Search found 507 matches

by mtratcliffe
March 31st, 2019, 7:04 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Trip Report: FL, March 2019
Replies: 9
Views: 11746

Re: Trip Report: FL, March 2019

Looks like you had a great trip! Your photos are excellent!

For reference, your River Cooter is actually a Peninsula Cooter (Pseudemys peninsularis) and there are no Bullfrogs in the Everglades, so every large, green frog you saw was a Pig Frog!
by mtratcliffe
July 12th, 2018, 7:14 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: rarest snake in Northeastern US?
Replies: 8
Views: 6453

Re: rarest snake in Northeastern US?

If we are including Maryland in the northeast, then the rarest snake in the region is definitely the Rainbowsnake ( Farancia erytrogramma ). There are only a few dozen records of them from a single county along the Potomac River in Maryland, which is the northernmost extent of their range. And yes, ...
by mtratcliffe
March 23rd, 2018, 6:02 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: 6 days in South Florida
Replies: 12
Views: 12268

Re: 6 days in South Florida

Looks like you had a great trip! You found a lot of stuff, though I don't think I saw any venomous snakes, which is a bummer. That Scarletsnake with the aberrant pattern is awesome! On your blog, I saw two freshwater turtle pics, and one was labeled as a Slider. Both are actually Florida Red-bellied...
by mtratcliffe
March 12th, 2018, 9:15 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: A Couple 2017 South Central Alaska Highlights
Replies: 5
Views: 4622

Re: A Couple 2017 South Central Alaska Highlights

Awesome! I enjoy seeing reports from AK, even if it's just for Wood Frogs. The habitat shots are amazing and remind me how Alaska is its own world. And yet, I am connected to it through this species, which are found both in vast tundra landscapes and my own backyard on the other side of the continen...
by mtratcliffe
March 6th, 2018, 9:13 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: I'm looking for some herping friends in Brevard/Osceola coun
Replies: 4
Views: 4600

Re: I'm looking for some herping friends in Brevard/Osceola

Yeah, WMAs are your friend. Lightly trafficked and open after dark.
by mtratcliffe
February 28th, 2018, 7:46 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Starting off 2018 Right
Replies: 5
Views: 4951

Re: Starting off 2018 Right

BillMcGighan wrote:Just south of Quantico.

Here's a glimpse into this from Cornell:
https://vimeo.com/158670276

There are probably 30 - 40 animals here. Triple that number and it makes the pond surface boil!
That's awesome! I need to see that some day.
by mtratcliffe
February 27th, 2018, 7:21 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Starting off 2018 Right
Replies: 5
Views: 4951

Re: Starting off 2018 Right

Thanks guys!

Bill - I have a few spots for Marbled larvae. Just need to find the time to get out there! You used to be stationed at Quantico, right? Is that when you saw one of your Spotted frenzies? It was ridiculous how many we saw on the road that night.
by mtratcliffe
February 26th, 2018, 7:13 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Starting off 2018 Right
Replies: 5
Views: 4951

Starting off 2018 Right

I considered doing a 2017 recap but I didn't have the energy to complete it. It's been a busy few months for me - our daughter, Natalie, was born just before Christmas, and our son just turned four and requires constant attention. With that, I've had to make the most of my herping outings, and I've ...
by mtratcliffe
February 12th, 2018, 9:18 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Wood Frog Help?
Replies: 15
Views: 10380

Re: Wood Frog Help?

Here in Northern VA and in Southern MD, I've seen several out during the warm rains but they have yet to start breeding yet. Last year, they started in Late February, around the 23rd. It was a warm spell of several days with highs in the 50s and 60s that kicked it off, not rain. I don't think it eve...
by mtratcliffe
January 11th, 2018, 6:03 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: 2017 - Texas/Louisiana: Pop Milk!
Replies: 9
Views: 12596

Re: 2017 - Texas/Louisiana: Pop Milk!

Dude - you killed it! Well done. The only thing that would ever make me want to live in TX are the herps!

