Reptiles and Amphibians of Highlands County

Reptiles and Amphibians of Highlands County, Florida
by Daniel Parker

All photos by the author unless otherwise mentioned

NONVENOMOUS SNAKES
Florida Scarlet Snake Cemophora coccinea coccinea Common The scarlet snake is one of two species (the other being the scarlet kingsnake) that are sometimes confused with the venomous coral snake. The scarlet snake can be distinguished from the coral snake by having a a red tip to the nose (the coral snake's is black), having red and black bands that touch, and having a white belly. The scarlet snake is found in most terrestrial habitats, but may be most common in pine flatwoods and scrub. Though it is locally abundant, the scarlet snake is rarely seen because it is a secretive burrower and is active mostly at night. It's diet is made up almost entirely of the eggs of other reptiles. (Back to Top)
*Southern Black Racer Coluber constrictor priapus* Common This is the most commonly seen snake by most people in Highlands County. It lives in all terrestrial habitat types and adapts well to areas disturbed by people. The adults are easily recognized by their plain black coloration above and a white chin. Juveniles are quite different, with a reddish brown diamond pattern on a gray background. True to its name, the racer moves quickly, which helps it to escape predators or chase down the lizards, frogs, and small rodents on which it feeds. (Back to Top)**
*Southern Ringneck Snake Diadophis punctatus punctatus* Common This small snake is easily recognized by the broken orange ring around the neck. It is common in all terrestrial habitats. Though secretive and primarily nocturnal, it is often seen around houses when debris or sod is removed, or it falls into a pool and cannot get out. It feeds on earthworms, frogs, lizards, and other snakes and is totally harmless to humans. (Back to Top)**
Eastern Indigo Snake Drymarchon corais couperi Locally Common Threatened Species This large snake is protected by law and should not be disturbed. Though populations have been reduced or extirpated in many areas, it is still common in some areas of Highlands County where there is adequate space for this wide-ranging snake to roam. It can adapt to disturbed habitats, especially agricultural areas with canals. However, it is quickly eliminated in developed areas. Indigo snakes are indiscriminate feeders on small mammals, amphibians, and reptiles including other snakes and even small gopher tortoises. (Back to Top)
*Corn Snake Elaphe guttata guttata* Common The Corn Snake or Red Rat Snake is a very successful species that can be found in all terrestrial habitats, even developed areas. It is easily identified by its red blotches on an orange, peach, or grayish background. The belly is patterned with white and black and somewhat resembles a piano keyboard. It is occasionally active during the day in the spring, but is primarily nocturnal. It may forage on the ground, in bushes, trees, or on fences and the sides of houses. It preys on lizards, rodents, and birds. (Back to Top)**
*Yellow Rat Snake Elaphe obsoleta quadrivittata* Locally Common The Yellow Rat Snake is often called the Chicken Snake by Floridians. It may have gotten that name from raiding eggs and young chicks from chicken coupes. It is beneficial to humans, however, because of its large consumption of rodents. Adult Yellow Rat Snakes are widely recognized by their coloration and four dark stripes. Juveniles look quite different, with dark blotches on a gray background. This snake is not common in the scrub of the ridge, but may be found around low areas such as bay heads. It is abundant in most lowland habitats off the ridge. (Back to Top)**
*Everglades Rat Snake Elaphe obsoleta rossalleni* Uncommon This subspecies or color variation (depending on who you talk to) intergrades with the Yellow Rat Snake in Highlands County and is similar except for the orange coloration of the adults. This subspecies is thought to have once occupied the Everglades and Kissimmee Prairie regions, but is now reduced in number because of the habitat destruction of those areas. Rat Snakes are still common in those areas, but they tend to have more traits associated with the Yellow Rat snake than with the Everglades Rat. (Back to Top)**
*Eastern Mud Snake Farancia abacura abacura* Locally Common** This large beautiful snake is common in wetland areas where it feeds on aquatic salamanders. Though it spends much of its time in the water, it may be seen crossing roads at night. It is a shiny black snake with red or pink bars extending up onto the sides from the belly. The red pattern may reach across the back to form rings in juveniles, but recedes to the sides with age. Black and white anerythristic specimens (lacking red pigment) have popped up in neighboring counties. Adult Mud Snakes feed almost exclusively on aquatic salamanders, though juveniles also feed on tadpoles. (Back to Top
*Eastern Hognose Snake Heterodon platirhinos* Rare** The Eastern Hognose Snake is now rare throughout much of the southern half of Florida. It may still turn up in dry, sandy habitats. Coloration is variable in this snake, but most in our area are some shade of dark brown or gray. Juveniles are boldly patterned. This snake gets its name from its upturned snout, which it uses to burrow through sand for its favorite food: toads. It also eats other types of amphibians. When disturbed, it may puff and hiss to try to intimidate a possible predator. If this dosen't work to scare off the attacker, it will roll over and play dead. (Back to Top)
