Review by Choice Review
This new edition (1st ed. by B. Martof et al., CH, Oct'80) covers the 111 amphibian and 78 reptilian species of the 200,000 square miles within the North and South Carolina and Virginia boundaries. An extensive detailed introduction contains general information on the herpetofauna, including introduced species, a table on additions and name changes since 1980, and a table on imperiled species. Subsequent chapters describing the vegetation, terrain, and herpetological history of this tri-state region are followed by a list of the species and individual species accounts. The entries are detailed for most species, but restricted to vernacular and scientific names for lesser-known forms. Detailed accounts include coloration, anatomical, range, and habitat descriptions; they conclude with brief comments on reproduction, foods, and other statements applicable to each species. The book covers only native species, Texas horned lizards, and the Mediterranean gecko. Beane (North Carolina State Museum of Natural Sciences) and colleagues are conservative in scientific names utilized, but they provide concise statements on more recent, but still questionable, name changes. Color photographs illustrate most species, and range maps picture known distributions for all. This is an excellent source for anyone interested in amphibians and/or reptiles of the eastern US. Glossary. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Academic and general readers, all levels. E. D. Keiser emeritus, University of Mississippi
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
