Reptiles


Species Totals

Introduction
Reptiles in our area are represented by three groups - lizards, turtles, and snakes - and representatives of all three groups can be found at Wortroot.  This ancient group of animals is much maligned and persecuted, but its members form an important part of a healthy ecosystem.  In general, there is little cause to worry about harm from reptiles since only two species of poisonous snakes can be found in our region and only one of them (the copperhead) has been reported from Wortroot. 


Species List

Turtles
Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina)
Box Turtles are seen relatively frequently in the woods and gardens at Wortroot. 


Lizards
Five-lined Skink (Eumeces fasciatus)
Only one sighting of a skink occurred during this study, on the porch of the house. 


Snakes
Northern Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon sipedon)
Northern Water Snakes are relatively common along and in creeks on the property.  One was often seen sunning itself on the bridge in front of the house.  At one point, I saw a pair mating further down the cove. 

Northern Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus edwardsii)
Ring-necked Snakes are secretive and are most commonly found under rocks or logs.  Although I did not find a Ring-necked Snake during this study, Ken has seen them here in the past. 

Black Rat Snake (Elaphe obsoleta obsoleta)
Black Rat Snakes are often the most common snakes in woods and edges.  Only one Black Rat Snake was seen during this study. 

Northern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen)
Ken reports having seen and killed a copperhead here in the past, but I saw none during this study. 


Further Study
I surveyed reptiles in a hit or miss fashion, identifying species as I came across them in my rambling.  Since many snakes are nocturnal, my survey of this group was probably incomplete.




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Last updated 9/04.