unit iii reptiles and turtles information. introduction to snakes class reptilia, order squamata...

Unit III Reptiles and Turtles Unit III Reptiles and Turtles InformationInformation

Introduction to SnakesIntroduction to Snakes

Class Reptilia, Order SquamataClass Reptilia, Order Squamata 38 species of snakes in Kansas38 species of snakes in Kansas Only 4 are venomous: Copperhead, Only 4 are venomous: Copperhead,

Timber Rattlesnake, Western (Prairie) Timber Rattlesnake, Western (Prairie) Rattlesnake, MassasaugaRattlesnake, Massasauga

The venomous snakes we have are pit The venomous snakes we have are pit vipers, meaning they have heat-sensing vipers, meaning they have heat-sensing pits between their nostrils and mouth, and pits between their nostrils and mouth, and they are like infra-red detectors.they are like infra-red detectors.

Snakes, cont.Snakes, cont.

Many snakes are quite beneficial because they Many snakes are quite beneficial because they keep rodent populations down. This is keep rodent populations down. This is important for us because not only do rodents important for us because not only do rodents eat our crops, but since we and they are eat our crops, but since we and they are mammals, we share many diseases, so we mammals, we share many diseases, so we don’t want to live with rodents in our don’t want to live with rodents in our environments.environments.

Snakes are very fragile—they are ribs all the Snakes are very fragile—they are ribs all the way down and can be hurt very easily.way down and can be hurt very easily.

No reason to kill them! They are very beneficial No reason to kill them! They are very beneficial to us, and only the venomous ones need to be to us, and only the venomous ones need to be carefully relocated by an expert handler.carefully relocated by an expert handler.


Many die on roadways by cars and Many die on roadways by cars and the summertime heat can burn them.the summertime heat can burn them.

Human are main predator because Human are main predator because of ignorance.of ignorance.

Many birds of prey eat snakes, some Many birds of prey eat snakes, some turtles and mammals like raccoons turtles and mammals like raccoons and skunks will also eat them.and skunks will also eat them.


Snakes are either constrictors, bite and grab, Snakes are either constrictors, bite and grab, or venomous. This describes the way they or venomous. This describes the way they eat:eat: Constrictors tighten around their prey so that their Constrictors tighten around their prey so that their

prey cannot draw a full breath of air (ribs expand prey cannot draw a full breath of air (ribs expand when you breathe), and they eventually suffocate.when you breathe), and they eventually suffocate.

Bite and grab snakes simply swallow their prey Bite and grab snakes simply swallow their prey whole and alive.whole and alive.

Venomous snakes inject venom that actually begins Venomous snakes inject venom that actually begins the digestive process, and by doing so, kills the the digestive process, and by doing so, kills the prey. They can track their prey by using the heat-prey. They can track their prey by using the heat-sensing pits and find them after they have sensing pits and find them after they have stumbled off to die. They usually don’t get very far.stumbled off to die. They usually don’t get very far.


Snakes have an excellent sense of smell. Snakes have an excellent sense of smell. They used a forked tongue (greater surface They used a forked tongue (greater surface area) and a special organ called a area) and a special organ called a Jacobson’s organ, which they insert their Jacobson’s organ, which they insert their tongue into at the roof of their mouth and tongue into at the roof of their mouth and “taste” the air. It is kind of a combination of “taste” the air. It is kind of a combination of smelling and tasting.smelling and tasting.

Snakes typically have poor eyesight. They Snakes typically have poor eyesight. They usually detect movement rather than seeing usually detect movement rather than seeing the clear animal.the clear animal.

Snakes have either keeled (rough) or Snakes have either keeled (rough) or smooth scales.smooth scales.


Most are active in spring and fall. They hibernate Most are active in spring and fall. They hibernate in winter underground or in rock crevices, and they in winter underground or in rock crevices, and they aestivate in summer (this is like hibernation but aestivate in summer (this is like hibernation but not as prolonged—if it is a nice day, they will be not as prolonged—if it is a nice day, they will be out and about).out and about).

