5 Remarkable United States Reptiles

We hope that each of you, our readers, will enjoy and appreciate this article we present about these 5 Remarkable United States Reptiles. It was certainly our pleasure to compile the information for you. May it provide you with both education and increased awareness.

These few species listed herein represent only a portion of the natural wonders found throughout the region, though. Yet, it’s our belief that they serve as excellent representations of the wonders found here. Check out some of our other articles for similar marvels.

Rainbow Snake

Rainbow Snake Facts

• Startiing off this article about 5 Remarkable United States Reptiles we present you with the brilliantly-hued animal known as the Rainbow Snake.
• The descriptive term given to it serves as the most frequently used common name for this visually stunning reptile. The name also suits the creature perfectly. Its other common name, the eel moccasin, remains much less colorfully descriptive.
• Its scientific name, meanwhile, is somewhat difficult to pronounce. That’s because it bears the cumbersome appellation of Farancia erytrogramma. This tongue-twisting name further derives from the ancient Greek word of erythros, meaning red.
• The first official recognition of the animal as a separate and distinct species, however, did not occur until much later. In fact, it wasn’t until 1802. This took place as a direct result of the work of the renowned French naturalist, Palisot de Beauvois.
• Previously, scientists also recognized a total of two separate subspecies of the marvelous snake. Sadly, however, researchers later declared one of those as extinct. The Farancia erytrogramma, therefore, now represents the sole example of the species.
• Quite fortunately for those who appreciate its beauty, the population of the Rainbow Snake appears to be both stable and sufficient. This further holds true throughout the entirety of its natural range. The IUCN, therefore, currently lists it as Least Concern.
• It nevertheless does face some potential threats. In this it reflects the current state of environmental factors around the world. Habitat loss due to human encroachment threatens it, of course. Its greatest threat, though, comes from climate change.

Rainbow Snake Physical Description

The Rainbow Snake impresses those encounter it in several ways. The first of those occurs due to its sheer physical size. That’s due to the fact that this particular reptile attains a moderately great length. It also displays a moderate degree of the trait of sexual dimorphism.

In this specific species, the trait manifests itself in regards to gender size. More specifically, though, this results in females reaching greater average lengths than that of the males. The overall size difference, however, remains comparatively minor in most specimens.

Overall, the gorgeous Rainbow Snake reaches as an impressive average length. In point of fact, this length typically equals between roughly 36 – 48 in (91 – 122 cm). Exceptional individuals, however, sometimes grow to recorded lengths of as much as 66 in (168 cm).

Its most striking feature, though, remains its physical appearance. This, in fact, results in the common name. That’s because it displays an incredible pattern of colors. Most display a glossy bluish-black hue, on smooth scales. It further possesses three bright red stripes.

Mature adults, however, occasionally display a pattern of pale yellowish coloring. This most frequently appears on the head and along the sides of the beautiful animal. It also has a relatively short tail, tipped with a spiny tip, often used to probe its surroundings.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Reptilia
• Order: Squamata
• Family: Colubridae
• Genus: Farancia
• Species: F. erytrogramma

Rainbow Snake Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Most unfortunately, the dazzling Rainbow Snake presently only inhabits a comparatively small section of the globe. It also currently remains unknown to researchers if the magnificent, and often misunderstood, animal ever possessed a more extensive range.

Regardless of the unknowns, its current zone of habitation remains restricted to a small portion of North America. In point of fact, this consists of a tiny section of the United States. More precisely, it appears in an area that runs along the east and southeast portion.

There, the remarkable reptile lives in a total of 8 of the southern states. These consist of Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, and Louisiana. Even there, though, it only inhabits the regions closer to the coast.

The breathtakingly colored Rainbow Snake also evolved as a primarily aquatic creature in nature. As a result, the fascinating animal has decidedly specific habitat preferences. Individuals therefore most commonly appear in areas that reflect that specific characteristic.

Specimens most often live in regions that include swamps, slow-moving bodies of water, such as small creeks and streams. It does, however, also appear in areas of open marsh. These environments appear in areas of deciduous forests, mountains, and sandy sections.

