Banded Sandsnakes are common, found in sandy drainages and often spotted on the surface in the summer. They’re often mistaken for superficially similar groundsnakes and shovelnosed snakes – one way to tell them apart is the relatively wide body, and the gradual transition of the dorsal stripe to the tan base color along its back. […]

Arizona Black Rattlesnake found at night in a wooded area of central Arizona.

A Banded Rock Rattlesnake found on a hike through a wooded canyon.

Western Banded Geckos are native to the southwest. Like many geckos, these little lizards can vocalize, emitting a squeaking bark when distressed. Unlike many geckos, however, they have eyelids, which give the appearance of having eyelashes with slightly raised scales. These are also not wall-climbers, lacking the clinging pads geckos are famous for. If you’re […]

One of several Amazon Tree Boas we found on a night time boat ride in Peru.

Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes getting some sun just outside their winter den several springs ago in central Arizona.

Cerralvo Island Rattlesnake found near the beach on its namesake island a few years ago off the coast of Baja California Sur.

Arizona Black Rattlesnake watching us as we watch her from a basking spot near her winter den. She is one of a group of females that will stay here all year, eventually giving birth late in the summer.

Sonoran Sidewinders are very fast as they, essentially, tip-toe across hot desert sand. At night, they can be confused by flashlights and move with speed in surprising directions. This may be an explanation for reports of their “aggression”. In reality, they are timid, quick to flee, and often less likely to strike out defensively than […]

A Glass Frog stays with its eggs, as seen from below the leaf on a night hike in Guatemala. Within each egg, a tiny tadpole can be seen.