Snakes mostly lay eggs, but some give “live” birth, Snakes mostly lay eggs, but some give “live” birth, where they retain the eggs inside and the babies where they retain the eggs inside and the babies emerge from the mother.emerge from the mother.

Snakes have weak jaw muscles. If you get bitten Snakes have weak jaw muscles. If you get bitten by a non-venomous snake, they basically open by a non-venomous snake, they basically open their mouth and hit you with their teeth. The their mouth and hit you with their teeth. The bigger the snake, the bigger their teeth, so it hurts bigger the snake, the bigger their teeth, so it hurts more, but not like getting bitten by a mammal with more, but not like getting bitten by a mammal with strong jaw muscles.strong jaw muscles.


Snakes can unhinge their jaws to swallow prey items Snakes can unhinge their jaws to swallow prey items larger than themselves.larger than themselves.

Snakes are ectothermic, meaning “cold-blooded”. Snakes are ectothermic, meaning “cold-blooded”. Their body temperature same as the environment, Their body temperature same as the environment, they must regulate their temperature by either they must regulate their temperature by either basking in the sun to warm up or by going basking in the sun to warm up or by going underground to cool off.underground to cool off.

Snakes shed their skin periodically—timing not based Snakes shed their skin periodically—timing not based on anything, they shed the outer layer as they grow. on anything, they shed the outer layer as they grow. They shed more often when more food is available They shed more often when more food is available and they grow faster.and they grow faster.

Snakes lay an amniote egg, it has the embryo inside Snakes lay an amniote egg, it has the embryo inside with a yolk sac for food, various membranes to protect with a yolk sac for food, various membranes to protect the growing embryo. They have a leathery-like shell.the growing embryo. They have a leathery-like shell.


How to identify snakes:How to identify snakes: Observe the scales: they will either be Observe the scales: they will either be

smooth or “keeled”, where there is a smooth or “keeled”, where there is a ridge that runs down the middle.ridge that runs down the middle.

Most field guides are arranged by the Most field guides are arranged by the pattern you see on snakes.pattern you see on snakes.

Solid colors, blotchy pattern, or stripesSolid colors, blotchy pattern, or stripes

Venomous snakes in KansasVenomous snakes in Kansas As mentioned, we have four As mentioned, we have four

species of venomous snakes in species of venomous snakes in Kansas:Kansas: Copperhead—eastern 1/3 of Copperhead—eastern 1/3 of

KS (pictured in the slide show)KS (pictured in the slide show) Timber Rattlesnake—eastern Timber Rattlesnake—eastern

1/3 of KS (pictured below and 1/3 of KS (pictured below and in the slide show)in the slide show)

Western (Prairie) RattlesnakeWestern (Prairie) Rattlesnake—western ½ of KS —western ½ of KS

Massasauga—eastern 2/3 of Massasauga—eastern 2/3 of KSKS

Venomous snakes in KansasVenomous snakes in Kansas

The only place that Cottonmouth snakes have ever The only place that Cottonmouth snakes have ever naturally occurred in Kansas is the Spring River in naturally occurred in Kansas is the Spring River in eastern Cherokee County (extreme southeast eastern Cherokee County (extreme southeast corner of Kansas). This area is part of the Ozark corner of Kansas). This area is part of the Ozark Plateau. Cottonmouths are common in the Ozarks.Plateau. Cottonmouths are common in the Ozarks.

Western Diamondbacks have been introduced for Western Diamondbacks have been introduced for rattleshake round-ups, however they do not rattleshake round-ups, however they do not survive here.survive here.

All venomous snakes in the U.S. (except coral All venomous snakes in the U.S. (except coral snakes) have a triangular-shaped head. This is snakes) have a triangular-shaped head. This is because they have large venom glands located at because they have large venom glands located at the back of their heads that make their heads so the back of their heads that make their heads so much wider than their neck. much wider than their neck.

Copperhead, venomousCopperhead, venomous

Copperhead, Copperhead, venomousvenomous

Family Crotalidae, the pit vipersFamily Crotalidae, the pit vipers 22-36” in length.22-36” in length. These are pit vipers, and have infrared, heat-sensing pits These are pit vipers, and have infrared, heat-sensing pits

between their nostrils and their mouth. They sense the between their nostrils and their mouth. They sense the warmth of their prey extremely efficiently.warmth of their prey extremely efficiently.

