Search found 27 matches

by semasko
January 29th, 2017, 7:45 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Snakes In Situ, Partially Hiding - Request for Images
Replies: 28
Views: 15565

Re: Snakes In Situ, Partially Hiding - Request for Images

Two snakes here https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8797/28374052403_2d10ed8974_k.jpg Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) by Aaron Semasko , on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/8/7727/27432928002_e3d4b3d850_k.jpg Life on the edge - Northern Copperhead (Agistrodon c. mokasen) by Aaron Semasko , on Fli...
by semasko
September 14th, 2016, 5:26 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Videos of salamanders eating in the rain
Replies: 9
Views: 4246

Re: Videos of salamanders eating in the rain

I've noticed when shining in cracks for Greens, that a regular flashlight (incandescent?) does not scare them away nearly as quick as LED which they seem to be very sensitive towards.
by semasko
September 12th, 2016, 6:57 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: An interesting article on the place of science in society
Replies: 68
Views: 42087

Re: An interesting article on the place of science in societ

Contradicting all previous experience. Ultimately the entire argument becomes self-refuting, we're suppose to believe that the rattlesnakes have declined so much that cutting a few trees will make a difference in the species future? This while somehow discounting that the timber rattlesnakes are pl...
by semasko
September 12th, 2016, 8:14 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: An interesting article on the place of science in society
Replies: 68
Views: 42087

Re: An interesting article on the place of science in societ

I'm curious what part of the TR's range you're speaking of where a gestation site is not needed, because in Pennsylvania and many parts of WV, these areas are critical. Several counties in the NW part of the state no longer support the snakes due to the shading out of these sites. I've followed snak...
by semasko
September 9th, 2016, 7:15 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: An interesting article on the place of science in society
Replies: 68
Views: 42087

Re: An interesting article on the place of science in societ

I think a main issue from a natural history / ecology science perspective that wasn't addressed in this article is public perception. I think as science and technology become more complex, and more exaggerated to achieve public demands (i.e. "clickbait"), the general non-scientist public p...
by semasko
April 16th, 2016, 9:49 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Find the Herp - The Game
Replies: 16
Views: 5685

Re: Find the Herp - The Game

Sorry about the first pic.. that's why I posted the second. That crucifer picture is excellent. Here's the first pic:

Image
by semasko
April 15th, 2016, 11:29 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Find the Herp - The Game
Replies: 16
Views: 5685

Re: Find the Herp - The Game

Both from SW Pennsylvania You should zoom in for this one: https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/11200885_10102975648298893_7388113358112824352_n.jpg?oh=07cc15c2a1113378ed2ff8b2f79d4f85&oe=57AEDADD Fairly easy. https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpl1/v/t1.0-9/11665...
by semasko
February 17th, 2016, 11:35 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: different snake species basking together?
Replies: 23
Views: 9933

Re: different snake species basking together?

I've seen garters, copperheads, and black rat snakes basking on many occasions with timber rattlesnakes in Pennsylvania. I've seen ringnecks and milk snakes in rock crevices beside each other as well. https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10294341_10102031781764993_4684410832594...
by semasko
January 14th, 2016, 3:01 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Post your 1 best photo from 2015!
Replies: 61
Views: 49180

Re: Post your 1 best photo from 2015!

Pile of 30 Timber Rattlesnakes from Pennsylvania
Image
by semasko
December 19th, 2015, 8:42 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Female herpetologists or herp enthusiasts
Replies: 90
Views: 49503

Re: Female herpetologists or herp enthusiasts

Dr. Jayme Waldron teaches at Marshall University in WV. She's the best.
by semasko
July 28th, 2015, 7:19 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: ID help needed: unknown snake shed in Massachusetts
Replies: 7
Views: 3464

Re: ID help needed: unknown snake shed in Massachusetts

It's hard to tell from the picture as there's no discernible pattern. There's really only four choices with rattlesnake, copperhead, water snake, and hognose. If the tail is intact in the shed and you can see if the anal plate is single or divided, that will cut your choices in half. To narrow it do...
by semasko
May 20th, 2015, 7:32 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Spotted Salmander development timelapse
Replies: 3
Views: 1891

Re: Spotted Salmander development timelapse

Can you think of a reason why it didn't? That's an experiment in itself!
by semasko
May 19th, 2015, 6:19 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Spotted Salmander development timelapse
Replies: 3
Views: 1891

Re: Spotted Salmander development timelapse

This is awesome! I'm assuming this is in very controlled environment, and there was no algae on the eggs?
by semasko
February 13th, 2015, 2:18 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: 2014 - The Southwest (CA, NV, UT, and AZ)
Replies: 17
Views: 10923

Re: 2014 - The Southwest (CA, NV, UT, and AZ)

