Amphibians and Reptiles 
of North Carolina
 

Noting those during Focus On Nature Tours
with an (*)

including: 
Salamanders
Toads & Frogs (seen or heard) 
Turtles
Skinks, Anoles, and other Lizards
Snakes

A list compiled by Armas Hill
(with input by the staff from the
Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center
in Four Oaks, North Carolina) 


UPPER RIGHT PHOTO: a LOGGERHEAD SEA TURTLE photographed off the North Carolina seacoast 
(Photo by Alan Brady)


Codes: 

ARR: area of Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
CNF: areas of Croatan National Forest & nearby coastal North Carolina  
NRV: (upper) Neuse River Valley (the Piedmont)
OBX: Outer Banks (including Roanoke Island & Ocracoke Island)

Species classified as GLOBALLY THREATENED:
(t1):   critically threatened
(t2):   endangered
(t3):   vulnerable
(nt):   a near-threatened species globally  

(ph):  species with a photo in the FONT website

Excellent recordings of the sounds of frogs and toads are in the audio CD of "The Calls of Frogs and Toads", by Lang Elliot, 2004.
In this list, numbers noted as (LE:xx) refer to that of the particular frog or toad in the CD. Recordings in the disk referred to here were by Lang Elliot,  


Links to Groupings in this List:

AMPHIBIANS:    Frogs & Toads    Salamanders   

REPTILES:    Alligator    Turtles    Lizards    Snakes  

More about AMPHIBIANS & REPTILES in this list in:
Amphibians & Reptiles in Eastern North America 


Other Links:

Upcoming FONT Birding & Nature Tours in North Carolina    Upcoming FONT Tours Elsewhere

FONT Past Tour Highlights    Photo Galleries & Narratives from past FONT tours

Birds during FONT North Carolina Tours  (with some photos)

Mammals in North Carolina  (with some photos)

Butterflies,  Moths, Dragonflies, & Damselflies in North Carolina  (with some photos) 

Wildflowers & Other Plants of Eastern North America, inc. North Carolina

Other Photo Galleries & Lists of Amphibians & Reptiles   

Directory of Photos in this Website

           Amphibians:


         Frogs & Toads

          
          Family RANIDAE: TRUE FROGS 

1. Green Frog  (ph)   ______ (*) NRV  (LE:3)   Size: grows up to 2 to 3.5 inches
   Rana clamitans
   
   The Green Frog is primarily aquatic in its habits. It can be abundant, occurring along the edges of ponds, lakes, streams, and other permanent bodies of water.
   When approached, the Green Frog leaps from the shoreline and squeaks an alarm note before hitting the water.     
   
   
   
   Above & below: Green Frogs
   (upper photo by Howard Eskin, lower photo by Marie Gardner)
   
   
   
   Below: a tadpole of the Green Frog  (photo by Marie Gardner)
   
   
   
   
   
2. American Bullfrog  (ph)  ______ (*) ARR,NRV  (LE:1)  Size: 3 to 8 inches
   Rana catesbeiana
   
   The coloration and pattern of the American Bullfrog is variable. 
   The dorsal color varies from bright leaf green to olive, olive-brown, or brown.
   The dorsal pattern varies with individuals that may include mottling or marbles that are dark brown to black on the back and the sides of the body.     
   
   The American Bullfrog may be heard, generally, from April to August. It avoids temporary bodies of water.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Two photographs of Bullfrogs
   (upper photo courtesy of Doris Potter;
    lower photo during a FONT tour) 
   
   
3. River Frog  ______  (LE:14)  occurs in southern North Carolina  Size: 3 to 5.25or 6 inches
   Rana heckscheri
   
   The River Frog occurs in the coastal plain. It is generally uncommon.
   
   Unlike the Carolina Gopher Frog (below, in this list), the River Frog generally does not call in choruses, and the calls of lone males (a low, rumbling snore lasting from 1 to 3 seconds) are easily overlooked.
   
   The breeding of Rana heckscheri is from April through the summer.  
   
   
4. Pickerel Frog  (ph)  ______ (*) ARR,NRV  (LE:11)  Size: 1.25 to 3.5 inches
   Rana palustris
   
   The Pickerel Frog breeds in lakes, ponds, and streams. It also occurs in grassy areas away from water.
   Males sometimes call while submerged.
   
   
   
   Pickerel Frog
   (photo by Marie Gardner)
   
   
5. Carpenter Frog ______ (*) ARR  (LE:6)  in eastern and southern North Carolina   Size: 1.5 to 2.5 inches
   Rana virgatipes
   
   The name "Carpenter Frog" is because its advertisement call is a distinctive series of sharp, double rapping notes, that sound like two carpenters hammering nails slightly out of synch. It may be heard from spring to late summer.  
   
   Rana virgatipes is also called the Sphagum Frog due to its close association with sphagum bogs. 
   Otherwise, it can also be found at lakes and ponds.
   