Very common in the eastern 1/3 of Kansas, but very Very common in the eastern 1/3 of Kansas, but very secretive, docile snake.secretive, docile snake.

Most bites are from stepping on one or harassing one.Most bites are from stepping on one or harassing one. Venom is a neurotoxin. Affects the local area of the bite. Venom is a neurotoxin. Affects the local area of the bite.

No deaths have been reported in Kansas from being bitten, No deaths have been reported in Kansas from being bitten, but it does require going to the hospital and it involves but it does require going to the hospital and it involves incredible pain.incredible pain.

Eats insects (especially cicadas), frogs, lizards, small birds, Eats insects (especially cicadas), frogs, lizards, small birds, and other snakes.and other snakes.

Timber Rattlesnake, Timber Rattlesnake, venomousvenomous

Timber Rattlesnake, Timber Rattlesnake, venomousvenomous

Family Crotalidae, the pit vipers.Family Crotalidae, the pit vipers. 36-60” in length.36-60” in length. They also are pit vipers and have infrared, heat-sensing pits They also are pit vipers and have infrared, heat-sensing pits

between their nostrils and their mouth. They sense the between their nostrils and their mouth. They sense the warmth of their prey extremely efficiently.warmth of their prey extremely efficiently.

Threatened species in Kansas, although probably never Threatened species in Kansas, although probably never very numerous. Occurs in roughly the eastern 1/3 of very numerous. Occurs in roughly the eastern 1/3 of Kansas.Kansas.

Highly venomous. Has a hemotoxin—whole body responds Highly venomous. Has a hemotoxin—whole body responds to venom. Very dangerous.to venom. Very dangerous.

Will usually warn first by rattling its tail.Will usually warn first by rattling its tail. Lives on south-facing rocky slopes and ravines, but also Lives on south-facing rocky slopes and ravines, but also

found at woodland edge.found at woodland edge. Eats primarily rodents.Eats primarily rodents.

Prairie Rattlesnake, Prairie Rattlesnake, venomousvenomous

Prairie Rattlesnake, Prairie Rattlesnake, venomousvenomous

Family Crotalidae, the pit vipers.Family Crotalidae, the pit vipers. 35-40” in length.35-40” in length. They also are pit vipers and have infrared, heat-They also are pit vipers and have infrared, heat-

sensing pits between their nostrils and their mouth. sensing pits between their nostrils and their mouth. They sense the warmth of their prey extremely They sense the warmth of their prey extremely efficiently.efficiently.

35-45” in length.35-45” in length. Lives in western half of Kansas.Lives in western half of Kansas. Active from April to October.Active from April to October. Unlike the Timber Rattlesnake, is quite aggressive Unlike the Timber Rattlesnake, is quite aggressive

and has a nasty disposition. It invariably rattles when and has a nasty disposition. It invariably rattles when approached too closely, and should be avoided. approached too closely, and should be avoided.

Eats rats, mice, gophers, and young prairie dogs.Eats rats, mice, gophers, and young prairie dogs.

Black Rat SnakeBlack Rat Snake

Black Rat SnakeBlack Rat Snake

Juvenile black rat snakes have a distinct pattern that they lose as adults.

Black Rat Snake Black Rat Snake (Western Rat Snake)(Western Rat Snake)

Family Colubridae, harmless egg-laying Family Colubridae, harmless egg-laying snakes.snakes.

42-72” in length.42-72” in length. Able to digest feathers; most snakes cannot.Able to digest feathers; most snakes cannot. Patterned when young, solid black with Patterned when young, solid black with

whitish belly as adult.whitish belly as adult. The black rat snake is a good tree climber and The black rat snake is a good tree climber and

will eat birds and bird eggs, and also eats will eat birds and bird eggs, and also eats rodents. rodents.

Yellow-bellied RacerYellow-bellied Racer

Yellow-bellied RacerYellow-bellied Racer

Juvenile Yellow-bellied Racers have a distinct pattern that they lose as adults.

