A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians

In this guide will be found all of the species in the area west of the eastern boundaries of New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, and Saskatchewan north to the Arctic Circle. Although the West does not have as many salamanders and turtles as the East, its diversified terrain, encompassing mountains and deserts, supports a wealth of lizards and snakes. More than 200 species of salamanders, frogs, toads, turtles, lizards, and snakes are described here, as well as many subspecies. The carefully condensed descriptions in the text point up major characters for identification and give significant details of habitat, range, and similar species. Identification keys lead the reader to the illustrations on the plates by singling out easily observed characteristics. Another valuable feature is the final chapter on amphibian eggs and larvae containing keys and many illustrations. There are 39 plates, 290 drawings, and 191 maps. Almost all of the 39 plates were illustrated from life; of these, 24 are in color and present each subject superbly and sensitively. The technical anatomical information necessary for use of the Field Guide is easily understood from the endpaper drawings and the glossary definitions.