*Florida Kingsnake Lampropeltis getula floridana* Rare This snake is rare or possibly extirpated in Highlands County. There has not been a record of this snake in this county in the last 15 years. It has been speculated that it may still occur in certain agricultural areas with canals, as it is common in those types of areas in neighboring Glades County. Adult Florida Kingsnakes are black or brown with yellow crossbars and varying degrees of speckling. Juveniles have a similar pattern, but are not speckled and may have some red coloration on the sides. Florida Kingsnakes prey on a variety of small animals including rodents, amphibians, and reptiles, especially other snakes. (Back to Top)**
*Scarlet Kingsnake Lampropeltis triangulum elapsoides* Uncommon This beautiful nonvenomous snake is patterned with red, black, and yellow bands. It is sometimes confused with the venomous coral snake, but is distinguished by having a red tip to the nose (the coral snake is black) and having red and black bands that touch. Scarlet Kingsnakes may occur in all terrestrial habitats, but seem most prevalent in pine flatwoods. Scarlet kingsnakes are rarely seen by most people because they stay hidden beneath bark, rotting logs, rocks and other forms of natural cover much of the time. They are occasionally found beneath pieces of discarded tin or old boards. Like other kingsnakes, this species may eat other snakes, but they will also consume small rodents, frogs, and lizards. (Back to Top)**
*Eastern Coachwhip Masticophis flagellum flagellum* Locally Common Though reduced in many areas where upland habitats have been developed, coachwhips are still common in dry scrub and sandhill habitats in Highlands County. They are the fastest snakes in Florida. When one is seen, it is often for only a fleeting moment as the snake races for cover. Adult coachwhips usually have a dark colored head and neck, resembling the handle of a whip. Juveniles are light brown or tan over the entire body. They prey on rodents and lizards. (Back to Top)**
*Florida Water Snake Nerodia fasciata pictiventris* Common** The Florida water snake is the most common water snake in Highlands County and may be found in a variety of permanent and temporary wetland habitats. It is occasionally found some distance from the nearest water. One specimen seen crossing a road through dry scrub habitat while another was found near the entrance of a gopher tortoise burrow. The Florida water snake is variable in color and pattern. Some have dark bands on a brown or reddish background while others may be almost plain black. Though they are often confused with the venomous cottonmouth, water snakes are totally harmless to humans. All water snakes have a round pupil, while the cottonmouth's is vertically elongated. (Back to Top)
*Florida Green Water Snake Nerodia floridana* Locally Common** This large water snake prefers open marshy habitats and feeds primarily on amphibians. It does not frequently occur on the ridge, but is common in the pasture areas on either side. It may be drab green, brown, or reddish brown. Though it may react with defensive strikes if disturbed, like all water snakes, this snake will not hold its mouth open in a threat display like the venomous cottonmouth. (Back to Top)
*Brown Water Snake Nerodia taxpilota* Uncommom** The brown water snake prefers areas of permanent water such as lakes and rivers. It frequents areas with trees or structures such as docks or bridges. It feeds primarily on fish, though it is generally not a danger to game fish populations. This is the best climber of the water snakes and may be seen high in trees over the water. If disturbed, it drops off into the water to escape. It is this species and not the venomous cottonmouth that occasionally falls out of trees into boats. True to its name, the ground color is brown. It is patterned with darker brown square blotches on the back and vertical bars on the sides. (Back to Top)
*Florida Rough Green Snake Opheodrys aestivus carinatus* Uncommon** The green Snake is not often seen in Highlands County, but may be more common than it appears. Its bright green coloration helps it to blend masterfully with the vegetation which it inhabits. The green snake is a good climber and can be seen high in bushes and trees, though it may also be found in open prairie or scrub areas. It tends to shun developed areas. This is one of the only snakes in our area that feeds mostly on insects. (Back to Top)
Florida Pine Snake Pituophis melanoleucas mugitus Rare Species of Special Concern This large, impressive and secretive snake is rarely seen . It may spend over 80 % of its time underground. It has suffered from the destruction of sandhill habitats throughout its range. Though sandhills appear to be its preferred habitat, it may also be found in scrub, dry prairie, and old fields. Throughout most of its range, the Pine Snake specializes in preying upon pocket gophers. An interesting situation occurs in much of Highlands County and other counties in the southern part of the state where Pocket Gophers do not occur. Pine Snakes must be preying on other small mammals and birds here. When encountered by a human or predator, the Pine Snake will hiss loudly. Despite its fearsome display, it is totally harmless to humans. (Back to Top)
*Striped Crayfish Snake Regina alleni* Locally Common** The Crayfish Snake is dark and shiny with stripes slightly lighter than the background. It is found primarily in swamps, marshes, and flooded pasture areas off the ridge where it preys extensively on, you guessed it, crayfish. This is one of the most aquatic snakes in Florida and looks awkward as it tries to move on land. Many are killed by cars as the snakes warm themselves on the road at night. Because this snake is adapted to acidic, tannin-stained waters, specimens in captivity often develop skin infections and die because the pH of the water is too high. (Back to Top)