Yellow-bellied Racer Yellow-bellied Racer (Eastern Racer)(Eastern Racer)

Family Colubridae , harmless egg-laying Family Colubridae , harmless egg-laying snakes.snakes.

23-50” in length.23-50” in length. ConstrictorConstrictor One of the fastest snakes in Kansas.One of the fastest snakes in Kansas. Will thrash about before disappearing into the Will thrash about before disappearing into the

brush.brush. Folk tale that it will “chase” you, but it Folk tale that it will “chase” you, but it

doesn’t actually chase you.doesn’t actually chase you. Difficult to catch because they are so fast.Difficult to catch because they are so fast. Eats any small animal that moves.Eats any small animal that moves.

Northern WatersnakeNorthern Watersnake

Northern Watersnake

Above is a juvenile, to the left is an adult. Notice the pattern is very evident on the juvenile and faded on the adult.

Northern WatersnakeNorthern Watersnake

Family Natricidae, harmless live-bearing snakes.Family Natricidae, harmless live-bearing snakes. 22-42” in length.22-42” in length. Very often mistaken for a copperhead or Very often mistaken for a copperhead or

sometimes a cottonmouth (we don’t have sometimes a cottonmouth (we don’t have cottonmouths in Kansas!).cottonmouths in Kansas!).

Lives in and around water. Bites aggressivelyLives in and around water. Bites aggressively Has anticoagulant in saliva so you bleed a bit Has anticoagulant in saliva so you bleed a bit

from the bites.from the bites. Active in colder weather than most snakes, as Active in colder weather than most snakes, as

cold as 47 degrees. cold as 47 degrees. Mainly eats fish, but also frogs and toads.Mainly eats fish, but also frogs and toads.

Rough Green SnakeRough Green Snake

Rough Green SnakeRough Green Snake

Family: Colubridae, harmless egg-Family: Colubridae, harmless egg-laying snakes.laying snakes.

22-32” in length.22-32” in length. Slender, graceful snake lives in trees Slender, graceful snake lives in trees

and shrubs, usually near water.and shrubs, usually near water. Found in roughly eastern 1/3 of Found in roughly eastern 1/3 of

Kansas.Kansas. Eats insects and spiders.Eats insects and spiders.

Red-sided Garter SnakeRed-sided Garter Snake

Red-sided Garter SnakeRed-sided Garter Snake(Common Garter Snake)(Common Garter Snake)

Family Natricidae, harmless live-bearing Family Natricidae, harmless live-bearing snakes.snakes.

16-28” in length.16-28” in length. Extremely common in E. Kansas, and often Extremely common in E. Kansas, and often

found near water. Live birthfound near water. Live birth Females much larger than males. Several Females much larger than males. Several

males will follow scent of female for mating. males will follow scent of female for mating. Eats mainly fish and frogs.Eats mainly fish and frogs.

Prairie KingsnakePrairie Kingsnake

Prairie KingsnakePrairie Kingsnake

Family Colubridae , harmless egg-laying Family Colubridae , harmless egg-laying snakes. snakes.

30-42” in length.30-42” in length. Like all kingsnakes, they are immune to Like all kingsnakes, they are immune to

venom.venom. Similar to great plains rat snake, but smaller Similar to great plains rat snake, but smaller

head, smaller eyes, and has a darker triangle head, smaller eyes, and has a darker triangle mark on top of head. mark on top of head.

Eats primarily small mammals, small snakes Eats primarily small mammals, small snakes and lizards. They will eat other snakes, and lizards. They will eat other snakes, including venomous snakes.including venomous snakes.

Milk SnakeMilk Snake


Note the vibrating tail. Many Note the vibrating tail. Many snake species will vibrate their snake species will vibrate their tails when feeling threatened.tails when feeling threatened.

Note the vibrating tail. Many Note the vibrating tail. Many snake species will vibrate their snake species will vibrate their tails when feeling threatened.tails when feeling threatened.



