Search found 62 matches

by mothman
November 29th, 2017, 6:16 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Best Month For Arizona and Lizards?
Replies: 10
Views: 6581

Re: Best Month For Arizona and Lizards?

I have gone in August during the monsoon and I have been very successful. Even lizards like a little rain. I would also recommend "A Field Guide to Amphibians and Reptiles in Arizona" by Thomas C. Brennan and Andrew T. Holycross. The distribution of each species is plotted on a state map w...
by mothman
November 18th, 2017, 12:50 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Arizona Herping Adventure: Part 1
Replies: 9
Views: 9104

Re: Arizona Herping Adventure: Part 1

Thanks to EVERYONE for your very kind remarks about the photography. Lizards get top billing for I am able to get the "drop" on them with the camera much easier than I can the snakes. I can't explain my "ability" to come across coral snakes. My first one was two years ago in Coch...
by mothman
November 12th, 2017, 8:05 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Arizona Herping Adventure: Part 2
Replies: 1
Views: 2853

Arizona Herping Adventure: Part 2

After exploring south-central and southeastern Arizona I headed north but I could not resist making a few stops in the Sonoran desert along the way. I was glad I did as I was able to aid a lifer to my trip list. Forest of Saguaro Cactus and Ocotillo https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4425/36812995830_91...
by mothman
November 10th, 2017, 8:44 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Arizona Herping Adventure: Part 1
Replies: 9
Views: 9104

Arizona Herping Adventure: Part 1

Now that the cold weather has returned it is time to relive my time herping in Arizona in August of this year. The monsoon rains were plentiful which no doubt aided my finding 43 herp species, four of which were lifers. My first stop was in the Sonoran Desert. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4436/366...
by mothman
November 8th, 2017, 7:48 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Madagascar
Replies: 5
Views: 5475

Re: Madagascar

John, Check out my posts (Mothman) from my trip to Madagascar in May of this year. We went to Anjozorobe forest, Andasibe NP, Hotel Palmarium on the east coast, Ranomafana NP, Anjay Community Park, Isalo NP, Reniala NP on the west coast near Ifaty. We went with an outfit called Tropical Herping. Loc...
by mothman
September 6th, 2017, 7:16 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Madagascar Part 7: Andasibe National Park
Replies: 3
Views: 3716

Re: Madagascar Part 7: Andasibe National Park

Awesome! Great to see so many of my old friends, and also many that I haven't seen. Madagascar is just fantastic. A few guesses on your unknown frogs: Frog ID?? #1 ("Guibemantis?????"): This could be a young Aglyptodactylus madagascariensis . Frog ID?? #2: Young Boophis , perhaps B. guibe...
by mothman
September 5th, 2017, 2:14 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Madagascar Part 8: Anjozorobe National Park
Replies: 2
Views: 3490

Madagascar Part 8: Anjozorobe National Park

We went to Anjozorobe National Park, which is north of Tana, for the final segment of the Madagascar adventure and stayed at the Saha Forest Lodge. Blue legged chameleons ( Calumma crypticum ), male https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4260/35846651385_078a18c116_b.jpg Calumma crypticum, male by mitchberk...
by mothman
September 5th, 2017, 11:26 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Madagascar Part 7: Andasibe National Park
Replies: 3
Views: 3716

Madagascar Part 7: Andasibe National Park

This is a continuation of my adventure to Madagascar last May with the herp touring company Tropical Herping. I would have posted this earlier but a month-long herping trip in Arizona caused the delay (excuses, excuses). Before I get into the wonderful herps of Andasibe National Park and surrounding...
by mothman
July 31st, 2017, 5:51 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Madagascar Part 6: Ankanin'ny Nofy
Replies: 7
Views: 5836

Re: Madagascar Part 6: Ankanin'ny Nofy

Mitch, You can also add another species of mammal to your list, the first and second photos of the 'Black Lemur', are actually an Indri (the third photo of the female is a Black Lemur). -Paul Paul, You are correct once again. The black lemur with some whitish regions are Indri. Here are some differ...
by mothman
July 26th, 2017, 1:11 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Madagascar Part 6: Ankanin'ny Nofy
Replies: 7
Views: 5836