   
6. Southern Leopard Frog ______  (*)  ARR  (LE:9)   Size generally 2 to 3.5 inches, but can be up to 5 inches in length
   Rana sphenocephala
   
   The Southern Leopard Frog often wanders away from water into grassy and weedy places. It may be heard in the spring and, in the southern part of its range, throughout the year. 
   
   
7. Carolina Gopher Frog  ______  (LE:12)   Size: up to 4 inches long 
   Rana capito
   
   Rana capito is found in dry, sandy habitats of the coastal plain. It breeds in nearby ponds and swamps.
   It is a nocturnal species, that is named for its habit of taking shelter during the day in burrows of other animals, particularly the Gopher Tortoise (which occurs in southern South Carolina and south to Florida).    
   
   
8. Wood Frog  ______  (LE:4)  in western North Carolina   Size: 1.5 to 3.25 inches
   Rana sylvatica
   
   Outside it breeding season, the Wood Frog is terrestrial, preferring moist, wooded areas.  
   
   
9. Crawfish Frog  ______ (*) CNF  (LE:13)   Size: 2.75 to 3.5 inches 
   Rana areolata
   
   The Crawfish Frog favors moist pastures and meadows, where it takes shelter during the day in crawfish burrows, or the burrows of other animals.
   
   The northern limit of the range of the Crawfish Frog is east-central North Carolina.  
   
   In North Carolina, Rana areolata is classified as near, or potentially, threatened.
   
   
10. Southern Chorus Frog ______ (*) CNF  (LE:28)   size: 0.75 to 1.25 inches
    Pseudacris nigrita nigrita
    
    The range of the Southern Chorus Frog, Pseudacris nigrita, is the coastal plain from North Carolina to Mississippi.
    The northern limit of is range is east-central North Carolina. It frequents a variety of habitats.
    Pseudacris nigrita calls from grass at the edge of water in roadside ditches, temporary pools, and flooded fields.
    
    The Southern Chorus Frog breeds in the winter, from November to April.  
    
    
11. Upland Chorus Frog  ______  (LE:27)   Size: 0.75 to 1.5 inches
    Pseudacris feriarum
    
    The Upland Chorus Frog, now Pseudacris feriarum, was long considered to be a subspecies of the Western Chorus Frog, or Striped Chorus Frog, Pseudacris triseriata. 
    
    In the eastern US, the Upland Chorus Frog is generally restricted to the Piedmont region.   
    
    Pseudacris feriarum breeds from winter to spring in roadside ditches and other shallow water, often adjacent to farmland.
    
    
12. Mountain Chorus Frog  ______  (LE:30)   Size: 1 to 1.5 inches
    Pseudacris brachyphona
    
    The Mountain Chorus Frog ranges in the Appalachian Mountains, south from southwestern Pennsylvania.
    In North Carolina, it is in the far-western part of the state.
    
    Pseudacris brachyphona breeds from winter to spring in pools, ditches, pongs, or springs in forests or at forest edges.
    
    
13. Brimley's Chorus Frog  ______  (LE:29)   Size: 1 to 1.25 inches
    Pseudacris brimleyi
    
    The range of the Brimley's Chorus Frog is on the coastal plain from Virginia to Georgia.
    It breeds from November to Marsh, or April in ponds, swamps, and ditches.
    The advertisement call of Pseudacris brimleyi is much like that of the Southern Chorus Frog, but more raspy.  
    
    
14. Ornate Chorus Frog ______ (*) CNF  (LE:24)   Size: 1 to 1.5 inches
    Pseudacris ornata
    
    The northern limit of the range of the Ornate Chorus Frog is south-central North Carolina.
    It breeds from December through March, usually after rains, calling from temporary pools, ponds, and roadside ditches by open areas.
    
    
15. Pine Barrens Treefrog  ______  (LE:16)   Size: 1 to 2 inches
    Hyla andersonii
    
    The Pine Barrens Treefrog is one of the most beautiful of the frogs in eastern North America. It is green above with white-bordered lavender stripes on each side.
    
    Hyla andersonii is found only in pine barren habitats. In North Carolina, it occurs in 16 counties in the south-central part of the state.
    
    The advertisement call of the Pine Barrens Treefrog is rather similar to that of the Green Treefrog (below), but it is somewhat more melodic and usually higher in pitch and repeated more rapidly (with up to 3 calls per second).
    It can be heard from bogs, swamps, and shrubby areas where water seeps to the surface.
     
    
16. Green Treefrog ______ (*)  ARR  (LE:15)   Size: 1.25 to 2.5 inches 
    Hyla cinerea
    
    Other names for Hyla cinerea are "Cowbell Frog" and "Rain Frog".
    The first of these names is because at a distance the call can sound bell-like. 
    The second name is because huge choruses erupt after warm rains.
    
    The Green Treefrog breeds in swamps, marshes, and ponds.
    
    
17. Barking Treefrog ______  (*) CNF  (LE:17)    Size: 2 to 2.75 inches
    Hyla gratiosa
    
    The Barking Treefrog is found mainly in coastal plain habitats from North Carolina to Louisiana.
    