- Matt
by mtratcliffe
December 9th, 2017, 1:03 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: More Boards – 2nd Half of 2017 (NJ and MD)
Replies: 9
Views: 9744

Re: More Boards – 2nd Half of 2017 (NJ and MD)

Great finds, Justin! That Mud is especially excellent. I recently found some habitat like that here in Fairfax County, VA and look forward to scouring it come spring for some Muds. Someone told me they've been found there before. Did you find yours under a log or in leaf litter? Maryland is my home ...
by mtratcliffe
November 18th, 2017, 4:51 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Eurycea guttolineata x Eurycea longicauda Hybrid
Replies: 2
Views: 3126

Re: Eurycea guttolineata x Eurycea longicauda Hybrid

Kevin, I did not know there were other hybrid populations as well! It makes sense though as their ranges parallel each other closely. That's an interesting one you've got there - it favors a Three-lined pretty heavily but the lateral and dorsal stripes are definitely not as bold. Is that one from GA...
by mtratcliffe
November 12th, 2017, 7:17 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Eurycea guttolineata x Eurycea longicauda Hybrid
Replies: 2
Views: 3126

Eurycea guttolineata x Eurycea longicauda Hybrid

Last week, I finally managed to turn up the very rare hybrid of the Three-lined Salamander ( Eurycea guttolineata ) and Long-tailed Salamander ( Eurycea longicauda ). These two species are more closely related to one another than they are other members of genus Eurycea , which allows them to hybridi...
by mtratcliffe
November 10th, 2017, 5:18 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Eastern US Tadpole Guide - New Location
Replies: 1
Views: 2339

Eastern US Tadpole Guide - New Location

Hey everyone, Some of you may remember the "Visual Guide to Tadpoles of the Eastern United States" that I was maintaining on this forum, located at http://www.fieldherpforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=23787 . Well, keeping it in a BB Code format is not the most visually appealing wa...
by mtratcliffe
October 10th, 2017, 4:58 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Database contests/lists
Replies: 3
Views: 3876

Re: Database contests/lists

Nicholas,

Try here: http://www.fieldherpforum.com/forum/vie ... =4&t=15197

I recommend saving them to your favorites since that thread is no longer stickied.

Keep on submitting records!
by mtratcliffe
October 5th, 2017, 11:35 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: The past few days at Snake Road and the Surrounding Area
Replies: 6
Views: 5057

Re: The past few days at Snake Road and the Surrounding Area

Looks like you had a great trip, Tim! Thanks for sharing your wonderful photos. What was your final species count?

On another note, Chris alluded to your Two-lined Salamander as well, but that is definitely a Long-tailed Salamander (Eurycea longicauda). Which is a better find if you ask me.
by mtratcliffe
September 29th, 2017, 5:38 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Some Summer Endemics
Replies: 9
Views: 7951

Re: Some Summer Endemics

Excellent photos! I saw a few of these species earlier this year and now I'm jealous with how your shots turned out. Did you not manage to find a Shenandoah Mountain Salamander? They were in the same habitat as Cow Knob Salamanders for me, but more abundant.
by mtratcliffe
September 8th, 2017, 10:00 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Cambodia ID Request
Replies: 2
Views: 2584

Re: Cambodia ID Request

Yup, the first is Duttaphrynus melanostictus , the last is a Polypedates , either leucomystax or megacephalus ... I'm not sure which is the dominant species in Cambodia; it's rather a confusing genus. Not sure about the skink, though your guess looks reasonable. Thanks for the response! I was able ...
by mtratcliffe
September 7th, 2017, 10:51 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Cambodia ID Request
Replies: 2
Views: 2584

Cambodia ID Request

All, My sister is currently in Cambodia (Koh Rong Island) and is keeping an eye out for herps on my behalf. Here are a few photos she sent over that I could use an ID on. Is this an Asian Common Toad ( Duttaphrynus melanostictus )? Asian Toad.jpg Long-tailed Sun Skink ( Eutropis longicaudata )? Camb...
by mtratcliffe
September 4th, 2017, 6:04 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: HERPING SIBERIA! Lots Of Photos, One Snake
Replies: 11
Views: 7694

Re: HERPING SIBERIA! Lots Of Photos, One Snake

Siberia is a very underrepresented place in nature circles. Loved the series from Lake Baikal - I hope to visit there someday.

