Exploring the World of Reptiles and Amphibians

Monkey-tailed Skink

The monkey-tailed skink is the largest skink in the
world. It lives in the trees of the Solomon Islands rain

forest. Unlike other members of the skink
family, this species has a prehensile tail,
which means it can use it to grip onto branches.

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The monkey-tailed skink has a stout body and Snakes and Lizards
well-developed legs. The head of this lizard is flat
and triangular and ends with a blunt nose. Males have Fact File
wider heads and slimmer bodies than the females. The
tail of the monkey-tailed skink makes up about half Monkey-tailed skink
its total length and tapers to a blunt tip. The body is Corucia zebrata
covered with rows of large scales. The skink is green Other common names: Giant skink,
in color to match the plants found in the habitat in zebra skink, or Solomon Islands
which it lives. Some skinks have dark stripes along green tree skink
their backs and sides. This gives them their alternative Family: Scincidae
common name of zebra skink. Suborder: Sauria
Order: Squamata
Old Rain Forest Where do they live?: Solomon
The monkey-tailed skink is very choosy about where it Islands and Papua New Guinea
lives. Most can be found on ten mountainous tropical Habitat: Damp rain forest
islands in the Solomon Archipelago and two islands Size: Head–tail length up to 30 in.
that are part of Papua New Guinea. The temperature (76 cm)
on these islands is not as hot as most tropical regions Coloration: Olive green to
because it is cooled by moist ocean winds. This also gray-green with darker blotches
makes the islands damp, so lots of trees grow there. Diet: Fruits and leaves of certain
The monkey-tailed skink prefers to live on older trees plants; occasionally birds’ eggs
in the forest, including the strangler fig. These trees Breeding: Females give birth to
have dense leaves, and other plants grow on them, 1 or (rarely) 2 young once
including climbing vines, ferns, and orchids. every two years
Life span: Up to 15 years
This dense vegetation provides cover for the skinks. Status: Vulnerable
They can hide from predators such as eagles while they
feed on the leaves. The skink has sharp claws and rough 251
scales on its toes, which it uses to grip the branches of

The monkey-tailed skink uses its long prehensile
tail to grip onto the branches as it moves through
the trees in the rain forest of the Solomon Islands.

Monkey-tailed Skink

Monkey-tailed skinks are
the largest members of their
family. They spend all of their

lives in the trees, spending
most of the day hiding
in tree hollows and
then emerging at
night to feed on
green leaves.

trees in the rain forest. These lizards to crush the leaves. It also has wide
also use their tails to hold on to the intestines, with lots of bacteria inside.
trees, wrapping them around the These microorganisms help to digest
branches. The grip is so powerful that the leaves to release their nutrients.
the skink can let go with forelimbs or Young skinks are born without the
hind limbs and still not fall. bacteria. They take in the bacteria
by eating the feces of adults.
Special Diet
Leaves make up most of the monkey- Skink Threats
tailed skink’s diet. They prefer to eat Habitat destruction is one of the
the leaves of plants that grow in the biggest threats to the monkey-tailed
trees, such as Devil’s ivy and the Swiss skink. The mature forests in which
cheese plant. Skinks may eat fruits or these lizards are found contain many
even birds’ eggs that they find in the large trees that some people want to
treetops, but their bodies are adapted cut down to sell for valuable timber.
for eating tough leaves. The skink has The other threat to monkey-tailed
short, square teeth and strong jaws lizards is the pet industry. Many pet
collectors keep monkey-tailed skinks
because they are interesting lizards.
They eat common plants such
as dandelions, which means that they
are also relatively easy to look after.

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Snakes and Lizards

DID YOU KNOW? When people take skinks from the
wild, however, the colonies drop in
Monkey-tailed skinks are most size. It can be many years for the
active at night. Between January lizard population to recover. This is
and April, the weather is so grey because females have very few young
and the sky so dark that the each year. It takes around three years
lizards come out by day, too. for the young skinks to mature into
At night, the male skink patrols breeding adults. Adults generally
the area in which his colony lives. live for around twenty-five years.
He spreads a smelly wax on the
trees. This tells other males to
stay away from his territory.

Young skinks

Monkey-tailed skinks do not lay
eggs. Instead, the female keeps
the young inside her body while
they develop. She basks in the
Sun to keep them warm. After
about seven months she gives
birth to one or two young, that
are 12 inches long. The young
grow up in a colony made up of
a male and several females and
their young. The male defends
his colony from other males.
The females care for the young.
The skinks rest in tree hollows
during the day and emerge at
night to forage for food. The
young make a chirping noise if
they are attacked by predators.
After three years, the young
leave their colony and breed
with skinks from other colonies.

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Mudpuppy

Mudpuppies are distinctive North American
amphibians with blunt, doglike mouths. They live in a
wide range of freshwater habitats, from flowing rivers

to weed-choked, water-filled ditches.

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The long body of the mudpuppy is flattened Newts and Salamanders
from top to bottom. It has small legs and a broad,
blade-shaped tail for swimming. To breathe under the Fact File
water, the mudpuppy has three branched gills on each
side of its head. The branching gives the gills a large Mudpuppy or waterdog
surface area to absorb oxygen in the water. External Necturus maculosus
gills are a common feature of amphibian larvae, but Family: Proteidae
the mudpuppy is one of several salamanders that Order: Caudata
retains its external gills when it is an adult, too. Where do they live?: Southeastern
Canada and eastern USA
Mudpuppy World
Most mudpuppies are found in canals and water- Tropic of Cancer
filled ditches choked with plants or mud. They also
live in fast-flowing rivers with gravel bottoms, and Habitat: Streams, rivers, lakes,
lakes with clear, cool water. In clear water, mudpuppies and water-filled ditches
hide during the day from predators such as pike and Size: Head–tail length 8–20 in.
waterbirds. At night they emerge to forage for food. (20–50 cm)
In muddy water, mudpuppies are active by day, too. Coloration: Brown with light
Mudpuppies have tiny eyes and cannot see well. They speckled markings
hunt using their sense of smell. Typical prey includes Diet: A range of freshwater animals
crayfish, fish and their eggs, insects, and worms. Breeding: Females lay between
60 and 120 eggs, which hatch
Mudpuppies mate in winter, and females lay their after 1 or 2 months
eggs in shallow water in late spring. Females make a Life span: Up to 25 years
nest under rocks, logs, or sunken trash. They attach Status: Least concern
each egg singly to the underside of the roof of the nest.
The female guards her nest until the eggs hatch. The
stripey larvae hide under leaves after hatching. It takes
about five years before they can breed themselves.

The most distinctive feature of the mudpuppy is
its bushy, red external gills, which it retains from
its larval stage and uses to breathe under the water.

255

Namaqua Chameleon

The Namaqua chameleon thrives in the deserts of
southwestern Africa. This lizard uses a variety of

survival and hunting skills to cope with the
challenges of this harsh environment.