    From a distance, the Barking Treefrog sounds like the hollow barks of a hound dog. It gives a different call from trees or shrubs, harsh and barking.
    The breeding of Hyla gratiosa is from spring to early autumn in shallow ponds and cypress swamps. 
    
    
18. Pine Woods Treefrog ______  (*)  NRV  (LE:19)   Size: 1 to 1.5 inches
    Hyla femoralis
    
    The Pine Woods Treefrog spends much of its time high in trees, especially pines, where it feeds on small insects.
    The reddish-brown color of the frog provides camouflage against the pine bark.
    The range of Hyla femoralis is the pine forest habitats in the coastal plain from Virginia to Louisiana.
    
    The Pine Woods Treefrog breeds from late spring through the summer in ditches, pools, and small ponds.  
    
    
19. Squirrel Treefrog ______  (*)  NRV  (LE:18)   Size: 1 to 1.5 inches
    Hyla squirrela
    
    The Squirrel Treefrog sometimes feeds in trees, but it is also found on the ground near decaying stumps or logs.
    It breeds in temporary ponds and ditches.  
    
    
20. Gray Treefrog ______  (*)  NRV  (LE:20)   Size: 1.25 to 2.5 inches
    Hyla versicolor 
    
    Hyla versicolor and Hyla chrysoselis (below) are identical in appearance, but they can be distinguished in the field by their vocalizations. The two species do not interbreed. 
    
    Hyla versicolor, the Gray Treefrog, spends most of its time above ground, looking for insects in trees and shrubs.
    It breeds from the late spring into the summer in ponds and pools surrounded by shrubs and trees.
    In the summer, it may trill. 
    
    
21. Cope's Gray Treefrog  ______  (LE:21)   Size: 1.25 to 2.5 inches
    Hyla chrysoselis
    
    As noted above (in this list) with Hyla versicolor, it and Hyla chryoselis are virtually identical in appearance.
    But generally there is not an overlap in the occurrence of these two look-alike species.
    
    What was written above about the Gray Treefrog, regarding habitat, habits, and breeding, also applies to the Cope's Gray Treefrog.    
    
    
22. Northern Cricket Frog ______ NRV  (LE:31)   Size: 0.5 to 1.5 inches
    Acris crepitans
    
    The Northern Cricket Frog calls from open or grassy edges of ponds, lakes. creeks, and swampy areas.
    It breeds from late winter into the summer. 
    
    
23. Southern Cricket Frog ______ NRV  (LE:32)   Size: 0.5 to 1.5 inches
    Acris gryllus
    
    The Southern Cricket Frog calls from floating vegetation or from shorelines of lakes, ponds, and streams.
    It breeds primarily from April through the summer. 
    
    
24. Little Grass Frog ______  (LE:26)   Size: 0.5 to 0.75 inches
    Limnaoedus ocularis
    
    The Little Grass Frog is the smallest frog in North America. it is active during the day in open grassy areas.
    Breeding is from winter to summer, with a spring-time peak. It calls from flooded grassy meadows, roadside pools, and ponds with emergent grassy vegetation.
    The advertisement call of the Little Grass Frog is very high-pitched and insect-like.  
    
    
25. Northern Spring Peeper ______  (*) NRV  (LE:23)   Size: 0.75 to 1.5 inches 
    Pseudacris crucifer crucifer  (formerly Hyla crucifer crucifer)
    
    The Southern Spring Peeper, Pseudacris crucifer bartramiana, is south of North Carolina in Florida. 
    
    The Northern Spring Peeper breeds in pools, ditches, and ponds. It is not often seen outside the breeding season when it looks for insects in trees and shrubs, and on the ground.
    
    Pseudacris crucifer has a "rain call" given periodically in the summer and autumn, from trees and shrubs, that is a repeated series of peeps or squeaks that are harsher and more dissonant than its call in the spring, hence the nickname "Autumn Piper".     
    
    
    Family BUFONIDAE: TRUE TOADS
    
    
26. American Toad  (ph)  ______  (LE:33)  in central North Carolina   Size: 2 to 4.5 inches
    Bufo americanus
    
    The American Toad generally breeds in the spring, from April to June. In the South, it breeds earlier.  
    
    
    
    Above & below: American Toads
    (upper photo by Howard Eskin; lower photo by Marie Gardner)
    
    
    
    
    
27. Oak Toad ______ (*)  CNF,NRV  (LE:38)   Size: 0.75 to 1.25 inches
    Bufo quercicus
    
    The Oak Toad is the smallest of the true toads in North America. It is abundant in the southeast US, in oak-pine woodlands and upland pine forest on the coastal plain from Virginia to Louisiana.
    It is commonly seen during the day. During dry periods, it burrows into the ground.  
    
    
28. Southern Toad ______ (*)  CNF,NRV  (LE:34)   Size: 1.75 to 4 inches
    Bufo terrestris
    
    The range of the Southern Toad is on the coastal plain from Virginia to Louisiana. 
    
