The Reptiles and The Reptiles and Amphibians of Amphibians of Northeastern Northeastern

MinnesotaMinnesota

By: Christopher E. SmithBy: Christopher E. Smith

Erica P. HoaglundErica P. Hoaglund

northern leopard frognorthern leopard frog

Photo by J. LeClere

A-typical morph

• Dorsal lateral ridges•“Leopard print” coloration

American toadAmerican toadPhoto by J. LeClere

Feigning death

Click to hear Americantoad call

mink frogmink frog

Click to hear a mink frog call

• Lacking dorsal lateral ridges• Green upper lip• Hind foot webbing

green froggreen frogClick to hear greenfrog call

Male

Female

•HAS dorsal lateral ridges•Green upper lip

wood frogwood frog

Click to hear woodFrog chorus

Wood frogs in amplexus

•White upper lip•Dark mask behind eyes

blue-spotted salamanderblue-spotted salamander• Blue-spotted coloration• 10 to 15 cm•Forest dweller, near small ponds with moist soil

tiger salamandertiger salamander

•Abundant cosmopolitan species, but verysecretive•Larva aquatic, thus require permanentbodies of water in which to breed

eastern garter snakeeastern garter snake

•3 Yellow stripes•Harmless•Most common species of snake in Minnesota•Found in a variety of habitat types, often close to human activity

redbelly snakeredbelly snake

•Bright red underbelly scales•10 to 25 cm long•Harmless•Ovoviviparous•Found throughout Minnesota

painted turtlepainted turtle

•Abundant species in Minnesota

•Often found in close proximity to humanactivities

•Often seen in the spring crossing roads

common snapping turtlecommon snapping turtle

•Largest species of turtle in Minnesota

•Omnivorous

•Capable of eating waterfowl, but rarely eat game fish

More info-More info-

For info on all of Minnesota’s herps visit-For info on all of Minnesota’s herps visit-http://www.herpnet.net/Minnesota-Herpetology/http://www.herpnet.net/Minnesota-Herpetology/

For info on all of Iowa’s herps visit-For info on all of Iowa’s herps visit-http://www.herpnet.net/Iowa-Herpetology/http://www.herpnet.net/Iowa-Herpetology/

Other useful links-Other useful links-

The Minnesota Herpetological SocietyThe Minnesota Herpetological Society

H.E.R.P. - Herpetological Education & Research ProjectH.E.R.P. - Herpetological Education & Research Project

Society for the Study of Amphibians and ReptilesSociety for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles

The Center For North American Herpetology The Center For North American Herpetology