Book Description

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.