Reviews
The breadth of herpetofauna in the area will surprise many readers: more than 8% of the world’s salamanders and 11% of all turtle species live in the region. Beyond numbers, however, lie aesthetics. The surprising colors and fascinating lifestyles of the reptile and amphibian species in this book will mesmerize readers young and old.
While most field guides are organized by species, this book is more than a field guide; it places the animals in the context of their environment.
... — go find Al’s book. It is a real gem, full of great insights and huge fun to read.
Recommended. All readers.
The Snake and the Salamander clearly reflects the author’s extensive knowledge and love of our natural world. Readers will be illuminated by its tales and lessons, and should strongly consider adding this book to their libraries.
The Snake and the Salamander is full of engaging, fascinating facts presented in the context of habitat, science, and history... it inspires people to fall in love with reptiles and amphibians, to learn about how and where they live—and to protect them.
I recommend it to anyone who loves herpetological art and natural history. The book would be especially appropriate as a gift to family members and friends who appreciate nature.
I can’t think of a writer and an illustrator who have done a better job than Breisch and Patterson have in giving us frogs, toads, salamanders, snakes, turtles, and lizards in all their diversity and fascination.
The Snake and the Salamander offers an alternative to the standard field guide and allows Breisch to share a career’s worth of learning and observations on the amphibians and reptiles of the Northeast USA... The Snake and the Salamander will provide insights into the lives of these often-cryptic animals for members of the public who are interested in biodiversity and will encourage the interest of developing, young herpetologists.
This volume is a joy to read and a feast for the eyes.
Book Details
Preface
Introduction
Chapter 1: Northeastern Deciduous Forests
Timber Rattlesnake
Eastern Red-backed Salamander
Northern Slimy Salamander
Wehrle's Salamander
Yonahlossee Salamander
Green Salamander
Northern
Preface
Introduction
Chapter 1: Northeastern Deciduous Forests
Timber Rattlesnake
Eastern Red-backed Salamander
Northern Slimy Salamander
Wehrle's Salamander
Yonahlossee Salamander
Green Salamander
Northern Coal Skink
Northern Rough Greensnake
Ring-necked Snake
Northern Red-bellied Snake
Northern Copperhead
Chapter 2: Dry Pine Woodlands
Fowler's Toad
Eastern Box Turtle
Common Five-lined Skink
Broad-headed Skink
Eastern Fence Lizard
Little Brown Skink
Northern Scarletsnake
Red Cornsnake
Eastern Hog-nosed Snake
Chapter 3: Northeastern Grasslands
Northern Leopard Frog
Eastern Wormsnake
Northern Black Racer
Eastern Ratsnake
Eastern Milksnake
Smooth Greensnake
Northern Brownsnake
Short-headed Gartersnake
Common Gartersnake
Smooth Earthsnake
Chapter 4: Wicked Big Puddles
Blue-spotted Salamander
Jefferson Salamander
Spotted Salamander
Marbled Salamander
American Toad
Gray Treefrog
Wood Frog
Spring Peeper
Upland Chorus Frog
Eastern Spadefoot
Chapter 5: Bogs
Four-toed Salamander
Northern Red Salamander
Pickerel Frog
Western Chorus Frog
Spotted Turtle
Bog Turtle
Eastern Massasauga
Eastern Ribbonsnake
Chapter 6: Headwaters
Northern Dusky Salamander
Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamander
Northern Two-lined Salamander
Eastern Long-tailed Salamander
Spring Salamander
Mud Salamander
Queensnake
Chapter 7: Small Waters
Red-spotted Newt
Eastern Cricket Frog
American Bullfrog
Green Frog
Mink Frog
Snapping Turtle
Painted Turtle
Blanding's Turtle
Yellow-bellied Slider
Common Rainbow Snake
Northern Watersnake
Chapter 8: Big Waters
Eastern Hellbender
Common Mudpuppy
Eastern Spiny Softshell
Wood Turtle
Northern Map Turtle
Northern Red-bellied Cooter
Eastern Musk Turtle
Chapter 9: Coastal Plains
Northern Pinesnake
Eastern Tiger Salamander
Many-lined Salamander
Pine Barrens Treefrog
Green Treefrog
Southern Leopard Frog
Carpenter Frog
Eastern Mud Turtle
Northern Diamond-backed Terrapin
Eastern Kingsnake
Suggested References
Appendices
Appendix A. Habitats utilized by species of frogs
Appendix B. Habitats utilized by species of salamanders
Appendix C. Habitats utilized by species of turtles
Appendix D. Habitats utilized by species of lizards
Appendix E. Habitats utilized by species of snakes
Index