    
29. Fowler's Toad  (ph)  ______ (*)  ARR,NRV  (LE:36)   Size: 2 to 3.5 inches
    Bufo fowleri  
    
    The Fowler's Toad was a subspecies of the more-westerly Woodhouse's Toad, Bufo woodhousii. 
    
    Bufo fowleri breeds mostly from February through May, but it can be heard in the summer from lakes, ponds, rivers, ditches, and pools.  
    
    The advertisement call of the Fowler's Toad is a buzzy, nasal trill lasting from 1 to 5 seconds. It sounds somewhat like a baby crying.
    
    
    
    Fowler's Toad
    (photo by Howard Eskin)
    
    
    Family PELOBATIDAE:  SPADEFOOTS
    
    
30. Eastern Spadefoot Toad ______ (*)  ARR,CNF,NRV  (LE:39)    Size: 1.75 to 3 inches
    Scaphiopus holbrooki
    
    The Eastern Spadefoot Toad was considered a subspecies of the Hurter's Spadefoot Toad, Scaphiopus hurteri, of Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas.
    
    Scaphiopus holbrooki breeds in temporary pools caused by heavy rains. It calls during the summer.  
    
    
    Family MICROHYLIDAE:  NARROW-MOUTHED TOADS
    
    
31. Eastern Narrowmouth Toad ______ (*)  ARR,CNF,NRV  (LE:41)   Size: 1 to 1.5 inches
    Gastrophryne carolinensis
    
    The Eastern Narrowmouth Toad occurs in a variety of habitats, but in its habits it is secretive.
    It breeds in ponds, lakes, pools, and ditches.
    
    
    SALAMANDERS  
    
    
    Family CRYPTOBRANCHIDAE:  GIANT SALAMANDERS
    
    
32. Eastern Hellbender  ______  (in western North Carolina)  (Length: 12 to 29 inches)
    Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis
    
    
    Family PROTEIDAE:  MUDPUPPY SALAMANDERS
    
    
33. Common Mudpuppy  ______  (local in western North Carolina)  (Length: 8 to 9 inches)
    Necturus maculosus maculosus
    
    
34. Carolina Mudpuppy  ______  (has been called Neuse River Waterdog)  (Length: 6.5 to 11 inches)
    Necturus lewisi
    
    The Carolina Mudpuppy is endemic to North Carolina, in the Neuse and Tar River basins.  
    
    Necturus lewisi is classified as near, or potentially, threatened in North Carolina.  
    
    
35. Dwarf Mudpuppy  ______  (has been called Dwarf Waterdog)  (Length: 4.5 to 7.5 inches)
    Necturus punctatus
    
    
36. Two-toed Amphiuma  ______  NRV  (Length: 18 to 46 inches)
    Amphiuma means
    
    
37. Lesser Siren  ______  (Length: 6 to 15 inches)
    Siren intermedia
    
    
38. Greater Siren  ______  (Length: 20 to 37.5 inches)
    Siren lacertina
    
    Siren lacertina is classified as near, or potentially, threatened in North Carolina.
    
    
    Family AMBYSTOMATIDAE:  MOLE SALAMANDERS
    
    
39. Mabee's Salamander ______ CNF  (northern limit of range north-east NC)  (Length: 3 to 4.5 inches)
    Ambystoma mabeei
    
    
40. Spotted Salamander ______ NRV  (Length: 6 to 10 inches)
    Ambystoma maculatum
    
    
41. Marbled Salamander ______ NRV  (Length: 3.5 to 5 inches)
    Ambystoma opacum
    
    
42. Mole Salamander  ______  (mostly in western North Carolina)  (Length: 3 to 5 inches)
    Ambystoma talpoideum
    
    
43. Eastern Tiger Salamander  ______  (Length: 7 to 11 inches)
    Ambystoma tigrinum tigrinum
    
    
    Family PLETHODONTIDAE:  LUNGLESS SALAMANDERS
    
    
44. Northern Dusky Salamander  ______  (Length: 2.5 to 5.5 inches)
    Desmognathus fuscus fuscus
    
    
45. Southern Dusky Salamander ______ ARR  (Length: 3 to 6.5 inches)
    Desmognathus auriculatus
    
    
46. Santeetiah Dusky Salamander  ______  (in far-western North Carolina)
    Desmognathus santeetiah
    
    
47. Appalachian Seal Salamander  ______  (Length: 3 to 6 inches)
    Desmognathus monticola monticola
    
    
48. Black-bellied Salamander  ______   (in western North Carolina)  (Length: 4 to 8 inches)
    Desmognathus quadramaculatus
    
    
49. Mountain Dusky Salamander  ______  (in western North Carolina)  (Length: nearly 3 to 4.5 inches)
    Desmognathus ochrophaeus
    
    Desmognathus ochrophaeus has an amazing variation in color, markings, body proportions, and size. the variation is individual, ontogenetic, and geographic.
    