256

Namaqua chameleons are short, solid lizards with Snakes and Lizards
large, knobby heads and strong jaws. The young
chameleons find shelter in bushes, but adults generally Fact File
roam over the sand. The chameleons can run fast to
chase prey such as beetles and lizards and to escape Namaqua chameleon
predators such as monitor lizards and vipers. However, Chamaelao namaquensis
their skin is a similar color to the sandy soil so they Family: Chamaeleonidae
rely on camouflage for ambush and defense. Suborder: Sauria
Order: Squamata
The chameleon’s eyes swivel to watch prey. When a Where do they live?: South Africa
young snake slithers close, the chameleon flicks out its and Namibia
long, sticky tongue to strike the snake on the head. The Habitat: Sand dunes in deserts
tongue pulls the snake close enough for the chameleon and scrubland
to crush its head in its jaws before it can strike back. Size: Head–tail length 10 in. (25 cm)
Coloration: Yellow or gray to pinkish
Survival Skills brown with scattered spots
Daytime temperatures soar to 150˚F in the deserts of Diet: Invertebrates such as beetles
southwestern Africa but drop to freezing after dark. At and locusts; small snakes and lizards
night, the chameleon keeps warm in rodent burrows. Breeding: Females lay between
In the morning, they emerge to bask in the Sun’s rays. 6 and 22 eggs up to 3 times
They find shade under a bush during the heat of the a year; eggs hatch after 3 to
midday Sun.The lizard also opens its mouth, so the 4 months
moisture inside evaporates. This cools the air inside Life span: 5–8 years
the mouth, which helps to cool the lizard itself. Status: Common

In the mornings, a cool fog blows onto land from 257
the Atlantic Ocean. The chameleons stand in the fog,
and the water vapor condenses on their skin. It trickles
along grooves between the scales toward the lizard’s
head, and the chameleon licks it up.

The Namaqua chameleon basks in the Sun to warm
its body. Its skin is black when it is cold to absorb heat
well. The lizard’s color gets lighter as it warms up.

Natterjack Toad

The Natterjack toad is a short, stubby amphibian
with a very loud croak. It typically lives in sandy
habitats in western Europe, but moves to shallow

ponds in the spring to breed.

258

The natterjack is a typical toad. It spends most Frogs and Toads
of the summer resting under large stones or
in the burrows it digs in the sand or soil. Natterjacks Fact File
emerge at night to feed when it is cooler and when
fewer predators can spot them. Those toads that Natterjack toad
live in coastal sand dunes may visit the beach to Bufo calamita
feed on the washed-up remains of sea creatures Family: Bufonidae
and beach-dwelling creatures such as sandhoppers. Order: Anura
In cooler parts of Europe, such as Britain, natterjacks Where do they live?:
enter a sleeplike state called hibernation over winter. Western Europe
They shelter in burrows while the weather is cold Habitat: Sandy heathland with
and emerge in spring to breed. loose soil and sand dunes; usually
near coastal regions
Calling for Mates Size: Head–body length 2.5 in
Male natterjacks breed in shallow ponds between (6–7 cm)
March and June. The exact timing depends on how Coloration: Pale brown, olive
warm it is in the region in which they live. The water green, or gray, with red, brown,
is often slightly salty in these breeding ponds. Males or green warts and a yellow stripe
inflate their throat skin and make a loud “rrrRup” running down the back
noise. Most calls can be heard in the afternoon and Diet: Invertebrates such as moths,
early evening, usually after rain. Females are attracted snails, spiders, woodlice, and worms
to the loudest calls. After mating, the females lay their Breeding: Females lay between
eggs in double strands in warm parts of ponds. She 1,500 and 7,500 eggs, which
then leaves her eggs. After about one week the tadpoles hatch after 5 to 8 days
emerge. Over the next four months, the tadpoles Life span: 12–15 years
gradually change into toads. At first, they feed on algae Status: Least concern
and water plants. They develop different teeth to eat
animals such as tiny water invertebrates. 259

The natterjack toad is a compact toad with short
legs. This amphibian is not a great swimmer. It often
moves around by running, rather than hopping.

Newts

Newts and their close relatives Newts are always found living in moist
the salamanders are the most places. European species range from the
lizardlike of all the amphibians. Alpine salamander, that lives in streams in
They start their lives as larvae the high Alps, to the banded newts that live in
but gradually change their body the damp forests and grasslands of Turkey and
shape to become land-living Israel. In North America, these amphibians
adults. Adult newts return to the are divided into eastern and western newts,
water for part of the year. Males
and females meet there to breed. The red “eft” is a land-living stage in the
development of the red spotted newt. Larvae
develop into efts, which then tranform into adults.

260

depending on which side of the Rocky Fact File
Mountains they live. China, Japan, Vietnam, and
countries in South Asia are home to some of the Newts
rough-skinned types, such as crocodile newts Genera: 10
and warty newts. Species: 47
Family: Salamandridae
Life Cycle Order: Urodela/Caudata
Most newts gather in pools, water-filled ditches, Where do they live?: Europe, East Asia,
and slow-moving streams to breed. Newts of the Middle East, and North America
many species change color during the breeding
season. For example, male alpine newts are Equator
usually green-brown, which acts as camouflage
against predators. During the breeding season, Habitat: Ponds, rocky streams, and damp
however, these newts develop a blue back and forest in lowlands and high mountains
sides, with a black-and-white spotted stripe. Size: Head–body length up to 12 in. (30 cm)
The undersides of both males and females turn Coloration: Varies from black to red; some
bright red-orange. Some male newts grow crests species are brightly colored
along their backs and webs between their toes Diet: Invertebrates such as slugs and worms;
so they can swim and display to the females at other amphibians; fish eggs
the same time. Breeding: Varies according to species; females
of some species produce several hundred eggs,
After mating takes place, the female lays her while others bear just 2 live young
eggs. She wraps each egg in a leaf to hide it Life span: Up to 15 years
from egg-eating predators such as fish. The Status: Varies according to species
larvae that hatch have long tails but no legs.
They swim and feed on water animals such as
small tadpoles. In the metamorphosis process,
the newts leave the water and change into land-
living amphibians. Unlike frogs and toads, the
newts keep their long tails. Young eastern newts
are called efts. They are bright red or orange.
They are the intermediate stage between the
larva and adult forms. Efts spend up to three
years on land before returning to pools to
breed, at which time they change into adults.

261

Newts

Defense Mechanisms Poisonous newts have bright colors to
Newts have several adaptations for defense advertise to predators how dangerous they are.
against potential predators such as snakes and For example, mandarin newts have black skin
waterbirds. Many species produce strong toxins with yellow or orange patches on the bumps
in their skin that act as a chemical defense. To where the toxin is produced. The efts of the
cause damage, the toxins have to enter the body eastern newts have bright colors because they
of the predator, either by being swallowed or also produce toxic chemicals. Some newts are
through a break in the skin. extremely toxic—the rough-skinned newt of
the Pacific Northwest produces enough toxin
to kill an adult human. However, the garter

snake can still eat this newt because the
snake is immune to this poison.
Sharp-ribbed newts and spiny
newts use physical defenses to avoid
being eaten by predators. When
swallowed, these newts force out their

The mating behavior of
newts and salamanders
(from top to bottom):
red-bellied newts,
brook salamanders,
eastern newts, and
smooth newts.

