George R. Zug

Laurie J. Vitt

Janalee P. Caldwell

Herpetology, Second Edition has been thoroughly revised. The text has been reorganized, new chapters have been added, new text references have been inserted. All this plus new color systematics sections will maintain this book as THE leading textbook on the biology of amphibians and reptiles. The book will also showcase reptiles and amphibians as model systems in conceptual areas of biology. Such a text will help integrate herpetology as a discipline into conceptually oriented undergraduate programs. The book should also appeal to a large audience of sophisticated lay people interested in reptiles and amphibians. Written by internationally recognized experts on the biology of amphibians and reptiles Provides a general background on the evolution and morphology of amphibians and reptiles Details what is known about reproduction and life histories Examines physiological ecology, emphasizing water balance, temperature, and energy Integrates population and community ecology with conservation biology Provides detailed taxonomic accounts of all higher taxa, including high quality distribution maps and color photographs

An Introductory Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles

Herpetology

Louis S. Kornicker

Margaret D. Andolshek

Marian H. Pettibone

Ronald J. McGinley

Stephen Douglas Cairns

Revision of New World Lasioglossum Curtis. I

Studies of Halictinae (Apoidea:Halictidae).

Carl H. Ernst

Answers commonly asked questions about snake senses and behavior, the truth behind serpent folklore, giant snakes, snakebite, and the relationship between humans and snakes

The Smithsonian Answer Book

Snakes in Question

The Pacific is not only the world’s largest body of water; its vast expanse also includes an extraordinary number and diversity of oceanic islands, from Palau and the Marianas east of the Philippines to Cocos Island and the Galápagos west of the Americas. The isolation of these islands and the extreme distances between them long prevented scientists from studying their floras and faunas in a comparative context. But now George R. Zug, one of the world's foremost experts on the diverse reptiles and amphibians of the Pacific Basin, offers the first such systematic overview in more than half a century. Reptiles and Amphibians of the Pacific Islands is a compendium of frogs, lizards, snakes, and turtles living on these lands and in the adjacent waters of the oceanic islands in the tropical Pacific. The means to identify each species is included, along with entries that describe each animal's form, coloration, habitat, distribution, reproductive biology, and natural history. Color plates of more than 75 percent of the species also help to facilitate visual identification. This accessible and informative guide is the most comprehensive field guide available and will appeal to both novice sightseers and professional naturalists.

A Comprehensive Guide

Reptiles and Amphibians of the Pacific Islands

Herpetology has always been one of the most exciting disciplines of zoology. During the past few years the field has continued to grow, yet it has been plagued by scarcity of comprehensive, up-to-date textbooks containing the most important developments. This timely book fills that void. Through skillful synthesis, the author summarizes the diversity in the biology of living amphibians and reptiles and describes the breadth of current herpetological research. Topics covered include the evolution, classification, development, reproduction, population, and environmental issues surrounding the study of amphibians and reptiles. Designed as an advanced undergraduate textbook, Herpetology is a valuable resource for students, practitioners, and interested amateurs alike. Provides an incisive survey and much needed update of the field Emphasizes the biological diversity among amphibians and reptiles Details the most recent research findings, citing ke

Amphibians -- Origin and evolution of amphibians -- Reptiles -- Origin and evolution of reptiles -- Diet and feeding -- Defense and escape -- Modes of reproduction and development -- Dynamics of reproduction -- Spacing, movements, and orientation -- Homeostasis: air, heat, and water -- Population structure and dynamics -- Population and species interactions -- Systematics: theory and practice -- Caecilians and salamanders -- Frogs -- Turtles and crocodilians -- Lizards, amphisbaenians, and tuataras -- Snakes.

This new edition of Snakes in Question has been completely updated to take into account the most recent research available, offering useful scientific information about snakes while dispelling many widely-circulated myths and common fears. Accompanied by 100 stunning color photographs and written in the popular question-and-answer format of Smithsonian's “In Question” series, the book tells how snakes breathe, hear, smell, and much more. It covers not only the life cycle of snakes but also explores such phenomena as the rattlesnake's rattle, the viper's hiss, and the snake charmer's secrets. It addresses common folktales about snakes (do snakes milk cows?) and describes giant snakes, both real and imaginary. The authors also give expert advice on such subjects as distinguishing venomous species from harmless look-alikes and keeping snakes as pets.

George R. Zug

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