It's Herpetology season!
Herpetology is the study of amphibians and reptiles, such as frogs, snakes and salamanders. Amphibians are animals that are soft-skinned, cold-blooded and usually undergo a metamorphosis. There are over 7,000 species of amphibians worldwide. Reptiles are animals that have scales, are cold-blooded and do not have a larval stage. There are over 10,000 species of reptiles worldwide. The North Carolina state reptile is the Eastern box turtle, the state salamander is the marbled salamander and the state frog is the pine barren tree frog.
Herpetology Fun Fact
Western North Carolina is known as the “Salamander Capital of the World” because there are more species of salamander there than anywhere in the world.
More Herpetology Tips
Click on the resources below to learn more amphibians and reptiles.
Herpetology resource apps:
- Snakes of North Carolina
- Audubon Reptiles and Amphibians