The principally nocturnal Rainbow Snake evolved as a skilled swimmer, catching most of their prey in the water. After catching that prey, however, it holds it in its mouth until reaching land. Once there, it swallows it whole. Many species prey on it in return, though.

Leaping Lesbian Lizard

Leaping Lesbian Lizard Facts

• Next up among our choices for inclusion in this compendium of 5 Remarkable United States Reptiles comes the astonishing Leaping Lesbian Lizard.
• Somewhat uniquely, this tantalizing moniker serves as the popular name for a particular New Mexico Whiptail Lizard. What sets it apart, however, is the fact that it was produced through the inter-breeding of two distinct native species of lizard.
• Amazingly, this astonishing lizard resulted from the mixing of the Little Striped Whiptail and the Western Whiptail. The hybridization of these species produces sterile males, however. But, the resourcefulness of Nature did not stop there.
• That’s because the species achieved parthenogenesis, a type of asexual reproduction. This allows the resulting all-female population to reproduce. The unusual lizard, therefore, actually evolved into a separate species capable of reproduction.
• In fact, this combination of inter-species hybridization and parthenogenesis isn’t unique. It also exists in other species within the animal kingdom. That’s due to the fact that the process exists as a reproductive strategy in other species of whiptail lizard.
• The Leaping Lesbian Lizard also holds yet another distinction. This one, however, has nothing to do with any physical aspect of the creature. That’s because this phenomenal reptile currently represents the official state reptile of the state of New Mexico.

Leaping Lesbian Lizard Physical Description

Perhaps most notably, the amazing Leaping Lesbian Lizard, regardless of other attributes, constitutes a small-to-moderate sized lizard. That occurs due to the fact that the majority of individuals attain a total length measuring between 6.5 – 9.1 in (16.5 – 23 cm).

Quite obviously, sexual dimorphism does not appear in this species, as it does in many related creatures, though. Among most specimens, its natural coloring typically presents as an overall brown or black. However, seven pale yellow stripes also from head to tail.

Numerous light spots also often occur between the head-to-tail stripes. The majority of individuals also have a white or pale blue underside, with a blue or blue-green colored throat. The body of the Leaping Lesbian Lizard additionally develops a distinctive shape.

That construction appears as distinctly slender, while the tail of the awesome reptile grows comparatively long. In fact, this particular shape, in combination with its coloring pattern, further represents an evolutionary adaptation for camouflage in its native habitat.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Reptilia
• Order: Squamata
• Family: Telidae
• Genus: Cnemidophorus
• Species: C. neomexicanus

Leaping Lesbian Lizard Behavior

Like most other whiptail lizards, the Leaping Lesbian Lizard also evolved as diurnal. It’s thus far more active in the daylight hours. It also evolved as entirely insectivorous in nature. It remains wary, energetic, and fast moving, frequently darting for cover if approached.

Its reproductive methods, however, clearly and distinctly separate the animal from most related types of lizards. When this reptile reproduces, the mother-to-be lays up to four unfertilized eggs. This action most commonly occurs in the mid-summer part of the year.

These precious few eggs laid then typically hatch approximately eight weeks later. Despite reproducing asexually, and being an all-female species, the Leaping Lesbian Lizard still engages in mating behavior with other females of its own species, as its name also implies.

Interestingly, a common theory among many researchers suggests a logical purpose for this. That theory proposes that this observed behavior helps to stimulate ovulation. This belief occur due to the observed fact that those who do not mate do not lay eggs.

Leaping Lesbian Lizard Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Not surprisingly, the fascinating Leaping Lesbian Lizard  evolved as native to a particularly arid environment. This range likely comes as no surprise to some, though. That specific range includes the southern United States and also northern Mexico, in North America.

However, even within these two regions, the amazing Leaping Lesbian Lizard also has specific areas it chooses to inhabit. As a result, in the United States it only appears in New Mexico and Arizona. Meanwhile, in Mexico, the species only lives in the area of Chihuahua.

The New Mexico Whiptail Lizard, as it is also known, also lives in a rather wide variety of semi-arid habitats. These varied regions include grassland, rocky areas, shrubland, or mountainside woodlands, proving its adaptability. It’s truly a remarkable creation of Nature.