262

Newts

Newt or salamander?

The family Salamandridae also includes lifestyle of these creatures whether they
the land-dwelling European salamanders. are newts or salamanders. For example,
Generally, these amphibians return to the brook salamander (below) rarely
water only to breed. Most of them have leaves the cool mountain streams in
short tails that are roughly cylindrical and which it breeds, while the black knobby
small legs with stubby toes. However, it is newt spends most of its life in warm
not always clear from the appearance or Asian rain forests or marshes.

sharp ribs through special holes in their skin. DID YOU KNOW?
The ribs can injure the attacker and allow toxin
to enter their bloodstream. Many newts, such Iberian ribbed newts have been sent
as the fire-bellied newt, try to avoid being into space on six separate missions.
damaged by predators even if they are not Scientists studied how the development
eaten. They take up defensive postures. They of these amphibians was affected by
may curl up their tail or bend over backward the low gravity conditions of space.
to show off their brightly colored underside. Adult newts that lose a limb can
regrow another one in about three
months. Newts can also regrow
eyes, jaws, nerves, and intestines.

263

Night Lizards

Night lizards take their name because most people
assume they are active at night. In fact, these secretive

lizards emerge during the day to forage for ants,
beetles, and other invertebrates.

264

Most night lizards are small reptiles with fairly Snakes and Lizards
short legs and tail. Many species are covered
with small scales with a few large, pointed scales in Fact File
between. The head has larger scales. That gives night
lizards a prickly appearance. The size of the scales Night lizards
can be used to tell different species apart. For example, Genera: 3 (Cricosaura,
the Cuban night lizard from the genus Cricosaura is Lepidophyma, and Xantusia)
the only night lizard with two scales on top of its head, Species: 26
above its nose. Family: Xantusiidae
Suborder: Sauria
Night lizards have large eyes. Like geckos, they lack Order: Squamata
eyelids so they clean their eyes by licking them. The Where do they live?: Western USA,
large eyes were one of the reasons why people thought Central America, and Cuba
these reptiles were nocturnal. In fact, most species
are most active during the day. They are rarely seen, Tropic of Cancer
however, because they live in crevices, hidden among
leaves, and in other dark, secluded spaces. The bodies Habitat: Rock crevices and caves;
of night lizards are often flattened from top to bottom. damp logs, leaf litter, and under
tree bark in forested areas
Staying Put Size: Head–body length 1.5–7 in.
Night lizards prefer to live within a small area and do (4–16 cm)
not move far in search of food. Some individuals may Coloration: Pale brown, olive green,
spend their entire lives under the same log or rocks or gray; some individuals
or on the surface of one plant. The desert night lizard have small yellow spots
lives on agave and yucca plants in the deserts of the Diet: Invertebrates such as ants,
United States and feeds on passing invertebrates such beetles, and cockroaches; some
as ants and beetles. Tropical night lizards of southern species eat flowers, fruits, and seeds
Mexico and Guatemala eat the figs that fall into the Breeding: Females bear between
caves in which they live. 1 and 9 live young
Life span: 12–15 years
The granite night lizard has a flat body, broad head Status: Varies according to species
and soft skin, which is covered with dark spots on
a pale yellow or cream background. 265

Olm

Olms live in water deep inside caves beneath parts of
Europe. These thin, ghostly amphibians are perfectly

adapted to their cool, dark, and wet environment.

266

Olms look like white eels with swollen heads and Newts and Salamanders
no eyes. They have long, tapering bodies with
small, spindly legs. Similar to several other salamander Fact File
species, adult olms retain the red, feathery gills from
their larval stage. Like the larvae, the adult olms Olm
continue to live and breathe underwater. Proteus anguinus
Other comon names: White
Living in Caves salamander or human fish
Olms live in the water that runs through caves beneath Family: Proteidae
limestone mountains. In the caves, the temperature of Order: Caudata
the water is very cold. Even in the summer, it never Where do they live?: Southern
exceeds 48˚F. Olms grow slowly because of the cold Europe near the Adriatic coast,
conditions. It takes up to fourteen years for the larvae from Italy to Bosnia
to transform into adults. Since they are not very active,
olms do not need to feed often. Indeed, one olm Tropic of Cancer
survived for more than ten years without eating at all.
Olms thrive in clean water. Chemicals from garbage Habitat: Underground streams
dumps, farms, and factories are building up in the and rivers in caves
water in some areas and poisoning the olms there. Size: Head–tail length 8–12 in.
(20–30 cm)
Olms lack skin pigment because they live in total Coloration: White with bright
darkness. They look white or pink because their red, feathery gills
internal organs show through their colorless skin. Diet: Insect larvae and freshwater
Predators might spot an olm that strays near the cave shrimps
entrance because of its pale appearance. Light-sensitive Breeding: Females lay up to
blobs in its skin tell the olm to retreat to the safety of 70 eggs, which hatch after about
the cave. They sense their surroundings using smell 4 months
and touch. They can also detect where they are from Life span: Up to 60 years
the magnetic fields created by rocks deep inside Earth. Status: Vulnerable

Olms are the only vertebrates to live underground
for their entire lives. It is completely dark inside
the caves, so the olms do not need any eyes.

267

Painted Turtle

The painted turtle is found in rivers, streams, and
lakes across North America. It keeps warm in the
cold evenings and part of the winter by burying itself
in mud at the bottom of these watery environments.

268

Turtles, Terrapins, Tortoises

Painted turtles are small reptiles with smooth, oval Fact File
shells and stripy heads. There are four different
(subspecies) types. The eastern painted turtle lives in Painted turtle
eastern North America and has colored lines on the Chrysemys picta
top of its shell. The midland painted turtle lives farther Family: Emydidae
west has a dark patch on the underside of the shell. Suborder: Cryptodira
The western painted tortoise is found over a wide Order: Testudines
area, from British Columbia south to Mexico. It has
an attractive, branched pattern on the underside of the Where do they live?: Central and
shell. The southern painted turtle has a yellow or red eastern United States, southern
stripe running down the center of its shell. Canada, and northern Mexico

Turtle Year Habitat: Slow-moving streams,
Painted turtles bask in the morning to get the energy rivers, and lakes
they need to hunt for food. In the afternoon, they bask
while digesting their food. In the evening, the turtles Size: Shell length up to 10 in.
burrow into the soft, muddy riverbed. They can hold (25 cm)
their breath overnight. In areas with very cold winters,
painted turtles hibernate (sleep through the winter) Coloration: Green to black shell with
beneath the mud. They slow down their breathing rate different colors and patterns on top
and can remain underwater for up to four months. and bottom; head and forelimbs have
yellow and red stripes
In June, the turtles emerge to mate. The females dig
shallow nests in soft soil where there is little risk of Diet: Young eat insects, small fish,
flooding. The hatchlings that emerge are about 1 inch tadpoles, and other small aquatic
long. They crawl to the water to avoid predators such creatures; adults eat water plants
as bullfrogs, herons, and mink. As the turtles grow they
become too big for these predators. Instead, they face Breeding: Females lay up to four
new threats such as alligators and bald eagles. clutches of between 2 and 20
eggs each year, eggs hatch after
Painted turtles spend most of their time in the water, 10–11 weeks
but they come ashore in groups of two or more to
bask on logs in the sunlight. Life span: Up to 20 years

Status: Common

269

Panther Chameleon

The panther chameleon is a colorful lizard from the
island of Madagascar. The bright skin color and habit
of living at the edge of the forest makes this species a

very conspicuous chameleon.