The Siberian Pit Viper is only one of three snakes species in Siberia, correct? Do you know how many amphibian species there are?

- Matt
by mtratcliffe
September 2nd, 2017, 6:54 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Visual Guide to Tadpoles and Morphs of the Eastern U.S.
Replies: 12
Views: 14930

Re: Visual Guide to Tadpoles and Morphs of the Eastern U.S.

Update: Load a bunch of Cope's Gray Treefrog pictures from a batch I raised, and a few from Bill McGighan. That species is pretty much good to go, except for eggs. A website version is getting close to launching. If anyone would like to help take up the mantle for a guide for Western species (or int...
by mtratcliffe
August 22nd, 2017, 7:40 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: RFI: Visiting Albuquerque For Three Weeks
Replies: 16
Views: 8864

Re: RFI: Visiting Albuquerque For Three Weeks

Just going to piggy back on this post. Is July ok for herping as far as monsoon season goes? Is August preferable, if you have a choice? Also, in terms of Albuquerque , is there enough public, accessible land/trails close to the city? Forum necromancy! Talk about a blast from the past. I was just f...
by mtratcliffe
August 2nd, 2017, 5:10 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Florida hot grand slam in 4.5 days
Replies: 8
Views: 8200

Re: Florida hot grand slam in 4.5 days

Congrats! Getting a Copperhead in FL is never a sure bet, but I'm glad you managed to find one. Great photos as always.
by mtratcliffe
July 6th, 2017, 5:12 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Advice herping in Florida
Replies: 5
Views: 5543

Re: Advice herping in Florida

Hi all, I am in Florida for a week, more specifically in New Smyrna Beach, near Daytona. Any advice on good places to go herping or anyone keen to go with me? I haven't seen much of the local stuff besides a couple of rat snakes and alligators, but would love to see any rattlesnake, coral snake, co...
by mtratcliffe
June 26th, 2017, 7:17 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Visual Guide to Tadpoles and Morphs of the Eastern U.S.
Replies: 12
Views: 14930

Re: Visual Guide to Tadpoles and Morphs of the Eastern U.S.

I just looked at this fantastic resource - great work! Hopefully it can be stuck on fhf in a permanent format. If not, perhaps an edited version of this post could be placed on http://www.amphibiaweb.org or separc.org Jeff Thanks Jeff! Noah M. is helping me out with some options. If anything, I may...
by mtratcliffe
June 21st, 2017, 9:29 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Documenting my Life List
Replies: 21
Views: 13993

Re: Documenting my Life List

Maintaining a lifelist is a great way to keep track of your finds. I break out my herp lifelist just like yours - by type of herp (Snakes, Turtles, Frogs, etc.). I have columns for Scientific name (I count recognized subspecies as separate lifers), common name, month/year/state it was first observed...
by mtratcliffe
June 14th, 2017, 7:02 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Going the Extra Mile - DOR live birth
Replies: 25
Views: 21335

Re: Going the Extra Mile - DOR live birth

Awesome! Great work going back and saving them. Were the ones in the membrane still alive?
by mtratcliffe
June 8th, 2017, 4:14 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Herping in coastal SC/Charleston (PICS ADDED)
Replies: 8
Views: 5073

Re: Herping in coastal SC/Charleston

Try uploading your images to Flickr. Then, go into your Photostream, and use the option to create a link to the photo, and use the "BB Code" option to post a link directly into your post. That link will embed the photo to your post. Recommend using the medium size.
by mtratcliffe
June 7th, 2017, 10:03 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Herping in coastal SC/Charleston (PICS ADDED)
Replies: 8
Views: 5073

Re: Herping in coastal SC/Charleston

I have never herped Charleston besides finding a Green Anole smack in the middle of downtown, but I did some research last summer when I thought I was going to be there for a month or two in the fall (which did not happen). I suggest checking out Francis Marion National Forest and try roadcruising a...
by mtratcliffe
June 6th, 2017, 5:21 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Visual Guide to Tadpoles and Morphs of the Eastern U.S.
Replies: 12
Views: 14930

Re: Visual Guide to Tadpoles and Morphs of the Eastern U.S.

