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What are herps?
Herpetology is the study of amphibians and reptiles. The word "herpetology" comes from the Greek word herpeton, which means "creeping thing."1 While reptiles and amphibians both can be described as creatures who usually "creep" along the ground, these two groups are very different, including in structure, development, and natural history.
Class Amphibia includes three orders: Anura (frogs and toads), Caudata (salamanders), and Gymnophiona (caecilians). 2
Class Reptilia includes four orders: Crocodilia (crocodiles, alligators, gharials, and caimans), Sphenodontia (tuataras), Squamata (lizards, snakes, and "worm-lizards"), and Testudines (turtles and tortoises). 3
Why are amphibians and reptiles important?
Podcast! A discussion about the importance of herps with guest Clinton Dexter-Nienhaus, Friends of Sax-Zim Bog Head Naturalist!
FINDING
AMPHIBIANS
AND REPTILES
Infographic above was created from interview with Jeff LeClere, Reptile and Amphibian Specialist with the Minnesota DNR, about where to find herps !
REPORTING OBSERVATIONS
OF AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES
Video of how to upload observations on iNaturalist
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Contribute your own amphibian and/or reptile observations to this iNaturalist project!
References
References
1 Schneider, R.L., Krasny, M.E., & Morreale, S.J. (2002). Hands-On Herpetology: Exploring Ecology and Conservation. NSTA Press.
2 AmphibiaWeb. 2022. <https://amphibiaweb.org> University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA. Accessed April 29, 2022.
3 ReptileKnowledge. 2022. <http://www.reptileknowledge.com/reptiles.php> Accessed April 29, 2022.
All photos on this webpage taken by Brian M. Scott
This webpage was created by Brian Scott for Miami University's Project Dragonfly Bio 632 course, Biology in the Age of Technology. Please email Brian at scottbm2@miamioh.edu with any questions, comments, or concerns.
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