16-28” in length.16-28” in length. A type of kingsnakeA type of kingsnake SINC species in Kansas—Species In Need of SINC species in Kansas—Species In Need of

Conservation. One step below Threatened Conservation. One step below Threatened speciesspecies

Is not venomous, but mimics the highly Is not venomous, but mimics the highly venomous coral snake, so it is protected venomous coral snake, so it is protected simply by looking like something dangerous.simply by looking like something dangerous.

Eats small lizards, snakes and newborn mice.Eats small lizards, snakes and newborn mice.

Common KingsnakeCommon Kingsnake

Common KingsnakeCommon Kingsnake


36-48” in length.36-48” in length. Also called a speckled kingsnake.Also called a speckled kingsnake. Found throughout Kansas, in moist areas Found throughout Kansas, in moist areas

such as woodland edge, low prairies, rocky such as woodland edge, low prairies, rocky hillsides with trees.hillsides with trees.

Eats rodents, small birds, eggs and lizards Eats rodents, small birds, eggs and lizards and snakes.and snakes.

BullsnakeBullsnake

BullsnakeBullsnake

Family Colubridae , harmless egg-laying snakes.Family Colubridae , harmless egg-laying snakes. 37-72” in length.37-72” in length. Largest snake in KansasLargest snake in Kansas Can get up to 9 feet long, but commonly around 5-Can get up to 9 feet long, but commonly around 5-

6 feet long.6 feet long. Often found in grazed prairie with shorter grasses.Often found in grazed prairie with shorter grasses. Thick bodied snake, often when threatened it lets Thick bodied snake, often when threatened it lets

out a long, loud hiss that sounds similar to a out a long, loud hiss that sounds similar to a rattlesnake rattle.rattlesnake rattle.

One of the most beneficial snakes around due to One of the most beneficial snakes around due to the large amount of rodents that it eats.the large amount of rodents that it eats.

Lined SnakeLined Snake

Lined SnakeLined Snake

Family Natricidae, harmless live-Family Natricidae, harmless live-bearing snakes.bearing snakes.

9-15” in length.9-15” in length. Lives in about the eastern ¾ of Lives in about the eastern ¾ of

Kansas, in hillside prairies and Kansas, in hillside prairies and woodland edge, and in towns beneath woodland edge, and in towns beneath debris.debris.

Feeds exclusively on earthworms.Feeds exclusively on earthworms.

Ringneck SnakeRingneck Snake

Ringneck SnakeRingneck Snake

Family Dipsadidae, slender rear-fanged Family Dipsadidae, slender rear-fanged snakes.snakes.

10-15” in length.10-15” in length. Curls tail up to show colorful underside as Curls tail up to show colorful underside as

a defense posturea defense posture Very common under rocks and fallen logs, Very common under rocks and fallen logs,

especially in wooded areas.especially in wooded areas. Eats insects and worms, extremely hard to Eats insects and worms, extremely hard to

keep in captivity because it eats food too keep in captivity because it eats food too small for people to catch and keep.small for people to catch and keep.

Texas Brown SnakeTexas Brown Snake

Texas Brown SnakeTexas Brown Snake(Brown Snake)(Brown Snake)

Family Natricidae, harmless live-bearing Family Natricidae, harmless live-bearing snakes.snakes.

9-13” in length.9-13” in length. Lives in moist woodlands and woodland edge Lives in moist woodlands and woodland edge

(like ringnecks)(like ringnecks) Eats only native earthworms—not the Eats only native earthworms—not the

European kind found in yards and bait shops European kind found in yards and bait shops (yes, there is a difference).(yes, there is a difference). Non-native worms have very, very small “hairs” on Non-native worms have very, very small “hairs” on

them called setae so these snakes won’t eat them.them called setae so these snakes won’t eat them.

Western Western Hognose Hognose

SnakeSnake

Western Hognose SnakeWestern Hognose Snake

Western Hognose SnakeWestern Hognose Snake

Family Xenodontidae, robust rear-fanged snakes.Family Xenodontidae, robust rear-fanged snakes. 15-25” in length.15-25” in length. Western Hognose found throughout western 2/3 Western Hognose found throughout western 2/3

of the state. Eastern Hognose rarer, but found of the state. Eastern Hognose rarer, but found throughout most of the state.throughout most of the state.

