sc.herp

Birthday lifer 😋😋 cruised this sidewinder (Crotalus cerastes) in Anza Borrego on my birthday with Lily . Love their little horns.
-
**petology

Two of many Northern Pacific Rattlesnakes observed on this trip. Lots of babies out, and a handful of adults as well.
-
**ping

A decent Pacific Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer) in Santa Cruz. This was the individual that was making an attempt to gobble up a nest full of duck eggs. Better luck next time!
-
**ping **petology

Beautiful Pacific ring-necked snake (Diadophis punctatus) with very vibrant ventral coloration. I love the black spotting on ringnecks. I think California is so lucky to have these snakes.
-
**ping

Two of the several California legless lizards (Anniella pulchra) found on this day in mid May. Another lifer for me this season. These guys are unreal I can't believe they exist. I'm glad I got to observe the two distinct color morphs.
-
**petology **ping **p

My lifer Red-bellied Newt (Taricha rivularis) from a month ago 😁😁 quite the stunner. + larvae and egg mass.
-
Handled for a quick photo and released immediately after. The handling of amphibians is strongly discouraged as they have sensitive skin and are particularly susceptible to disease.
-
**petology

My lifer striped racer (Masticophis lateralis) 😋😋 super in shed but that's okay. This was probably the biggest racer I could have found, I was shocked at the size. If I had found it a few days later I could have seen that bright pink tail 🩷💔.
-
**ping **petology

My first Santa Cruz aquatic garter snakes (Thamnophis atratus atratus) from a few weeks back!! Took too long.
-
**petology **ping **p

Just a good lookin night snake 🤷‍♀️
-
**petology **ping