"'CARD 21 GIANT TORTOISE '(~ ____________________ ~G_R~O~U~P~3~: ~RE~P~T~IL=E~S ~&~A_M~P~H~I~B~IA~N~S_~~

ORDER Chelonia

FAMILY Testudinoidae

.. GENUS ~ Geochelone

This prehistoric-looking giant tortoise is found only on isolated islands. It may live longer than 100 years.

KEY FACTS

SIZES Length: Up to 5 ft. Weight: Up to 600 lb .

BREEDING Sexual maturity: 20-25 years. Mating: February to March.

No. of eggs: 10-20. Incubation: 2 months.

LIFESTYLE Habit: Generally solitary, but gathers to feed when food and water are scarce.

Diet: Grass and leaves; cactus, lichen, and carrion. lifespan: At least 100 years, possibly 200.

RELATED SPECIES

The two species of giant tortoise, Geochelone gigantea and G. elephan­top us, are not directly related to each other. G. gigantea relatives include the leopard tortoise, G. pardalis, and the Indian star tortoise, G. elegans.

Range of the giant tortoise species.

DISTRIBUTION

Pacific species, Geochelone elephantopus, lives on several islands of the Galapagos. The Indian Ocean species, G. gigantea, is now limited to the island of Aldabra.

CONSERVATION The Aldabran G. gigantea population flourishes and its future seems secure. The Galapagos population of G. elephantopus competes with introduced species and is endangered.

FEATURES OF THE GIANT TORTOISE SPECIES THE SPECIALIZED SHELLS Two species on the Galapagos islands have evolved differently shaped shells, each adapting to the native vegetation. - Shell: The tortoise's high, convex

shell provides defense against predators. The limbs can be drawn into the shell.

Legs: Tough scales cover the legs.

Feet: The tortoise's feet are not webbed for swimming.

Pet tortoise: This Mediterranean tortoise grows to about 10 in. It has spurred thighs.

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Saddle-backed shell Testudinoidae elephantopus hoodensis: The shell is raised

Dome-backed shell T. e. elephantopus: Found where food is plentiful at ground level.

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The enormous size and weight of the giant

tortoises make them look like throwbacks

to another age; in fact, they were isolated

on their islands for thousands of years.

They adapted through time to the

natural changes of their habitat.

~ HABITAT

Several species of tortoise ex­ist throughout the world, but the true giants are restricted to a few isolated tropical islands in the Pacific and Indian oceans. There are two species of giant tortoise: one is on the Galapagos islands, off the coast of Ecuador; the other is now restricted to the island of Aldabra, near Madagascar.

Two species of giant tor­toise on the Galapagos Islands

have evolved to suit the vege­tation. A raised carapace (upper shell) enables one species to feed on vegetation growing above ground level. This contrasts with the species

of giant tortoise that lives in areas where there is more vegetation. This tortoise does not need to stretch above its head for food, so its dome­shaped shell has not evolved with a raised carapace.

The giant tortoise is a vul­nerable animal, despite its armor. But the giants have been able to flourish on their islands because they have no predators. In 1965 it was es­timated that there were be­tween 60,000 and 100,000 giant tortoises on Aldabra, over 10,000 per square mile.

Right: A raised carapace, or outer shell, allows this tortoise to reach tender leaves.

~ BREEDING

The male giant tortoise bobs his head and bellows loudly when he attempts to attract a mate. If the female accepts him, the male tortoise will mount her from behind. His undershell is hollowed out to accommodate her domed carapace, or upper shell.

The female lays 10 to 20 round eggs and buries them in the sand or soil, where they incubate. The hatchling

Left: The giant tortoise was once hunted for its fine oil.

DID YOU KNOW? • The giant tortoise can live for 200 years. An adult tortoise taken to Mauritius from the Seychelles in 1776 lived for another 142 years, until 1918. • A tortoise's shell prevents

tortoises are no more than two inches long. On Aldabra many hatchlings are prey for robber crabs and frigate birds. On the Galapagos, introduced predators such as rats, cats, and dogs kill the hatchlings. After 18 months, young tortoises are still no larger than a man's fist. They grow steadily for 40 years before they reach full size.

Right: The tiny eggs incubate in the sand for two months before hatching.

it from expanding its chest, so it has special muscles to help it breathe. • The shell of a giant tortoise is surprisingly fragile. Its bone structure is very light, and the shell itself is easily damaged .

~ FOOD & FEEDING The giant tortoise's diet con­sists mainly of vegetation, but it will eat almost anything. When food is plentiful during the rainy season, it can be more selective, favoring fresh young grass shoots and tender new leaves.

Few shrubs on Aldabra have foliage within the reach of the tortoise, and few seedlings survive to maturity. The Aldabran tortoises float

Left: When food is scarce on Aldabra Island, the giant tortoise often goes into lagoon waters in search of weeds.

on the surface of the island's lagoon, reaching into the water with their long necks to feed on seaweed.

On the more arid Galapa­

gos Islands, fresh grass and tender leaves are rare. Here, the tortoises feed on cactus, lichen, and even the acidic leaves of the guava tree. Very little food is available during the dry season. The tortoise survives for weeks on shriv­elled grass, dead leaves, and the remains of dead crabs, goats, and even the carrion (dead flesh) of other tortoises.

Left: During the rainy season the giant tortoise prefers young grass shoots.

WESTERN DIAMONDBACK "" CARD 22

RATTLESNAKE '\ GROUP 3: REPTILES & AMPHIBIANS

~ GENUS &: SPECIES "'1IIIIIIII Crotalus atrox

The Western diamondback rattlesnake is one of the largest poisonous snakes found in the United States. Its name comes from

the distinctive diamond-shaped pattern of scales on its back.

KEY FACTS SIZES Length: Average of 3 ft. Some

grow over 6 ft.

Weight: 1 -2 lb.

BREEDING

Sexual maturity: 3-6 years.

Mating: Spring and fall.

Gestation: 3-4 months from

spring mating. The foJlowing summer from autumn mating.

No. of young: 2-24, depending on

size of female.

LIFESTYLE

Habit: Solitary, but forms groups

with others to hibernate.

• Range of the Western diamondback rattlesnake.

DISTRIBUTION Diet: Small warm-blooded

mammals and birds. Young eat

frogs, toads, and lizards.

lifespan: Up to 20 years.

Found in the desert sand and semidesert grasslands of

southwestern North America, extending from California in the west to Arkansas in the east.

RELATED SPECIES

30 related species are found

throughout North and South

America . lj

CONSERVATION

The snake is not currently endangered, although a serious

decline in the population could occur if hunting is not controlled.