270

The panther chameleon is a typical chameleon, Snakes and Lizards
with a stout body, limbs adapted for gripping
branches, and a curling, prehensile tail. The eyes sit on Fact File
turrets and can swivel independently. Males usually
have large scales on their noses, which form a tough Panther chameleon
ridge. They use this armor during fights over females Furcifer pardalis
and their territories. Males vary much more widely Family: Chamaeleonidae
in color than females. For example, some males are Suborder: Sauria
emerald green with yellow lips, while others are Order: Squamata
turquoise blue with orange eye turrets. The color Where do they live?: Madagascar
combinations depend on where the males live. and small populations on Réunion
Island and Mauritius
The colors of chameleons change dramatically Habitat: Shrubs and trees at the
during the breeding season. Males turn bright red or edge of forested areas
orange-pink with purple heads to scare rival males. Size: Head–tail length 15–22 in.
Females turn pale salmon pink to show that they (38–56 cm)
are ready to mate or dark brown with pink blotches Coloration: Males vary from blue
if they are already carrying eggs. Females lay their to green or pink; females vary from
eggs in shrub roots where the soil is soft and moist. gray-fawn to pink; both males and
The hatchlings are tiny for such a large species. They females have a side stripe of white
measure just 1.5 inches in length. or blue, with oval blotches
Diet: Large insects, small mammals,
Panther World lizards such as geckos and frogs
The panther chameleon lives in northern Madagascar, Breeding: Females lay 12–45 eggs
from sea level up to about 3,900 feet. It is one of the up to 4 times a year; eggs hatch
few species that thrives following deforestation. In after 6 to 13 months
Madagascan myths, panther chameleons are important Life span: Five to seven years
animals. Local people never eat them and are careful to Status: Common
swerve and avoid them when they cross the road.
271
The panther chameleon is a colorful lizard that
thrives in shrubs, fields, and gardens on the island
of Madagascar off the eastern coast of Africa.

Pipe snakes

The heads and tails of the wormlike pipe snakes are
almost identical. These pipe-shaped reptiles live in damp,

tropical habitats in areas of Asia and South America.

272

Pipe snakes have cylindrical bodies tipped at either Snakes and Lizards
end with a head and tail that look almost identical.
This unusual body shape gives these snakes their Fact File
alternative common name—the two-headed snake.
Pipe snakes are burrowing reptiles that usually live in Asian and South American
damp soil, mud, and the leaf litter on forest floors. pipe snakes
They slither and swim through flooded clearings, Other comon names: Two-headed
water-filled ditches, and marshes. They are also often snake or false coral snakes
found in flooded paddyfields where farmers grow rice. Genera: Cylindrophis and Anilius
Family: Cylindrophiidae and Aniliidae
Putting Off Predators Suborder: Serpentes
Pipe snakes have many predators, from birds and lizards Order: Squamata
to other snakes. They have different adaptations to help
them avoid predators. The first is having a tail that is the Where do they live?: Asian pipe
same shape as the head. Predators often attack the head snakes live in Southeast Asia, from
first as this is the control and sense center of the animal. China to Indonesia; South American
If the brain is damaged, the victim is much easier to pipe snakes live in northeastern
subdue and eat. With pipe snakes, however, predators are parts of South America
confused about which end is the head. If they strike the
tail, the snake can still escape. Red-tailed pipe snakes Habitat: Forests and grasslands
raise their red-tipped tails to predators while they tuck
their heads into their coils. The display makes sure that Size: Head–tail length 27.5–39 in.
predators notice the tail and not the head. (70–100 cm)

South American pipe snakes use bright colors to Coloration: Asian pipe snakes are
pretend that they are poisonous even though they are purple–brown with cream bars and
harmless. The red and black stripes mimic those of red under the tail; South American
the South American coral snakes. Coral snakes are species have black and red stripes
highly venomous members of the cobra family.
Diet: Snakes and eels
The red-tailed pipe snake adopts its defensive
posture by raising its red-tipped tail so that Breeding: Females bear 3–15 live
it looks like the snake’s head. young 40–60 days after mating

Life span: Unknown

Status: Common

273

Pipe snakes

The red-tailed pipe snake is a black Predators know to avoid coral snakes
snake with white bands and a red- because the bright colors advertise
tipped tail. These snakes eat a wide how dangerous they are.
variety of prey, from eels and lizards
to other snakes. They kill their prey by Size Matters
squeezing their bodies until they cannot Many snakes can dislocate their
breathe. jaws and flex their skulls open to eat
prey many times their own size. The
DID YOU KNOW? pipe snake has fixed jaws. Its teeth
are small and cannot tear chunks of
Red-tailed pipe snakes lose flesh from their victims. As a result,
most of their bright color with the pipe snake has to size up its
age. Hatchlings have a red prey carefully to check that it will fit
bar and narrow red or orange through its jaws and into its stomach.
stripes down their backs. The Similar snakes, called blind snakes
colors fade to cream, and the and thread snakes, eat lots of small
stripes often turn to blotches, prey such as insects and worms.
but the tail always stays red. Young pipe snakes also eat this type
Fishermen in some parts of of prey, but adults prefer larger meals.
Cambodia catch a variety of They feed exclusively on slender
marsh snakes, including red- prey without legs that are as long or
tailed pipe snakes, for food. longer than themselves. These body
shapes fit inside the long bodies of
the pipe snake. Adult pipe snake prey
includes blind snakes, freshwater eels,
and worm lizards. The pipe snake has
small eyes, so it hunts using its
senses of touch, smell, and hearing.
It captures its prey in its teeth and
then coils its body around the victim
to squeeze it to death. When the
prey has stopped breathing, the pipe
snake swallows its meal whole.

274

Snakes and Lizards

Threats to Survival pipe snake populations in South
Most pipe snakes have little contact America or Asia. The International
with people. They prefer to live in Conservation Union (IUCN) do not
low-lying forests near water, but a include any pipe snakes on their Red
few wander into nearby towns and List of threatened species. However,
villages and some are seen by farmers these reptiles probably endure the
in the paddyfields of Southeast Asia. usual threats to survival because of
Scientists know very little about habitat loss through deforestation.

snake relations tiny spurs of bone, which are the remains
of limbs that the ancestors of all snakes
The South American pipe snake (below) once had. Fossil evidence shows that
is descended from some of the oldest pipe snakes once lived in North and
known snakes. Scientists have unearthed South America and Europe up to about
fossils of ancient snakes in rocks dating 50 million years ago. After this they
back more than 135 million years. The died out across most of the range but
skeletons preserved in the fossils closely remained in South America until today.
match the skeleton of the South American
pipe snake. They have a small pelvis and

275

Plumed Basilisk

The plumed basilisk is best known for its amazing abil-
ity to run across water. These striking reptiles use this

ability only as an escape mechanism from
predators such as birds of prey.