Can Scott or a mod please PM me regarding the future of this thread? Thank you.
by mtratcliffe
June 5th, 2017, 4:58 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: HerpMapper vs NAHERP vs iNaturalist
Replies: 21
Views: 14239

Re: HerpMapper vs NAHERP vs iNaturalist

I'm not sure if this has been covered elsewhere, but I am just wondering, what seems to be the overall consensus on what the majority of herpers are using? I've always favored NAHERP because I like this simple interface and the search functions, but recently I have been looking at HERPMAPPER and iN...
by mtratcliffe
June 4th, 2017, 10:33 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Visual Guide to Tadpoles and Morphs of the Eastern U.S.
Replies: 12
Views: 14930

Re: Visual Guide to Tadpoles and Morphs of the Eastern U.S.

Since this has been moved, and given the amount of work Matt put into creating this, I would hate to see this get buried. I wonder if a moderator would be willing to create a separate forum for things that previously had been stickied. Things like this and maybe the bio pages? I think this thread i...
by mtratcliffe
May 31st, 2017, 6:07 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Trip Report: Virginia Appalachians
Replies: 7
Views: 4639

Re: Trip Report: Virginia Appalachians

[quote="herper1"]Great job and a great post! Every time i go through VA I try to photo a VA salamander. I was going up 81 few weeks ago and I made a little side trip to get my lifer Peaks of Otter, The pic I took of the trail looks almost exactly like yours! But you did it all in one trip,...
by mtratcliffe
May 28th, 2017, 2:41 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Trip Report: Virginia Appalachians
Replies: 7
Views: 4639

Re: Trip Report: Virginia Appalachians

I love this post man! I hope you can pick up your planiceps lifer soon. They're a dime a dozen when I looked for them and shouldn't be hard. Cow Knob is my only VA endemic left and I hope to fix that by next week. :beer: Thanks Kevin! Planiceps are quite a ways from me though, and I'm not even sure...
by mtratcliffe
May 26th, 2017, 11:28 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Pre-Trip Update
Replies: 2
Views: 2256

Re: Pre-Trip Update

Nice post and congrats on those lifers. With some practice you'd be surprised how many salamander lifers you can get. Has anyone else seen Red-bellies in brackish water before? I believe with my limited experience with that species I have only seen them in brackish water. Either way they seem to th...
by mtratcliffe
May 24th, 2017, 6:03 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Trip Report: Virginia Appalachians
Replies: 7
Views: 4639

Trip Report: Virginia Appalachians

This trip report is two weeks overdue now, but after an excellent week of herping out in the mountains of Virginia, I've stayed busy between work and some more excellent herping outings back in the D.C. area. From May 1st - 7th, my wife and I took a trip out to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, ...
by mtratcliffe
May 23rd, 2017, 5:24 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Kern Co desert cruising
Replies: 5
Views: 3315

Re: Kern Co desert cruising

Great finds!

I haven't personally seen Horned Lizards resting on the road at night, but I believe I've seen others share similar signs before. Good luck with your Rosy hunt!
by mtratcliffe
May 13th, 2017, 5:40 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Visual Guide to Tadpoles and Morphs of the Eastern U.S.
Replies: 12
Views: 14930

Re: Visual Guide to Tadpoles and Morphs of the Eastern U.S.

Updated with tadpole photos for Lithobates sylvaticus, Psuedacris crucifer, and Scaphiophus holbrookii.
by mtratcliffe
May 9th, 2017, 7:12 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: RFI: Florida Invasives
Replies: 5
Views: 3135

Re: RFI: Florida Invasives

Be mindful of the heat - it will feel like the middle of the summer down there at the end of May, if not already. Invasives are all over the Miami area - public parks might be good spots to check. Doesn't need any particular habitat, really.