FEATURES OF THE RATTLESNAKE

Venom: Large hollow fangs act like hypodermic needles. They inject venom into prey when the snake strikes. Spare fangs beh ind the main set spring forward if the front ones are damaged.

Eyes: Vertical pupils allow maximum dilation for sharp vision.

Pit organs: Membranes located in pits between eyes and nostrils. They are sensitive to temperature changes, allowing the snake to locate smail, warm-blooded animals nearby,

Forked tongue: Fl icked in and out, senses the air for any trace of prey.

even in complete darkness. - --- - - - --f'-'+---'

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The Western diamondback rattlesnake's

reputation as an aggressor is undeserved.

The snake is a peaceful reptile and is no threat to

people unless it is cornered or provoked.

When it is alarmed, it rattles its tail to

frighten off the intruder.

~HABITS During cool months the Western diamondback rat­tlesnake is diurnal (active during the day, when the sun can warm its body). Through­out the summer it is nocturnal, or active at night, emerging after dusk to hunt.

When the snake is not active it spends its time in holes un­derground, in rocky crevices, or under dead cacti or large boulders. In the coldest winter weather 30 or more snakes hibernate together in under­ground dens.

The rattlesnake sheds its skin three to four times a year. Rival males test each other's strength during an activity that resembles a dance. But the snakes never harm each other.

r 19.. SPECIAL ~ADAPTATIONS The snake's rattle is made of hard sections of old skin. A new one is added each time the snake sheds its skin . The sections fit loosely over each other in an interlocking series.

Once the snake is fully ma­ture its rattle does not change size. Older segments drop off at the same rate as the new ones develop.

-------

Above: The Western diamond­back rattlesnake about to strike.

Right: A female gives birth.

P.Morris Photographics

~ FOOD & HUNTING The rattlesnake can swallow almost any small bird or mam­mal. A three-foot-Iong rattle­snake can easily swallow a half­grown rabbit.

When hunting, the rattler either waits under a bush for prey to pass by or actively searches for prey by investigat-

Mating takes place in March and April. The female is ovo­viviparous; that is, she pro­duces eggs that are hatched within her body so that the young are born alive. This protects them from extremes of temperature before they are hatched.

The young snakes inside the mother are encased in a membrane instead of in a shell. If the membrane does not burst when the young are born, they must break through it. They are born in late July or early August.

ing burrows, crevices, and vegetation. It hunts using a combination of sight, smell, and heat detection and can locate warm-blooded prey in total darkness.

The rattlesnake can also detect vibrations made by animals moving nearby.

~ RATTLESNAKE & ~AN People have always regarded the rattlesnake as a threat, despite the fact that it bites only if provoked.

Organized hunting groups gather in some western states every year. Huge numbers of rattlesnakes are collected, killed, and skinned. Many are

sold to be eaten. Although the original pur­

pose of the hunting roundups was to rid populated areas of the dangerous snakes, the events now attract collectors who travel from all over the world to participate in the hunt.

DID YOU KNOW? • One species of rattlesnake on Catalina Island off the coast of California has no rattle .

• The longer the snake's rattle, the quieter is its sound .

• More people are bitten by diamondback rattlesnakes than any other North American poisonous snake. But the Mojave rattlesnake is 20 times more lethal.

• More people in the Un ited States die each year from lightning strikes than from snake bites.

GECKO

"" ,. ORDER '11IIIIIIII Squamata

FAMILY Gekkonidae

'" CARD 23

GROUP 3: REPTILES &: AMPHI8IANS~ " GENUS ~"

'11IIIIIIII Various

The gecko family of lizards includes hundreds of species found in rainforests, mountains, and even deserts. Many have unusual

markings, and some give distinctive calls.

KEY FACTS

SIZES Length: 1-14 in.

BREEDING Incubation: 6-10 weeks. No. of eggs: Usually 2 per clutch. May lay several clutches during breeding season.

LIFESTYLE Habit: Solitary. Some species hibernate. Diet: Insects, small birds, mice, lizards, and fruit.

RELATED SPECIES There are approximately 86 gen­era and 800 species of geckos. The gecko family is divided into four subfamilies: Eublepharinae, Diplodactylinae, Gekkoninae, and Sphaerodactylinae. The Gekkoninae subfamily is the largest, with more than 550 species living all over the world. It includes the Mediterra­nean gecko, Hemidactylus turcicus.

FEATURES OF THE GECKO

Range of the gecko family.

DISTRIBUTION

Southern California, Florida, Mexico, Caribbean, South America, Mediterranean coast, Africa, the Middle East, Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, and Pacific islands.

CONSERVATION

Geckos are widespread, adaptable, and pose no threat to humans. Most species are not endangered.

Skin: Thin, with small bumps or scales. Color varies but is usually gray

~ ~ or brown. Some species change color ~~i. . as a mating display or for camouflage.

Eyes: Night-hunting geckos have large pupils that close to slits during the day.

grows in its place.

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Feet: Most geckos have broad toes covered with flaps of skin

.... containing thousands of tiny bristles. Each bristle tip is a

ded spatula, so that the gecko , rip tiny niches or smooth

surfaces such as a windowpane.

't: . f

J. . , I ~ . ~y

- ,... {:",I

0160200361 PACKET 36

Geckos have small, plump bodies with large heads

and eyes. Many species are vividly colored, and some

even change color. Because of geckos' unusual

appearance, some people think they are dangerous.

But these reptiles do not hurt humans.

~ HABITAT Geckos live in a wide range of habitats including tropical rainforests, parched deserts, and icy mountain peaks. They are not afraid of humans, and some species have expanded their range by stowing away on ships. For example, the common gecko originated in north Africa and was carried unknowingly by humans to

Right: The leopard gecko lives in arid, rocky parts of Asia. Unlike most other geckos, it has eyelids that can close.

southern France, the Canary Islands, and even islands in the South Pacific.

In the Southwest some geckos seem to prefer living in houses to staying in their natural habitat. At night the lights attract so many insects that all the gecko needs to do is cling to the ceiling and wait for prey to fly by.

~ FOOD & FEEDING Most geckos hunt at night. The common gecko eats beetles, butterflies, millipedes, crickets, and cockroaches.

Many larger species, such as the Caledonian gecko, pursue young lizards, mice, and small birds. They track their prey before pouncing. Then they take it in their mouth and strike it against the ground.

Some day-active geckos,

left: This gecko species lives in the warm Solomon Islands in the Pacific.

DID YOU KNOW? • The gecko Sphaerodactylus

parthenopion is only one and a half inches long. It is t~e world's smallest reptile.

