Venomous reptiles of North America /

Aspects of the biology of 21 species of potentially harmful US and Canadian reptiles are summarized by accomplished herpetologist Ernst. The introduction pays cursory attention to reptile population depletion, recognition, venoms, and snakebite first aid. The initial subject unit, "Identification of Venomous Reptiles," is a dichotomous key to the 21 poisonous species. The major narratives are primarily species accounts grouped by the families Helodermatidae (venomous lizards), Elapidae, and Viperidae (venomous snakes). Uniformly sequenced species accounts include scientific name, common name, illustration reference, recognition, karyotype, fossil record, distribution, geographic variation, confusing species, habitat, behavior, reproduction, growth and longevity, food and feeding, venom and bites, predators and defense, populations, and remarks. Topics are succinct but effective summaries of current knowledge of the species; narratives are based mostly on data from the literature. Occasional comments on field experiences of the author and other naturalists add originality and interest to the discussions. Line drawings; distribution maps; monochrome photographs; 55 color plates. Extensive bibliography. Does not cover venomous reptiles south of the US border and mildly venomous opisthoglyphous snakes of the US. Overall, a well-written, well-researched book recommended for public, secondary school, and college undergraduate libraries. E. D. Keiser; University of Mississippi

This authoritative compendium of North American poisonous snakes and lizards is organized by individual species. Each section contains the individual reptile's geographic distribution and provides condensed information on its ecological role, behavior, feeding, and reproduction, as well as reports of human envenomations. Also included are a range map, photographs, and descriptions of regional morphological variations and related recognized subspecies. This book contains an accurate specimen identification key for the species it covers, but most other information may be found elsewhere. Narrow in scope, yet heavily footnoted and crammed with technical information on karyotypes, scale patterns, and fossil records, this book will appeal only to advanced lay or professional herpetologists seeking a one-stop source. Recommended for academic collections.-- Frank Reiser, Nassau Community Coll., Garden City, N.Y. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.