treefrog may be
whitish, light green, or brown in coloration. It has very large toepads that act
as suction cups to help it climb vertical surfaces.
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Florida Chorus Frog Pseudacris nigrita verrucosa
Uncommon
Though this tiny frog may have been common in Highlands County at one time, it
does not seem so today. It may be heard calling from open wetlands and small
ponds with a clicking “crrrreek” sound. Other than that, little is known about
its behavior or habitat. The chorus frog may be patterned in various shades of
gray or brown on a darker background. It has a broken white stripe on the lips.
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Little Grass Frog
Pseudacris occularis Common
With an adult size of less than three quarters of an inch long, this is the
smallest species of frog in the country. The little grass frog is common in wet,
open grassy areas, but it is rarely seen because of its diminutive size. This
frog may be light brown or tan above with a dark stripe on each side of the
body. Its high-pitched call sounds like a fingernail being run across a comb.
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Oak Toad Bufo quercicus
Common
This
tiny toad is patterned with light gray spots on a dark gray background. It can
be distinguished from juvenile southern toads by the presence of a light stripe
running down the center of the back. The oak toad may be found a variety of
natural habitats, especially sandy areas such as scrub, sandhill, and dry
flatwoods. It often calls after heavy summer rains and its voice sounds similar
to that of a peeping chick. A large chorus of these little toads can be
deafening.
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Southern Toad Bufo terrestris
Common
The southern toad is one of the most familiar amphibians in Florida and is often
seen around homes and gardens as well as a variety of natural habitats. It is
variable in color and may be any shade of gray, brown, red, or a combination of
these colors. This toad’s call is a high-pitched trill, sometimes
combined with chirps and low-pitched hum.
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Marine Toad Bufo marinus*
Locally Common Exotic
The marine toad is an introduced exotic species which is not yet common in
Highlands County, though may become so in the next few years, as it has in many
other areas of the state. Several specimens have turned up in and around Lake Placid. This huge toad (six to seven inches) is native to Central
and South America. It preys on just about any animal small enough to fit in its
mouth and may be damaging to native amphibian populations. I have found it in
scrub near gopher frog breeding ponds. It is one of the few
toads known to eat nonliving food, as it often eats dog or cat food left out for
pets. It has a very toxic skin secretion which may cause extreme illness or even
death if consumed by pets.
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Eastern Narrowmouth Toad
Gastrophryne carolinensis Common
The small narrowmouth toad appears quite round and pudgy with short, pointed
snout. It is mottled in various shades of gray. It is common in a variety of
natural and disturbed habitats and is often found hiding under artificial cover
such as boards, carpets, and stepping stones. It may call in large numbers from
shallow wetlands and temporary puddles after summer rains. The sound produced is
very much like that of a sheep.
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Greenhouse
Frog Eleutherodactylus planirostris
Common
Exotic
This is yet another exotic species that is easily transported from place to
place in flowerpots. The greenhouse frog is now abundant throughout most of the
state. It is often found under the same cover objects as narrowmouth toads,
though it may be more tolerant of dry situations. It has become an important
prey item for small snakes such as the ringneck snake. This is one of our few
frogs that lays its eggs on land. Its call is an insect-like chirp. This small
frog comes in a striped and mottled pattern phase. Both variations are patterned
in various shades of rusty brown.
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Florida Gopher Frog Rana capito aesopus
Uncommon
Unlike many of its close relatives, the gopher frog prefers dry, sandy scrub and
sandhill habitats. It is closely associated with gopher tortoise burrows, which
it uses for refuge. It may also use other forms of cover such as stump holes,
logs, and human-generated debris. This species is common in some scrub areas of
Highlands County, but rare or absent in others. The availability of small ponds for breeding may be a limiting
factor
in this frog's distribution.
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Bullfrog
Rana catesbeiana
Locally Common
The bullfrog may not actually be native to Highlands County, though it is now
common around Lake Placid due to escaped captives from a farm that raised this
species. Most individuals seen are quite small compared to the native bullfrogs
of north central Florida. This frog may use a variety of water bodies and wetland
habitats, but it is most commonly seen here, surprisingly, around small ponds in
scrub. Its call is a low, resonant “rumm.” Many locals confuse this species with
the pig frog, which is more common and native to this area. The bullfrog can be
distinguished from the pig frog by having a rounder snout and incompletely
webbed feet.
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Pig Frog Rana grylio Locally
Common
Named for its pig-like grunt, this species is common in most wetland areas. The
pig frog is quite aquatic and may awkwardly tumble as it crosses roads at night. It can be distinguished from the less common bullfrog
by its completely webbed back feet and pointed snout. This species is the most
important prey item for the Florida green water snake, which shares almost the
exact same geographic range in the southeastern part of the country.
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Florida Leopard Frog Rana
sphenocephala sphenocephala
Common
Patterned with dark spots on a light brown to bright green background, this
beautiful frog is one of the most common amphibians in Highlands County. The
leopard frog’s call, which can be heard in the cooler months of the year, is a
chicken-like cluck. It tends to stay near water, even small roadside ditches,
during the day, but ranges widely at night. It can often be seen crossing roads
through wetland areas and even in the high, dry scrub. It is the most
accomplished jumper for its size of all of our native frogs and can be quite
difficult to catch. One night when I was attempting to catch a leopard frog, it
jumped with such force into my face that it busted my lip!
