Reptiles

Identify this turtle by scientific or common name.

(a)  

Answer explanation

F: Chelydridae

CN: Common Snapping Turtle

SN: Chelydra serpentina

This turtle is denoted by a sharp beak, a smooth carapace and a dragonoid tail.

Identify this turtle by scientific or common name.

(a)  

Answer explanation

F: Trionychidae

CN: Spiny Softshell Turtle

SN: Apalone spinifera

This turtle has a long tapered snout, a smooth shell, and spines near where the head is on the shell.

Identify this turtle by scientific or common name.

(a)  

Answer explanation

F: Emydidae

CN: Spotted Turtle

SN: Clemmys guttata

...Yep. That's a spotted turtle.

Identify this turtle by scientific or common name.

(a)  

Answer explanation

F: Emydidae

CN: Midland Painted Turtle

SN: Chrysemys picta

The tell of these turtles is the black and tan pattern on its face.

Identify this turtle by scientific or common name.

(a)  

Answer explanation

F: Emydidae

CN: Eastern Box Turtle

SN: Terrapine carolina

The square patterning along its body and its thick scaly forelegs are what tell this turtle apart from the rest.

Identify this turtle by scientific or common name.

(a)  

Answer explanation

F: Kinosternidae

CN: Common Musk Turtle/Stinkpot

SN: Sternotherus odoratum

The lack of patterning and reduced plastron is a tell of this turtle.

Identify this lizard by either common or scientific name.

(a)  

Answer explanation

F: Scincidae

CN: Five-lined Skink

SN: Plestiodon fasciatus

Its long lined body is a telltale sign.

Identify this lizard by scientific or common name.

(a)  

Answer explanation

F: Phrynosomatidae

CN: Eastern Fence Lizard

SN: Sceloporus undualtus

Take note of the small spike-like structures along its body and its slick black color. Compare its thicker body type to the thinner skinks.

Identify this snake by its scientific name.

(a)  

Answer explanation

F: Crotaliae

CN: Timber Rattlesnake

SN: Crotalus horridus

The dark bands or stripes on its body denote it from the other rattler on here.

Identify this snake by its scientific name.

(a)  

Answer explanation

F: Crotaliae

CN: E. Massasauga Rattlesnake

SN: Sistrurus catenatus

The dark mottling or spots on its body denote it from the other rattler on here.