276

Snakes and Lizards

The plumed basilisk is a medium-sized lizard with Fact File
long legs. Its body and tail are flattened from side
to side. The tail takes up three-quarters of the basilisk’s Plumed basilisk
length. All basilisks have fleshy crests on their heads. Basiliscus plumifrons
Males also have crests on the back and tail, and flaps Other comon names: Green-crested
of skin on their throats. These features make the males basilisk and Jesus Christ lizard
look bigger when they display to females or rival males Family: Iguanidae
during the breeding season. Suborder: Sauria
Order: Squamata
Running on Water Where do they live?:
Plumed basilisks live among the plants by rivers and Central America
streams in forested areas. When they are disturbed, these
unusual lizards can escape from predators by running Equator
over water. They can do this because they have a fringe
of rectangular scales along the toes of their back feet. Habitat: Tropical forests near water
The scales give the feet a wide surface area. They can Size: Head–tail length up to 36 in.
rest on the water without breaking the surface—as (91 cm)
long as the lizards keep moving. Coloration: Mainly green with
black bars on the tail and light
Basilisk Routine green or white spots on the flanks
Plumed basilisks forage for food during the day. They Diet: Plants, invertebrates, and
eat anything they can find, from flowers and fruits to small vertebrates
slugs and snakes. They also catch fish or crabs. Plumed Breeding: Females lay between
basilisks breed all year long, but especially during the 4 and 17 eggs, that hatch
cool, rainy season. After mating, the female scrapes out after about 2 months
a burrow in the warm, damp soil or sand and lays up to Life span: Up to 7 years
seventeen eggs. The hatchlings are dull at first but develop Status: Common
crests and the distinctive green color as they grow.

The male plumed basilisk is a striking lizard,
with its bright green color and the distinctive
crests on the head, back, and tail.

277

Poison Dart Frogs

Poison dart frogs are small, attractive amphibians that
can be found in tropical parts of the Americas. These

amphibians get their common name for the strong
toxins that ooze from their skin. Native Americans
who live in the Amazon rain forest rub the toxin on

darts and use them to kill forest animals.

278

Poison dart frogs are tiny amphibians with Frogs and Toads
jewel-bright colors. The bright skin colors warn
predators that these frogs produce powerful toxins in Fact File
glands under their skin. Poison dart frogs have long
toes with slightly split ends, that help them to grip Poison dart frogs
onto mossy tree trunks or branches in their rain forest Species: 214
habitat. Many species live in the fallen leaves alongside Genera: 8
forest streams. They live anywhere from sea level up to Family: Dendrobatidae
5,575 feet in the Andes Mountains. Order: Anura
Where do they live?: Central
Frog Habitats and South America, islands of the
Poison dart frogs are found in the humid tropical rain Caribbean, and Hawaii
forests of Central and South America, from Nicaragua
and Costa Rica south to Bolivia and Brazil. A few Equator
species can be found on the islands of Hawaii, but
these are introduced species. Poison dart frogs prefer Habitat: Rain forest
to live close to the ground, but some species live in Size: Head–body length up to 2.5 in.
trees up to 20 feet from the forest floor. (6 cm)
Coloration: Very bright colors,
Looking After Tadpoles ranging from sky blue or yellow to
Poison dart frogs have an unusual life cycle. The male red or black, often with patches of
guards and cleans off a leaf or other flat surface as a contrasting colors
nesting site for the eggs. The male then fiercely guards Diet: Invertebrates, including ants
his site from rival males. He also calls with load croaks Breeding: Females lay clutches of
to attract potential mates. After mating, the female lays 2 to 29 eggs on leaves; eggs hatch
her eggs on the site. Either the male or female frog after 1 or 2 weeks
guards the eggs until they hatch. The parent bends Life span: Unknown
down, and the tadpoles wriggle onto the adult’s back. Status: Varies according to species

The ruby poison frog is a poisonous amphibian from 279
the Amazon rain forest in South America. The toxins
ooze from the red spots on the frog’s back.

Poison Dart Frogs

The golden The tadpoles stick onto a patch of Parent Matters
poison dart frog sticky mucus on the skin. Small Poison dart frogs produce few eggs
is considered to species can carry just one or two, but compared to most other amphibians.
be the world’s others can carry many more. The parents look after their eggs and
most poisonous tadpoles to give them the greatest
amphibian. The adult then carries its young to chance of survival. Poison dart
a quiet place where the tadpoles can frogs live in tropical forests where
safely grow. This may be a stream, a it is moist and there is plenty to
pool, or the water collected in a eat. However, there are few pools in
tree hollow or in the center of a plant which to lay eggs, particularly on
that grows on the branch of a tree. mountainsides, where water runs off
Sometimes poison dart frogs take the land, or in drier forests. Poison
their tadpoles to the water collected dart frogs that live in these habitats
in broken bottles or other human care for their young more than those
trash. Once the adult dips its back that live in damp, lowland forests
into the water the mucus on its back where the habitat is much wetter.
dissolves, and the tadpoles swim free. They wet their eggs and young with
Adults of some species may have to water to make sure they stay damp so
make several trips to transport all they can survive to become froglets.
their young to water.
Many Frogs
There are many different poison dart
frogs in the family Dendrobatidae.
They come in many different shapes,
sizes, and color combinations. The
largest genus in the poison dart frog
family is Colostethus, or the rocket
frogs. These are the least colorful
members of the family, with brown
backs and dark stripes on their
sides. The second largest genus is
Dendrobates. Species from this group
are highly variable in color. Even

280

Frogs and Toads

within species, each individual DID YOU KNOW? The female
poison dart frog has a distinct strawberry
pattern of bands and spots. Some The species Phyllobates terribilis poison dart
species, such as the dyeing poison is the most poisonous frog in the frog carries
dart frog, may be any color from world. It has enough venom in its her tadpoles to
yellow with black blotches to skin to kill several people. individual feeding
mottled blue with a black and The skunk frog was discovered in sites, where they
white back. Others, including the Venezuela in 1991 but is probably will develop into
strawberry poison dart frog, are extinct already. This frog got its small froglets.
mostly red. The most poisonous name for the noxious chemical
genus, Phyyllobates, live mainly that oozes from its skin. This foul-
in Central America. These frogs smelling substance is similar to
are typically black and yellow, or the chemical that skunks spray
orange. over their enemies.

Toxic Frogs kill animals for food.
Many poison dart frogs are highly However, only three of
poisonous. They do not make their the 175 species in the family
own poison but accumulate the toxic are used for this purpose. The
chemicals from prey such as ants world’s most poisonous species,
and termites. The toxins ooze the golden poison dart frog, is one
through the frogs’ skin, so they taste of them. It secretes a potent nerve
bad when predators eat them. The toxin. This poison is extremely
predator then releases the foul-tasting dangerous— just a single gram from
frog immediately. Some predators
have built up immunity to the toxins.
One such predator is the Amazon
ground snake.