    
50. Imatator Salamander  ______  (in far-western North Carolina)
    Desmognathus imitator
    
    Desmognathus imitator is a cryptic species that resembles Desmognathus ochrophaeus in size and general appearance but differs in genetic makeup.
    Many populations of Desmognathus imitator vary markedly in color and pattern and can be distinguished from Desmognathus ochrophaeus only be electrophoretic analysis.
    Presently, only certain populations along the main ridge of the Great Smoky Mountains can be distinguished from Desmognathus ochropheus by their color patterns.
    
    
51. Apalachicola Dusky Salamander  ______
    Desmognathus apalchicolae
    
    
52. Pigmy Salamander  ______  (in western North Carolina)  (Length: 1.5 to 2 inches)
    Desmognathus wrighti
    
    
53. Seepage Salamander  ______  (another name is Cherokee Salamander)  (in far-western North Carolina)  (Length: 1.75 to 2.25 inches)
    Desmognathus aeneus
    
    
54. Shovelnose Salamander  ______  (in western North Carolina)  (Length: 3.5 to 5.5 inches)
    Desmognathus (or Leurognathus) marmoratus
    
    
55. Northern Two-lined Salamander  ______  (Length: 2.5 to 5 inches)
    Eurycea bislineata bislineata
    
    
56. Southern Two-lined Salamander  ______  
    Eurycea cirrigera
    
    
57. Blue Ridge Two-lined Salamander  ______
    Eurycea wilderae
    
    
58. Junaluska Salamander  (t3)  ______  (in far-west North Carolina)  (Species described in 1976)  (Length: 3 to 4 inches)
    Eurycea junaluska
    
    Eurycea juniuska is known only to be in Graham County, North Carolina, and the western tip of the Great Smoky Moutnains Park.
    
    
59. Long-tailed Salamander  ______  (Length: 3.5 to 8 inches)
    Eurycea longicauda longicauda  ______  (locally in western North Carolina)
    Eurycea longicauda guttolineata  Three-lined Salamander ______
    
    
60. Dwarf Salamander  ______  (Length: 2 to 3.5 inches)
    Eurycea quadridigitata
    
    
61. Eastern Red-backed Salamander  ______  (has been called Redback Salamander)  (Length: 2.25 to 5 inches) 
    Plethodon cinereus
    
    
62. Southern Red-backed Salamander  ______  (in far-western North Carolina)  (Length: 2.25 to 5 inches)
    Plethodon serratus
    
    
63. Ravine Salamander  ______  (in western North Carolina)  (Length: 3 to 5.5 inches)
    Plethodon richmondi
    
    
64. Weller's Salamander  ______  (in far-western North Carolina)  (Length: 2.5 to 3 inches)
    Plethodon welleri
    
    
65. Wehrle's Salamander  ______  (local in North Carolina)  (Length: 4 to 6.5 inches)
    Plethodon wehrlei 
    
    
66. Northern Slimy Salamander ______ NRV  (Length: 4.5 to 8 inches)
    Plethodon glutinous glutinsus 
    
    
67. Yonahlossee Salamander  ______  (in western North Carolina)  (Length: 4.5 to 7.5 inches)
    Plethodon yonahlossee
    
    
68. Jordan's Salamander  ______  (in western North Carolina)  (Length: 3.5 to 7 inches)
    Plethodon jordani
    
    
69. Northern Zigzag Salamander  ______  (Length: 2.5 to 4.5 inches)
    Plethodon dorsalis
    
    In North Carolina, Plethodon dorsalis is only known to occur in Henderson County.
    
    It seems as if the known populations of Plethedon dorsalis are relicts of a widespread Pleistocene population.
    
    
70. Four-toed Salamander  ______  (Length: 2 to 3.5 inches)
    Hemidactylium scutatum
    
    
71. Many-lined Salamander  ______  (in eastern North Carolina)  (Length: 2.5 to 4.5 inches)
    Stereochilus marginatus
    
    
72. Green Salamander  ______  (in far-western North Carolina)  (Length: 3 to 5.5 inches)
    Aneides aeneus
    
    
73. Spring Salamander  ______  (Length: nearly 4.5 to 8.5 inches)
    Gyrinophilus porphyriticus danielsi  Blue Ridge Spring Salamander  ______
    Gyrinophilus porphyriticus dunni  Carolina Spring Salamander  ______  
    
    
74. Eastern Mud Salamander ______  (Length: 3 to 7.5 inches)
    Pseudotriton montanus montanus
    
    
75. Red Salamander ______  (Length: 3 to 7 inches)
    Pseudotriton ruber riber  Northern Red Salamander  ______
    Pseudotriton ruber schencki  Blackchin Red Salamander  ______  
    
    
    Family SALAMANIDRIDAE:  NEWTS  
    
    
76. Eastern Newt ______  (Length: 2.5 to 5.5 inches)
    Notophthalmus viridescens virdescens  Red-spotted Newt  ______
    Notophthalmus viridescens dorsalis  Broken-striped Newt  ______
    
    
    Reptiles:
    
    
    ALLIGATOR
    
    
    Family ALLIGATORIDAE
    
    
77. American Alligator  (ph)  ______ (*) ARR  (in eastern North Carolina)  (Length: 6 to 19 feet) 
    Alligator mississippiensis 
    
    The American Alligator is classified as endangered on North Carolina.
    