*Pine Woods Snakes Rhadinaea flavilata* Uncommon This rarely seen little snake inhabits low pine flatwoods and dry prairies. It is light brown or orange above with a yellow or white belly. It is sometimes called the yellow-lipped Snake, though the lips are rarely a shade of yellow. It feeds primarily on small amphibians. (Back to Top)**
South Florida Swamp Snake Seminatrix pygaea cyclas Locally Common This small snake is highly aquatic and often occurs in the same swampy and marshy areas as the striped crayfish snake. It may also be found in highly vegetated lake borders. I once observed a Florida mud turtle eating a swamp snake at the edge of a Polk County lake. This snake preys on a variety of small invertebrates and amphibians. (Back to Top)
Short-tailed Snake Stilosoma extenuatum Rare Threatened Species This small, extremely slender snake is uncommon throughout its small range. It has dark blotches on a light gray background and, sometimes, and orange stripe down the center of the back. It is endemic to Florida, which means that it is found nowhere else. The short-tailed snake occurs primarily in sandhill habitats, though it is sometimes found in scrub. It is thought to feed on crowned snakes and other small reptiles. (Back to Top) ( Photo by R.D. Bartlett)
*Florida Brown Snake Storeria dekayi victa* Locally Common** This small snake rarely grows longer than one foot in length. Like its name suggest, many individuals of this snake are brown, though some in our area are reddish-brown to bright red. A pattern consisting of a light stripe down the center of the back and collar around the neck may be more distinct in some specimens than others. The brown snake may be found in most terrestrial habitats and is common in some areas, but rare or absent in other areas. It is often found under human generated debris in the cooler months of the year and crossing roads at night in the warmer months. (Back to Top)
*Peninsula Crowned Snake Tantilla relicta relicta* Locally Common** The crowned Snake is the smallest snake native to Highlands County. It occurs on the Lake Wales Ridge and other ridges in Central Florida. Most of the body of this snake is tan to pinkish in coloration. The head is black and a thin black ring encircles the neck. It seems to prefer sandhill habitats, but is also sometimes found in scrub. This tiny snake is occasionally seen under various surface debris or in leaf litter, where it it is thought to feed primarily on centipedes. (Back to Top)
*Peninsula Ribbon Snake Thamnophis sauritus sackenii* Common** This slender species of Garter Snake is one of the most abundant snakes in Highlands County. The Ribbon Snake is brown or black with yellow stripes on either side of the body and a darker, less distinct stripe running down the back. It is common both on and off the ridge anywhere near permanent or temporary water. On the ridge, it is often found where small ponds, ditches, and bayheads break up the dry scrub. It may be seen during the day, but is most active around sunset, often crossing roads in numbers. The Ribbon Snake is a good climber and often ascends into trees and bushes to forage or bask. It preys primarily on small amphibians and fish. (Back to Top)
*Eastern Garter Snake Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis* Locally Common** The eastern garter snake is most common in open terrestrial habitats and wetlands. On the ridge it is usually found near water. The garter snakes of Highlands County are usually some shade of green with a distinct stripe on the back and each side. Some specimens are a beautiful turquoise color. The Garter Snake feeds mainly on amphibians and fish. (Back to Top)
*Smooth Earth Snake Virginia valeriae valeriae* Rare This tiny snake occurs in an isolated colony near Lake Placid. This is over 100 miles removed from any other known population of smooth earth snake. The color is uniform gray or brown. Very little is known about this rare snake in Highlands County. More northern populations are known as secretive burrowers that feed primarily on earthworms. (Back to Top)**
Brahminy Blind Snake Ramphotyphlops braminus Rare Exotic This tiny introduced species has spread through much of south Florida and has recently been documented in Highlands County. It is spread in flowerpots of tropical plants grown in south Florida. The blind snake is black and shiny with no visible eyes. It resembles a worm more than a typical snake. This is an all-female parthenogenic species which reproduces by self fertilization. It will probably become more common in our area as it has in many other areas of the Florida. Back to Top)
*Southern Hognose Snake Heterodon simus* Peripheral, Not Known to Occur in Highlands County This short, stout snake has a more sharply upturned snout than the Eastern Hognose. It displays some similar behaviors, but its threat display is less elaborate. The Southern Hognose is more distinctly marked and less variable than the Eastern Hognose, with dark blotches on a gray or yellowish background. It prefers Sandhill habitat and is eliminated by development. It feeds mainly on toads. Though it apparently has not been recorded in Highlands County, it has been found just to the north in Polk County. (Back to Top)**
*South Florida Mole Kingsnake Lampropeltis calligaster occipitolineata* Peripheral, Not Known to Occur in Highlands County Though this rare snake has apparently not been recorded in Highlands County, it has been reported in Desoto, Okeechobee, Glades, and Polk Counties, so it can be expected to occur here. The mole king snake prefers dry prairie habitat, which in our area has been greatly degraded by agriculture and development. It has also been found in cattle pastures, orange groves, and oak hammocks. Juveniles are gray with maroon to black blotches. This pattern may be retained or fade with age. Some old adults may be almost uniform brown. Like other kingsnakes, this species preys on other snakes, lizards, and small rodents. (Back to Top)**