Poison dart frogs got their common
name for the way in which Chocó
Native Americans use the powerful
toxins to coat the tips of arrows and
blowdarts. They use these weapons to

281

Poison Dart Frogs

DID YOU its skin could kill up to ten men. Captive Species
KNOW? Scientists have recently discovered Poison dart frogs are popular captive
that chemicals in this frog’s poison species thanks to their bright colors.
The strawberry have valuable medicinal properties, In captivity, some species live up to
poison dart particularly as a powerful pain killer. 20 years old. These frogs need to
frog feeds her
tadpoles with an Mimics although not all of them are.
egg that she lays The advantage to the nontoxic
in the water. In many parts of Central and frogs is that they get the color
South America different species protection without having to
The tadpoles of in the family Dendrobatidae produce toxins. The advantage
several species live in the same areas and have to the toxic frogs is that there
in the genus similar colors. These species are more frogs around with the
Colostethus have are usually dark with striking same color as them, advertizing
funnel-shaped, white or yellow stripes. These the dangers to predators.
rotating mouths. bright colors warn predators
When these that these frogs are poisonous,
frogs feed at the
surface of the
water, they rotate
their mouths to
the top. When
they feed on
stones on the
bottom of the
river or stream
in which they
live, they rotate
their mouths
back under
the surface.

282

Frogs and Toads

The dyeing
poison dart
frog is a large
amphibian. On
average, this
species grows to
about 2 inches
in length, but the
size and color
varies between
individuals.

be kept in humid conditions with a habitat loss due to deforestation.
constant temperature of between People are clearing the rain forests to
72 and 80°F. They eat a range of grow crops and build new homes.
invertebrates, such as ants, small
beetles, crickets, fruit flies, and Many frogs are also threatened by
spiders. Since these frogs build up an infection called chytridiomycosis.
toxicity from their food, most captive This disease was discovered in 1998.
species should not be toxic to their It is caused by a microorganism
owners. However, owners should called a chytrid fungus.
still use extreme care when handling
these fascinating amphibians. Another threat is overcollection for
the pet trade. Poison dart frogs are
Threats to Survival popular among collectors, and this
Many poison dart frogs are facing has led to a decline in the population
threats to their survival. Like many of some species. As a result, most
amphibians, the greatest threat is poison dart frogs are protected by
laws in many countries.

283

PUFF ADDER

The puff adder is one of the most common snakes in
Africa and also one of the most deadly. This small
viper is responsible for more deaths in southern

Africa than any other snake.

284

Puff adders are members of the viper family. They snakes and lizards
can be found in a variety of habitats, but not rain
forests or deserts. They live in southern Africa but Fact File
do not live in the western rain forests or north of the
Sahara Desert. Puff adders also live on the other side PUFF ADDER
of the Red Sea, in the Arabian Peninsula. Bitis arietans
Family: Viperidae
Deadly Venom Order: Squamata
Puff adders hunt at dusk or at night. Their prey Where do they live?: Africa,
include birds, small rodents, small snakes, and toads. south of the Sahara; also southern
Large puff adders eat guinea fowl, hares, and even very Morocco and the Arabian Peninsula
small antelope. They lie in wait and ambush victims. Habitat: Woodlands, grasslands,
Their brownish body with dark gray and cream and scrublands
markings is well camouflaged among scrub, grass, or Size: 36 in. to 6 ft. (90 cm
fallen leaves. The snake strikes when its victim comes to 1.8 m)
within range. Long, hinged fangs inject large quantities Appearance: Stout body with
of venom into the prey. The snake then releases its broad head. Tawny or brown
victim and follows it until the poison has eventually with dark gray, cream-edged
killed the animal. V- or U-shaped markings
Diet: Small reptiles, birds,
The bites of puff adders kill more people in southern and mammals
Africa than those of any other type of snake. Their Breeding: Females lay 20–156
camouflage and habit of basking in the sunlight by eggs, which develop inside the
paths mean that it is all too easy to step on one, which mother for 90–120 days before
will cause it to strike. Most victims die through kidney being born live
failure. Puff adder venom is fairly slow-acting, however, Life span: Not known
so most people can reach medical help and receive a Status: Very common
dose of antivenom—the antidote to the snake’s venom.
Nine out of ten people recover from puff adder bites. 285

Puff adders are large vipers, with thick bodies and
flattened heads. Sluggish by nature, they crawl over
the ground in a straight line like a caterpillar.

PYTHONS 1
2
The python family contains
some of the world’s biggest 3
snakes. Unlike snakes with
deadly venom, pythons use 4
their huge, muscular bodies to 5
squeeze their prey to death in a
process known as constriction.

Four out of five of the world’s largest snakes
are pythons. These huge snakes are closely
related to another family, the boas, which
include the anaconda. Like boas, pythons kill
their prey by squeezing them to death. Scientists
have recognized about 30 species (different
types) of pythons. Only the South American
anaconda is bigger than the largest python
species—the African and reticulated python.

Habitats
Pythons and boas are close relatives, but the
two groups live in different parts of the world.
Pythons live in Africa, Asia, Australia, and New
Guinea. Boas live in the Americas, although a
few species are found in Africa and Asia.

Five species of pythons live in Asia, and
three live in Africa. All the other species
inhabit Australia or New Guinea, an island to
the north of Australia. Most pythons live in
tropical regions. Most species live near water
in these hot, humid areas. Many live in forests
and spend part of their time in the trees. The
green tree python spends all of its life in the
trees. Outside the tropics, most pythons live in

286

6 Fact File
7
PYTHONS
Family: Pythonidae
Order: Squamata

Where do they live?: Africa, Central and
Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Guinea

Equator

8

1 Children’s python 5 Royal python Habitat: From tropical forests and grassland
2. Amethystine python 6. Carpet python to scrub and arid deserts
3. Short-tailed python 7. Black-headed python
4. Green tree python 8. Indian python Size: Head–tail length ranges from 6 in. to
33 ft. (40 cm to 10 m)
deserts. In these areas, they do not hibernate in
winter as many other snakes do. Instead, they Appearance: Broad, flat heads with powerful,
may become inactive during cold or dry spells. muscular bodies. Color patterns vary from bold
green or yellow to light brown with a pattern
Breeding Habits of darker brown and tan markings
Pythons reproduce by laying eggs. A female
python lay eggs about six weeks after mating Diet: Amphibians, reptiles, birds, and
with the male. Pythons are very unusual among smaller mammals
snakes in that they take care of their eggs. The
female coils her body around her clutch of eggs. Breeding: Females lay between 3 and 25 eggs,
She warms them with her body, which helps which hatch after 70 to 85 days
them to develop. This is called incubation.
As well as warming the eggs, the female also Life span: Not known
defends her eggs against predators.
Status: Varies according to species

287

PYTHONS

While the eggs are incubating for eight to Hunting and Senses
twelve weeks, the female rarely moves more Pythons are predators like all snakes, but they
than a few feet away from the clutch, even to do not use poison to kill their prey. Instead,
eat, drink, or warm herself in the sun. Her care they kill their victims by wrapping their body
increases her offspring’s chance of survival. But around the animal and then tightening their
the female loses weight and fitness at the same coils. Each time the victim breathes out, the
time, so she is unlikely to breed again until the snake tightens its grip. The prey eventually dies
following year. After the incubation period, the
young snakes hatch from their shells. As soon as Large pythons often lie in wait and ambush
they have hatched, the female takes no further their victims. Smaller snakes hunt more actively
care of her young. at night, when they go after smaller prey.

