Book Description

"The Bartletts have synthesized and distilled the very latest natural history information regarding our native ophidiofauna, added a liberal sprinkling of their vast field experience, and supplied some of the very best photography. Once again, they are poised to influence a new generation of herpetologists and herpetoculturists."--Gregory C. Lepera, curator of herpetology, Jacksonville Zoological Gardens "This book belongs in the field pack, under the front seat of the car, or on a table near the door where it can be consulted quickly to identify the rapidly retreating snake on the road, canal bank, hiking trail, or backyard."--Richard Franz, Florida Museum of Natural History Because Florida's human population has increased so dramatically over the past three decades, residents are more likely than ever to encounter a snake or legless lizard. This book is designed to dispel some of the apprehension from these encounters by providing a comprehensive, illustrated guide to the 86 species and subspecies of snakes and legless lizards living within the state. Each reptile is illustrated with a color photograph accompanied by a range map detailing where it can be found. The descriptions of each animal provide specific details on appearance, size, behavior, and venomous qualities. Additional text addresses captive care, how to find snakes, legal issues, reproduction modes, prey and prey procurement, and an explanation of classification. Because of introduced species, there are actually more snake species living in the state today than when Florida was truly wild. The 2-to-6-foot snakes are most commonly encountered, such as the green snake, yellow rat snake, and diamond'backed rattlesnake, but Florida's ophidiofauna range in size from the earthworm'sized Brahminy blind snake (also called the flowerpot snake, after one of its favorite habitats) to the Burmese python, which reaches a length of 15 feet or more. Both are introduced species. This is the only field guide for Florida snakes that includes native along with introduced and established species and commonly seen but not yet established species. Its handy format and comprehensive coverage provide identification for species anywhere in Florida as well as in adjacent areas of neighboring states. R.D. Bartlett is the author of many books, including In Search of Reptiles and Amphibians and Popular Boas and Pythons, and has published more than 500 articles about herpetology in such magazines as Tropical Fish Hobbyist, Reptiles, and Reptile and Amphibian. Patricia Bartlett is the coauthor with R.D. Bartlett of numerous books, including A Field Guide to Florida Reptiles and Amphibians.