• The tokay gecko gets its name from one of its calls:

L ito-kay, to-kay."

such as those in Madagascar, feed on fruit and flower nectar The species Gehyra mutilata

eats so much sweet food that it is called the sugar lizard.

The Madagascan leaf-tailed gecko washes itself all over with its tongue after every meal. Another gecko in the Seychelles rides on tortoises and feeds on insects attracted by the tortoises' feces.

Right: Web-footed geckos prey on insects such as this dune cricket in the Namib Desert.

• Sometimes a gecko's tail heals instead of breaking off completely. A new one also grows in, leaving the animal with two or even three tails.

• A gecko pounces on an insect only if it moves. -'

l ·~ SPECIAL ADAPTATIONS Eyes: The pupils of night- during the day and yellow active geckos enlarge to fill at night. The skin of the their eyes and shrink to slits Madagascan leaf-tailed during the day. gecko matches tree bark. Color: Some geckos can Tail: The tail of a gecko may change color. The banded break off if it is caught and leaf-toed gecko is brown will later regrow.

~ BREEDING Geckos' mating habits vary greatly, but most include a courtship ritual, such as displaying bright skin colors or uttering a distinct mating call. For example, between March and May the male tokay gecko in southeast Asia makes a barking sound that is probably a mating call.

A male banded gecko ap­proaches a prospective mate with his legs bent and head stretched forward. Wagging his tail, he nuzzles her flanks and licks her before mating.

Like most reptiles, the ma-

left: Geckos regularly shed their skin. This process starts shortly after they hatch.

jority of geckos lay eggs. The female house gecko lays four or five pairs of eggs between May and August, with two to four weeks between layings.

Gecko egg shells tend to be soft at first but harden quick­ly. They have a sticky coating and are often stuck inside cracks or under bark or stones. It is not unusual to discover clumps of eggs stuck together if several females share a site.

The female southern dwarf gecko has an unusual egg­laying method. She strokes and pulls the eggs free with her hind legs. There are even species in New Zealand that bear live young.

Left: Like most other geckos, the ring-tailed gecko has no eyelids. It licks its eyes to keep them moist and clean.

RED-AND-BLUE POISON-ARROW FROG

'" CARD 24

" GROUP 3: REPTILES & AMPHIBIANS ~ ,,~---------------------------------------------

ORDER Anura

FAMILY Dendrobatidae

.... GENUS &: SPECIES "1IIIIIIII Dendrobates pumilia

The red-and-blue poison-arrow frog's jewel-like color stands out from the rich rainforest vegetation as a warning that it is one of

the most poisonous animals on earth.

KEY FACTS

SIZES Length: 1 in. The biggest frog in

the family grows to 2 in.

BREEDING Mating: During the tropical rainy

season. No. of eggs: 4-6, laid on land. Tadpole: Develops in flooded leaf

joints of plants and feeds on

unfertilized eggs.

LIFESTYLE

Habit: Lives on forest floor and

among trees. Diet: Small insects such as ants

and spiders. lifespan: Unknown.

RELATED SPECIES

Of the 116 species in the family,

55 are brightly colored poisonous

Dendrobates and Phyllabates species. These include the golden

poison-arrow frog, Dendrobates auratus, and the deadly Phyllabates terribilis.

Range of poison-arrow frogs. Red-and-blue species.

DISTRIBUTION

The red-and-blue poison-arrow frog lives in the Costa Rican

rainforests. Other species occur throughout tropical South

America from Costa Rica to southern Brazil.

CONSERVATION

Although the poison-arrow frog is collected both for its

poison and for the pet trade, the destruction of its forest habitat threatens its future.

HOW THE RED-AND-BlUE POIS,,· ,""'---FROG REARS

~---'---

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Young: Regularly fed unfertil­ized eggs by the female. The frog climbs out of the plant when fully grown.

0160200251 PACKET 25

For centuries, the poison-arrow frog

has provided South American

Indians with poison for the tips of arrows and

blowpipe darts. For predators,

swallowing a frog means certain death,

and even licking one can prove fatal.

~ HABITS Like all amphibians, poison­arrow frogs must stay moist to survive. The red-and-blue species lives in Costa Rican rainforests. The constantly steamy, wet environment reduces the frog's need for streams and pools.

It forages through the rain­soaked leaves and vegetation for small insects such as ants and spiders. The poison­arrow frog moves in short hops and rarely stays still. Adhesive pads on its toes allow it to climb agilely to search for prey.

~ DEFENSES Some frogs protect them­selves from larger predators such as snakes and hawks by secreting mild poisons from the skin to make themselves taste foul.

The poison-arrow also uses this tactic, but its skin gland secretions are lethal. A pred­ator faces certain death if it swallows a poison-arrow frog, and even licking one can often prove fatal.

These frog poisons are the most powerful animal poisons known. As little as two micrograms of its poison can

~BREEDING Many frogs lay large quantities of eggs in water and leave them alone. Fish eat the newly hatched tadpoles, and few survive to develop into adult frogs. The poison-arrow frog breeds in a different way that ensures the tadpoles' survival.

After a courtship ritual of call­ing, chasing, and wrestling, the female lays four to six eggs. The male then fertilizes

the eggs. The newly hatched tadpoles

climb onto the female's back, and she carries them to the water. Sticky mucus holds the tadpoles on tight and keeps them moist during the several­

hour journey. Instead of a pond or stream,

the red-and-blue mother places her tadpoles in tiny condensation pools in the , centers of tropical plants.

The female puts one tadpole

Left: The newly hatched young attach themselves to the female's moist back.

kill an adult human-and each frog contains nearly 200 micrograms. The dangerous levels of poison are lower in the red-and-blue species, but it still is lethal.

Because the poison-arrow frog is too small to be seen by some animals, its brightly colored skin makes it more noticeable and acts as a warning to predators that the frog is deadly prey. Conse­quently, fewer frogs are eaten during the day, when predators can recognize them as dangerous .

in each plant, feeding them each week by placing unfertil­ized eggs in the pools. Fed on this nutritious food, the tad­poles grow into adulthood.

Above: Males wrestle for mates; their poison is for predators.

Below: Its vocal sac fully extended, a poison-arrow frog croaks a territorial claim.

~ POISON-ARROW FROG &: MAN The Choco Indians of western Colombia developed the technique of using this frog to poison the tips of arrows or blowpipe darts.

The Choco use poison from three species. With the dead-

liest frogs, the tribesmen pin a frog to the ground with a stick and wipe their arrow­heads on its skin. Less poi­sonous species are warmed over fires on skewers to make them excrete large

DID YOU KNOW? • Only one natural pred­ator may hunt the poison­arrow frog: the snake Leimadophis epinephe/us seems to be immune to

the toxins.

