Content tagged with "Reptiles and Amphibians"

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.

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.

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.

Eastern Musk Turtle (Stinkpot)

Sternotherus odoratus

This is Missouri’s smallest species and one of the world’s smallest turtles.

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.

Eastern River Cooter

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.

Eastern Snapping Turtle (Common 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.

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.

Eastern Spiny Softshell

Apalone spinifera spinifera

This is a game animal in our state, with a season and daily bag limit.

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.

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MDC protects and manages Missouri's fish, forest, and wildlife resources.

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Content tagged with "Reptiles and Amphibians"

Eastern Collared Lizard

Eastern Gartersnake

Eastern Hog-Nosed Snake

Eastern Musk Turtle (Stinkpot)

Eastern Narrow-Mouthed Toad

Eastern River Cooter

Eastern Snapping Turtle (Common Snapping Turtle)

Eastern Spadefoot

Eastern Spiny Softshell

Eastern Tiger Salamander

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