Great photos! I like the black-tailed the best if I had to pick.
by semasko
February 11th, 2015, 10:00 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: 2014 Pennsylvania, mostly rattlesnakes
Replies: 12
Views: 7779

Re: 2014 Pennsylvania, mostly rattlesnakes

Thanks for the compliments. I think sometimes I take for granted the color variation in PA, then I see pictures from across the country and it makes me feel grateful.
by semasko
February 9th, 2015, 6:27 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: 2014 Pennsylvania, mostly rattlesnakes
Replies: 12
Views: 7779

2014 Pennsylvania, mostly rattlesnakes

All pictures of from various parts of southwest and northern PA. All rattlesnakes are Crotalus horridus and copperheads Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen . It took me a while to see this one. http://semasko.smugmug.com/Snakes-1314/i-9S9zZKH/0/L/003E-L.jpg Get your lean on. A nice ~50 incher encountered...
by semasko
October 16th, 2014, 7:16 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Quest for the Northern Red
Replies: 4
Views: 1928

Re: Quest for the Northern Red

I'd say those are both red larvae.
by semasko
October 15th, 2014, 8:51 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Quest for the Northern Red
Replies: 4
Views: 1928

Re: Quest for the Northern Red

Road cruise where you found the larvae. They like ditches and small seeps. If you're in a nice sized stream, look on the sides of it where the water occasionally comes up.
by semasko
October 6th, 2014, 6:36 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Agkistrodon contortrix question
Replies: 4
Views: 2156

Re: Agkistrodon contortrix question

It's possible, but I'm not sure it really tells you anything about the population. They're so secretive that they could easily be from two different broods. As far as what den they came from? Depending on the area / habitat, they might den right there where you found them. It's hard to say what it l...
by semasko
August 20th, 2014, 3:32 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Anyone feel like herping in the Greensburg or Pittsburgh are
Replies: 5
Views: 2178

Re: Anyone feel like herping in the Greensburg or Pittsburgh

If you're still in Greensburg check out Twin Lakes Park. I'd meet up with as I'm from the area, but I'm away working.
by semasko
August 14th, 2014, 6:20 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Salamanders as Environmental Quality Indicators?
Replies: 8
Views: 2674

Re: Salamanders as Environmental Quality Indicators?

I've found ruber in the most pristine streams you can imagine, as well as farm runoff streams in agricultural areas where i never expected them. I'm not sure about the specifics of each species' tolerance to heavy metals / pesticides. Check this out if you want some more detailed info: https://etda....
by semasko
August 5th, 2014, 6:03 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Salamanders as Environmental Quality Indicators?
Replies: 8
Views: 2674

Re: Salamanders as Environmental Quality Indicators?

All salamanders are great environmental indicators due to their porous skin absorbing the moisture of their surroundings. Two-lined salamanders are fairly sensitive to low pH (acidic) streams and soils, and P. ruber probably being more sensitive. Most of the true frogs (bull frog, green frog, wood f...
by semasko
July 17th, 2014, 5:56 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Herping Goals for 2014
Replies: 23
Views: 7079

Re: Herping Goals for 2014

Copperhead in Allegheny County. Those who aren't from PA realize pretty much this entire county is Pittsburgh and its suburbs. They're historic there. Mountain Earth Snake on Chestnut Ridge / Laurel Hill in PA. Historic but to my knowledge not found recently in this part of PA. Jared - I found Muds ...
by semasko
July 17th, 2014, 5:43 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Questions from your President
Replies: 43
Views: 16104

Re: Questions from your President

I agree that forums are easier for having longer discussions, which is why I joined this board and made the post about road cruising for copperheads. I try sometimes to spark discussions on facebook comments but it never really works out. My fear is that people coming into this are too concerned abo...
by semasko
June 29th, 2014, 8:46 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Road cruising for Copperheads in the North
Replies: 16
Views: 8148

Re: Road cruising for Copperheads in the North

I came here specifically for anecdotal! Nice picture Kyle, I hope it was some type of record for you. Last night would have been perfect but I couldn't get out. I've read about the moon phase having some significance as well. Two weeks ago on the first very hot/humid nights here (western PA) after r...
by semasko
June 27th, 2014, 10:23 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Road cruising for Copperheads in the North
Replies: 16
Views: 8148

Re: Road cruising for Copperheads in the North

Yea I'm sure the climate there is pretty similar. It's just weird that I always hear about them being nocturnal but can't find anything about people actually seeing them at night. I do tend to see them out more in the evening / late afternoon this time of year.
by semasko
June 24th, 2014, 8:44 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Road cruising for Copperheads in the North
Replies: 16
Views: 8148

Road cruising for Copperheads in the North

I've read that this is a great way to find Copperheads during the hot summer months in the southeast U.S. I've never read anything about it in the northeast though (WV, MD, PA, NY, CT). A lot of literature shows them being nocturnal during hot humid weather, but has anybody here actually specificall...