When combining a few months in 2005 with the time I have lived in California in 2012 I have lived here for about 12 months (although I was born here and lived here until I was ten but I wasn't herping back then). Here is my attempt to lifelist as much of the state as possible during this time. Disclaimer: I'm not dedicated to finding the species IN California so some of the animals pictured are from neighboring states. Out of convenience, I'll make a list using the taxonomy on californiaherps.com. Species I have seen are in green text. Species I haven't seen are in red. I haven't photographed every species I've seen, but I have got pics of most.
Updated 02 April 2017 to include finds from a week-long trip.
Salamanders
Ambystoma californiense California Tiger Salamander
Ambystoma gracile Northwestern Salamander
Ambystoma macrodactylum croceum Santa Cruz Long-toed Salamander
Ambystoma macrodactylum sigillatum Southern Long-toed Salamander
Ambystoma mavortium Barred Tiger Salamander
Dicamptodon ensatus California Giant Salamander
Dicamptodon tenebrosus Coastal Giant Salamander
Aneides ferreus Clouded Salamander
Aneides flavipunctatus flavipunctatus Speckled Black Salamander
Aneides flavipunctatus niger Santa Cruz Black Salamander
Aneides lugubris Arboreal Salamander
Aneides vagrans Wandering Salamander
Batrachoseps altasierrae Greenhorn Mountains Slender Salamander
Batrachoseps attenuatus California Slender Salamander
Batrachoseps bramei Fairview Slender Salamander
Batrachoseps campi Inyo Mountains Slender Salamander
Batrachoseps diabolicus Hell Hollow Slender Salamander
Batrachoseps gabrieli San Gabriel Mountains Slender Salamander
Batrachoseps gavilanensis Gabilan Mountains Slender Salamander
Batrachoseps gregarius Gregarious Slender Salamander
Batrachoseps incognitus San Simeon Slender Salamander
Batrachoseps kawia Sequoia Slender Salamander
Batrachoseps luciae Santa Lucia Mountains Slender Salamander
Batrachoseps major aridus Desert Slender Salamander
Batrachoseps major major Garden Slender Salamander
Batrachoseps minor Lesser Slender Salamander
Batrachoseps nigriventris Black-bellied Slender Salamander
Batrachoseps pacificus Channel Islands Slender Salamander
Batrachoseps regius Kings River Slender Salamander
Batrachoseps relictus Relictual Slender Salamander
Batrachoseps robustus Kern Plateau Slender Salamander
Batrachoseps simatus Kern Canyon Slender Salamander
Batrachoseps stebbinsi Tehachapi Slender Salamander
Ensatina eschscholtzii croceater Yellow-blotched Ensatina
Ensatina eschscholtzii eschscholtzii Monterey Ensatina
Ensatina eschscholtzii klauberi Large-blotched Ensatina
Ensatina eschscholtzii oregonensis Oregon Ensatina
Ensatina eschscholtzii picta Painted Ensatina
Ensatina eschscholtzii platensis Sierra Nevada Ensatina
Ensatina eschscholtzii xanthoptica Yellow-eyed Ensatina
Hydromantes brunus Limestone Salamander
Hydromantes platycephalus Mount Lyell Salamander
Hydromantes shastae Shasta Salamander
Plethodon asupak Scott Bar Salamander
Plethodon dunni Dunn's Salamander
Plethodon elongatus Del Norte Salamander
Plethodon stormi Siskiyou Mountains Salamander
Rhyacotriton variegatus Southern Torrent Salamander
Taricha granulosa Rough-skinned Newt
Taricha rivularis Red-bellied Newt
Taricha sierrae Sierra Newt
Taricha torosa California Newt
Frogs
Anaxyrus boreas boreas Boreal Toad
Anaxyrus boreas halophilus California Toad
Anaxyrus californicus Arroyo Toad
Anaxyrus canorus Yosemite Toad
Anaxyrus cognatus Great Plains Toad
Anaxyrus exsul Black Toad