VENOMOUS SNAKES
Florida Cottonmouth Agkistrodon piscivorus conanti Locally Common Venomous This venomous species is most common in marshes, swamps, flooded flatwoods, and pastures. It is rarely seen near the permanent lakes of the ridge, where nonvenomous water snakes dominate. Despite popular belief, cottonmouths are not aggressive and will never chase a person. When encountered by people, most will flee or stand their ground. This snakes gets it name from its habit of holding its mouth open when disturbed, in an attempt to intimidate a potential predator. Unlike all water snakes, the cottonmouth has a vertically elongated pupil (not round). The cottonmouth is an indiscriminate feeder that will eat most small animals and even carrion. (Back to Top)
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake Crotalus adamanteus Uncommon Venomous This venomous snake has become rare in Highlands County because of habitat destruction, road mortality, and direct persecution by humans. It is one of the largest and most dangerous snakes in North America, but it is not aggressive, and will not bite unless disturbed. Most bites are caused by people trying to handle or kill snakes. This snake may occur in most terrestrial habitats, but it requires large tracts of suitable habitat to survive. It does not adapt well to disturbed areas. Diamondbacks feed on a variety of small mammals and birds including rabbits, squirrels, and quail. (Back to Top)
Dusky Pygmy Rattle Snake Sistrurus miliarius barbouri Locally Common Venomous The pygmy rattlesnake is common in some pine flatwoods and prairie areas. In other areas of its range, it is common in scrub and sandhill habitats, but it does not seem to be so in Highlands County. This snake is gray with black blotches. Many specimens have a red or orange stripe running down the center of the back. Pygmy Rattlers are probably the nippiest of our venomous snakes. Luckily, they do not have particularly strong venom and lack the capacity to deliver large amounts. However, a bite could be potentially serious and this snake should not be taken for granted. (Back to Top)
Eastern Coral Snake Micrurus fulvius fulvius Common Venomous Though it possesses a dangerous venom, the coral snake is not aggressive and is not dangerous unless handled or molested. It feeds mainly upon glass lizards, skinks, and other snakes. This snake is common in Highlands County and may occur in most terrestrial habitats. The coral snake is especially common in scrub, sandhill, and oak hammocks. It may be active during the day or night when temperatures are favorable. (Back to Top)
LIZARDS
*Green Anole Anolis carolinensis* Common Though abundant in years past, the green anole is now reduced in number because of competition from the exotic brown anole. It is, however, still a familiar backyard species for many Floridians and is often called a chameleon. True chameleons are found in the Old World. The green anole inhabits many habitats and may be just as common in scrub as it is in swamps. It may be seen in low bushes or high in trees. This lizard is capable of considerable color changes and in a short amount of time it can change from bright green to a more subdued brown or vice versa. Males often display a bright red dewlap (throat fan) to communicate with other lizards and claim their territory. In captivity, males have been observed to put on their territorial display towards other species such as racerunners and scrub lizards. (Back to Top)**
Knight Anole Anolis equestris* Rare Exotic This big anole (up to 18 inches long) is native to Cuba. It is known from only a few specimens in Highlands County and it is not known whether or not there is actually a breeding population here. The few individuals seen may just be hitchhikers on plants brought in from nurseries in southeast Florida, where it is firmly established. The knight anole is usually found high in the canopies of trees, where it feeds on various insects and fruit. Like the smaller green anole, this species is capable of considerable color change. If caught, it should be handled carefully because it is capable of delivering a painful bite. (Back to Top)
Brown Anole Anolis sagrei Common Exotic This exotic anole has become one of the most abundant lizards in the state. Native to Cuba and the Bahamas, it has invaded nearly every habitat in Florida, though it is most common in areas disturbed by humans. This species has reduced populations of the native green anole through competition for habitat and even outright predation. It does not usually venture as as high into trees as the green anole and is more often seen on the ground or in low bushes. Brown anoles are variable in pattern and color. Females often have a light stripe down the center of the back which may be bordered by a dark zigzag or chain-like pattern. The background color is light brown or gray and the head may be reddish. The much larger males usually have an indistinct pattern of speckles and a bright red dewlap (throat fan) bordered in yellow. Though not capable of as extreme color changes as some other anoles, it can change from light to dark shades. (Back to Top)
