Guide and reference to the snakes of Western North America.

New Mexico is home to 165 species and subspecies of snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs, toads, and salamanders. Some are ubiquitous and others are localized. If you want basic and reliable information on the lizard in your backyard or the snake you encountered on a hike in the mountains, this handy field guide is invaluable. Both complete and concise, it includes species accounts, maps, photographs, and black-and-white drawings to help you identify the species you have encountered. In addition to basic taxonomy and a glossary, the authors have included suggestions on field protocol and legalities, as well as useful information about the various herpetofauna habitats in the state.

The kingsnakes and milksnakes of the Lampropeltis genus have been among the most popular snakes in terrariums for many years. Their manageable body size, bright colors and comparatively uncomplicated husbandry requirements make most species of non-venomous snakes suitable for beginners in the terrarium hobby. In the past decade, new studies have led to extensive changes in the taxonomic systematics of the king snakes. This book summarizes the currently valid taxonomy of the entire genus Lampropeltis for the first time and thus pursues the approach of promoting the hitherto reluctant acceptance of the use of the valid nomenclature. The author has kept various species of kingsnakes and milksnakes for around 30 years and provides an insight into his husbandry and breeding methods.

Accessible, accurate, and up-to-date, with striking color photographs and range maps! "If you love snakes, read this book. If you are repulsed by snakes, definitely read this book and you might just find yourself warming up to these fascinating creatures of mystery and myth."--Daniel Beck, Central Washington University "Vignettes in the book let the armchair reader feel he or she is part of a herpetological adventure. These personal interludes make the book unique, as the straightforward identification varies little from field guide to field guide."--Traci Hartsell, Smithsonian Museum of Natural History "The most impressive aspect of the book is its completeness. Each species account is very complete and includes information far beyond the diagnostic characters and distributions. I learned quite a bit from reading this book."--Jeffrey R. Parmalee, Simpson College Information on how to search for herpetofauna, habitat descriptions, captive care, and a special section on reptiles and the law make these guides the perfect resource for amateur or professional naturalists. They also are ideal for anyone living in or visiting a western state who is interested in knowing more about the natural world around them.

Guide and Reference to the Amphibians of Western North America (North of Mexico) and Hawaii R. D. Bartlett and Patricia P. Bartlett Comprehensive, informative, fully illustrated guides designed for the general reader and amateur naturalist "A little less technical than other field guides, with a writing style that will appeal to non-scientists. As an in-depth guide covering just western amphibians, it includes more material about each species than other reptile and amphibian guides can cover."--Daniel Cox, Arizona Game and Fish Department More than 500 species and subspecies of amphibians and reptiles can be found in the western United States. This set of three field guides offers a complete survey of the frogs, toads, salamanders, snakes, turtles, and lizards that reside west of the Rocky Mountains (north of Mexico) and in Hawaii. These animals are found in habitats that range from seaside sand dunes to rocky montane outcroppings, and from mossy grottos to deciduous forests. Uniquely adapted to their environments, all are interesting, a few could be considered beautiful, and a small number are venomous. In each volume, species are grouped alphabetically by scientific name within each order. Color photographs are accompanied by descriptive text that details the appearance, naturally occurring color morphs, behavior, range/habitat, and prey of each species--as well as species with which it may be confused. Geared toward a popular audience of people interested in reptiles and amphibians, the three volumes allow for greater depth in the descriptions of species than other field guides that survey all herpetofauna under one cover. R. D. and Patricia Bartlett employ a writing style that is accessible and informative without being overly technical. In their completeness, the authors even include information on introduced species.