Anaxyrus microscaphus Arizona Toad
Anaxyrus punctatus Red-spotted Toad
Anaxyrus woodhousii woodhousii Rocky Mountain Toad
Incilius alvarius F Sonoran Desert Toad
Ascaphus truei Coastal Tailed Frog
Lithobates berlandieri I Rio Grande Leopard Frog
Lithobates catesbeianus I American Bullfrog
Lithobates pipiens Northern Leopard Frog
Lithobates sphenocephalus I Southern Leopard Frog
Lithobates yavapaiensis F Lowland Leopard Frog
Rana aurora Northern Red-legged Frog
Rana boylii Foothill Yellow-legged Frog
Rana cascadae Cascades Frog
Rana draytonii California Red-legged Frog
Rana luteiventris Columbia Spotted Frog
Rana muscosa Southern Mountain Yellow-legged Frog
Rana pretiosa Oregon Spotted Frog
Rana sierrae Sierra Nevada Yellow-legged Frog
Pseudacris cadaverina California Treefrog
Pseudacris hypochondriaca Baja California Treefrog
Pseudacris regilla Northern Pacific Treefrog
Pseudacris sierra Sierran Treefrog
Scaphiopus couchii Couch's Spadefoot
Spea hammondii Western Spadefoot
Spea intermontana Great Basin Spadefoot
Xenopus laevis I African Clawed Frog
Turtles
Caretta caretta Loggerhead Sea Turtle
Chelonia mydas Green Sea Turtle
Eretmochelys imbricata bissa Pacific Hawksbill Sea Turtle
Lepidochelys olivacea Olive Ridley Sea Turtle
Chelydra serpentina serpentina I Eastern Snapping Turtle
Dermochelys coriacea Leatherback Sea Turtle
Chrysemys picta bellii I Western Painted Turtle
Actinemys marmorata Pacific Pond Turtle
Trachemys scripta elegans I Red-eared Slider
Kinosternon sonoriense sonoriense F Sonoran Mud Turtle
Gopherus agassizii Desert Tortoise (Agassiz's Desert Tortoise)
Apalone spinifera emoryi I Texas Spiny Softshell
Lizards
Elgaria coerulea coerulea San Francisco Alligator Lizard
Elgaria coerulea palmeri Sierra Alligator Lizard
Elgaria coerulea principis Northwestern Alligator Lizard
Elgaria coerulea shastensis Shasta Alligator Lizard
Elgaria multicarinata multicarinata California Alligator Lizard
Elgaria multicarinata scincicauda Oregon Alligator Lizard
Elgaria multicarinata webbii San Diego Alligator Lizard
Elgaria panamintina Panamint Alligator Lizard
Anniella alexanderae Temblor Legless Lizard
Anniella campi Southern Sierra Legless Lizard
Anniella grinnellii Bakersfield Legless Lizard
Anniella pulchra Northern California Legless Lizard
Anniella stebbinsi Southern California Legless Lizard
Crotaphytus bicinctores Great Basin Collared Lizard
Crotaphytus vestigium Baja California Collared Lizard
Gambelia copeii Cope's Leopard Lizard
Gambelia sila Blunt-nosed Leopard Lizard
Gambelia wislizenii Long-nosed Leopard Lizard
Coleonyx switaki switaki Peninsular Banded Gecko
Coleonyx variegatus abbotti San Diego Banded Gecko
Coleonyx variegatus variegatus Desert Banded Gecko
Phyllodactylus nocticolus Peninsular Leaf-toed Gecko
Hemidactylus turcicus I Mediterranean House Gecko
Tarentola mauritanica I Moorish Gecko
Heloderma suspectum cinctum Banded Gila Monster
Dipsosaurus dorsalis dorsalis Northern Desert Iguana
Sauromalus ater Common Chuckwalla
Callisaurus draconoides rhodostictus Western Zebra-tailed Lizard
Petrosaurus mearnsi mearnsi Mearns' Rock Lizard
Phrynosoma (Anota) blainvillii Blainville's Horned Lizard
Phrynosoma (Tapaja) douglasii Pygmy Short-horned Lizard
Phrynosoma (Anota) mcallii Flat-tail Horned Lizard
Phrynosoma (Doliosaurus) platyrhinos calidiarum Southern Desert Horned Lizard
Phrynosoma (Doliosaurus) platyrhinos platyrhinos Northern Desert Horned Lizard
Sceloporus graciosus gracilis Western Sagebrush Lizard
