#herpitology

Plestiodon fasciatus

The common five lined skink

These little fellows are one of, if not the most common reptile found within’ Red River Gorge. I do not recall how many times I had seen these basking along trails. That’s probably because of either camouflage of other species doing its job or just the fact that five lined skinks’ fowl taste keeping predation to a minimum. Still always nice seeing this species running about. 

what species is this he is beautiful

I know, right? I believe Basil is an African Side-neck turtle (aka west african mud turtle?) 

Within’ the wet rock shelters and the mossy tree hollows of temperate rainforests in the Appalachian mountain range, dwells one of the United State’s most camouflaged salamander species.   

The Green salamander,  Aneides aeneus

This species is rare to find outside of of the legitimate core of the Appalachian mountain belt, where the majority of connected limestone, dolomite(preference), and dolostone rock surface is located. This species is also the only remnant of it’s taxa, flat bodied climbing salamanders( Aneides genera), left on the North American continent. For those of you who live in this area keep your eyes peeled when entering splash cliff habitats because they are easily missed. Their body shape and modelling is specifically evolved to blend in with the hydrophilic lichens that grow on exposed dolomite and sandstone. 

Unfortunately, due to road construction, tourism, and the use of salt, this species is becoming more threatened as time progresses and definitely could use more awareness. 

Range: map (also found In Clifty Falls, Indiana) 

Before I go to bed I can’t remember if I shared this picture of this little itty bitty baby Mediterranean House Gecko I caught two weeks ago. They aren’t an endemic species to South Carolina but I love them and they eat roaches. It’s thanks to Steve Irwin that I love reptiles and all animals. I’ve never had a a fear of reptiles and treat them with respect and handle them with care and short time.