Both are protected—Threatened speciesBoth are protected—Threatened species Plays dead when predators mess with them: they Plays dead when predators mess with them: they

flatten out their heads, roll onto their backs, musk flatten out their heads, roll onto their backs, musk and can even pop blood vessels in their mouths and can even pop blood vessels in their mouths to “bleed” so they look very dead.to “bleed” so they look very dead.

Eastern Hognose eats primarily toads, while the Eastern Hognose eats primarily toads, while the Western Hognose eats mostly rodents.Western Hognose eats mostly rodents.

Western Worm SnakeWestern Worm Snake

Western Western Worm Worm SnakeSnake

Western Worm SnakeWestern Worm Snake

Family Xenodontidae, robust rear-fanged Family Xenodontidae, robust rear-fanged snakes.snakes.

7.5-11” in length.7.5-11” in length. Lives in eastern 1/3 of Kansas.Lives in eastern 1/3 of Kansas. Found beneath limestone rocks or in the Found beneath limestone rocks or in the

loose, damp soil of wooded or partly loose, damp soil of wooded or partly wooded hillsides.wooded hillsides.

Mates during April and May.Mates during April and May. Eats earthworms, almost exclusively.Eats earthworms, almost exclusively.

Great Plains Rat Great Plains Rat SnakeSnake

Great Plains Rat SnakeGreat Plains Rat Snake


24-48” in length.24-48” in length. Lives throughout most of Kansas.Lives throughout most of Kansas. Primarily nocturnal, prowling for food; Primarily nocturnal, prowling for food;

during the day remains hidden beneath during the day remains hidden beneath rocks or in caves and crevices.rocks or in caves and crevices.

Eats small rodents and birds. Eats bats Eats small rodents and birds. Eats bats in areas where caves are near.in areas where caves are near.

CoachwhipCoachwhip

CoachwhipCoachwhip


27-36” in length.27-36” in length. Lives throughout southwest Kansas and a Lives throughout southwest Kansas and a

few places in northwest Kansas.few places in northwest Kansas. Found in open grassland, pasture, and Found in open grassland, pasture, and

prairie areas in summer and rocky hillsides prairie areas in summer and rocky hillsides in summer and fall.in summer and fall.

Mates in May.Mates in May. Hunts by sight and eats any small animal Hunts by sight and eats any small animal

that moves.that moves.

Introduction to LizardsIntroduction to Lizards

Class Reptilia Class Reptilia 13 native species of lizards in Kansas.13 native species of lizards in Kansas. Lizards are a highly variable group. Lizards are a highly variable group. They all have teeth, scales covering their bodies, They all have teeth, scales covering their bodies,

eyelids covering their eyes, and external ear eyelids covering their eyes, and external ear openings.openings.

Lizards are very similar to snakes, and are currently Lizards are very similar to snakes, and are currently classified in the same order: Squamata.classified in the same order: Squamata.

Many lizards have fracture planes in their tails that Many lizards have fracture planes in their tails that allow their tails to pop off if a predator grabs a hold, allow their tails to pop off if a predator grabs a hold, and the body can then get away. They will grow and the body can then get away. They will grow new tails.new tails.

Five-lined SkinkFive-lined Skink

Five-lined SkinkFive-lined Skink

Family Scincidae, the skinksFamily Scincidae, the skinks 5-7” in length.5-7” in length. Found in eastern 1/3 of KansasFound in eastern 1/3 of Kansas Habitat is open, rocky, cut-over Habitat is open, rocky, cut-over

forests with patchy leaf cover.forests with patchy leaf cover. Carnivorous; eats invertebrates and Carnivorous; eats invertebrates and

very small vertebrates such as baby very small vertebrates such as baby mice or smaller lizards.mice or smaller lizards.