Sceloporus graciosus graciosus Northern Sagebrush Lizard
Sceloporus graciosus vandenburgianus Southern Sagebrush Lizard
Sceloporus magister Desert Spiny Lizard
Sceloporus occidentalis becki Island Fence Lizard
Sceloporus occidentalis biseriatus San Joaquin Fence Lizard
Sceloporus occidentalis bocourtii Coast Range Fence Lizard
Sceloporus occidentalis longipes Great Basin Fence Lizard
Sceloporus occidentalis occidentalis Northwestern Fence Lizard
Sceloporus occidentalis taylori Sierra Fence Lizard
Sceloporus orcutti Granite Spiny Lizard
Sceloporus uniformis Yellow-backed Spiny Lizard
Uma inornata Coachella Valley Fringe-toed Lizard
Uma notata Colorado Desert Fringe-toed Lizard
Uma scoparia Mohave Fringe-toed Lizard
Urosaurus graciosus Long-tailed Brush Lizard
Urosaurus nigricaudus Baja California Brush Lizard
Urosaurus ornatus symmetricus Colorado River Tree Lizard
Uta stansburiana elegans Western Side-blotched Lizard
Uta stansburiana nevadensis Nevada Side-blotched Lizard
Plestiodon gilberti cancellosus Variegated Skink
Plestiodon gilberti gilberti Greater Brown Skink
Plestiodon gilberti placerensis Northern Brown Skink
Plestiodon gilberti rubricaudatus Western Red-tailed Skink
Plestiodon skiltonianus interparietalis Coronado Skink
Plestiodon skiltonianus skiltonianus Skilton's Skink
Aspidoscelis hyperythra beldingi Belding's Orange-throated Whiptail
Aspidoscelis tigris munda California Whiptail
Aspidoscelis tigris stejnegeri Coastal Whiptail
Aspidoscelis tigris tigris Great Basin Whiptail
Xantusia gracilis Sandstone Night Lizard
Xantusia henshawi Granite Night Lizard
Xantusia riversiana reticulata San Clemente Night Lizard
Xantusia riversiana riversiana San Nicolas Night Lizard
Xantusia sierrae Sierra Night Lizard
Xantusia vigilis Desert Night Lizard
Xantusia wigginsi Baja California Night Lizard
Chamaeleo jacksonii xantholophus I Yellow-crested Jackson's Chameleon
Podarcis siculus siculus I Southern Italian Wall Lizard
Snakes
Charina bottae Northern Rubber Boa
Charina umbratica Southern Rubber Boa
Lichanura trivirgata gracia - Desert Rosy Boa
Lichanura trivirgata roseofusca - Coastal Rosy Boa
Arizona elegans candida Mohave Glossy Snake
Arizona elegans eburnata Desert Glossy Snake
Arizona elegans occidentalis California Glossy Snake
Bogertophis rosaliae Baja California Ratsnake
Chionactis occipitalis annulata Colorado Desert Shovel-nosed Snake
Chionactis occipitalis occipitalis Mohave Shovel-nosed Snake
Chionactis occipitalis talpina Nevada Shovel-nosed Snake
Coluber constrictor mormon Western Yellow-bellied Racer
Coluber flagellum piceus Red Racer (Red Coachwhip)
Coluber flagellum ruddocki San Joaquin Coachwhip
Coluber fuliginosus Baja California Coachwhip
Coluber lateralis euryxanthus Alameda Striped Racer
Coluber lateralis lateralis California Striped Racer
Coluber taeniatus taeniatus Desert Striped Whipsnake
Contia longicaudae Forest Sharp-tailed Snake
Contia tenuis Sharp-tailed Snake
Diadophis punctatus amabilis Pacific Ring-necked Snake
Diadophis punctatus modestus San Bernardino Ring-necked Snake
Diadophis punctatus occidentalis Northwestern Ring-necked Snake
Diadophis punctatus pulchellus Coral-bellied Ring-necked Snake
Diadophis punctatus regalis Regal Ring-necked Snake
Diadophis punctatus similis San Diego Ring-necked Snake
Diadophis punctatus vandenburgii Monterey Ring-necked Snake
Hypsiglena chlorophaea deserticola Northern Desert Nightsnake
Hypsiglena ochrorhyncha klauberi San Diego Nightsnake
Hypsiglena ochrorhyncha nuchalata California Nightsnake