288

PYTHONS

through suffocation or being crushed to death. DID YOU KNOW?
Once the victim is dead, the python senses the
location of its victim’s head to swallow. Pythons Female pythons control the
sense their prey with the help of two small pits temperature of their eggs by
near their nostrils. These pits can detect the loosening or tightening their
body heat of warm-blooded prey such as birds coils around the clutch.
and mammals. The ability to sense heat is what The Indian python can raise
helps pythons track down their prey under the the temperature of her eggs
cover of darkness. by twitching repeatedly to
raise her body heat.

SUPER SizeD PYTHON Like other snakes in the family, pythons
have colors and patterns that generally
Pythons vary in size. The world’s longest match their surroundings. The carpet
snake is the reticulated python, which python is named after the intricate
measures up to 30 feet long and can blotches on its body, which may be
weigh up to 440 pounds. These giant tawny, red, gray, black, or brown.
snakes are so big, they have been known
to swallow mammals as big as gazelles.

Pythons
continue to grow
throughout their
lives, so the oldest
snakes are usually
the biggest. These
huge reptiles are
able to tackle prey
as large as deer,
dogs, gazelle, and
pigs. They have even
been known
to attack people.

289

RAIN FROG

Rain frogs are a large group of frogs living mainly
in Central and South America. These frogs

live at ground level, often near streams, as some
smaller species can dry out easily.

290

With more than 700 species, rain frogs are the frogs and toads
largest group of frogs. Some people also call
rain frogs leaf litter frogs, robber frogs, and whistling Fact File
frogs. Rain frogs belong to a wider family called
Leptodactylidae, which has more than 1,110 species. RAIN FROGS
These smallish, often drab-looking frogs are difficult Family: Leptodactylidae
to identify, and scientists regularly discover new species. Order: Anura
Unfortunately, some types of rain frogs are also dying Where do they live?: Southern
out, because the places where they live are taken over United States through Central
by people. Global warming is also taking its toll, America to Brazil and Argentina,
because some damp habitats are drying out. also on some Caribbean islands

Distribution and Habitats Equator
Rain frogs live only in the Americas. As a group, they
range from the southern United States southward Habitat: Rain forests, woodlands,
through Central America to Brazil and Argentina. plantations, and parks
Some rain frogs live on the Caribbean islands, with Size: 0.5 in. to 4 in. (1 to 10 cm)
large islands such as Cuba holding many species. Appearance: Small, often brownish
frogs with long hind limbs. Disks on
Rain frogs live in a variety of moist habitats, from their undersides help them cling to
rain forests to rocky outcrops and plantations. They smooth surfaces
also live in parks and gardens in towns and villages. Diet: Small invertebrates
Some species are common and widespread. Others are Breeding: Females lay from 3 to
very rare and can be found only in one small location. over 20 eggs on land. The young
develop inside the eggs and then
Most rain frogs live on the ground. They hide on hatch as froglets
the forest floor under stones or in leaf litter, and many Life span: Not known
smaller species live near streams. A few species climb Status: Varies according to species
into bushes and trees to search for food. These frogs
have toes with wide, sticky tips that help with climbing. 291

This brightly colored rain frog lives in Costa Rica.
It belongs to the largest vertebrate group on Earth,
Eleutherodactylus, with more than 700 species.

RAIN FROG

Shape, size, and color Many rain frogs have a round disk
on their belly that helps them to
Rain frogs are small, compact frogs with long grip smooth surfaces. Rain frogs
hind legs. The smallest species, a frog that goes are nocturnal (active at night). They
by the Latin name Sminthillus limbatus, is just emerge under the cover of darkness
0.4 inches long, and the largest is about ten to forage for food such as insects.
times that size. Most rain frogs have smooth
skin, but some have warty skin and resemble Many Enemies
toads. Many rain frogs are agile, dainty Being small with no defenses, rain
amphibians with long limbs and toes. frogs make an easy meal for many
forest predators. Their enemies
Some rain frogs are brown, with mottled include snakes, such as vine snakes
markings. This coloration, known as cryptic and young pit vipers, which lure the
coloration, helps the frogs to hide among dead frogs closer by twitching the brightly
leaves, stones, twigs, or garbage. Many have colored tips of their tails. Spiders
a dark stripe running through the eye, which and larger frogs also hunt rain frogs,
makes it hard for enemies to recognize the head. and larger rain frogs may eat smaller
members of their own species. If a
292 rain frog spots a predator, it often
escapes by making one long leap
and then staying perfectly still.
This tactic tends to confuse the
predator, which is often unable to
spot the frog again.

Breeding Habits
Male rain frogs are smaller than the
females, and they are usually more
brightly colored. During the breeding
season, the males call to warn off
rival males and attract the females.
In contrast to frogs that lay their eggs
in water, female rain frogs lay their

frogs and toads

eggs on land. They lay between three inside their tough-skinned capsule.
and twenty eggs in a cluster, usually They emerge as miniature versions
in a shaded patch of soil or in dead of the adults.
leaves. Unlike eggs that are laid in
water, these frog eggs are protected Bright Colors
by a tough outer membrane (skin). A few rain frog species are more
brightly colored than most. One
The female usually stays with the species from Central America has a
eggs until they hatch. In a few species, bright red spot on each thigh that
it is the male that stays. The parent appears as it leaps, but disappears
prevents the eggs from drying out when it lands. This is designed to
and defends them against predators distract predators while the frog
or parasites (animals which live on makes its escape. Another species is
others) such as flies. Unusual among brown with two bright orange stripes.
frogs, the embryos (unborn young) It resembles a highly poisonous frog
develop inside the eggs instead of from the same region. Predators often
hatching out as tadpoles. Nourished think it is poisonous and avoid it,
by the yolk, the embryos spend even though it is totally harmless.
between fifteen and forty-nine days

Male rain frogs call DID YOU KNOW?
to attract females by
expanding the vocal The Caribbean island
sac on their throats. of Cuba has forty-eight
species of rain frogs,
including the very
smallest species.
Rain frogs form the
largest group of any
vertebrate (an animal
with a backbone).

293

RATSNAKES

Ratsnakes are a widespread group of snakes that
usually kill their prey by constriction. They wind their

muscular bodies around their prey and then squeeze
so hard that the victim stops breathing.