• This family includes some of the smallest frogs in the world : Dendrobates minutus grows to only a half inch.

• Scientists discover new species of poison-arrow continually in their tropi­cal forest explorations. Still, their habitat may be destroyed before scientists can account for them.

quantities of poison, which is concentrated for use.

Today the Choco use poison darts or arrows for hunting small game, but in the past they were used in wars with other tribes in the forest.

"" CARD 25 SNAKE-NECKED TURTLE "~ ______________________ ~G_R_O_U_P_3_: _RE_P_T_IL_ES __ &_A_M_P_H_I_B_IA_N_S_~~ ... ORDER FAMILY '" GENUS &: SPECIES

"11IIIIIIII Chelonia (Testudines) Chelidae "11IIIIIIII Chelodina longicol/is

The snake-necked turtle is Australia's most widespread and well-known freshwater turtle. Exclusively meat eating, it hunts

in many still and slow-flowing waters.

KEY FACTS

SIZES Length: Shell, up to 11 in. Extended head and neck, 51/2 in. Weight: Average 21/ 2 lb.

BREEDING Sexual maturity: Male, 7 years .

Female, 10-11 years. Mating season: September to

October. Nesting season: November to December; occasionally January.

No. of eggs: 6-24. Incubation: 1 30-1 70 days.

LIFESTYLE Habit: Both water and land. Migrates over land in groups. Diet: Amphibians, crustaceans, worms, insects, and mollusks.

Lifespan: 17-50 years.

RELATED SPECIES

There are 36 species of turtle grouped into 9 genera within the family Chelidae.

Range of the snake-necked turtle.

DISTRIBUTION Widespread in slow-moving waters in eastern Austral ia, from southern South Austral ia to northern Queensland .

CONSERVATION This species is still common, but it has been widely trapped. Many turtles have been killed by fishermen and vehicles and as a result of losing access to water.

FEATURES OF THE SNAKE-NECKED TURTL(JJ~I

There are two suborders of turtle : the side-necked and the hidden-necked turtles. They are distinguished by their i

Neck: Provides excellent vision because of turtle 's ability to move head freely. Can be coiled like a spring for seizing prey.

neck and head movements. The snake­necked turtle belongs to the side­necked turtles (Testudines) found in Australia and South America.

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The snake-necked turtle is also known in Australia as

the long-necked turtle. When fully extended, its head

and neck are more than half the length of its shell.

The snake-necked turtle belongs to a family whose

turtles fold their heads and necks along the sides of

their shells rather than pulling them in.

The snake-necked turtle is com­monly seen both in and out of water. Streams, rivers, swamps, and lagoons are its favorite habitats. It prefers slow-moving, often muddy water, but it can occasionally be seen crossing small rapids, looking for food.

The seasonal drop in tempera­ture in the southern part of the snake-necked turtle's range sends many turtles into hiberna­tion underwater or on dry land.

This species is known for its ability to colonize new, artificial ponds, usually within about two

~ FOOD & HUNTING The snake-necked turtle is a car­nivore (meat eater). It hunts ac­tively during the day for a variety of aquatic invertebrates such as shrimp, insect larvae, crayfish, and mollusks, as well as for frogs. The turtle's long, sinuous neck is critical to its ability to catch prey.

years. Also, groups of snake­necked turtles are frequently seen far from the water's edge. The turtle often takes a rambling path over dry land, readily changing direction to move around any barrier. But as soon as it sights water, it heads straight for it.

Once the turtle is within reach of prey, it draws its neck back into an S shape and then springs it forward . Underwater, instead of striking the prey, the turtle brings its head to a sudden halt alongside the creature and opens its mouth wide. Water

~ BREEDING Mating takes place underwater, with the male swimming closely behind the female until he can rest his chin on her shell. He then moves forward and mounts, clasping the edge of the female's shell with his forefeet and tuck­ing his tail beneath hers.

Two months later, the female prepares a nest on land by dig­ging a hole in sandy, sparsely vegetated soil. She chooses a slope from which rainwater can drain easily, for even a few hours of soaking will kill the unborn hatchlings. She lays and arranges the eggs and scoops the soil back over them.

The young turtles may not emerge for six months. They im­mediately go into the water.

Left: The turtle is an aggressive, agile hunter. It uses both stealth and the strike of its coiled neck to grab its prey.

Below:' Adults use a strong-smelling fluid to discourage predators.

rushes into the turtle's mouth, pulling the prey along with it. The turtle then partially closes its mouth, forcing the water back out, but leaving the prey behind.

The snake-necked turtle does not have powerful jaws for biting prey. Instead, the reptile appears

~ PREDATORS Many young turtles fail to hatch because their nests are raided by animals. The hatch­lings are vulnerable as they journey to the water; and they face attack from fish and water birds when they arrive.

Adults have fewer predators because of their size and pro­tective shells. But pelicans, storks, dingoes (Australian wild dogs), and birds of prey have been known to attack them.

to kill and dismember large prey in its throat with a rubbing ac­tion of its front legs. It uses the same movement to position food for swallowing.

Below: Few young turtles ever hatch because the eggs are eaten by water rats and goannas.

DID YOU KNOW? • The snake-necked turtle can breathe while resting on the bottom of shallow water: it stretches its long neck up and pokes its head above the sur­face. • This turtle's eyes are set un­usually far forward . The result­ing accurate vision is vital for striking at the right spot. • The snake-necked turtle is sometimes called the "stinker" because of the strong-smelling liquid that it produces when caught. It can spray this fluid as far as three feet. • Western scientists first learned about the snake­necked turtle from Sir Joseph Banks. He collected a speci­men during Captain Cook's voyage to Australia in 1770.

AUSTRALIAN FRILLED LIZARD

CLASS Reptilia

SUBORDER Sauria (Lacertilia)

GROUP 3: REPTILES & AMPHIBIANS

.. FAMILY ~ Agamidae

... GENUS ~ Chlamydosaurus

The Australian frilled lizard usually keeps its colorful frilled ruff folded flat against its long neck, but it will suddenly raise

it during courtship or when threatened.

KEY FACTS ------------------------------------------------------~

SIZES

Length: 11/2-3 ft. Ruff diameter: 8-10 in .

Weight: Up to 1 lb.

BREEDING Sexual maturity: 2-3 years.

Breeding season: Early spring.

No. of eggs: 2-8. Incubation: 8-12 weeks.