*Florida Scrub Lizard Sceloporus woodi* Locally Common** The scrub lizard is found only in Central and South Florida. This lizard may be seen hunting insects on open, sandy patches of ground in scrub habitat. If approached, it will quickly flee to the nearest brush or trees. The scrub lizard is gray with a dark stripe on each side and brilliant blue patches on the underside. Some individuals have dark bars across the back. Though it is not legally protected, The Florida Committee on Rare and Endangered Plants and Animals has classified this species as threatened. Like many of Florida's xeric adapted species, this lizard is threatened by the destruction of its habitat. Though the it is common where its habitat remains intact, unlike such lizards as anoles and five-lined Skinks, the it cannot adapt to the lawns and gardens of human habitations. (Back to Top)
*Six-lined Racerunner Cnemidophorus sexlineatus sexlineatus* Locally Common** This fast moving lizard is common in dry, sandy habitats such as scrub and sandhill. Racerunners are able to maintain an extremely high body temperature of over 110 degrees Fahrenheit, which is one of the reasons they can move so fast. This is one of the few reptiles that is likely to be seen active in middle of the day in hot weather. True to its name, this species has six white or yellow lines along the back on a dark background. Many individuals of this species have a beautiful light blue belly. (Back to Top)
Blue-tailed Mole Skink Eumeces egregius lividus Rare Threatened This beautiful little lizard is endemic to the Lake Wales Ridge and is threatened by development of scrub and sandhill habitats. It is apparently absent in many areas of seemingly suitable habitat. Like the sand skink with which it shares its habitat, the mole skink is able to move through loose sand rapidly through a sand-swimming motion. It often burrows just beneath the surface of the sand and is sometimes found under natural or artificial debris and leaf litter. This skink may or may not actually have a blue tail as it may turn red or purplish in older specimens. (Back to Top)
Southeastern Five-lined Skink Eumeces inexpectatus Common Because of its abundance around houses and in gardens and its large size (up to 8 inches), this is our most visible skink. It forages both on the ground and above it in trees and on manmade woodpiles and decks. It is often seen hiding under artificial cover. Juveniles have five light stripes on a black background and a blue tail. Adults may turn brown and lose the stripes. Both juveniles and adults may have red coloration on the head. (Back to Top)
*Ground Skink Scincilla lateralis* Common This tiny lizard is abundant, but often goes unnoticed because of its size. It may be found in many habitats, but is most abundant in hammocks with a layer of leaf litter, where it forages for small insects. This is not a colorful skink, being mostly light brown with dark brown stripes on the sides. (Back to Top)**
Sand Skink Neoseps reynoldsi Locally Common Threatened The sand skink is a truly unique lizard. It is found only on central Florida ridges and is threatened by habitat destruction. The sand skink is well-adapted to sandy scrub habitats and uses sand-swimming as its primary means of locomotion. It may bask just below the surface of the sand or take refuge under dead palmetto fronds, boards, or other surface debris. When discovered it seems to literally dive back into the sand and disappear. Its white or silvery coloration helps it blend very well with the white sand. The sand skink has tiny legs and only one or two toes on each foot. (Back to Top)
Tokay Gecko Gekko gekko* Rare Exotic This large exotic gecko is often imported from Asia for the pet trade and has become established in many areas of Florida where captives have escaped or have been released. This gecko is easily recognized by its light blue coloration and red spots. Care should be taken in handling this feisty lizard, as bites can be quite painful. Geckos are unique among lizards in having a voice The Tokay gecko is one of the most vocal members of this group, calling loudly at night. This lizard is known in Highlands County from only a few specimens and is not known to be breeding here. (Back to Top)
Indopacific Gecko Hemidactylus garnotii Common Exotic The Indopacific gecko is a very successful introduced species that may be seen at night on the walls of buildings, especially where there are lights which attract insects. It is also one of the few reptiles that seems to thrive living indoors. Though it is most abundant around human habitations, it is sometimes found in more natural habitats. This gecko is grayish brown with dark speckling during the day and turns to a pale translucent peach color at night. It is an all female, parthenogenic species. Eggs can sometimes be seen through the skin of the belly. (Back to Top)
Tropical House Gecko Hemidactylus mabouia* Uncommon Exotic This gecko is now firmly established in Highlands County at several localities in both Lake Placid and Sebring and may be spreading. It has replaced the Indopacific as the dominant house gecko throughout much of south Florida and may do the same in our area. The tropical house gecko is gray with dark bars across the back. It is darker during the day than at night. Unlike the Indopacific gecko, this species has tubercles giving it a somewhat a warty appearance. (Back to Top)
Mediterranean Gecko Hemidactylus turcicus Rare Exotic The Mediterranean Gecko was the first House Gecko species to become established in Florida and was very successful for several years. The introduction of other species seems to have reduced its numbers drastically. It is not known whether this gecko was ever common in Highlands County, but it certainly is not now. It may still occur in a few isolated colonies as it does in some heavily developed areas of Polk County. This species is pinkish in coloration and has heavily tuburculate scales, giving it the wartiest appearance of our geckos. It is almost invariably seen on, in, or in the immediate vicinity of human habitations and does not seem to colonize natural habitats. (Back to Top)