Good luck!
by mtratcliffe
April 29th, 2017, 11:22 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Pre-Trip Update
Replies: 2
Views: 2256

Pre-Trip Update

I wasn't planning on making another post before my trip out to the mountains next week, but I've had a surprising amount of success since sharing my last post at the beginning of the month. Since then, I have turned up five lifers, two of them quite unexpectedly. I had the pleasure of herping with s...
by mtratcliffe
April 27th, 2017, 6:30 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: NW Italy - Tuscany, Liguria & Piemont 2017 (picture heavy)
Replies: 4
Views: 3815

Re: NW Italy - Tuscany, Liguria & Piemont 2017 (picture heav

Awesome, awesome photos and details! Thanks for sharing your finds from a lesser-seen corner of the world (at least herpetologically-speaking). Your Vipera walser photos are beautiful.
by mtratcliffe
April 20th, 2017, 6:11 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Carolina's Caudates on my Mind
Replies: 4
Views: 3628

Re: Carolina's Caudates on my Mind

Nathan and Bethany,

Looks like you had a great outing. Sorry you weren't able to turn up your target species, but at least you all had fun while looking. Nathan - I look forward to finding some sallies with you in two weeks!

- Matt
by mtratcliffe
April 20th, 2017, 5:47 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Spring, then Winter, then Spring again
Replies: 4
Views: 3144

Re: Spring, then Winter, then Spring again

Good stuff all around. My 2 year old enjoyed trying to guess the IDs on your stuff (granted it was pretty general - "Frog!" or "Sa-la-man-DER!" Look me up if you want to when you make it up here. I can show you some of the usual suspects. Thanks, Josh. My boy likes to look for &...
by mtratcliffe
April 16th, 2017, 6:43 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Turtle ID Help
Replies: 1
Views: 1710

Re: Turtle ID Help

Eric, That looks like an old Slider - not sure which subspecies. I've found both Red-eared and Yellow-bellied Sliders (both are non-native) in Tampa and on MacDill. You can tell because the plastron is marked, while on Cooters, they plastron is unmarked (with the exception of Suwannee Cooters). In a...
by mtratcliffe
April 13th, 2017, 7:48 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Soliciting for Slimy Salamander locales [research]
Replies: 5
Views: 3498

Re: Soliciting for Slimy Salamander locales [research]

Peter,

I recommend submitting a data request to H.E.R.P. (www.naherp.com) for approval to release all P. glutinosis records that have been submitted to the database.

Good luck with your research!

- Matt
by mtratcliffe
April 8th, 2017, 2:22 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Spring, then Winter, then Spring again
Replies: 4
Views: 3144

Spring, then Winter, then Spring again

It's been a crazy past month and a half weather-wise in the mid-Atlantic. Late February saw several days of record-breaking high temperatures, with some days inching into the upper 70s. The amphibians really started moving the last week of February and the first week of March, with many breeding cho...
by mtratcliffe
April 7th, 2017, 5:20 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: quick intro and a diamondback
Replies: 3
Views: 2365

Re: quick intro and a diamondback

Welcome to the forums, Mike! There are a few herpers on here in your part of Florida, including Gainesville.

I recommend using Flickr for posting photos on here. There's an option to link a URL using BB Code, which will embed the image to your post.

- Matt
by mtratcliffe
April 7th, 2017, 6:08 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: First Quarter
Replies: 8
Views: 4933

Re: First Quarter

That's some great diversity, Nick! Wish I had spent more time in the panhandle. That Greater Siren is a monster!

About how many more species in your area do you still have left to find?
by mtratcliffe
March 27th, 2017, 12:14 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Anyone near Frederick, MD?
Replies: 4
Views: 2807

Re: Anyone near Frederick, MD?

PM sent
by mtratcliffe
March 19th, 2017, 7:28 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Visual Guide to Tadpoles and Morphs of the Eastern U.S.
Replies: 12
Views: 14930

Re: Visual Guide to Tadpoles and Morphs of the Eastern U.S.

Updated with some photos of Green Frog tadpoles, Wood Frog tadpoles (newly emerged), and Wood Frog eggs. Should have some better photos of Wood Frog tadpoles in the coming weeks as they just started emerging and need some time to grow.

Don't forget to message me if you have any photos to contribute!