Great Plains SkinkGreat Plains Skink

Great Plains SkinkGreat Plains Skink

Family Scincidae, the skinksFamily Scincidae, the skinks 6 ½-9” in length6 ½-9” in length Habitat is open rocky hillsides with Habitat is open rocky hillsides with

low vegetation. Avoids sandy areas.low vegetation. Avoids sandy areas. Eats beetles, roaches, grasshoppers, Eats beetles, roaches, grasshoppers,

spiders and snails.spiders and snails.

Western Slender Glass-Western Slender Glass-lizardlizard

Western Western Slender Slender

Glass-lizardGlass-lizard

Western Slender Glass-Western Slender Glass-lizardlizard

Family Anguidae, the glass lizardsFamily Anguidae, the glass lizards The largest lizard in Kansas. Does not have legs. The tail The largest lizard in Kansas. Does not have legs. The tail

makes up about 2/3 of the total length.makes up about 2/3 of the total length. 22-36” in length.22-36” in length. Habitat is tallgrass prairie, sand prairie, open woodlands Habitat is tallgrass prairie, sand prairie, open woodlands

and woodland edge, frequently near streams or ponds.and woodland edge, frequently near streams or ponds. Called a glass lizard because it habitually loses its tail when Called a glass lizard because it habitually loses its tail when

grabbed, and sometimes the tail breaks into several grabbed, and sometimes the tail breaks into several squirming pieces that attract the predators attention while squirming pieces that attract the predators attention while the body gets away. The lizard will grow a new tail, but the body gets away. The lizard will grow a new tail, but never as long as the original one. never as long as the original one.

Eats insects, spiders, snails, frogs, snakes and newborn Eats insects, spiders, snails, frogs, snakes and newborn small mammals.small mammals.

Collared LizardCollared Lizard

Collared LizardCollared Lizard

Family Crotaphytidae, the Collared and Family Crotaphytidae, the Collared and Leopard LizardsLeopard Lizards

Males are more brightly colored than the Males are more brightly colored than the females.females.

8-12” in length.8-12” in length. Habitat is rocky areas on plains and near Habitat is rocky areas on plains and near

woodlands.woodlands. Breeds in May and June.Breeds in May and June. Eats grasshoppers, moths, beetles, spiders, Eats grasshoppers, moths, beetles, spiders,

wasps, cicadas, and smaller lizards.wasps, cicadas, and smaller lizards.

Six-lined RacerunnerSix-lined Racerunner

Six-lined RacerunnerSix-lined Racerunner

Family Teiidae, the Racerunners and WhiptailsFamily Teiidae, the Racerunners and Whiptails Has seven light stripes running down the Has seven light stripes running down the

back, one in the middle and three on each back, one in the middle and three on each side.side.

6-8” in length.6-8” in length. Habitat is dry, open, sandy areas with little Habitat is dry, open, sandy areas with little

leafy vegetation.leafy vegetation. Requires warmer weather than most other Requires warmer weather than most other

species.species. Breed in May and June.Breed in May and June. Eats spiders, snails, and small insects.Eats spiders, snails, and small insects.

Introduction to Turtles, cont.Introduction to Turtles, cont.

Teeth are absent in all turtles, and rather they Teeth are absent in all turtles, and rather they have a sharp ridge along the beak.have a sharp ridge along the beak.

They do have jaw muscles, and can bite very They do have jaw muscles, and can bite very hard.hard.

Snapping turtles and soft-shell turtles can extend Snapping turtles and soft-shell turtles can extend their extremely long necks and bite hands holding their extremely long necks and bite hands holding them along the sides of their shells. The only way them along the sides of their shells. The only way to safely move one of these turtles is by holding to safely move one of these turtles is by holding them by the base of the tail and lifting gently to them by the base of the tail and lifting gently to move a short distance (such as across a road).move a short distance (such as across a road).

Turtles are in great decline across the country, Turtles are in great decline across the country, primarily due to being killed trying to cross roads.primarily due to being killed trying to cross roads.