LIFESTYLE

Habit: Mostly solitary. Defends territory against rivals. No

parental care of young .

Diet: Insects, spiders, small

mammals.

Lifespan: About 8-1 0 years in

captivity. Not known in the wild.

RELATED SPECIES

There are 300 species of chisel­

toothed lizard; 65 in Australia.

These include the thorny devil,

Moloch horridus, and the eastern

water dragon, Physignathus lesueurii.

Range of the Australian frilled lizard .

DISTRIBUTION

The Australian frilled lizard lives throughout northern and

northwestern Australia and in Papua New Guinea.

CONSERVATION

The Australian fri lled lizard is currently in no danger of

extinction .

THE AUSTRALIAN FRILLED LIZARD'S RUFF

The scaly ruff is patterned to blend with the lizard 's habitat and may be entirely or partly serrated (notched).

When startled , the lizard spreads its ruff, opens its mouth wide , hisses, and flicks its tail from side to side.

The frilled ruff folds neatly under­neath and against the sides of the neck.

As it spreads, the ruff opens out in a series of long pleats.

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The frilled lizard is a tree dweller of

northern Australia and Papua New Guinea.

When it raises its spectacular ruff, it transforms

itself into one of the most colorful of all the

Australian lizards. On the ground it is

exceptionally fast-moving. Most of the

time it runs upright on its hind legs.

~ BEHAVIOR

Like most lizards, the Austra­lian frilled lizard is active dur­

ing the day, relying on the sun to warm its blood so it can feed and move quickly.

Spiny scales covering its body help reduce water loss.

This lizard lives in trees, ly­ing on branches and basking in the sun . Its long, slim fore­legs and enlarged hind legs allow it to stretch to reach

another branch, or to jump from one branch to another, as well as walk upright on the

ground. Unlike other lizards it does not shed its tail easily.

If threatened by a preda­tor, the frilled lizard quickly erects its frill-like ruff to make itself look larger and more intimidating. When fully spread, the frill can measure up to 10 inches across. It has a colorful scaled pattern . This pattern varies depending

upon the lizard's habitat. In Queensland it is usually yellow with black and white markings. In the Northern

~ FOOD &: HUNTING

Insects, spiders, and small mammals are the main diet of the frilled lizard. Few lizards are herbivores (plant eaters).

The frilled lizard is itself prey for birds, larger lizards, snakes, and some mammals. Below: With its ruff raised and long tail whipping, this lizard is a frightening foe.

Territory it is more likely to be orange with red, black, and white speckles.

The serrated (notched) ruff acts like a solar panel and ab­sorbs heat from the sun. The ruff folds flat below and on either side of the head . A ser­ies of cartilage rods raises it.

When the lizard raises its ruff, it also stands upright on its hind legs and hisses with its yellow mouth wide open and its long, slender tail flicking from side to side.

~ BREEDING

The male Australian frilled lizard is territorial and aggres­sive toward other males or rivals. The larger males hold

the bigger territories. The frilled lizard is one of

many species of chisel­toothed lizard that perform elaborate courtships. The male always courts the fe­male. He needs only a brief

signal from her to know that she is receptive to mating .

The female's eggs are fertilized internally. They nor­mally hatch in 8 to 12 weeks. Once the female chooses a

hatching spot, she lays her eggs and leaves. The frilled lizard is independent at birth.

Right: With its ruff flattened, the lizard blends with the color and texture of tree bark.

DID YOU KNOW? • A likeness of the frilled lizard is on Australia 's two­cent coin .

• The frilled lizard's hind footprints show only the three middle toes. They look similar to those of birds and some extinct dinosaurs.

• The f rilled lizard's teeth are fixed to the surfaces of its jaws and look similar to human teeth .

• Another tree-living Australian lizard is the common goanna, which

grows to about seven feet in length. The aborigines believe that a goanna bite will never heal.

• The f rilled lizard is often kept as a pet.

DIAMONDBACK TERRAPIN

ORDER Chelonia

FAM ILY Emydidae

GROUP 3: REPTILES & AMPHIBIANS GENUS &: SPECIES Malaclemys terrapin

In the past the diamondback terrapin was almost hunted to extinction for its meat. Today, protective measures and commercial

farms make its distinctive shell a more common sight.

KEY FACTS

SIZES

Length: Male, 4-6 in. Female,

6-9 in.

Weight: Up to 2 lb.

BREEDING

Sexual maturity: Female, about

7 years. Male may be slightly older.

Mating season: Early spring.

No. of eggs: 7-24 white eggs per

clutch. Up to 5 clutches per year laid by large, mature female.

LIFESTYLE

Habit: Solitary.

Diet: Fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and insects.

lifespan: About 30 years in the

wi ld; 50-70 years in captivity.

RELATED SPECIES

There are 7 subspecies of diamond­

back terrapin . Ten species of map

turtles Graptemys are also related.

Range of the diamondback terrapin. --~~======~--

DISTRIBUTION

Found in salt and brackish water along the Atlantic coast of North America from Massachusetts to the Gulf of Mexico and Mexico.

CONSERVATION

Humans have been the terrapin's main predators. Its popu­lation has been increasing as a result of protective measures

and commercial farms where terrapins are raised for their meat.

FEATURES OF THE DIAMONDBACK­ Shell: Wider at the back than the front. Distinctive patterns with diamond shapes made up of ridges

TERRAPIN

Hind limbs: Strong, muscular, and webbed. Adapted for fast swimming.

Head: Powerful jaws and a sharp, horny beak that is used to tear prey into small pieces.

© MCMXCI IMP BV/IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILETM

::--___ _ and grooves.

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

Shell coloration: Varies between individuals of the same subspecies. Some diamondback terrapins have dark rings on light gray or brown shells. Others have solid dark brown or black shells.

0160200381 PACKET 38

The diamondback terrapin gets its name from

the diamond-shaped patterns on its carapace, or

upper shell. Some shells also have strongly

contrasting light and dark colors that accentuate

these patterns. Black dots speckle the terrapin's

yellowish head, legs, and lower shell, or plastron.

"IIIIIIIIIIIII HABITS

Although the diamondback terrapin belongs to the family of Emydidae freshwater turtles, it actually lives in salt or brack­ish water near the coast. A diamondback terrapin living in a river usually stays near the mouth. It only travels upriver with the tide.

The diamondback terrapin spends most of the day in the water. It floats with its shell down, so only its snout can be seen above the water. It keeps its body steady by paddling slowly with its webbed hind feet. When necessary, it uses its

powerful legs to swim quickly. During the hottest parts of the day, the terrapin lies on nearby rocks and basks in the sun for short periods. At night it buries itself in mud.