Lampropeltis getula californiae California Kingsnake
Lampropeltis zonata multicincta Sierra Mountain Kingsnake
Lampropeltis zonata multifasciata Coast Mountain Kingsnake
Lampropeltis zonata parvirubra San Bernardino Mountain Kingsnake
Lampropeltis zonata pulchra San Diego Mountain Kingsnake
Lampropeltis zonata zonata St. Helena Mountain Kingsnake
Nerodia fasciata I Southern Watersnake
Nerodia sipedon I Northern Watersnake
Phyllorhynchus decurtatus Spotted Leaf-nosed Snake
Pituophis catenifer affinis Sonoran Gopher Snake
Pituophis catenifer annectens San Diego Gopher Snake
Pituophis catenifer catenifer Pacific Gopher Snake
Pituophis catenifer deserticola Great Basin Gopher Snake
Pituophis catenifer pumilis Santa Cruz Island Gopher Snake
Rhinocheilus lecontei Long-nosed Snake
Salvadora hexalepis hexalepis Desert Patch-nosed Snake
Salvadora hexalepis mojavensis Mohave Patch-nosed Snake
Salvadora hexalepis virgultea Coast Patch-nosed Snake
Sonora semiannulata semiannulata Variable Groundsnake
Tantilla hobartsmithi Smith's Black-headed Snake
Tantilla planiceps Western Black-headed Snake
Thamnophis "aquaticus"
Thamnophis atratus atratus Santa Cruz Gartersnake
Thamnophis atratus hydrophilus Oregon Gartersnake
Thamnophis atratus zaxanthus Diablo Range Gartersnake
Thamnophis couchii Sierra Gartersnake
Thamnophis elegans elegans Mountain Gartersnake
Thamnophis elegans terrestris Coast Gartersnake
Thamnophis elegans vagrans Wandering Gartersnake
Thamnophis gigas Giant Gartersnake
Thamnophis hammondii Two-striped Gartersnake
Thamnophis marcianus marcianus Marcy's Checkered Gartersnake
Thamnophis ordinoides Northwestern Gartersnake
Thamnophis sirtalis fitchi Valley Gartersnake
Thamnophis sirtalis infernalis California Red-sided Gartersnake
Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia San Francisco Gartersnake
Trimorphodon lambda Sonoran Lyresnake
Trimorphodon lyrophanes California Lyresnake
Pelamis platurus Yellow-bellied Sea Snake
Rena humilis cahuilae Desert Threadsnake
Rena humilis humilis Southwestern Threadsnake
Ramphotyphlops braminus Brahminy Blindsnake
Crotalus atrox Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake
Crotalus cerastes cerastes Mohave Desert Sidewinder
Crotalus cerastes laterorepens Colorado Desert Sidewinder
Crotalus mitchellii pyrrhus Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake
Crotalus oreganus helleri Southern Pacific Rattlesnake
Crotalus oreganus lutosus Great Basin Rattlesnake
Crotalus oreganus oreganus Northern Pacific Rattlesnake
Crotalus ruber Red Diamond Rattlesnake
Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus Northern Mohave Rattlesnake
Crotalus stephensi Panamint Rattlesnake
12 Months In California: UPDATED (All herps)
Moderator: Scott Waters
- Mike Rochford
- Posts: 167
- Joined: June 7th, 2010, 10:27 am
- Location: Tucson, AZ
- Contact:
Re: 12 Months In California- Part 1 (Updated: ALL AMPHIBIANS
Man, did you pick the state up and shake it? Amazing stuff-- I'd be overwhelmed just to see just a fraction of this in a year, and I've been here for nearly fifteen, and still seen only a fraction of this. Epic post. Thanks for sharing it!
JimM
JimM
- Mulebrother
- Posts: 364
- Joined: June 7th, 2010, 8:31 am
- Location: A bunker near Mountainburg AR
Re: 12 Months In California: UPDATED (All herps)
Good stuff mike...felt like I was looking at a field guide. Awesome!
Re: 12 Months In California: UPDATED (All herps)
I think the term "field guide" came to my mind also! Great work!