American Crocodile

American Crocodile Facts

• Next up in this gathering of 5 Remarkable United States Reptiles is the largest creature appearing, the impressive American Crocodile.
• Perhaps most notably, the short term serves as the descriptive common name for a particular species of crocodilian found in the Neotropics. The amazing reptile also goes by the somewhat cumbersome scientific name of the Crocodylus acutus. 
• The remarkable creature additionally holds yet annother distinction. That’s due to the fact that it appears to be the most widespread of the four extant species of crocodile from the Americas. That distinguishes it from its many relatives around the world.
• This situation has its unique aspects, however, Within the boundaries of its greatest area of concentration, the distribution of the American Crocodile remains extremely limited. This range includes only Puerto Rico and the southern half of Florida.
• This animal is extremely powerful and highly dangerous if provoked. Currently though, it only has an estimated population of 2,000 individuals. For the moment, therefore the IUCN lists it as Vulnerable on its Red List of Threatened Species.

American Crocodile Physical Description

Like all crocodilians, the fascinating American Crocodile developed as a quadruped, with four short, splayed legs, and a long, powerful tail. This majestic work of Nature also possesses a thick, scaly hide with rows of ossified scutes running down its back and tail.

The snout of the impressive reptile also grows highly elongated, like its brethren. This also includes a remarkably strong pair of jaws. The eyes further develop covered by nictitating membranes for protection, along with lachrymal glands, which produce tears.

The nostrils, eyes, and ears grow situated on the top of its head, so the rest of the body can be concealed underwater for surprise attacks. As a larger species of crocodile, some males reach lengths of as much as 20 ft (6.1 m) and weigh in excess of 2,000 lbs (907 kg).

On average, mature males of the American Crocodile remain more in the range of  13 ft (4.1 m) in length and weigh about 880 lbs (400 kg). Like many animals, sexual dimorphism is present. As a result, females develop smaller, rarely exceeding 12 ft (3.8 m) in length.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Reptilia
• Order: Crocodilia
• Family: Crocodylidae
• Genus: Crocodylus
• Species: C. acutus

American Crocodile Habitat

As recently as 1970 experts determined that the population of the American Crocodile appeared to be highly threatened. Estimates placed its population at no more than 200 individuals. The habitat of the powerful crocodile consists largely of coastal areas.

Individuals most frequently make their home in river systems. They do, however, have a tendency to prefer some level of salinity in the water. This usually results in the species congregating in brackish lakes, coastal swamps, lagoons, even cays, and small islands.

Some other crocodiles also have this natural tolerance for salt water, due to salt glands underneath the tongue. The American Crocodile, though, remains the only known species other than the saltwater crocodile to commonly live and thrive in saltwater.

Like any other large species of crocodilian, the American Crocodile continues to be potentially dangerous to humans. The reptile does not, though, appear to be a very aggressive species. That holds true due to the fact that attacks on humans rarely occur. 

American Crocodile Distribution and Ecology

Populations of the American Crocodile occur across a realtively wide swathe of its region. Populations mainly exist along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of southern Mexico. Some, however, appear to live as far away as Peru and Venezuela, in South America.

This amazing species remains most prevalent in the United States, in North America, however. The powerful reptile also occasionally occurs on many of the Caribbean islands. But it presently remains unclear if this forms part of its natural range, or an aberration.

The well-known reptile also constitutes one of the larger known crocodile species. This species also has a more V-shaped snout compared to other large crocodiles that usually have a slightly wider snout. But the evolutionary reason for this is still unknown.

Despite its large size, this incredible reptile does not commonly prey upon large animals. In this, it differs from the majority of its relatives. Fish, reptiles, birds and small mammals appear make up the majority of the diet of most individual specimens.

Exceptions to this do nevertheless occur, as is often the case. That’s because, on occasion, large mammals such as deer and domestic animals do get taken. The dietary habits of the American Crocodile in coastal regions remain poorly studied, at least for now.