    
    TURTLES  
    
    
    Family CHELYDRIDAE
    
    
78. Snapping Turtle  (ph)  ______ (*) NRV  (Length: 8 to 18.5 inches)
    Chleydra serpentina
    
    
    
    Snapping Turtle
    (photo by Howard Eskin)
    
    
    Family KINOSTERNIDAE:  MUSK & MUD TURTLES
    
    
79. Eastern Mud Turtle ______ (*) ARR,NRV  (Length: 3 to 5 inches)
    Kinosternum subrubum subrubum
    
    
80. Eastern (or Common) Musk Turtle  ______ (*) NRV  (another name is Stinkpot)  (Length: 3 to 5.5 inches)
    Sternotherus odoratus
    
    
81. Stripeneck Musk Turtle  ______  (in far-western North Carolina)  (Length: 3 to 4.5 inches)
    Sternotherus minor pelifer
    
    
    Family EMYDIDAE:  BOX, POND, and MARSH TURTLES
    
    
82. Eastern Box Turtle  (ph)  ______ (*) ARR,CNF,NRV  (Length: 4.5 to 6.5 inches)
    Terrapene carolina carolina
    
    
    
    Above & below: Eastern Box Turtles
    (upper photo by Howard Eskin; lower photo by Rise Hill)
    In the lower photo, the turtle crossing a road. 
    
    
    
    
    
83. Eastern River Cooter ______ (*) NRV   (Length: 5.5 to 12.5 inches)
    Pseudemys (formerly Chrysemys) concinna
    
    
84. Northern Red-bellied Cooter (ph)  ______  (*)  (has also been called Redbelly Turtle)  (in eastern North Carolina)  (Length: 10 to 16 inches) 
    Pseudemys rubriventris
    
    
    
    Above & below: Northern Red-bellied Cooters  
    (upper photo by Marie Gardner; lower photo by Howard Eskin)
    
    
    
    
    
85. Florida (or Peninsular) Cooter  ______  (Length: 9 to 15.5 inches)
    Pseudemys floridana
    
    
86. Eastern Painted Turtle  (ph)  ______ (*) ARR,NRV  (Length: 4.5 to 7 inches)
    Chrysemys picta picta
    
    
    
    Painted Turtles
    (photo by Howard Eskin)
    
    
87. Yellowbelly (or Pond) Slider  (ph)  ______ (*) NRV  (Length: 5 to 11.5 inches)
    Chrysemys scripta
    
    
    
    The Yellowbelly, or Pond Slider
    (photo by Howard Eskin)
    
    
88. Spotted Turtle ______  NRV  (Length: 3.5 to 5 inches)
    Clemmys guttata
    
    
89. Bog Turtle  ______  (in western North Carolina)  (Length: 3 to 4 inches)
    Clemmys muhlenbergii
    
    
90. Chicken Turtle  ______  (Length: 4 to 10 inches)
    Deirochelys reticularis
    
    
91. Northern Diamondback Terrapin  (ph)  ______ (*) OBX  (in eastern North Carolina)  (Length: 6 to 9 inches)
    Malaclemys terrapin terrapin
    
    
    
    Diamondback Terrapin
    (photo by Howard Eskin)
    
    
    Families DERMOCHELYIDAE and CHELONIIDAE:  SEA TURTLES
    
    An excellent book, filled with good information about Sea Turtles, and interesting reading, is "Voyage of the Turtle - in Pursuit of the Earth's Last Dinosaur", by Carl Safina, published in 2007. 
    
    
92. Leatherback (Sea Turtle)  (t1) (ph)  ______ (*) offshore ocean  (Length: 53 to 70 inches)
    Dermochelys coriacea
    
    The Leatherback Sea Turtle is classified as endangered in North Carolina oceanic waters.  
    
    
93. Loggerhead (Sea Turtle)  (t2) (ph) ______ (*) offshore ocean  (Length: 31 to 47 inches)  
    Caretta caretta
    
    The Loggerhead Sea Turtle nests on a few undisturbed beaches in North Carolina. It is classified as endangered in the state along the seacoast and offshore.   
    
    
    
    Loggerhead Sea Turtle 
    (photographed by Alan Brady 
    during a FONT North Carolina pelagic trip)
    
    
94. Green Turtle  (t2)  ______  (Length: 30 to 60 inches)
    Chelonia mydas
    
    
95. Atlantic Hawksbill  (t1)  ______  (Length: 29.5 to 36 inches)
    Eretmochelys imbricata imbricata
    
    
96. Kemp's Ridley  (t1)  ______  (Another name is Atlantic Ridley)  (Length: 23 to 30 inches)
    Lepidochelys kempii
    
    
    Family TRIONYCHIDAE:  SOFTSHELLS
    
    
97. Spiny Softshell  (ph)  ______  (Length: 5 to 9 inches)
    Apalone (formerly Trionyx) spinifera
    Apalone spinifera spinifera  Eastern Spiny Softshell  ______  
    Apalone spinifera aspera  Gulf Coast Shiny Softshell  ______  
      