Re: Madagascar Part 6: Ankanin'ny Nofy

Paul, Thanks much for the compliments. I put in so many hours shooting and reviewing my photos that it is nice to know that they are appreciated. I checked out the pictures of the boa and I agree with you that it is Acrantophis maadagascariensis . Hey, that makes one more species to add to my trip l...
by mothman
July 25th, 2017, 9:10 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Madagascar Part 6: Ankanin'ny Nofy
Replies: 7
Views: 5836

Madagascar Part 6: Ankanin'ny Nofy

Before I discuss Ankanin'ny Nofy I will show you some scenery and some lizards we came across at stops while driving between Ranomafana and Antsirabe. The Malagasy have removed much of their forests for agriculture and charcoal production. The valleys are converted into rice fields. https://farm5.st...
by mothman
July 24th, 2017, 8:02 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Madagascar Part 3: Isalo National Park-Invertebrates, lemurs
Replies: 3
Views: 2450

Re: Madagascar Part 3: Isalo National Park-Invertebrates, le

John, Thanks for your comments on my photography. My pictures have greatly improved with more experience. Madagascar is a great place for nature lovers. Australia is wonderful too. I was in South Australia last October/Novemeber and just had a great time with the wildlife. West Virginia just does no...
by mothman
July 24th, 2017, 7:53 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Madagascar Part 4: Anjay Community Park
Replies: 4
Views: 4269

Re: Madagascar Part 4: Anjay Community Park

Surfinherp,

If you like chameleons than you should like mymy post from Ranomafana. We saw more and varied chameleon species there than anywhere else on our trip. Glad you enjoyed my post.
by mothman
July 24th, 2017, 7:48 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Madagascar Part 2: Arboretum d'Antsokay
Replies: 3
Views: 3436

Re: Madagascar Part 2: Arboretum d'Antsokay

Paul and Intermedius,

Thanks for your generous comments. I am glad you enjoyed the posts. More are on the way.

Mitch
by mothman
July 23rd, 2017, 6:58 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Madagascar Part 5: Ranomafana National Park
Replies: 1
Views: 3263

Madagascar Part 5: Ranomafana National Park

Well to catch-up there have been four Madagascar posts previous to this one from the arid south and west. Madagascar Part 1: Ifaty and Reniala National Forest Madagascar Part 2: Arboretum d'Antsokay Madagascar Part 3: Isalo National Park-Herps only Madagascar Part 3: Isalo National Park-Invertebrate...
by mothman
July 22nd, 2017, 10:55 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Madagascar Part 4: Anjay Community Park
Replies: 4
Views: 4269

Madagascar Part 4: Anjay Community Park

Anjay Community Park is characterized by huge granite formations and contains a lake. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4306/35554017560_9553a574b7_c.jpg Anjay Community Park, Madagascar by mitchberk , on Flickr https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4266/35133201413_9ce5fc450e_c.jpg Anjay Community Park, Mada...
by mothman
July 22nd, 2017, 9:42 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Madagascar Part 3: Isalo National Park-lizards & snake only
Replies: 0
Views: 3917

Madagascar Part 3: Isalo National Park-lizards & snake only

This post was a mistake. I accidentally duplicated the reptile portion of my previous post entitled "Madagascar Part 3: Isalo National Park-herps only " while editing. Oh crap! I cannot delete this post so if you want to see everything herpy (e.g. lizards, snakes and the neat frogs) go to ...
by mothman
July 21st, 2017, 12:31 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Madagascar Part 3: Isalo National Park-Invertebrates, lemurs
Replies: 3
Views: 2450

Madagascar Part 3: Isalo National Park-Invertebrates, lemurs

Here are the invertebrates, birds, and lemurs we saw at Isalo National Park. No reptiles or amphibians. I thought the invertebrates and non-herp vertebrates would be better in one post than spread out over separate forums. Spider ( Peucetia sp.) https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4311/35817684052_5bd512...
by mothman
July 21st, 2017, 10:17 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Madagascar Part 3: Isalo National Park-Herps only
Replies: 1
Views: 2847

Madagascar Part 3: Isalo National Park-Herps only

Isalo National Park contains a range of mountains that are surrounded by savanna. The scenery is spectacular. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4310/35820819982_1a8a017d4c_c.jpg Isalo National Park by mitchberk , on Flickr https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4319/35148639894_882c540887_c.jpg Isalo National ...
by mothman
July 20th, 2017, 9:56 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Madagascar Part 2: Arboretum d'Antsokay
Replies: 3
Views: 3436