Some of those garter snakes are stunning. It's hard to believe they can be so brightly coloured.
Some of those garter snakes are stunning. It's hard to believe they can be so brightly coloured.
-
- Posts: 8025
- Joined: June 8th, 2010, 8:12 am
- Location: Hesperia, California.
- Contact:
Re: 12 Months In California: UPDATED (All herps)
WOW. After seeing all the herps that you've seen, that I haven't ( ) I decided to go back and see if there were actually ANY that I've seen, which you have YET to get... Garden Slender Wooo-Hoooo!!! I RULE!!!
Naw, actually were a couple others (SB Mt stuff)... that I'd be honored to assist with (early springs best) and if you want some Arroyo pics... that's pretty easy for me, as well.
Not only do you have MOST Ca herps... they're bout ALL screamers... Did you see a bunch of each, and pick the best... or are you just incredibly lucky? Then again... could be the top-notch photography that makes them all look so great.
Jeeze...I can't even think straight... I think your post gave me dain bramage... jim
Naw, actually were a couple others (SB Mt stuff)... that I'd be honored to assist with (early springs best) and if you want some Arroyo pics... that's pretty easy for me, as well.
Not only do you have MOST Ca herps... they're bout ALL screamers... Did you see a bunch of each, and pick the best... or are you just incredibly lucky? Then again... could be the top-notch photography that makes them all look so great.
Jeeze...I can't even think straight... I think your post gave me dain bramage... jim
Re: 12 Months In California: UPDATED (All herps)
Mike,
Last time I saw you, you were about to head West for good when we parted. I was jealous, then you sent me a pic of a cougar from Southern Illinois, that I missed by 20 minutes. Now I don't hear from you and you post this! I know you work hard but this is crazy, you're putting in some good field time. Was that Ginny in that pic?
Last time I saw you, you were about to head West for good when we parted. I was jealous, then you sent me a pic of a cougar from Southern Illinois, that I missed by 20 minutes. Now I don't hear from you and you post this! I know you work hard but this is crazy, you're putting in some good field time. Was that Ginny in that pic?
-
- Posts: 523
- Joined: June 11th, 2010, 9:09 pm
- Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Re: 12 Months In California: UPDATED (All herps)
Amazing stuff Mike. I found my self nominating several pictures for photo of the week (is that legal?). I had no idea California had that many salamanders. I thought field guide too, but alas, many of your photographs were to good. Try to tone it down if that's your goal
Ian
Ian
Re: 12 Months In California: UPDATED (All herps)
Words cannot express how impressive this post is.
Amazing.
Amazing.
- klawnskale
- Posts: 1211
- Joined: June 7th, 2010, 7:09 pm
Re: 12 Months In California: UPDATED (All herps)
Wow! what an album! I guess trapping gigas and SFGS 5 days a week wasn't sufficient enough field time for you! Sorry I only got to chat with you and Sarah once. I'm off to Southwest Nevada to do some desert tortoise construction monitoring. I personally prefer being in the desert. Still here in Yolo County...PM if you'd like...
Re: 12 Months In California: UPDATED (All herps)
Yawn...
Just kiddin'!
Nice bunch of critters. Sorry about that Switak's. What a bummer.
Just kiddin'!
Nice bunch of critters. Sorry about that Switak's. What a bummer.
Re: 12 Months In California: UPDATED (All herps)
You did very well!
Ok, I need to ask... was the B. rosaliae from CA or a "neighboring state".
Thanks
-Peter
Ok, I need to ask... was the B. rosaliae from CA or a "neighboring state".
Thanks
-Peter
- Mike Rochford
- Posts: 167
- Joined: June 7th, 2010, 10:27 am
- Location: Tucson, AZ
- Contact:
Re: 12 Months In California: UPDATED (All herps)
Thanks everyone!
Jim- Thanks. I've had the added motivation of knowing I'm only here for a limited amount of time so I've been "living every day like it's my last."
Mule- Gracias!
Jon- Garters are certainly no appreciated as much as they should be. Even in other parts of the world there are some cool garters. Although, I'm not sure there are any nicer ones than the ones in the bay area of CA.