*Eastern Glass Lizard Ophisaurus ventralis* Common Glass Lizards are legless and have very long tails, often causing them to be confused with snakes. The vertebrae of the eastern glass lizard have fracture planes that allow the tail to be broken and regenerated. This is the most common glass lizard throughout much of the state and can be found in most terrestrial habitats, though they are less common on the ridge than the slender glass lizard. This lizard is variable in color throughout its range, but most specimens in Highlands County are brown above and yellow below with a thick dark stripe on each side. This species does not have a dark stripe down the center of the back. (Back to Top)**
*Eastern Slender Glass Lizard Ophisaurus attenuatus longicaudus* Locally Common** The Slender Glass Lizard is the most common of the group in xeric habitats of Highlands County. It is quite secretive and spends most of its time burrowed beneath the sand, but it may be seen basking or crossing roads in the morning or evening in warm weather. Like the eastern glass lizard, the tail is easily broken and can be regenerated. All glass lizards have a crease in the skin on both sides of the body called the lateral fold. The slender glass lizard can be distinguished from the other species because it is the only one with stripes below the lateral fold. In addition to these stripes, it may have stripes on the sides above the lateral fold and a thin stripe down the center of the back. The ground color is light brown. (Back to Top)
*Island Glass Lizard Ophisaurus compressus* Locally Common** Though often described as preferring dry sandy habitats, in Highlands County and neighboring counties the island glass lizard seems to be most common in periodically flooded prairies, flatwoods, and pastures. It may be found in dry areas near ponds, but the slender glass lizard is the dominant species in scrub and sandhill. It can be seen crossing roads at almost any time of day, but is most often seen in the evening. (Back to Top)
AMPHISBAENS
*Florida Worm Lizard Rhineura floridana* Uncommon The Florida Worm Lizard is not actually a true lizard. It differs from lizards in having its scales arranged in rings called annuli. This makes it look somewhat like an earthworm. The worm lizard is not often seen, because it stays in underground burrows most of the time. It is encountered most often by gardeners and farmers when it is accidentally shoveled or plowed from below the ground or when it is forced to the surface by saturating rains. It may be most common in scrub and sandhill habitats, but can turn up in any terrestrial habitat that does not frequently flood. (Back to Top) (Photo by R.D. Bartlett)**
CROCODILIANS
*American Alligator Alligator mississippiensis* Common Alligators inhabit nearly all freshwater bodies in the state. They are the largest reptiles in Florida with a maximum length of around 18 feet. Most do not grow that long, however. 'Gators can be very dangerous and should not be approached or fed in the wild. Those that are fed learn to associate humans with food which may lead to an attack. Alligators naturally feed on many types of animals. Small individuals may eat insects, fish, amphibians, snakes. Larger ones may eat mammals such as raccoons, hogs, deer, and the occasional dog. Their broad snouts are especially adapted to crushing the shells of turtles. Juvenile alligators have a pattern of yellow bands on a black background, which fades as they grow. (Back to Top)**
TURTLES
*Florida Softshell Turtle Apalone ferox* Common This large turtle may inhabit any permanent freshwater habitat. It is easily identified by the elongated, snorkel-like nose and flexible, leathery shell. Hatchlings are greenish in color and boldly marked with round spots and an orange ring around the carapace. This pattern fades to a uniform light brown or pinkish color in the adults. Softshells are agile in the water and can move surprisingly quickly on land. They have sharp claws, a long neck, and strong jaws that are capable of delivering a painful bite, so use caution when handling them. If a softshell is crossing a road and one wishes to rescue it without injury to the turtle or the rescuer, one method is to gently coax it headfirst into a five gallon bucket. With its head and claws restrained in the bucket, it can then be safely moved a short distance. Softshells are primarily carnivores, feeding on a variety of small animals and carrion. (Back to Top)**
*Florida Snapping Turtle Chelydra serpentina osceola* Uncommon The snapper is one of the more infrequently seen turtles in Highlands County. Though occasionally seen crossing roads, it is primarily aquatic and is rarely even seen basking. It may be found in any permanent water body and can sometimes be observed from board walks crossing swamps. It is the most aggressive of our turtles, often lunging forward and extending its long neck to strike when encountered on land. If you are attempting to rescue a snapper crossing a road, you can use the same method mentioned above for softshells or gently lift the turtle by its long tail to move it a short distance. Snappers should not be handled in this manner for long periods of time because of the risk of injury to the turtle. (Back to Top)**
*Common Musk Turtle Sternotherus odoratus* Uncommon** With an average adult length of three to four inches, this species is our smallest turtle species. Hatchlings are penny-sized. It may be dark brown to black in coloration with two yellow stripes on each side of the head. It is sometimes called the stinkpot because of the strong musk it may release when captured. The common musk turtle may be found in shallow areas of any body of water, but is infrequently seen because of its small size and nocturnal habits. This is one of the few turtles that actually climbs quite well and may be seen basking in trees overhanging the water. Unlike most turtles which bury their eggs, musk and mud turtles often lay their small clutches of one to three hard-shelled eggs right on the surface of the ground or piles of shoreline debris. (Back to Top)