Madagascar Part 2: Arboretum d'Antsokay

Arboretum d'Antsokay is in the arid southwestern part of Madagascar just outside the coastal town of Toliara. The arboretum contains many plant specimens from arid regions of Madagascar. It is a good place to find herps. The arboretum has accommodations and a restaurant, which is convenient for noct...
by mothman
July 19th, 2017, 6:43 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Madagascar Part 1: Ifaty and Reniala National Forest
Replies: 1
Views: 2768

Madagascar Part 1: Ifaty and Reniala National Forest

My wife and I had a marvelous trip to Madagascar in late April to late May. Chameleons, day geckos, night geckos, skinks, snakes, and frogs were diverse and abundant. We hired Alejandro Arteaga and Jose Vieira of Tropical Herping (http://www.tropicalherping.com) as our guides. These folks are adept ...
by mothman
March 9th, 2017, 5:13 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Travels in New Mexico - Part 3
Replies: 4
Views: 4402

Re: Travels in New Mexico - Part 3

Very nice! You do realize however that the "courtship dance" you described is probably male/male combat and not courtship. Of course I'm just jealous because its a behavior I've yet to witness in the wild :) bgorum: Thanks for correcting my mistake about the behavior of the Black-tailed R...
by mothman
March 8th, 2017, 4:54 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Malaysia 2017, part 2: Ulu Yam
Replies: 15
Views: 11186

Re: Malaysia 2017, part 2: Ulu Yam

Hi John, What a marvelous trip and you have just reported on the first couple of days! Being a lizard aficionado I really loved the picture of Great Angle-headed Lizard ( gonocephalus grandis ). It's vertebral and cephalic crests are strikingly reminiscent of the Emerald Basilisk ( Basiliscus plumif...
by mothman
March 4th, 2017, 10:39 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Travels in New Mexico - Part 3
Replies: 4
Views: 4402

Travels in New Mexico - Part 3

This last installment of the New Mexico trip will be in Otero and Dona Ana Counties of New Mexico and Franklin Mountains State Park in El Paso, Texas. Rainbow at Oliver Lee Memorial State Park, Otero County, New Mexico http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn16/MLB65/New%20Mexico-2016/DSC_0429_zpsqzx5g...
by mothman
February 28th, 2017, 6:23 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: TwoThousandSixteen.. Reptiles and Landscapes
Replies: 8
Views: 5880

Re: TwoThousandSixteen.. Reptiles and Landscapes

I really like the scenery shots and the various snakes. Congratulations on the lifer Mountain Kingsnake. I wanted to see one and a Great Plains Skink on my trip last year to New Mexico but I was not successful.
by mothman
February 26th, 2017, 7:50 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Travels in New Mexico - Part 2
Replies: 3
Views: 2849

Re: Travels in New Mexico - Part 2

bgorum: Thanks for your comment. It was drizzling just south of where we found the blind snake hence the bounty of toads we found but you are absolutely correct in that it had not recently rained at the site of the blind snake and garter snake. There was a very brief isolated shower several hours ea...
by mothman
February 25th, 2017, 8:07 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Travels in New Mexico - Part 2
Replies: 3
Views: 2849

Travels in New Mexico - Part 2

This part of the herping travelogue will cover the central Rio Grande Valley and Chaves County of New Mexico. Greenery of Rio Grande riparian corridor sandwiched between desert landscape. http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn16/MLB65/New%20Mexico-2016/New%20Mexico%20scenery/DSC_1109_zpsovkmykvj.jpg ...
by mothman
February 21st, 2017, 7:18 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Travels in New Mexico - Part 1
Replies: 3
Views: 4287

Travels in New Mexico - Part 1

As I sit idly by waiting for spring and more herping adventures I thought I would reflect back on our herping trip to New Mexico during monsoon season. My wife and I circumnavigated the state in a counterclockwise direction starting from southwestern New Mexico. We encountered a variety of habitats ...
by mothman
February 19th, 2017, 7:50 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Western Cape Herping Trip - South Africa. [Photo Heavy]
Replies: 6
Views: 5477

Re: Western Cape Herping Trip - South Africa. [Photo Heavy]