    
    
    LIZARDS
    
    
    Family POLYCHRIDAE
      
    
98. Carolina Anole  ______  (*)  CNF,NRV  (also called Green Anole)  (Length: 5 to 8 inches)
    Anolis carolinensis
    
    
    Family PHRYNOSOMATIDAE 
    
    
99. Northern Fence Lizard ______  (*)  CNF,NRV  (Length: 4 to 7.3 inches)
    Scelopus undulatus hyacinthinus
    
    
    Family SCINCIDAE:  SKINKS
    
    
100. Common Five-lined Skink ______ NRV  (Length: 5 to 8 inches)
     Eumeces fasciatus
     
     
101. Southeastern Five-lined Skink ______ NRV  (Length: 5.5 to 8.5 inches)
     Eumeces inexpectatus
     
     
102. Broadhead Skink ______ NRV  (Length: 6.5 to 13 inches)
     Eumeces laticeps
     
     
103. Northern Coal Skink  ______  (Length: 5 to 7 inches)
     Eumeces anthracinus anthracinus
     
     
104. Little Brown Skink ______ NRV  (Another name is Ground Skink)  (Length: 3 to 5 inches)
     Scincella lateralis  (formerly Leiolopisma laterale)
     
     
     Family TEIIDAE
     
     
105. Six-lined Racerunner ______ NRV  (conspecific with the more-westerly Prairie Racerunner)  (Length: 6 to 9.5 inches)
     Cnemidophorus sexlineatus sexlineatus
     
     
     Family ANGUIDAE
     
     
106. Slender Glass Lizard ______  (Length: 22 to 46.5 inches)
     Ophisaurus attenuatus
     
     
107. Eastern Glass Lizard ______ (*) ARR  (Length: 18 to 42 inches)
     Ophisaurus ventralis
     
     
108. Mimic Glass Lizard  ______  
     Ophisaurus mimicus
     
     
     SNAKES
     
     
     Family COLUBRIDAE:  COLUBRID SNAKES
     
     
109. Eastern Worm Snake ______ NRV  (Length: 7.5 to 12.5 inches)
     Carphophis amoenus amoenus
     
     
110. Northern Scarlet Snake ______  (Length: 14 to 26 inches)
     Cemophora coccinea copei
     
     
111. Northern Black Racer ______ (*) ARR,NRV  (Length: 36 to 56 inches)
     Coluber constrictor constrictor
     
     As the English name implies, the Black Racer is a fast-moving snake, but contrary to the scientific name (constrictor), it does not use constriction to subdue its prey.   
     
     
112. Southern Ringneck Snake ______  (Length: 10 to 20 inches)
     Diadophis punctatus punctatus
     
     
113. Corn Snake ______ CNF  (Length: 30 to 72 inches) 
     Elaphe guttata
     
     The Corn Snake can be confused with several other snakes, notably the Milk Snake, the Black Rat Snake, and the Copperhead.
     
     
114. Rat Snake ______ NRV  (Length: 42 to 85 inches)
     Elaphe obseleta
     Elaphe obseleta obseleta  Black Rat Snake  ______
     Elaphe obseleta quadrivitata  Yellow Rat Snake  ______  (in southern North Carolina)
     
     
115. Eastern Mud Snake ______ ARR,CNF,NRV  (Length: 40 to 73 inches)
     Farancia abacura abacura
     
     
116. Rainbow Snake ______ ARR  (Length: 36 to 66 inches)
     Farancia erytrogramma
     
     
117. Eastern Hognose Snake ______ NRV  (nicknames have included "Puff Adder", "Hissing Adder", "Spreading Adder")  (Length: 20 to 47 inches)   
     Heterodon platyrhinos
     
     Heterodon platyrhinos is typically found in sandy habitats, occurring in fields, dunes, and on beaches.
     
     Heterodon platyrhinos has the formidable-sounding nicknames noted above from a behavior that it has of scaring off would-be attackers.
     When disturbed, the Hognose Snake widens its neck to take on a hood-like appearance. It does so by flattening the head and neck, spreading long rib-bones outward. Then, inflating the body with air, hissing and striking out, it suddenly resembles a fearsome-looking creature. But it is harmless, and if awards in various categories were given to snakes, Heterodon platyrhinos would win hands-down for "most dramatic performance".    
     