In northern regions the diamondback terrapin digs itself into wet mud to hiber­nate during the winter. It does not hibernate for a spe­cific period of time and often emerges during milder win­ter weather to build up its fat reserves. If the weather be­comes colder, it digs itself back into the mud.

Above: The diamondback ter­rapin's shell varies greatly in size. The shell of the female may be twice as large as the male's shell.

Above right: The diamondback terrapin basks in the sun during the heat of the day. At night it buries itself in mud, where it remains until morning.

"IIIIIIIIIIIII FOOD & HUNTING

Instead of teeth, the dia­mondback terrapin has a strong, horny beak with a sharp cutting edge. It uses its powerful jaw muscles to tear and cut its prey into small pieces. Small prey like aquatic insects are swallowed whole. The terrapin eats small fish, crustaceans, mollusks, insects, worms, and sometimes green water plants.

Most marine turtles can drink seawater because their bodies excrete the salt. But the diamondback terrapin can only drink fresh water.

DID YOU KNOW? • The name terrapin comes • In the 18th century the from a Native American word diamondback terrapin was a meaning "little turtle." cheap source of food for • A diamondback terrapin slaves. In the late 19th cen-held captive in fresh water tury terrapin meat was con-will develop a skin fungus . sidered a delicacy. By the When salt is added to the early 20th century diamond-water, the fungus disappears. back terrapins were sold for

~--------~~--~~-----------

"IIIIIIIIIIIII BREEDING

Most information about the mating and breeding habits of the diamondback terrapin has been gathered at commercial farms. Terrapins are bred at these farms for their meat.

Mating occurs in spring when the temperature be­comes warmer. Temperature is thought to be the main factor in the onset of mating.

In early summer the female chooses a suitable nesting site just above the high water

Left: A terrapin hatchling is only an inch long when it emerges from its shell.

as much as $120 a dozen .

• A female diamondback terrapin can lay fertile eggs for several years after a single mating. This feat is made possible by her ability to store live sperm that is later used to fertilize eggs.

mark. Then she digs a hole with her hind legs about a foot deep. She lays 7 to 24 white eggs and covers them with mud and sand. The laying season varies with the location. Depending on her age and size, the female may lay as many as five clutches per year.

Hatching occurs about 90 days later. Hatchlings are more brightly colored than adults_ Females are ready to breed when they are about seven years old, but some males may be older before reaching sexual maturity.

"'CARD 28

ANACONDA "~ _____________________ G~R~O~U~P~3:~R~E~PT~I~lE~S~&~A_M~P~H~IB~I~A~N~S_~~

ORDER Squamata

FAMILY Boidae

GENUS &: SPECIES Eunectes murinus

The anaconda is the biggest snake in the world, even larger than the Old World python. Yet despite its size and strength, it

has few defenses against humans-its main enemy.

KEY FACTS

SIZES Length: Usually up to 16 ft., but snakes over 33 ft. long recorded.

Weight: Up to 550 lb., possibly more.

BREEDING Sexual maturity: 3-4 years. Mating: Tropical rainy season. No. of young: 20-40, occa­sionally up to 60. Born live.

LIFESTYLE Habit: Solitary, but can form small groups. Active at night. Diet: Large rodents, wild pigs,

deer, birds, fish, and aquatic reptiles.

RELATED SPECIES There are at least two species of anaconda: the green anaconda, Eunectes murinus, and the yel­low anaconda, E. notaeus. Both

belong to the boa family, which includes the boa constrictor.

Range of the anaconda.

DISTRIBUTION

The green anaconda is found throughout the basins of the Amazon and Orinoco rivers in tropical South America. The yellow anaconda ranges as far south as Argentina.

CONSERVATION

The anaconda is threatened by deforestation of its habitat and hunting for its skin. It seldom lives long enough to reach the record sizes reported in the past.

FEATURES OF THE ANACONDA

Camouflage: Black patches on the anaconda's back combine with dull background color to blend in with the thick, wet vegetation of its habitat.

Length: The yellow anaconda grows to a maximum of 16 feet. The green anaconda can reach 33 feet and possibly more.

Nostrils: Like the crocodile, the anaconda's nostrils are on top of its snout so it can breathe easily while

it is swimming .

Weight: The heaviest of all snakes, the anaconda is more comfortable swimming than dragging its bulk on land .

© MCMXCI IMP BV/IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILETM PRINTED IN U.S.A.

WAITING FOR PREY

The anaconda lies coiled in the shallows of a forest stream or pool and waits for prey such as a large rodentto come and drink. It occasionally preys on jaguars but never attacks humans, even from the water. If the anaconda senses the presence of humans, it quietly glides away.

0160200411 PACKET 41

A larger version of the boa constrictor,

the anaconda is a massive snake that kills its prey

by squeezing it to death in its powerful coils.

It then swallows its victim whole. Although it has

an appetite for prey as large as wild pigs and deer,

the huge anaconda is capable of surviving for

months and even years without food.

~ HABITAT The abundant streams, rivers, swamps, and pools of the tropical rainforests of Ama­

zonia provide an ideal habitat for the anaconda.

This heavy snake is more at home in the water than on land, and it swims with grace

and agility. It can stay sub­

merged for over 10 minutes at a time and often lies beneath

the surface waiting for prey. The anaconda lets itself be carried downstream on the

river's current with only its head breaking the surface.

Then it drifts to the bank and

glides away into the thick undergrowth.

The anaconda usually hunts

at night. It spends the day lying in the shallows or bask­

ing in the sun, draped over the branches of a tree at the

water's edge. Like most snakes, it can climb well and it uses

trees for refuge from preda­tors. Only the most powerful

predator, however, can subdue a full-grown anaconda.

Right: The anaconda may sleep for days while it digests its prey.

~ FOOD & HUNTING The anaconda preys on deer, wild pigs, and large rodents

such as the agouti, paca, and capybara. It also attacks aqua­tic animals like the caiman, a relative of the alligator.

The anaconda lies in a murky

pool to ambush animals com­ing to drink. It seizes its prey

quickly with its sharp teeth and drags it into the water.

The victim often drowns be­

fore it is killed. Like all boas, the anaconda kills by constric­

tion, coiling itself afound the

Left: Slow on land, the ana­conda is quick and deadly in the water.

DID YOU KNOW? • The anaconda has been known to attack jaguars, and a 26-foot anaconda was re­ported to have killed a six­

and-a-half-foot caiman.

• When kept out of the wa­ter, an anaconda's body be­

comes infested with ticks.