Tiger Rattlesnake

Tiger Rattlesnake Facts

• Now making its presence known in this listing of 5 Remarkable United States Reptiles is the second snake appearing, the Tiger Rattlesnake.
• This magnficent creation of Nature and evolution most frequently goes by its common name due to its unique appearance. Professionals, however, more commonly refer to the creature by its formal, scientific name. That’s the term of Crotalus tigris.
• Perhaps the most noteworthy fact about the reptile remains the level of danger it represents. That holds true due to the fact that it represents the most dangerous of known varieties of rattlesnake. This level of danger occurs regardless of size.
• The quantity of venom injected also equals much less than that of similar species. Yet, its the nature of the toxin that makes it so perilous. That’s because the venom contains a powerful mix of neurotoxins and mycotoxins, often leading to muscle death.
• Unfortunately for it, though, the range of the species is restricted. Even within that range, its own nature serves as a limiting factor to its potential spread. That occurs due to the fact that its habitat requirements restrict its population to specific regions.
• Despite inhabiting such a restricted range, however, its numbers remain stable. The IUCN, therefore, lists the Tiger Rattlesnake as Least Concern on its Red List. Nevertheless, given the nature of its needs, it remains vulnerable to climate change.

Tiger Rattlesnake Physical Description

The Tiger Rattlesnake classifies as a type of pit viper. It also qualifies as a smaller than average one. Like many species of reptiles, though, it displays the trait of sexual dimorphism. In its case, the males typically attain a slightly larger size than that of the females.

Neither gender attains an impressive physical size, however. Lengths vary significantly between individuals, though. Adults average between 18 – 36 in (46 – 92 cm) in length. The average length is about 24 in (61 cm).  Weights also rarely exceed 1 lb ( 0.45 kg).

The most distinguishing physical feature of the Tiger Rattlesnake is the head. This develops in a highly rectangular shape. It also forms quite small in proportion to body length. The rattle on its tail further develops relatively much larger than others, though.

Its basic coloring also varies greatly among individuals. Most present combinations of an orange-brown or bluish gray. Black bars also show across the body, thus the common name. Like all pit vipers, individuals also possess heat-sensing organs on each side of the head.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Reptilia
• Order: Squamata
• Family: Viperidae
• Genus: Crotalus
• Species: C. tigris

Tiger Rattlesnake Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Regrettably, the astonishing Tiger Rattlesnake evolved as solely endemic to a moderately small region of the globe. It’s also a region well known for its abundance of natural marvels, though. That’s because it’s endemic to specific portions of the continent of North America.

More specifically, the tantalizing reptile appears only in the region of the state of Arizona, in the United States, and southern Mexico. Even more specifically, though, within that limited range, the snakes roam at altitudes ranging from sea level to 4,806 ft (1,465 m).

The small but powerful reptile further inhabits an environment considered extremely harsh for most species. That’s due to the fact that it usually inhabits regions of rocky desert canyons, bajadas, and foothills. This highly adapted species also remains mainly terrestrial.

Nevertheless, some individuals do occasionally diverge from this typical pattern of behavior. On occasional, some specimens choose to perch in low vegetation. Its periods of activity also vary somewhat, according to the seasons, having adapted to its environment.

Just as all other known snakes, it evolved as a carnivore. Given its size, individuals primarily prey on a variety of small mammals. Yet, it distinguishes itself in another manner. That’s because, unlike most snakes, it hunts by both ambush and active stalking equally.

Considering its level of lethality, its own predators remain few. But the few it does face includes hawks and eagles. By nature, the Tiger Rattlesnake can be easily annoyed and remains quite aggressive. The major threat it faces is human expansion into its territory.

Alligator Snapping Turtle

Alligator Snapping Turtle Facts

• Last, but certainly not least, in this compilation of 5 Remarkable United States Reptiles we present the extraordinary Alligator Snapping Turtle.
• This visually astonishing product of natural evolution most frequently goes by the descriptive and informative common name for excellent reasons. For the moment, it has no other widely accepted general name. But then, this one says it all.
• Among herpetologists, though, it’s typically referred to by its formal moniker. That, like so many others, however, is hard for the layperson to pronounce. That’s because this wonder of nature bears the technical title of Macrochelys temminckii.
• The animal received this title due to the efforts of the respected Dutch-American naturalist, Gerardus Troost. He accomplished the first formal recognition of it as a separate and distinct species. This scientifically noteworthy action occurred in 1835.
• Regardless of which name one chooses to use, it’s an extraordinary creature. It represents the largest known variety of freshwater turtle on the continent it appears on. Though not a close relative, it’s often associated with the common snapping turtle.
• Sadly, the population of this marvel continues to decline. This unfortunate situation also seem to hold true throughout the entirey of its native range. Due to this trend, the IUCN presently lists the remarkable reptile as Vulnerable on its published Red List.
• The Alligator Snapping Turtle faces multiple threats to its existence. It’s hunted for its flesh, and is also popular in the exotic pet trade. Habitat loss due to human expansion, also endangers it. It also now finds itself facing the danger of climate change.