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Eastern
Spadefoot Scaphiopus holbrooki
Uncommon
This species is abundant in many
areas of the state, but is secretive and is usually only seen at night after
heavy rains. It spends most of its life burrowed away beneath the sand. It had
not been recorded in Highlands County until recently. A local field herper, Alan
Rivero, found one hopping across a road near Lake Placid. The
skin of this species is warty and the back feet are webbed. There is a black
"spade" on the inner surface of the inner toe which aides in digging.
The skin is light brown and two indistinct yellowish stripes run the length of
the back.
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SALAMANDERS
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Two-toed Amphiuma Amphiuma means
Locally Common
The two-toed amphiuma is a large aquatic salamander that is present
in most wetlands and even invades temporary pools and roadside ditches
in the wet season. It is aptly-named with two tiny toes on each of its
four extremely short limbs. If captured, it should be handled carefully
because it can deliver a painful bite. It is preyed on by many large
birds and reptiles and is one of the main food items of the eastern mud
snake. I observed a great blue heron eating an amphiuma in a water
filled ditch through a scrub area of Highlands County.
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Dwarf Salamander Eurycea quadridigitata
Uncommon
The dwarf salamander may be locally common in wetlands and moist
forests, but is rarely seen in Highlands County. It sometimes takes
shelter under logs or boards, but is most commonly found in mats of
aquatic vegetation. This tiny salamander is brown with a dark stripe on
each side of the body. It has smooth skin and is not likely to be
confused with any other native salamander except the newt, which has
rough skin.
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Peninsula Newt Notophthalmus viridescens piaropicola
Uncommon
The newt may inhabit various permanent wetlands and heavily vegetated water
bodies. This species is dark brown above and yellow with black speckles below.
Though it is primarily aquatic as an adult, in some areas this species may go
through a terrestrial eft stage. This stage probably does not occur often in
Highlands County. This is the only rough-skinned salamander in our area.
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Narrow-striped Dwarf
Siren Pseudobranchus axanthus axanthus Locally
Common
The dwarf siren is a completely aquatic salamander with bushy external gills and
only two limbs each with three toes. It is common in mats of floating
vegetation, especially water hyacinths, in open marshy areas. This small siren,
which may reach up to nine inches in length is patterned with light brown or
olive stripes on a darker brown background.
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(Photo by R.D.
Bartlett)
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Lesser Siren Siren intermedia
intermedia
Locally Common
This dark-colored siren may reach up to a foot in length and inhabits
wetlands and water bodies with dense aquatic vegetation. If its habitat dries
out, as often happens in the winter and early spring in our area, the siren may
bury itself in mud or take refuge under a cover object and secrete a mucous
cacoon which helps it retain moisture. When rains replenish the area, it resumes
normal activity. Sirens are prey for many animals and are one of the favored
foods of mud snakes. This siren has four toes on each of its two feet and may be
patterned with dark speckles.
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(Photo by R.D. Bartlett)
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Greater Siren Siren lacertina
Locally Common
The greater siren is our largest salamander and one of the most
interesting. It may exceed a yard in length. Like other sirens, it has
bushy external gills, but these gills may become smaller depending on
the water level and oxygen level of the water. This is our only siren
that readily inhabits open water situations such as lakes and rivers,
though it can be found in smaller bodies of water and wetlands. Like
the lesser siren, it may secrete a moisture-retaining cacoon in dry
times. I found a specimen like this once under a railroad tie in a dry
marsh. The greater siren may be seen as it forages by shining a light
into the water at night. It is occasionally caught by fisherman and is
unjustly feared by some people. Despite popular belief, it totally
harmless and is actually quite an endearing creature. It makes a fine
pet and may live for years in aquaria. It is preyed on many large
reptiles, fish, birds, and even mammals. I once observed a group of
river otters eating a huge specimen on a dock
over a lake in Polk Country.
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Sources:
Layne, J.N. 1999. Checklist of Amphibians and Reptiles of the Archbold
Biological Station, Highlands County, Florida.
www.archbold-station.org/abs/data/lists/herplist.htm
Meshaka, Walter E. 1997. Herpetofauna of Buck Island Ranch, Lake Placid Florida:
A Checklist.
www.archbold-station.org/ABS/maerc/ranchherps.htm
Franz, R., D. Maehr, A. Kinlaw, C. O'Brien, and R.D. Owen. 2000. Amphibians
and Reptiles of the Bombing Range Ridge, Avon Park Air Force Range, Highlands
and Polk Counties, Florida.
www.flmnh.ufl.edu/herpetology/FLherps/Avonherp.htm
Amphibians and Reptiles, Status and Conservation in Florida. 2005. Meshaka Jr.,
W.E. and K.J. Babbitt, editors. Krieger Publishing Company, Malabar, Florida. p.
257.
Thanks
to Dick Bartlett, Walter Meshaka, Paul Moler, Kevin Enge, Kenney Krysko, and
Rick Lavoy for providing information and photographs.
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Sunshine Serpents
encircle the body).
 
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