• In captivity the anaconda

prey and squeezing. The snake

squeezes tighter each time the animal breathes out so it cannot breathe in again. It

quickly dies from suffocation. The anaconda swallows its

victims whole. It can stretch its

mouth around prey twice the width of its head because its jawbones are loosely attached

to its skull and to each other. After a large meal, the ana­

conda sleeps for several days as it digests and may not feed

again for weeks.

Above right and right: The anaconda kills its varied prey by one method-constriction.

can go without food for

months. One captive snake fasted for over two years.

• The heaviest of snakes, a 20-foot anaconda weighs

more than a 33-foot python.

• There have been reports of 1 30-foot anacondas, but they have not been proven.

~BREEDING The anaconda is normally soli­tary with its own fixed hunting

area. But at the onset of the rainy season each female in

breeding condition gives off a

scent known as a pheromone, which is picked up by a nearby

male. He makes his way toward the female, with his forked

tongue flicking as he follows the scent trail.

During courtship the male presses his body to the female's.

With his tongue still flicking, he works his way up until his head is resting on her neck. He then

erects his spurs, a pair of tiny

hind limbs whose use in mating

is unique' to boas and pythons. The male uses them to tickle

the female's vent region, en­couraging her to mate.

Most snakes lay eggs, but the anaconda gives birth to live

young. The female usually pro­duces 20 to 40 young, each

about two feet long. Within hours of birth young snakes can

swim, hunt, and care for them­selves. They feed mainly on

frogs and fish until they are big enough to tackle larger prey.

"'CARD 29

GILA MONSTER

'(~------------------------------------------~

CLASS Reptilia

ORDER Squamata Helodermatidae Heloderma suspectum

The Gila monster is one of only two lizards in the world that have a venomous bite. Its bite, combined with its ferocious appearance,

give it a fearsome reputation that its habits barely match.

KEY FACTS

SIZES

Length: 1 ~-2 ft.

Weight: 3-5 lb.

BREEDING

Mating season: June to July.

Eggs: 3-13.

Incubation: About 4 months.

LIFESTYLE

Habit: Solitary, burrowing. Ground­

dwelling and active at night.

Diet: Rodents, birds and their

young, eggs, lizards, frogs, large

invertebrates. Occasionally feeds on

carrion and small mammals.

Lifespan: Up to 20 years in

captivity.

RELATED SPECIES

The Mexican beaded lizard,

Heloderma horridum, is the

other member of the family

Helodermatidae and the only

other venomous lizard. It is larg­

er than the Gila monster.

Range of the Gila monster.

DISTRIBUTION

Found in northwestern Mexico and the southwestern United

States, including parts of Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah, and New Mexico.

CONSERVATION

The Gila monster is threatened because its habitat is being taken

over by farming. It has also been caught in large numbers for

the pet trade but is now protected by law in Arizona.

FEATURES OF THE GILA MONSTER

Body: Squat and heavy with a large head.

Skin: Has a granular surface. Texture and color provide excellent camouflage among the desert sand and pebbles.

Tongue: The Gila monster flicks out its thick, forked tongue to pick up scents. They are conveyed to a special taste organ,

called Jacobsen's organ, in the roof of its mouth.

© MCMXCI IMP BV/IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILpM

Claws: Short but sharp. The Gila monster is well

equipped for digging up the eggs of tortoises,

snakes, and lizards and for digging its own burrows

and egg-laying holes.

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

Tail : The short, thick tail contains a fat store that

enables the Gila monster to survive periods without food .

0160200431 PACKET 43

The Gila monster roams the desert of the

American Southwest and nearby Mexico at twilight.

As it heaves its heavy body across the sand

and rocks, it flicks its tongue in search of prey.

Although it can kill relatively large mammals

and birds, this slow-moving lizard eats mostly

insects, eggs, and newly hatched birds.

~ HABITS The Gila monster inhabits arid and semiarid parts of north­ern Mexico and the American Southwest. It prefers areas

that get just enough moisture to support a few shrubs.

The Gila monster is inactive much of the time, hiding un­der rocks and in burrows. It excavates burrows or takes them from rodents. In winter the Gira- monster lies dormant in a burrow and lives on fat deposits in its tail. In summer

it avoids the heat by coming out only at twilight. It moves sluggishly and tastes the air with its thick, forked tongue to assess its surroundings.

If danger threatens, the Gila monster usually escapes into its burrow. If cornered, it in­flates its body, lifts its head, and hisses. It may then lunge sideways and bite its enemy.

Right: The Gila monster's body is covered with beadlike scales of black and yellow or pink.

~ FOOD &: HUNTING When hunting, the Gila mon­ster relies on its senses of taste and smell rather than its eyes. When it detects the aroma of prey, the Gila monster tracks it across the desert. As it moves, it flicks out its forked tongue to taste the scent particles that have been left on the ground.

Because it moves slowly, the

Gila monster must snatch un­

aware animals with its sharp

teeth or catch prey that

cannot escape easily. Its victims

include birds' eggs and nest­

lings as well as rodents, frogs,

Left: The Gila monster tracks prey by tasting scent trails on the ground with its tongue.

DID YOU KNOW? • A few people have died from being bitten by a Gila monster, but they were al­ready in poor health.

• It has been reported that the Gila monster may flip over while its jaws are still clamped on to prey. This move may help its venom flow into the wound.

lizards, insects, centipedes, and worms. The Gila monster also feeds on carrion (the remains of dead animals). It swallows most prey whole but usually breaks eggs to eat the contents.

The Gila monster's bite contains poison that attacks the nervous system of its prey. The venom is strong enough to kill mammals and birds, but it does not seem to be impor­tant for hunting. Most of the Gila monster's victims are small enough to be subdued with its jaws and teeth. The venom may be more useful to the Gila monster as a defense against its enemies.

• Many myths surround the Gila monster. It has been said to possess magical powers and to be impossible to kill.

• Few animals have been known to kill a Gila monster in the wild, but a snake has been seen preying on one. • The Gila monster is named for the Gila Basin in Arizona.

Above: The Gila monster may break into rodents' nests to seize both young and adults. It can swallow a mouse whole.

~ BREEDING Mating is a slow process that lasts up to an hour and usually occurs in early summer. Later in the year, the female Gila monster lays a batch of large,

oval leathery eggs in a hole she has dug with her forefeet. She then covers them with sand.

The eggs lie about five inches under the surface, and the sun

heating the sand warms them. After about four months the young break free from their shells and crawl to the surface. They are only four inches long.

Their coloring is usually more vivid than that of the adults.

Above: The female Gila monster lays her eggs in a hole in the sand and leaves them to incubate.