Jim- I'm missing some surprisingly easy stuff! That said, it seems like nothing in this state has been particularly difficult to find under favorable conditions. I just wish I had a little more time to see the things I've missed. I need the rainy season! I might look you up in a couple weeks when I'm on my way south and out of the state. Haven't decided which route to take yet but if I'm headed toward your area you will hear from me!
Justin- I have certainly been in the field quite a bit this year. It's been great! That was indeed Ginny... the original female FHF coat-tail rider... of which there are now several. That was back in 05 when she still herped. I think she has quit since then.
Ian- I appreciate the nominations! I don't think I've ever had a POTW! There are much better photographers on this forum though. I barely claim to be able to work a camera. The only thing I can do is wait 30 minutes until the animal stops squirming and THEN take a pic.
Zach- Thanks. I've enjoyed your posts on the CA chapter forum!
Hanna- Thanks! There's never enough field time! I left for some of my herp trips as soon as I got off work Friday and got back an hour or two before work started Monday morning. Maybe I overdid it. But I have no regrets so far. I just wish I had gotten to CA a little earlier so I could have found some of the salamanders that I missed. Didn't realize you are still around. I like the desert better too. But I can't complain about this area either. Let me know if you have time to get out. I need to find a stupid Hypsiglena one of these nights before I leave. That has been the hardest thing for me to find so far.
Owen- Thanks! That switaki was hit by the only other car on the road as I was focusing on a 3km stretch looking specifically for switaki. VERY frustrating.
Peter- The rosaliae was from a neighboring state in a neighboring country. I've looked a little bit in the US but not properly. I was mostly looking for other things but in the right place to see one if they are here.
Thanks again everyone! This was def the product of lots of time and gas!
Mike
Jim- Thanks. I've had the added motivation of knowing I'm only here for a limited amount of time so I've been "living every day like it's my last."
Mule- Gracias!
Jon- Garters are certainly no appreciated as much as they should be. Even in other parts of the world there are some cool garters. Although, I'm not sure there are any nicer ones than the ones in the bay area of CA.
Jim- I'm missing some surprisingly easy stuff! That said, it seems like nothing in this state has been particularly difficult to find under favorable conditions. I just wish I had a little more time to see the things I've missed. I need the rainy season! I might look you up in a couple weeks when I'm on my way south and out of the state. Haven't decided which route to take yet but if I'm headed toward your area you will hear from me!
Justin- I have certainly been in the field quite a bit this year. It's been great! That was indeed Ginny... the original female FHF coat-tail rider... of which there are now several. That was back in 05 when she still herped. I think she has quit since then.
Ian- I appreciate the nominations! I don't think I've ever had a POTW! There are much better photographers on this forum though. I barely claim to be able to work a camera. The only thing I can do is wait 30 minutes until the animal stops squirming and THEN take a pic.
Zach- Thanks. I've enjoyed your posts on the CA chapter forum!
Hanna- Thanks! There's never enough field time! I left for some of my herp trips as soon as I got off work Friday and got back an hour or two before work started Monday morning. Maybe I overdid it. But I have no regrets so far. I just wish I had gotten to CA a little earlier so I could have found some of the salamanders that I missed. Didn't realize you are still around. I like the desert better too. But I can't complain about this area either. Let me know if you have time to get out. I need to find a stupid Hypsiglena one of these nights before I leave. That has been the hardest thing for me to find so far.
Owen- Thanks! That switaki was hit by the only other car on the road as I was focusing on a 3km stretch looking specifically for switaki. VERY frustrating.
Peter- The rosaliae was from a neighboring state in a neighboring country. I've looked a little bit in the US but not properly. I was mostly looking for other things but in the right place to see one if they are here.
Thanks again everyone! This was def the product of lots of time and gas!
Mike
Re: 12 Months In California: UPDATED (All herps)
Hell yeah, you killed California! And, left a few somethings to come back for.
- peterknuteberg
- Posts: 191
- Joined: June 8th, 2010, 5:51 am
- Location: Chicago, Illinois
Re: 12 Months In California: UPDATED (All herps)
Mike, that is on helluva a lot of hours and focus in the field adding up to a lot of wonderful life experiences and vistas of a state with perhaps one of the most varied habitats. I would love to hear about all of your adventures some day as I realize that these photos are only the tip of the iceberg. A rolling stone gathers no moss. Congratulations on the new job and good luck! I am quite sure I will catch up with you in the field soon.
