Amphibians and Reptiles of Wisconsin

About this book

Amphibians and reptiles represent an essential and interesting component of Wisconsin's wildlife. Eighteen species of amphibian and thirty-six species of reptile occupy landscapes across the state. They live in aquatic habitats that range from small streams to large lakes, and from open prairies to mature forests on land. These species are vital members of the biological communities in which they occur, acting as important predators, prey, and competitors, while also providing a wide variety of additional ecological functions. However, many amphibians and reptiles have experienced drastic population declines and even local extinctions in Wisconsin due to habitat loss and degradation, overharvesting, the introduction of invasive species, pollution, and other factors. This comprehensive volume, by an expert team of editors and contributors, consolidates the current state of scientific knowledge, aims to expand public knowledge and appreciation of Wisconsin's natural legacy, and brings out the herpetologist in all of us.

This long-awaited, state-of-the-field synthesis also includes hundreds of colour photographs and illustrations, state-level and North American range maps, dichotomous keys, and research and conservation anecdotes that will entertain and inform even the most dedicated nature lover. Amphibians and Reptiles of Wisconsin is set to become a lasting resource and armchair companion for anyone in the Midwest interested in the state's natural history and amphibian and reptile fauna.

Contents

Foreword by Michael J. Lannoo
Acknowledgments
Contributors
Acronyms and Abbreviations

Introduction
- Systematics and Classification
- Some Prominent Figures in Wisconsin Herpetology
- Past, Present, and Potential Future Landscapes of Wisconsin, with Emphasis on Amphibian and Reptile Distributions
- Amphibians and Reptiles in Wisconsin Plant Communities
- Introduction to Conservation and Management of Wisconsin's Amphibians and Reptiles
- Identification Keys for Amphibians and Reptiles in Wisconsin
- Introduction to Species Accounts

Anura (Frogs and Toads)
Introduction to Anura
Family Bufonidae
      American Toad, Anaxyrus americanus
Family Hylidae
      Blanchard's Cricket Frog, Acris blanchardi
      Cope's Gray Treefrog, Hyla chrysoscelis
      Gray Treefrog, Hyla versicolor
      Spring Peeper, Pseudacris crucifer
      Boreal Chorus Frog, Pseudacris maculata
Family Ranidae
      American Bullfrog, Lithobates catesbeianus
      Green Frog, Lithobates clamitans
      Pickerel Frog, Lithobates palustris
      Northern Leopard Frog, Lithobates pipiens
      Mink Frog, Lithobates septentrionalis
      Wood Frog, Lithobates sylvaticus

Caudata (Salamanders)
Introduction to Caudata
Family Ambystomatidae
      Blue-spotted Salamander, Ambystoma laterale
      Spotted Salamander, Ambystoma maculatum
      Eastern Tiger Salamander, Ambystoma tigrinum
Family Plethodontidae
      Four-toed Salamander, Hemidactylium scutatum
      Eastern Red-backed Salamander, Plethodon cinereus
Family Proteidae
      Mudpuppy, Necturus maculosus
Family Salamandridae
      Eastern Newt, Notophthalmus viridescens

Squamata (Lizards and Snakes)
Introduction to Squamata
Family Anguidae
      Slender Glass Lizard, Ophisaurus attenuatus
Family Scincidae
      Common Five-lined Skink, Plestiodon fasciatus
      Prairie Skink, Plestiodon septentrionalis
Family Teiidae
      Six-lined Racerunner, Aspidoscelis sexlineatus
Family Colubridae, Subfamily Colubrinae
      North American Racer, Coluber constrictor
      Eastern Milksnake, Lampropeltis triangulum
      Smooth Greensnake, Opheodrys vernalis
      Gray Ratsnake, Pantherophis spiloides
      Eastern Foxsnake, Pantherophis vulpinus
      Gophersnake, Pituophis catenifer
Family Colubridae, Subfamily Dipsadinae
      Western Wormsnake, Carphophis vermis
      Ring-necked Snake, Diadophis punctatus
      Eastern Hog-nosed Snake, Heterodon platirhinos
Family Colubridae, Subfamily Natricinae
      Common Watersnake, Nerodia sipedon
      Queensnake, Regina septemvittata
      Dekay's Brownsnake, Storeria dekayi
      Red-bellied Snake, Storeria occipitomaculata
      Butler's Gartersnake, Thamnophis butleri
      Plains Gartersnake, Thamnophis radix
      Eastern Ribbonsnake, Thamnophis saurita, Western Ribbonsnake, Thamnophis proximus
      Common Gartersnake, Thamnophis sirtalis
      Lined Snake, Tropidoclonion lineatum
Family Viperidae
      Timber Rattlesnake, Crotalus horridus
      Massasauga, Sistrurus catenatus

Snakebite: Envenomation in Wisconsin and the Northern Upper Mississippi River Valley

Testudines (Turtles)
Introduction to Testudines
Family Chelydridae
      Snapping Turtle, Chelydra serpentina
Family Emydidae
      Painted Turtle, Chrysemys picta
      Blanding's Turtle, Emydoidea blandingii
      Wood Turtle, Glyptemys insculpta
      Northern Map Turtle, Graptemys geographica
      Ouachita Map Turtle, Graptemys ouachitensis
      False Map Turtle, Graptemys pseudogeographica
      Ornate Box Turtle, Terrapene ornata
Family Kinosternidae
      Eastern Musk Turtle, Sternotherus odoratus
Family Trionychidae
      Smooth Softshell, Apalone mutica
      Spiny Softshell, Apalone spinifera

Hypothetical and Enigmatic Species of Wisconsin

Appendix
Glossary
Literature Cited
Contributor Biographies
Index by Scientific Name
Index by Common Name
Index by Subject

Customer Reviews

Biography

Joshua M. Kapfer is a Certified Wildlife Biologist® and a professor in the department of biological sciences at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater. Donald J. Brown is a Certified Wildlife Biologist® and a research assistant professor of wildlife resources at the school of natural resources at West Virginia University.