*Loggerhead Musk Turtle Sternotherus minor minor* Rare** The only record of the loggerhead musk turtle in Highlands County is based on single specimen found by Walter Meshaka in Lake June-in-Winter near Lake Placid. A turtle collector in Polk County reported seeing them in other lakes on the Lake Wales Ridge. This seems strange since it is considered primarily an inhabitant of north Florida's spring runs and rivers. It is not otherwise known to occur south of Orange and Lake Counties. If there is a viable population here, it may be expected to inhabit rivers, creeks, and large lakes. The loggerhead musk turtle may be identified by its large gray head speckled in black. (Back to Top)
*Striped Mud Turtle Kinosteron baurii palmarum* Common This is the most common turtle species in Highlands County. Striped mud turtles may inhabit any body of water including temporary ponds and puddles and seem to be at least partially terrestrial, often wandering and even laying eggs far from water. They are sometimes found under artificial cover such as boards or tin. These small turtles may eat on land or in the water and are often noted for their strange habit of eating cow dung in pastures. They may be seen crossing roads at any time of day or night, especially in rainy weather. Many of these turtle of killed by cars as they migrate in mass after large tropical weather systems in the summer and fall. There are two extremes in shell pattern variation in this species. One has three thin light stripes on a dark background while the other has a mainly light-colored shell with two thick dark stripes. Most fall somewhere in between. In some specimens, the stripes are faded and barely visible. Like the common musk turtle, this species usually has light stripes on the face. Unlike the musk turtles, however, mud turtles have a hinged plastron which allows them to partially close their shells. (Back to Top)**
*Florida Mud Turtle Kinosteron subrubrum steindachneri* Uncommon The Florida mud turtle is not nearly as abundant as the striped mud turtle, but may it is reportedly common in certain areas. It may inhabit most permanent bodies of water and wetlands and is not as inclined to wander long distances across land as the striped mud, though it may be seen crossing roads at any time of day like that species. The head may be mottled, spotted, or indistinctly striped, but the pattern is usually more obscure than the common musk or striped mud turtle. Many specimens appear to be plain olive or dark brown. (Back to Top)**
*Florida Chicken Turtle Deirochelys reticularia chrysea* Uncommon The chicken turtle is an inhabitant of shallow, weedy wetlands and bodies of water, especially marshes. It feeds on a variety of small animals including crayfish, amphibians, and small fish. It frequently wanders on land especially in rainy weather, possibly in search of temporary wetlands where food may be abundant. It may bask on exposed snags or mats of vegetation, but is not often observed doing so in groups like its relatives the cooter and redbelly turtle. The chicken turtle has thin yellow stripes on its face and its shell is marked with an orange or yellow net-like pattern. It can be distinguished from other similar turtles by the presence of striped "pants," vertical yellow striping on either side of the tail. (Back to Top)**
*Peninsula Cooter Pseudemys floridana peninsularis* Common The peninsula cooter is large turtle (shell can exceed 15 inches) that inhabits permanent water bodies such as large ponds, lakes, and rivers. It is often seen basking on logs or the shoreline. As an adult, it feeds primarily on aquatic vegetation, but juveniles often feed on insects and other small animals. This turtle has a dark carapace with vertical yellow or tan markings. The shell pattern may be obscured by algae growth. The head and neck are striped in yellow and there are a pair of hairpin shaped markings on the top of the head. (Back to Top)**
*Florida Redbelly Turtle Pseudemys nelsoni* Common** The Florida redbelly turtle looks similar in many ways to the peninsula cooter, but it has red markings on the carapace and lacks the hairpin-shaped markings on the top of the head. It also has a notch in the middle of the upper jaw, which is lacking the cooter. Some individuals to actually have red or orange plastrons, but this is not always the case. This turtle is diet is similar to the cooter, but it tends to be more abundant in small ponds, creeks, and marshes than the other species. There is much overlap however, and both species are often seen in the same habitat and sometimes even basking together on the same logs. (Back to Top)
Florida Box Turtle `Terrapene carolina bauri Uncommon`This beautiful terrestrial turtle was once common throughout the state, but it has now been reduced to small, local populations in most areas. Its preferred habitats in our area are pine flatwoods, hammocks, and dry prairie. It may also be found in pastures. It is rarely found in scrub. Box turtles are omnivores, meaning that they eat many different things including plants, fruits, mushrooms (even poisonous ones), insects, snails, worms, slugs, small snakes, and dead animals. The box turtle is easily identified by its shell pattern of radiating yellow lines on a black or dark brown background. Hatchlings, which are rarely seen, have only a yellow spot on each scute.