Thanks for sharing your excellent pictures. The Armadillo Lizard and Southern Karusa Lizard were particularly fascinating to look at. The lodge looks like a wonderfully unique place to stay to say the least.
by mothman
February 5th, 2017, 9:32 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: A few finds from Northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Replies: 4
Views: 3095

Re: A few finds from Northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Really nice photos. You did very well finding species in drought conditions. You have encouraged me to add southern Africa to my herp travel list!
by mothman
February 5th, 2017, 9:26 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Lizarding across Australia: Part 3 The Top End
Replies: 9
Views: 6216

Re: Lizarding across Australia: Part 3 The Top End

Milos,

What a very successful trip. Great pics of the frilled lizards. I am envious that you found Burton's legless lizards and the beautiful black-headed python. These are the species I have wanted to see but missed on my trip to the Northern territory three years ago. Good job!!

Mitch
by mothman
January 12th, 2017, 5:44 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Borneo 2016, some agamidae
Replies: 3
Views: 2182

Re: Borneo 2016, some agamidae

Love those lizard shots. It makes me want to pack my bags and head out to Borneo.
Thanks for sharing.
by mothman
January 7th, 2017, 11:16 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Lizarding across Australia: Part 2 The Red Centre
Replies: 9
Views: 5119

Re: Lizarding across Australia: Part 2 The Red Centre

I really love those shots of the incredible eyes of the Northern Spring-tailed Gecko and the Thorny Devil close-up. I experienced the same problem as you did with the uncooperative Thorny devil but in my case it was with the geckos on the road. As soon as I got myself situated on the ground for clos...
by mothman
January 7th, 2017, 10:50 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Madagascar 16
Replies: 11
Views: 6309

Re: Madagascar 16

What wonderful photographs. You are quite talented . I will be going to Madagascar in May. I wish it was tomorrow. I assume you were not traveling in an organized group. Your loss of a suitcase is a terrible thing to happen but at least it was at the end of your trip. My wife and I were going to spe...
by mothman
January 4th, 2017, 5:43 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: South Australia Herping Part 2
Replies: 1
Views: 1476

South Australia Herping Part 2

I headed down to the national parks at the southern edge of the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia. On some trails the Bull Skinks ( Liopholis multiscutata ) were exceptionally numerous. Their burrows were all on the southern edge of the trail. They usually were found sitting on the ground near the e...
by mothman
January 3rd, 2017, 12:39 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Lizarding across Australia: Part 1 South Austtralia
Replies: 5
Views: 3419

Re: Lizarding across Australia: Part 1 South Austtralia

Hi Closet Herper, I love the photos of the red kangaroo family and the kick boxing kangaroo duo. Great close-up shots of the tongues of the blue-tongue skink and shingleback. I have to get to Great Otway National Park to see the Koalas. We were unsuccessful in the short time we were in Brisbane thre...
by mothman
January 2nd, 2017, 11:11 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: South Australia Herping Part 1
Replies: 2
Views: 2284

South Australia Herping Part 1

Happy new year fellow herpers. I ended my herping adventures in 2016 with a wonderful trip to South Australia and the mallee part of Victoria in mid-October to mid-November (springtime). It was a successful adventure as I had photographed 40 species of herps, 64 species of birds, and 7 species of ma...
by mothman
July 30th, 2016, 5:43 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Southern California Herping Part 2
Replies: 4
Views: 3908

Southern California Herping Part 2

The second installment of my trip to southern California will cover Joshua Tree National Park. I have not been back to southern California since 1989 so this trip brings back old memories for me. Joshua Tree NP is one of my most favorite national parks since it is spectacular from both a scenic and ...
by mothman
July 29th, 2016, 4:00 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Southern California Herping Part 1
Replies: 1
Views: 3166

Southern California Herping Part 1

Lizards and snakes were on my agenda for a three week trip to the deserts and mountains of southern California. I was there the last week of May and the first two weeks off June. First off was a visit to one of the regional parks in San Diego. The Great Basin Fence Lizards ( Sceloporus occidentals l...
by mothman
September 15th, 2015, 4:10 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Southeastern Arizona Trip... Lizards, desert tortoise
Replies: 3
Views: 2360

Re: Southeastern Arizona Trip... Lizards, desert tortoise

cbernz wrote:Great stuff. The dragons are Filigree Skimmer and Red Rock Skimmer, respectively.
Thanks for the identification of the dragonflies and your kind comments.

