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Content tagged with "Reptiles and Amphibians"

Eastern Collared Lizard

Image of an eastern collared lizard
Crotaphytus collaris
If surprised in an open area with no rock crevices nearby to dart into, this colorful, long-tailed lizard often runs on its hind limbs with the forward part of the body held upright. More

Eastern Gartersnake

Eastern gartersnake
Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis
Of the five kinds of gartersnakes in Missouri, this is the most common. Though the color is variable (dark brown, greenish or olive), there are normally three yellowish stripes, one down the back and one on each side. More

Eastern Hog-Nosed Snake

Image of an eastern hog-nosed snake
Heterodon platirhinos
This harmless snake with an upturned snout has the ability to hiss loudly and spread its neck like a cobra. If this defense fails to ward off an enemy, the snake may thrash around, open its mouth, roll over and play dead. More

Eastern Musk Turtle (Stinkpot)

Eastern musk turtle (stinkpot)
Sternotherus odoratus
This is Missouri’s smallest species and one of the world’s smallest turtles. More

Eastern Narrow-Mouthed Toad

Image of an eastern narrow-mouthed toad
Gastrophryne carolinensis
An unusual little amphibian that is seldom seen. There is a fold of skin behind its narrow, pointed head. More

Eastern River Cooter

Image of an eastern river cooter (turtle)
Pseudemys concinna concinna
This large, aquatic turtle has a proportionately small, blunt head. It is most abundant in Missouri’s rivers and sloughs but also has taken up residence in some of our state’s large reservoirs. More

Eastern Snapping Turtle (Common Snapping Turtle)

Eastern snapping turtle
Chelydra serpentina serpentina
Take care if you plan on handling large snapping turtles! With their strong jaws and long necks, the only safe way to carry one of these turtles is to grasp it at the base of the tail and keep it away from your legs. More

Eastern Spadefoot

Image of an eastern spadefoot
Scaphiopus holbrookii
Often called “spadefoot toads,” spadefoots are actually not true toads, and they are not true frogs, either. They’re named after a feature on the inner surface of their hind feet, a sickle-shaped spur or “spade,” which helps them to dig their burrows. More

Eastern Spiny Softshell

Eastern Spiny Softshell
Apalone spinifera spinifera
This is a game animal in our state, with a season and daily bag limit.   More

Eastern Tiger Salamander

Ambystoma tigrinum
Tiger salamanders belong to the “mole salamander” family, named because they spend most of their time underground, often in burrows made by small mammals or under logs and rocks. Your best chance of seeing tiger salamander is at night after a heavy rain. More
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