Red-eared SliderRed-eared Slider

Red-eared Slider (juvenile)Red-eared Slider (juvenile)

Red-eared SliderRed-eared Slider

Family Emydidae, the box and basking turtlesFamily Emydidae, the box and basking turtles Semi-aquatic.Semi-aquatic. 5-8” in length.5-8” in length. Found in nearly every permanent body of Found in nearly every permanent body of

water.water. Prefers quiet water with soft mud bottoms.Prefers quiet water with soft mud bottoms. Omnivorous: eats plants and animals with Omnivorous: eats plants and animals with

equal preference. Known to consume equal preference. Known to consume insects, tadpoles, fishes, snails, crayfishes, insects, tadpoles, fishes, snails, crayfishes, and aquatic vegetation.and aquatic vegetation.

Western Painted TurtleWestern Painted Turtle

Painted Turtle Laying EggsPainted Turtle Laying Eggs

Western Painted TurtleWestern Painted Turtle

Family Emydidae, the box and basking turtlesFamily Emydidae, the box and basking turtles Semi-aquaticSemi-aquatic 3 ½ - 7” in length.3 ½ - 7” in length. Habitat is slow-moving shallow streams, Habitat is slow-moving shallow streams,

ponds and lakes with soft bottoms and an ponds and lakes with soft bottoms and an abundance of aquatic plants and half-abundance of aquatic plants and half-submerged logs, and often seen basking on submerged logs, and often seen basking on logs.logs.

Omnivorous, eats plants and animals, dead Omnivorous, eats plants and animals, dead or alive.or alive.

Spiny SoftshellSpiny Softshell

Spiny SoftshellSpiny Softshell

Family Trionychidae, the softshell Family Trionychidae, the softshell turtlesturtles

Semi-aquatic.Semi-aquatic. Upper shell is flexible with soft edgesUpper shell is flexible with soft edges 5-17” in length.5-17” in length. Fast swimmer, has an aggressive, nasty Fast swimmer, has an aggressive, nasty

temper and will bite readily. temper and will bite readily. Carnivorous, eats insects, worms, Carnivorous, eats insects, worms,

crayfish, fish, tadpoles and frogs.crayfish, fish, tadpoles and frogs.

Common Snapping TurtleCommon Snapping Turtle

Common Snapping

Turtle

Photo by Charles H. Warren/NBII

This turtle developed with a pop can ring stuck around its shell

Common Snapping TurtleCommon Snapping Turtle

Family Chelydridae, the snapping turtlesFamily Chelydridae, the snapping turtles Semi-aquatic.Semi-aquatic. Has rigid upper shell and much smaller lower shell; Has rigid upper shell and much smaller lower shell;

very long, saw-toothed tail.very long, saw-toothed tail. 8-14” in length.8-14” in length. Snapping turtles have a nasty disposition and large Snapping turtles have a nasty disposition and large

individuals can inflict an incredibly painful bite. They individuals can inflict an incredibly painful bite. They can extend their necks roughly the length of their can extend their necks roughly the length of their shell and can reach to both sides of their shell. shell and can reach to both sides of their shell.

Omnivorous, and eats whatever is available including Omnivorous, and eats whatever is available including plants, small vertebrates and invertebrates, and plants, small vertebrates and invertebrates, and carrion.carrion.

Ornate Box TurtleOrnate Box Turtle

Ornate Box TurtleOrnate Box Turtle

Family Emydidae, the box and basking turtles Family Emydidae, the box and basking turtles Kansas State ReptileKansas State Reptile 4-5” in length.4-5” in length. Has a short tail and rigid shells, a distinct Has a short tail and rigid shells, a distinct

movable hinge on lower shell allowing it to close movable hinge on lower shell allowing it to close around body, four claws on hind foot. Upper shell around body, four claws on hind foot. Upper shell is dark brown with yellow lines.is dark brown with yellow lines.

During an entire day, an individual may travel During an entire day, an individual may travel between 200 and 300 feet.between 200 and 300 feet.

Primarily carnivorous, eating many invertebrates, Primarily carnivorous, eating many invertebrates, but will also eat fruits and berries.but will also eat fruits and berries.

ReferencesReferences Species information from: Species information from:

• Amphibians & Reptiles in Kansas,Amphibians & Reptiles in Kansas, by by Joseph T. Collins. Joseph T. Collins.

unit iii reptiles and turtles information. introduction to snakes class reptilia, order squamata...

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