*Gopher Tortoise Gopherus polyphemus* Locally Common `Species of Special Concern`This is our only native tortoise species and it is still common where appropriate habitat exist. The gopher tortoise prefers dry sandy areas where it can build its famous, long burrows. Unfortunately, Highlands County's dry uplands are prime areas for development and the tortoises habitat is being destroyed at an astonishing rate. The gopher tortoise is a keystone species, which means that other animals depend on it to provide habitat and shelter, including many other reptiles and amphibians, most notably the gopher frog. The gopher tortoise grazes on grasses, fruit, and the leaves of low growing vegetation. This species is protected and should not be disturbed in most cases. In the case that it must be rescued from a busy road, move the tortoise off of the road in the direction it was heading. A gopher tortoise should generally not be moved to a new location because this removes it from its burrow and familiar home range. (Back to Top)**
FROGS AND TOADS
*Florida Cricket Frog Acris gryllus dorsalis* Common This tiny frog rarely exceeds one inch in length and can usually be found at the grassy edges of any wetland or water body. When disturbed, it will often jump into the water but swim right back to the shore. The color is quite variable and individuals may have a brown, red, green, or yellow Y-shaped marking from behind the eyes down the center of the back on a gray or brown background. The cricket frog’s call is a clicking sound that has been compared to the tapping of glass marbles together and may be heard any time of year. (Back to Top)**
*Green Treefrog Hyla cinerea* Common This common frog is found in many habitats, but seems to be most abundant in open areas such as marshes, prairie, and pastures where it often clings to the branches and leaves of low vegetation. It may be seen around windows and lights on buildings because of the abundance of insects attracted to light. Like many other treefrogs, this species is capable of considerable color change. Resting or cold green treefrogs may be tan, olive, or brown, but active and warm specimens are bright green. This species has a white stripe on either side of the body and sometimes tiny yellow speckles. Like other treefrogs, this species often calls on warm rainy nights and is sometimes called the “rain frog.” Its call has been described as a “quonk." (Back to Top)**
*Squirrel Treefrog Hyla squirella* Common This small species is probably the most abundant treefrog in Florida. It is usually plain light green to brown with little or no pattern. This frog uses many different habitats, including those that have been disturbed by people. This is the most commonly seen treefrog around houses and on windows. Its call sounds similar to the quack of a duck. (Back to Top)**
*Pine Woods Treefrog Hyla femoralis* Locally Common This small treefrog is not as abundant as the green or squirrel, but it is still common in its preferred habitat: pine woods and various wooded wetland habitats. This frog can be whitish, reddish brown, or green in coloration. It can be easily identified by the yellow spots on the backs of the thighs. Its call sounds like a rapid “dik-dak-dik-dak.” (Back to Top)**
*Barking Treefrog Hyla gratiosa* Uncommon** The barking treefrog is the largest native treefrog in Florida. It is present in pine flatwoods and scrub habitats, but it is not as common here as more northern parts of Florida. It does not adapt very well to human alterations of its natural habitat. This treefrog is capable of drastic color changes but is usually light green with dark green or brown spots. At times, the spots are barely visible. This frog is known to hybridize with the green treefrog in some areas and it is not known if this takes place in Highlands County. The sound of a large chorus of these frogs sounds like a group of hounds barking. (Back to Top)
Cuban Treefrog Osteopilus septentrionalis Common Exotic The Cuban treefrog was present in Key West as long as 50 years ago and has spread throughout the peninsula of Florida since that time. This large treefrog is often transported from location to location on ornamental plants. Like several of the native treefrogs, this species is commonly seen on the outside of buildings and may eat or displace other frogs there. The Cuban treefrog may be whitish, light green, or brown in coloration. It has very large toepads that act as suction cups to help it climb vertical surfaces. (Back to Top)
*Florida Chorus Frog Pseudacris nigrita verrucosa* Uncommon** Though this tiny frog may have been common in Highlands County at one time, it does not seem so today. It may be heard calling from open wetlands and small ponds with a clicking “crrrreek” sound. Other than that, little is known about its behavior or habitat. The chorus frog may be patterned in various shades of gray or brown on a darker background. It has a broken white stripe on the lips. (Back to Top)
*Little Grass Frog Pseudacris occularis* Common** With an adult size of less than three quarters of an inch long, this is the smallest species of frog in the country. The little grass frog is common in wet, open grassy areas, but it is rarely seen because of its diminutive size. This frog may be light brown or tan above with a dark stripe on each side of the body. Its high-pitched call sounds like a fingernail being run across a comb. (Back to Top) (Photo by R.D. Bartlett)
*Oak Toad Bufo quercicus* Common** This tiny to