     
118. Southern Hognose Snake ______ CNF  (the northern limit of its range is in south-central North Carolina)  (Length: 13 to 22 inches)
     Heterodon simus
     
     
119. Mole Kingsnake  ______  (Length: 30 to 46 inches) 
     Lampropeltis calligaster rhombomaculata
     
     
120. Kingsnake  ______  NRV  (Length: 36 to 69 inches)
     Lampropeltis getulus 
     Lampropeltis getulus getulus  Eastern Kingsnake  ______
     Lampropeltis getulus sticticeps  Outer Banks Kingsnake  ______
     
     
121. Scarlet Kingsnake, Eastern Milk Snake ______  (Length: 24 to 45 inches)
     These 2 forms, that appear so different from each other, were long thought to be 2 species, but are actually conspecific. There's a zone of intergradation, with snakes having intermediate characteristics, in northeastern North Carolina.
     Lampropeltis triangulum
     Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum  Eastern Milk Snake  ______  (in western North Carolina)
     Lampropeltis triangulum elapsoides  Scarlet Kingsnake  ______     
     
     
122. Eastern Coachwhip ______ CNF  (Length: 48 to 94 inches)
     Masticophis flagellum flagellum
     
     The Eastern Coachwhip is probably the longest snake in North Carolina. 
     
     
123. Red-bellied Water Snake ______ ARR,NRV  (Length: 30 to 60 inches)
     Nerodia erythrogaster
     
     
124. Banded Water Snake ______ ARR,NRV  (Length: 24 to 55 inches)
     Nerodia fasciata fasciata
     
     
125. Brown Water Snake ______ NRV  (Length: 32 to 64 inches)
     Nerodia taxispilota
     
     
126. Common Water Snake  (ph)  ______  ARR  (Length: 24 to 50 inches)
     Nerodia sipedon pleuralis  Midland Water Snake  ______
     
     The Common Water Snake is a common resident of swamps, marshes, bogs, streams, and pond and lake borders.
     Quiet waters are preferred, but it can occur by swift-flowing streams and in the environs of waterfalls. It can be in any of these wet places where it has not been exterminated by people or pollution.  
     
     
127. Florida Green Water Snake  ______
     Nerodia floridana
     
     
128. Rough Green Snake ______  NRV  (Length: 22 to 36 inches)
     Opheodrys aestivus 
     
     
129. Glossy Crayfish Snake ______  (Length: 14 to 30.5 inches)
     Regina rigida
     
     
130. Queen Snake  ______  (in western North Carolina)  (Length: 15 to 34 inches)
     Regina (formerly Natrix) septemvittata
     
     Regina septemvittata is rarely found far from the water's edge. Its principal food has been said to be crayfish that have already molted.
     
     
131. Pine Woods Snake ______ CNF  (Length: 10 to 15 inches)
     Rhadinaea flavilata
     
     
132. Black Swamp Snake ______ ARR  (Length: 10 to 19 inches)
     Seminatrix pygaea
     
     
133. Northern Brown Snake ______ NRV  (Length: 9 to 18 inches)
     Storeia dekayi dekayi
     
     
134. Red-bellied Snake ______  (Length: 6.5 to 12 inches)
     Storeria occipitomaculata
     
     
135. Southestern Crowned Snake ______ CNF  (Length: 8 to 12 inches)
     Tantilla coronata
     
     
136. Eastern Garter Snake  (ph)  ______ NRV  (Length: 18 to 42 inches)
     Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis
     
     
     
     
     
     Two photographs of the Eastern Garter Snake
     (above photo by Doris Potter; lower photo by Howard Eskin)
     
     
137. Eastern Ribbon Snake ______ NRV  (Length: 18 to 38 inches)
     Thamnophis sauritus sauritus
     
     
138. Rough Earth Snake ______  (Length: 7 to 12.5 inches)
     Virginia striatula
     
     
139. Smooth Earth Snake ______  (Length: 7 to 13 inches)
     Virginia valeriae
     
     
     Family ELAPIDAE
     
     
140. Eastern Coral Snake  ______  (venomous)  (in southern North Carolina)
     Micrurus fulvius fulvius
     
     
     Family VIPERIDAE
     
     
141. Copperhead  ______  ARR,CNF,NRV  (venomous)  (Length: 24 to 45 inches)
     Agkistrodon contortrix
     Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen  Northern Copperhead  ______ 
     Agkistrodon contortrix contortrix  Southern Copperhead  ______
     
     Intergrades of the Northern and Southern Copperheads are often lighter-colored (sometimes pinkish) and have narrower crossbands, thus causing some confusion with some nonvenomous snakes with boldly-patterned backs such as the Corn Snake, Eastern Hognose Snake, and Milk Snake,  
     
     
142. Eastern Cottonmouth  (ph)  ______ (*) ARR,CNF,NRV  (venomous)  (Length: 30 to 71 inches)
     Agkistrodon piscivorus piscivorus
     
     
     
     Eastern Cottonmouth
     (photo courtesy of Michael Christopher)
     
     
143. Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake  ______  (venomous)  (Length: 42 to 78 inches)
     Crotalus adamanteus
     
     The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is classified as endangered in North Carolina.  
     
     
144. Timber Rattlesnake  (ph)  ______  (venomous)  (Length: 36 to 72 inches)
     Crotalus horridus
     
     In the Carolinas, Crotalus horridus is called the "Canebrake Rattlesnake".
     
     
     
     Timber Rattlesnake
     (photo by Fred Lesser)
     
     
145. Carolina Pygmy Rattlesnake ______ CNF  (venonmous)  (Length:15 to 26 inches)
     Sistrurus miliarius miliarius