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Herpetological Information

Care Sheets

Our collection of amphibian and reptile care sheets is extensive and available to the public. Check them out!

Field Guide

Learn about wild reptiles and amphibians that are native to the Western New York area.

General Information

Amphibians

Amphibians as a group are often confused with reptiles, but they are their own distinct and separate group of animals. Amphibians are separated into three groups; salamanders and newts, frogs and toads, and caecilians. Amphibians are considered cold blooded. You may also hear the terms poikilothermic or ectothermic. These terms are usually used as synonyms for cold blooded. All of these terms mean that these animals can not regulate their own body temperature like birds and mammals. This means that if it's 85° where the amphibian is, then that amphibian will have a body temperature of 85° as well.

Learn more about different types of amphibians:

Reptiles

Reptiles as a group are also cold blooded like amphibians. You may also hear the terms poikilothermic or ectothermic. These terms are usually used as synonyms for cold blooded. All of these terms mean that these animals can not regulate their own body temperature like birds and mammals. This means that if it's 85° where the reptile is, then that reptile will have a body temperature of 85° as well.

Most reptiles lay eggs, but unlike amphibians, reptile eggs are laid on land and reptiles have lungs from the very beginning. Reptiles are also covered with scales on their entire body.

Learn more about different types of reptiles: