Includes glossary. Includes bibliographical references (pages 605-690) and index.
Contents:
Species Accounts: Order Anura (Frogs) : Family Pipidae - History of Florida Herpetology -- Taxonomy -- Environmental Setting -- Status of Species -- Survey and Research Methods -- Source of Locality Records -- Explanation of Species Accounts -- Class Amphibia : Species Accounts: Order Caudata (Salamanders) : Family Ambystomatidae (Mole Salamanders) - Family Amphiumidae (Amphiumas) -- Family Plethodontidae (Lungless Salamanders) -- Family Proteidae (Mudpuppies or Waterdogs) -- Family Salamandridae (Newts) -- Family Sirenidae (Sirens) -- Species Accounts: Order Anura (Frogs) : Family Bufonidae (True Toads) -- Family Eleutherodactylidae (Rainfrogs or Robber Frogs) -- Family Hylidae (Treefrogs) -- Family Microhylidae (Narrow-mouthed Frogs) -- Family Ranidae (True Frogs) -- Family Scaphiopidae (North American Spadefoots) -- Family Pipidae - Family Crocodylidae (Crocodiles) - Species Accounts: Order Crocodylia : Family Cheloniidae (Hard-shelled Sea Turtles) -- Family Dermochelyidae (Leatherback Sea Turtle) -- Family Chelydridae (Snapping Turtles) -- Family Emydidae (Box and Water Turtles) -- Family Kinosternidae (Mud and Musk Turtles) -- Family Testudinidae (Tortoises) -- Family Trionychidae (Softshells) -- Species Accounts: Order Crocodylia : Family Alligatoridae (Alligators and Caimans) -- Family Crocodylidae (Crocodiles) - Species Accounts: Order Squamata, Suborder Sauria or Lacertilia (Lizards) : Family Rhineuridae (Wide-snouted Wormlizards) - Family Gekkonidae (True Geckos) -- Family Phyllodactylidae (Leaf-toed Geckos) -- Family Sphaerodactylidae (Dwarf Geckos) -- Family Agamidae (Agamas) -- Family Chamaeleonidae (Chameleons) -- Family Corytophanidae (Casque-headed Lizards) -- Family Dactyloidae (Anoles) -- Family Iguanidae (Iguanas) -- Family Leiocephalidae (Curly-tailed Lizards) -- Family Phrynosomatidae (Spiny and Horned Lizards) -- Family Mabuyidae (Sun Skinks) -- Family Scincidae (Typical Skinks) -- Family Sphenomorphidae (Forest Skinks) -- Family Teiidae (Ameivas, Whiptails, and Tegus) -- Family Varanidae (Monitors) -- Family Rhineuridae (Wide-snouted Wormlizards) - Potential or Problematic Species. Family Viperidae (Vipers) -- Family Typhlopidae (Blindsnakes) -- Family Boidae (Boas) -- Family Pythonidae (Pythons) -- Family Colubridae (Harmless Egg-laying Snakes) -- Family Dipsadidae (Rear-fanged Snakes) -- Family Natricidae (Harmless Live-bearing Snakes) -- Family Elapidae (Coralsnakes) -- Family Viperidae (Vipers) -- Potential or Problematic Species.
Summary:
"Florida is home to a more diverse variety of amphibians and reptiles than any other state due to its wide array of ecosystems--from pine forests to the subtropical Everglades to the tropical Keys--and its large number of established nonnative species. This volume is a comprehensive account of the 219 species known to exist in the state. Chapters are organized into families and species of salamanders, frogs, turtles, crocodilians, lizards, and snakes, including both native and nonindigenous species. A final chapter addresses nonnative species not proven to be established in the state. Each species is presented with one or more color photographs, an up-to-date distribution map, and detailed information about its appearance, current taxonomy, geographic distribution and habitat, reproduction and development, diet, behavior, and conservation status. Many of the photographs highlight the differences between sexes, between juveniles and adults, and between larval stages. This volume also includes a thorough discussion of the environmental impacts that are threatening the herpetofauna of the state. As parts of Florida are experiencing degradation of natural habitats at record rates, particularly large urban areas such as the southeastern Atlantic Coast, species that cannot adapt will disappear. This volume will be a touchstone for future efforts to study and protect the extraordinary biodiversity of Florida's native amphibians and reptiles." - -UF Press.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.