Mitch
by mothman
September 15th, 2015, 11:58 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Southeastern Arizona Trip... Lizards, desert tortoise
Replies: 3
Views: 2360

Southeastern Arizona Trip... Lizards, desert tortoise

This is a continuation of the pictures from my trip to southeastern Arizona during August covering the incredible diversity and abundance of lizards. I thought the Caribbean islands had abundant lizards until I saw the numbers in Arizona. Gila Monster ( Heloderma suspectum ) http://i300.photobucket....
by mothman
September 15th, 2015, 5:42 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Southeastern Arizona Trip... snakes and toads
Replies: 5
Views: 3369

Re: Southeastern Arizona Trip... snakes and toads

looks like a fun trip. Your variable sand snake looks like the tail of a gopher snake and your female couch spadefoot is actually a great plains toad though. Thanks for pointing out my mistakes. The mislabeled great plains toad has been corrected and I added a picture of a real female Couch's spade...
by mothman
September 15th, 2015, 5:26 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Southeastern Arizona Trip... snakes and toads
Replies: 5
Views: 3369

Re: Southeastern Arizona Trip... snakes and toads

Wow, you had a great trip! Agree with bgorum - that tail is definitely connected to a gopher snake. The scorpion is a Stripe-tailed Scorpion, Vaejovis sp. , and the grasshopper is a Lubber Grasshopper. Those grasshoppers are out in hordes during a good summer rainy season. You must have seen some D...
by mothman
September 14th, 2015, 11:04 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Southeastern Arizona Trip... snakes and toads
Replies: 5
Views: 3369

Southeastern Arizona Trip... snakes and toads

My first trip to southeastern Arizona during monsoon season was quit memorable. I thought the tropics ruled when it came to herp biodiversity but southeastern Arizona comes close. Some of the sites visited included Sabino Canyon, Ramsey Canyon, Coronado National Memorial, Chiricahua Mountains, Cochi...
by mothman
June 24th, 2015, 12:51 pm
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: Birds of the Cayman Islands and Pantanal, Brazil
Replies: 6
Views: 19251

Re: Birds of the Cayman Islands and Pantanal, Brazil

Steve,

Your avian photography is amazing. Were you on a guided trip to the Pantanal?
by mothman
June 24th, 2015, 12:14 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Caymans and Everglades, Spring 2015
Replies: 14
Views: 11032

Re: Caymans and Everglades, Spring 2015

Fantastic bird photography! The gator/slider sequence was incredible.

Were the Cyclura lewisi in a breeding program or were they photographed in the wild?
by mothman
April 30th, 2015, 2:29 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Far-north Queensland, Australia
Replies: 13
Views: 7403

Re: Far-north Queensland, Australia

Fantastic photography. I love all of the pythons and a great pose of Boyd's Forest Dragon. Your post makes me yearn to return.
by mothman
April 28th, 2015, 7:02 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Herping in Utila Island, Honduras
Replies: 2
Views: 2172

Re: Herping in Utila Island, Honduras

I really enjoyed this series! I was seconds from booking a dive/herp trip to Utila with my wife a couple winters ago. We got pregnant and decided a hard core dive trip with her expecting wasn't quite the right thing to do. Ended up at Bimini as it was easy to get to and easy to get home from. Hondu...
by mothman
April 27th, 2015, 9:45 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Herping in Utila Island, Honduras
Replies: 2
Views: 2172

Herping in Utila Island, Honduras

I just thought I post the last of my pictures from my trip to Honduras in late February/early March. Utila Island is in the Caribbean Sea not far from the coastal city of La Ceiba, Honduras. The island is easily accessible by ferry or by plane from La Ceiba. Most people go to Utila since it is a mec...
by mothman
April 27th, 2015, 8:10 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Carter Caves April 24, 25 and 26
Replies: 7
Views: 4246

Re: Carter Caves April 24, 25 and 26

What a wonderful trip to Carter Caves, which is a state park in eastern Kentucky. You found an incredible number of salamanders. I have been to Carter Caves State Park numerous times and I have never been as successful as you have been finding herps. April 25th must have been a great day for salaman...