A beautifully illustrated tour of the region's snakes, lizards,
turtles, frogs, and salamanders.
Winner of the National Outdoor Book Award of the NOBA Foundation (Nature
and Environment Category)
In the best tradition of natural history writing and art, The Snake and
the Salamander explores the diverse collection of reptiles and
amphibians that inhabit the northeastern quadrant of the United States.
Covering 13 states that run from Maine to Virginia, author Alvin R.
Breisch and artist Matt Patterson showcase the lives of 83 species of
snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs, and salamanders. These intriguing
animals are organized by habitat and type, from forest to grassland to
bogs to big waters, and revealed through a combination of Breisch's
engaging prose and Patterson's original color illustrations.
Breisch's guided tour combines historical notes and conservation issues
with lessons on genetics, evolution, habitats, life histories, and more.
Discover how careful attention to frog calls coupled with DNA analysis
led to the discovery of a new species of frog in New York City, why
evolutionary adaptations made the Eastern Ratsnake a superb climber, and
the surprising fact that Spiny Softshell turtles actually sprint on land
to retreat from predators. Breisch also tells the odd tale of the Green
Frog and the Smooth Greensnake, two "green species" that do not actually
have any green pigment in their skin. Every species has a story to
tell--one that will keep the reader wanting to learn more.
The breadth of herpetofauna in the area will surprise many readers: more
than 8% of the world's salamanders and 11% of all turtle species live in
the region. Beyond numbers, however, lie aesthetics. The surprising
colors and fascinating lifestyles of the reptile and amphibian species
in this book will mesmerize readers young and old.