294

There are about thirty-five species of ratsnakes snakes and lizards
belonging to the genus Elaphe. They live in
North America as well as across Asia—there are Fact File
Japanese, Persian, and Korean ratsnakes, for example.
North American species include the common or AMERICAN RATSNAKE
American ratsnake, the corn snake, and the fox snake. Elaphe obsoleta
Family: Colubridae
The American ratsnake is common through the Order: Squamata
eastern half of North America. These snakes live in Where do they live?: Eastern North
a variety of habitats, including forests, swamps, and America, including southeastern
wooded areas. American ratsnakes are active by Canada, and the eastern and central
day, especially early morning and late afternoon. In United States
northern areas where winters are cold, they hibernate Habitat: Forests and woodlands
(spend the winter sleeping) for up to seven months Size: 39 in. to 8.1 ft. (1–2.5 m)
of the year, hiding in hollow trees, caves, or buildings. Appearance: Long and muscular.
They may share their hiding place with other snakes. Color varies among the subspecies
Diet: Frogs, lizards, nesting birds,
American ratsnakes are expert tree-climbers. They and small mammals such as mice
use the ridged scales on their underside to grip the Breeding: Females lay between
bark. They climb trees to prey on nesting birds and 10 and 40 eggs, which hatch
mammals such as squirrels. after about 70 days
Life span: Not known
Life Cycle Status: Common
In cool, northern areas, American ratsnakes breed as
soon as they emerge from hibernation in April or May. 295
Southern ratsnakes have a longer breeding period. The
female lays a clutch of ten to twelve eggs about forty
days after mating. The pure white eggs stick together in
a cluster. The eggs hatch after about seventy days, and
the newborn young measure about 11 inches long.

Ratsnakes, such as Elaphe taeniura shown here,
belong to a group of snakes called the colubrids,
which also includes garter snakes and grass snakes.

RATTLESNAKES

Rattlesnakes are part of a small and three species of pygmy rattlesnakes. The
subfamily of vipers found only group includes the western diamondback,
in the Americas. These highly North America’s most dangerous snake, and the
venomous snakes warn enemies sidewinder, which is named after its unusual
by shaking the rattles on the sideways movement. Other species include the
end of their tails. Mojave, speckled, and banded rock rattlesnakes.

Rattlesnakes are named for the loose scales The Rattle
on their tails, which make a loud rattling The scientific name of the rattlesnake group,
sound when shaken. They shake their rattle Crotalinae, comes from the Greek word for
to warn animals, such as cattle, that might
otherwise step on them. Rattlesnakes belong The western diamondback is one of the most
to a group of vipers called pit vipers. There aggressive rattlesnakes in the United States. This
are more than thirty species of rattlesnakes large snake with highly toxic venom is named for
the diamond-shaped marks that run along its body.

296

rattle or castanet. The rattle is a unique feature Fact File
of these snakes. It is made of horny segments
that fit loosely together. The horny substance is RATTLESNAKES
called keratin, which is the same material that Subfamily: Crotalinae
forms animal claws, hair, and horns. Family: Viperidae
Order: Squamata
Each segment of the rattle was originally the
skin of the scale covering the tip of the snake’s Where do they live?: North and South
tail. In other snakes, this part is lost when America, from southern Canada to northern
the snake sheds its skin. In rattlesnakes, the Argentina
dumbbell-shaped scale remains to become a
new segment of the rattle. The rattle segments Habitat: Open ground, including deserts,
fit together loosely. Their irregular shape means mountain, prairie, and scrubland
they move more when shaken up and down,
than when moved from side to side. This allows Size: Varies from 20 in. to more than 2 ft.
the snake to control its rattle and move silently (50 cm to 1.5 m). Males usually slightly bigger
when stalking prey. When it wants to make a than the females
noise, it raises its rattle in the air and shakes it
back and forth. Appearance: Rattlesnakes have thick bodies.
Most come with distinctive rattles on the end
Many people believe that the number of of their tails. Colors vary but usually dull brown
segments in a rattlesnake’s tail is the same as with darker patterns on the scales
its age in years. This is not quite true, but the
number of segments does provide a general Diet: Lizards and small mammals
guide to the snake’s age. Most rattles are made
of five to ten segments. A new segment is added Breeding: Females lay between 4 and 25 eggs,
each time the reptile molts—but young, fast- which develop inside the body. On average the
growing snakes can molt up to four times a female gives birth to 10 live young
year. Over time, the end segments tend to fall
off due to wear and tear. Life span: Not known

Rattlesnakes do not rattle to confuse or Status: Some species, such as the timber
hypnotize their prey. Nor do males “serenade rattlesnake, are endangered. Others, such as
lady rattlesnakes,” as one early writer claimed. the speckled rattlesnake, are fairly common
The rattle is used purely for defense, allowing
the rattlesnake to make a noise to avoid
being trampled by large beasts such as bison.

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Many other snakes vibrate their tails when The fertilized eggs develop inside the female,
alarmed. Even without a rattle, this can make a and the live young emerge from her body at
loud noise if the snake is resting among dead the end of summer, around four to six months
leaves. Snakes also hiss and rub loose scales after mating. Western diamondbacks give birth
together as a noisy warning of their presence. to between four and twenty-five young. The
female remains with her young for up to sixteen
Breeding Habits days, until their first molt. Some experts think
Most rattlesnakes breed in late spring. The that snakes born at the same time can recognize
males track the females by following special their mother and one another throughout their
scents called pheromones, which the females lives. This may help the young snakes to follow
produce in preparation for breeding. If several the adults to the dens where they hibernate
males find the same female, they will fight for (sleep) in winter.
the right to mate. The largest snake usually
wins the contest and mates with the female. Hunting and Venom
As a result, male rattlesnakes are usually up Like all vipers, rattlesnakes are venomous. They
to 15 percent larger than the females. inject venom into their prey using hollow fangs,

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RATTLESNAKE Habitats

Rattlesnakes are found throughout the to hunt roosting birds. In regions with
Americas and prefer to live in open cold winters, rattlesnakes gather in dens
habitats, such as deserts, mountain to pass the cold months in a deep sleep
meadows, open grassland, rocky known as hibernation.
mountains, and scrublands. One species
from South America lives in forest
clearings. The sidewinder dwells in
the deserts of southwestern United
States. The snake moves over sand by
throwing its body into curves that thrust
it sideways. With its mottled markings,
the massasauga inhabits swamps, prairie,
and woodlands in northeastern United
States and Canada. No rattlesnakes live
in trees, but some types climb into shrubs

which are linked to special poison glands. such as birds and small mammals, but they will
The fangs are hinged and normally lie folded also feed on amphibians, reptiles, and insects
in the roof of the mouth. They swing forward given the opportunity. The heat-sensitive pits
to stab the victim when the rattlesnake strikes. allow the snakes to hunt in complete darkness.
Rattlesnakes detect their prey using two heat- They usually lie in wait to attack their prey.
sensitive pits near their eyes. Their ability to
sense heat means they can hunt warm-blooded DID YOU KNOW?
prey (with a fairly constant body temperature)
The rattles of wild rattlesnakes are
Rattlesnakes have a reputation for being rarely more than a dozen segments long.
aggressive toward people, but they will only The record for a wild snake was twenty-
strike to defend themselves when disturbed. three segments.
Rattlesnakes give plenty of warning before they The rattles of captive rattlesnakes
strike by shaking the noisy rattles on the end of are often longer because the snakes
their tails. live a much quieter life. The record for a
captive snake was twenty-nine segments.

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