Re: 12 Months In California: UPDATED (All herps)
And I thought MY post was cool!
Beautiful pics! I could barely manage a san diego gopher while I was down there...
Ian
Beautiful pics! I could barely manage a san diego gopher while I was down there...
Ian
Re: 12 Months In California: UPDATED (All herps)
Wow this is so epic! Thanks for putting together such a diverse post and helping me realize how many more I still have to find!!!
Re: 12 Months In California: UPDATED (All herps)
Mind-blowing... Amazing stuff man, tons of variety and very cool that you saw all that in only 12 months...
I know you said some stuff was seen in neighboring states (or rather, a country?) but what about the sea turtles and that Baja ratsnake? Did you see those in Cali or in Baja? If you don't mind me asking...
I know you said some stuff was seen in neighboring states (or rather, a country?) but what about the sea turtles and that Baja ratsnake? Did you see those in Cali or in Baja? If you don't mind me asking...
- Mike Rochford
- Posts: 167
- Joined: June 7th, 2010, 10:27 am
- Location: Tucson, AZ
- Contact:
Re: 12 Months In California: UPDATED (All herps)
Nate- Thanks. I hope to make it back out here. And I'm pretty confident that one day I will. At least for a trip or two. Or three.
Peter- I regret not taking more habitat/scenery pics. This state is certainly everything you said. So varied, scenic, and expansive. I've been fortunate to be able to make it to almost every county and often in multiple parts of the same county. Truly amazing place. I hope we can catch up in person soon!
Ian- Your post IS cool. I lived in eastern CO for exactly 2 months so it brought back some memories for me. Those milks are nice!
Neil- Definitely my pleasure! Herping out here is extremely enjoyable.
Michael- Yeah. I guess I didn't think that statement through well enough. A bunch was seen in neighboring states but the sea turtle pics are from Mexico and Florida. And the Bogertophis is one of several seen in Baja. The rest were DOR and looked nicer. Go figure the only live one was "in the blue."
Peter- I regret not taking more habitat/scenery pics. This state is certainly everything you said. So varied, scenic, and expansive. I've been fortunate to be able to make it to almost every county and often in multiple parts of the same county. Truly amazing place. I hope we can catch up in person soon!
Ian- Your post IS cool. I lived in eastern CO for exactly 2 months so it brought back some memories for me. Those milks are nice!
Neil- Definitely my pleasure! Herping out here is extremely enjoyable.
Michael- Yeah. I guess I didn't think that statement through well enough. A bunch was seen in neighboring states but the sea turtle pics are from Mexico and Florida. And the Bogertophis is one of several seen in Baja. The rest were DOR and looked nicer. Go figure the only live one was "in the blue."
Re: 12 Months In California: UPDATED (All herps)
...and I thought you were still in AZ. Quite an addition from what you had in the first part of the 12 mos. I am happy to have been there for a few of those. Looks like you need to go bust a B. rosaliae in CA now.
- Tim Borski
- Posts: 1855
- Joined: June 7th, 2010, 7:28 am
- Location: FL Keys
- Contact:
Re: 12 Months In California: UPDATED (All herps)
Geez Mike, what an amazing variety of critters! Do you sleep at all out there?
(Infernalis and Tetrataenia must be obscenely beautiful to see on the crawl...I can't even imagine.)
Tim
(Infernalis and Tetrataenia must be obscenely beautiful to see on the crawl...I can't even imagine.)
Tim
Re: 12 Months In California: UPDATED (All herps)
Too nice, Mike! Great year. I have an affinity toward garters and love the variety expressed out there.
-Jake
-Jake
- Josh Holbrook
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Re: 12 Months In California: UPDATED (All herps)
Great stuff mike. How big do those Giant salamanders range when you find them? Any scale shots?
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Re: 12 Months In California: UPDATED (All herps)
Come on, Josh, even I know salamanders don't have scales...Josh Holbrook wrote:Great stuff mike. How big do those Giant salamanders range when you find them? Any scale shots?
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Re: 12 Months In California: UPDATED (All herps)
Amazing post, Mike.