Alligator Snapping Turtle Physical Description

The amazing Alligator Snapping Turtle immediately captures the attention of those who encounter it. Not surprisingly, though, it does so for several reasons. Its pure appearance obviously startles most people. Yet it also impresses one with its sheer physical size.

Like many reptiles, it also displays a certain degree of the physiological trait of sexual dimorphism. In its case, however, this characteristic manifests itself in terms of length and mass. It also does so to a relatively great degree. Males attain much greater measurements.

Fully mature adults average a carapace length ranging from 13. 8 – 31.8 in (35 – 80.8 cm). Males tend to be on the higher end of that range, while females typically hold down the lower end. Exceptional individuals of both genders do sometimes occur, of course.

Average weights also vary widely, in keeping with this pattern. Females average closer to 19 lb (8.4 kg). Their male counterparts, meanwhile, average 176 lb (80 kg). An unconfirmed male specimen, though, reportedly achieved an astounding weight totaling 403 lb (183 kg)!

The heaviest confirmed example, a male, weighed 249 lb (113 kg). Except for the size difference, the two sexes appear nearly indistiguishable. They’re known for the three ridges of large scales on the thick shells. This shows a mix of gray, brown, black, or olive green.

Yet the remarkable Alligator Snapping Turtle evolved even more intriguing physical adaptations. The large, heavy head has a sharp beak. Even the inside of the mouth is camouflaged. Used to lure fish, a worm-like appendage appears on the tip of the tongue.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Reptilia
• Order: Testudines
• Family: Chelydridae
• Genus: Macrochelys
• Species: M. temminckii

Alligator Snapping Turtle Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The attention-grabbing Alligator Snapping Turtle evolved as native to a moderately limited region of the world. The precise location of that swathe of the globe, however, might surprise some people. That’s because it developed as endemic to a portion of North America.

There, its zone of habitation falls within the confines of the United States. Even there, though, it only appears natively in the southeastern regions of the country. That range extends from Florida west to Texas. From Louisiana that extends north as far as Indiana.

The vast majority of specimens, live in the more southern parts of that range, though. Yet, in all areas it lives in, the animal displays extreme preferences in its choice of habitat. The reptile is typically only found in bodies of water that flow into the Gulf of Mexico.

This does include several types of smaller ecosystems, however. That includes areas of creeks, lakes, marshes, canals, and slow-moving rivers. The creature also prefers the presence of beaver dens, submerged dead trees, shrubs, and low-hanging trees.

Not surprisingly, the Alligator Snapping Turtle evolved as a carnivore. It’s also a highly opportunistic feeder. It both actively hunts for prey, and scavenges dead organisms. As a general principle, this powerful creature consumes virtually anything it can catch.

The main components of its diet consist of fish, amphibians, mollusks, and carrion. But it’s also known to consume snail, snakes, worms, insects, and crawfish. It even consumes the occasional plant. Larger individuals even eat such prey as birds, squirrels, and opossums!

5 Remarkable United States Reptiles

We hope that each of you enjoyed reading, and hopefully learning from, this article we’ve written for you about these 5 Remarkable United States Reptiles. It’s also our hope that doing so has left you with either a new or renewed appreciation for such wonders of Nature.

Unfortunately, however, many of their kindred around the world now find themselves facing strong threats to their continued existence as a species. Many of those dangers, in fact, stem from the actions of mankind. We must do all we can to protect and preserve them all.

Check out our other articles on 3 Magnificent Manatees, Africa’s Many Geological Masterpieces, 5 Marvelous Plants of Maine, Spectacular Dolphins Throughout Our World