Ia... SPECIAL ADAPTATIONS Most venomous reptiles in­ject their venom into prey. But the Gila monster lets its poison flow into the wound it has made. Its poison glands are modified salivary glands.

When the lizard bites, the glands empty their poison into a fleshy groove. The venom runs into grooves on the lizard's teeth and into the wound through the bite.

The Gila monster bites very hard, almost half an inch deep. It hangs on with its viselike jaws to let the venom flow in. It may chew to tear the flesh so the venom pene­trates still further.

People who have been bit­ten by a Gila monster suffer great pain but rarely die. The main problem is forcing the

lizard to release its grip.

'" CARD 30 MUDPUPPY ,, _______________________ G_R_O_U_P_3_:_R_EP_T_IL_E_S_N __ A_M_P_H_IB_IA __ N_S _"~

~ CLASS Amphibia

ORDER Caudata

.... FAMILY ~ Proteidae

.... GENUS & SPECIES ~ Necturu5 maculo5u5

The mudpuppy is a remarkable North American salamander whose lifecycle is entirely aquatic. It lurks on the bottoms of rivers,

lakes, and ponds, out of the sight of most humans.

KEY FACTS

SIZE

Length: 8-13 in .

BREEDING

Sexual maturity: 5-7 years.

Mating: Late summer to fall.

No. of eggs: Usually 30-200, with

extremes of 18-880.

Hatching: 5-9 weeks, depending

on temperature.

LIFESTYLE

Habit: Night-active, but generally

sedentary.

Diet: Small fish and their eggs, in­

sects, and invertebrates.

Lifespan: Up to 20 years.

RELATED SPECIES

There are 4 other species in the

genus Necturu5, all called water­

dogs. Each species is confined to a

few rivers along the coast of the

southeastern United States. They

are all closely related to the olm,

Proteu5 anguinu5, of southeastern

Europe.

Range of the mudpuppy.

DISTRIBUTION

The range of the mudpuppy extends across eastern North

America into the Midwest.

CONSERVATION

The number of mud puppies is difficult to measure, but they

seem to be in decline due to habitat destruction . The mudpup­

py is less threatened than its European relative, the olm .

FEATURES OF THE MUDPUPPY

carry essential oxygen to the blood . The gills

are bigger if the mudpuppy lives in

dirty water.

Coloring: Khaki with blue-black spots. Provides camouflage in debris on the bottom of a lake, pond , or riv­er, particularly in murky water.

©MCMXCVI IMP BV/IMP INC. WILDLIFE FACT FILETM

Tail: Large, blade-shaped, and strong. Propels the mudpuppy when it swims.

Legs: Stubby and not very powerful. Each foot has 4 toes . The legs enable the mudpuppy to crawl , but it moves mostly by swimming .

PRINTED IN U.S.A. US P 6001 12054 PACKET 54

The mudpuppy has a thoroughly misleading name.

Although the first part of its name suggests that it lives

in mud, this sluggish amphibian is just as likely to

live in clear water. Given the second part of its name,

one might expect the mudpuppy to bark, but

it does not-although it may whine if taken

from the safety of its underwater home.

~ CHARACTERISTICS The mudpuppy lives in shel­tered pockets amid rocks or debris in lakes and rivers in the eastern half of North America. The adult is darkly colored with well-spaced blue-black spots to provide camouflage. A dark stripe runs through its eyes, and it has a spotted, grayish belly.

The adult mudpuppy retains the bushy external gills of the larval stage. The deep maroon gills are arranged in three pairs that protrude from the back of the head. Their shape and size vary, depending on the mud­puppy's environment. In warm, stagnant water, the gills are

large and bushy and kept con­stantly in motion . But in cool water that contains plenty of oxygen, the gills are small and contracted. The mudpuppy apparently needs a high level of oxygen to thrive.

The mudpuppy has a range of only 650 feet, and it seldom moves far from its home on the bed of a lake or river. Although it has four legs with four toes on each, its legs are short and weak, suitable only for crawling over the mud. The mudpuppy moves faster by swimming with its legs held out of the way, against the sides of its body.

~ FOOD &: FEEDING The mudpuppy's coloring pro-vides effective camouflage, so it is able to survive as a passive predator, lying in wait for the current to bring it small fish, fish eggs, aquatic insects, mollusks, and crustaceans.

Crayfish are a mainstay of the mudpuppy's diet. In the Missis­sippi Valley, the mud puppy as­sists farmers in controlling these crustaceans, which graze on rice crops and damage them. But

Left: The mudpuppy mates in late summer, but it does not lay eggs until the next spring.

the mud puppy is less popular with fishermen, who use cray­fish as bait.

The mudpuppy is primarily a nocturnal predator, although it may emerge to feed during the day. It is most likely to do this if its habitat is muddy or choked with weeds, so that it can re­main hidden. Usually, the mud­puppy spends the day hiding under stones or lying buried in the mud of the lake bed.

Right: Although its tiny legs allow the mudpuppy to crawl, it usually moves by swimming.

Left: The mud­puppy's fine gills let it ex­tract vital oxy­gen from even stagnant water. In clean water, which is high in oxygen, the gills are small and move less frequently.

DID YOU KNOW? • The mudpuppy's ugly ap­pearance has led to the belief that it is poisonous. It does have poison glands in its skin, but the toxin is not strong enough to affect humans. • It is thought that the mud­puppy can disentangle the fil­aments of its gills by using one of its forefeet as a "comb."

~ BREEDING The mudpuppy follows a de­layed spawning pattern . Mating occurs in late summer or early fall, before the adults enter their dormant winter state. The fe­male does not lay her yellowish eggs until spring. Depending on her size, she lays from 20 to over 200 eggs at a time. The female attaches each egg, encased in a tiny jelly envelope, to the under­sides of rocks or debris. A sandy hollow in the riverbed may also serve as a nest.

During the five to nine weeks

Left: The mudpuppy larva has gills, which it retains as an adult, unlike most salamanders.

• Mudpuppies can withstand great drops in temperature. Many mudpuppies have been sighted crawling under the ice of frozen lakes. • Mudpuppies established themselves in New England when unused laboratory spec­imens were turned loose sev­eral decades ago.

it takes the eggs to hatch, the mother keeps a close guard on them-unusual behavior for an amphibian . Although she looks harmless, the female can give a sharp nip if threatened.

The young hatch with the yolk sac still attached to their undersides. The yolk nourishes them for about two months, until they are about an inch and a half long and can feed themselves. The young are born with the species' charac­teristic bladelike tail and hori­zontally flattened head . They quickly build up the robust body shape of the adult.