2020 EOY Report - Arizona

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frodaman
Posts: 303
Joined: August 29th, 2011, 10:54 pm
Location: Arizona

2020 EOY Report - Arizona

Post by frodaman »

Just trying to show the old forum some love with an Arizona 2020 EOY report with a couple photo highlights. I was able to have at least a semi-decent year despite all the garbage that happened this year and the cancelled trips that we all seemed to have. Enjoy :beer:

Arizona

As it is my home state, this is obviously where I spent the most time. The spring seemed to be the best part of the year for me, as I was able to figure out some new honey holes and the activity was particularly interesting with the abnormal amount of moisture. The summer was pretty sub-par with the "Non-soon" we experienced.

Variable Sandsnake (Chilomeniscus cinctus)
ImageChilomeniscus stramineus-0041 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageChilimeniscus cinctus-9455 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

Groundsnake (Sonora semiannulata)
ImageSonora semiannulata-0112 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

Sonoran Whipsnake (Masticophis bilineatus)
ImageMasticophis bilineatus - Maricopa County, AZ-0392 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageMasticophis bilineatus-1098 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

Sonoran Lyresnake (Trimorphodon lambda) in crack in-situ
ImageTrimorphodon lambda in vertical crack by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageTrimorphodon lambda-1214 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageTrimorphodon lambda - La Paz County, AZ-0591 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

Longnosed Snake (Rhinocheilus lecontei)
ImageRhinocheilus lecontei - Pinal County, AZ-0603 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageRhinocheilus lecontei-9344 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

Chuckwalla (Sauromalus ater)
ImageSauromalus ater - Pinal County, AZ-0591 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

Mojave Rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus)

This one had just struck and missed a kangaroo rat, and was left to sort out all the debris that it grabbed instead :P
ImageCrotalus scutulatus-0637 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageCrotalus scutulatus - Maricopa County, AZ-0643 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageCrotalus scutulatus-2105 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox)
ImageCrotalus atrox-0872 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageCrotalus atrox-2225 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageC. atrox on Border-1629 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageCrotalus atrox-0694 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageCrotalus atrox-0973 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageCrotalus atrox-3072 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageCrotalus atrox-0716 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageCrotalus atrox-0859 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageCrotalus atrox-9571 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageCrotalus atrox-2287 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageCrotalus atrox-0802 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

Red-Spotted Toad (Anaxyrus punctatus)
ImageAnaxyrus punctatus - Maricopa County, AZ-0745 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

Sonoran Desert Tortoise (Gopherus morafkai)
ImageGopherus morafkai-0781 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageGopherus morafkai-0770 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageGopherus morafkai-0897 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageGopherus morafkai (Neonate)-1379 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageGopherus morafkai-1027 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

Gila Monster (Heloderma suspectum)
ImageHeloderma suspectum-0950 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageHeloderma suspectum-0922 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageHeloderma suspectum-1118 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageHeloderma suspectum-1141 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageHeloderma suspectum-0602 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageHeloderma suspectum (juvenile)-0050 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageHeloderma suspectum - Yuma County, AZ-0125 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans)
ImageArizona elegans-0090 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

Yuman Fringetoed Lizard (Uma rufopunctata)
ImageUma rufopunctata-9919 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

Tiger Rattlesnake (Crotalus tigris)
ImageCrotalus tigris-0027 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageCrotalus tigris-1729 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageCrotalus tigris-2065 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageCrotalus tigris-1949 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

Western Banded Gecko (Coleonyx variegatus)
ImageColeonyx variegatus-9844 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr


Blacktailed Rattlesnake (Crotalus molossus)
ImageCrotalus molossus-9492 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageCrotalus molossus-9559 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageCrotalus molossus-0139 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageCrotalus molossus-0173 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageCrotalus molossus-0095 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageCrotalus molossus-1582 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageCrotalus molossus-1296 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageCrotalus molossus-3032 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageCrotalus molossus-1430 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr


Regal Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma solare)
ImagePhrynosoma solare-9611 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

Goode's Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma goodei)
ImagePhrynosoma goodei-9728 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

New Mexico Threadsnake (Rena dissectus)
ImageRena dissectus-0958 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

Sidewinder Rattlesnake (Crotalus cerastes)
ImageCrotalus cerastes laterorepens-0571 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageCrotalus cerastes-9755 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageCrotalus cerastes-2248 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageCrotalus cerastes laterorepens-0552 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageCrotalus cerastes-9165 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageCrotalus cerastes-9323 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageCrotalus cerastes-0010 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageCrotalus cerastes-2120 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

Coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum)
ImageMasticophis flagellum-1399 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageMasticophis flagellum-1686 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageMasticophis flagellum-0257 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

Southwestern Speckled Rattlenake (Crotalus pyrrhus)
ImageCrotalus pyrrhus-2001 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageCrotalus pyrrhus-2029 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageCrotalus pyrrhus-1962 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageCrotalus pyrrhus-0154 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageCrotalus pyrrhus-2013 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageCrotalus pyrrhus-9993 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageCrotalus pyrrhus-1699 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageCrotalus pyrrhus-1959 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageCrotalus pyrrhus-0342 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageCrotalus pyrrhus-1722 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageCrotalus pyrrhus-9367 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageCrotalus pyrrhus-9522 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

Mexican Spadefoot (Spea multiplicata)
ImageSpea multiplicata-9913 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

Madrean Alligator Lizard (Elgaria kingii)
ImageElgaria kingii-1239 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

Arizona Ridgenosed Rattlesnake (Crotalus willardi)
ImageCrotalus willardi-0764 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageCrotalus willardi-1315 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

Saddled Leafnose Snake (Phyllhorynchus browni)
ImagePhyllorhynchus browni-9318 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

Bezy's Night Lizard (Xantusia bezyi)
ImageXantusia bezyi-3393 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageXantusia bezyi-3309 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

Desert Kingsnake (Lampropeltis splendida)
ImageLampropeltis splendida-1826 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageLampropeltis splendida-1518 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

Desert Iguana (Dipsosaurus dorsalis)
ImageDipsosaurus dorsalis-9262 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

Banded Rock Rattlesnake (Crotalus lepidus klauberi)
ImageCrotalus lepidus klauberi-1881 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageCrotalus lepidus klauberi-1177 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageCrotalus lepidus 0628 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageCrotalus lepidus klauberi-1102 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr


Canyon Treefrog (Hyla arenicolor)
This one was probably my most significant observation to date - an albino Canyon Treefrog. This is the first found in Arizona and the second ever documented (first one being in Texas). Herp review in progess.
ImageHyla arenicolor (Albino)-0944 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageHyla arenicolor with Tadpoles-0902 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

Black-Necked Gartnersnake (THamnophis cyrtopsis)
ImageThamnophis cyrtopsis-0741 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

Desert Nightsnake (Hypsiglena chlorophaea)

This one was actually found in the kitchen, which is not an uncommon occurrence in Arizona...
ImageHypsiglena chlorophaea in Kitchen by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis knoblochi)

I understand there is some dispute on whether or not the pyromelana/knoblochi split is valid - don't shoot the messanger :lol:

ImageLampropeltis pyromelana-1099 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageLampropeltis knoblochi -0831 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

Arizona Black Rattlesnake (Crotalus cerberus)
ImageCrotalus cerberus-9478 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageCrotalus cerberus-9550 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageCrotalus cerberus-9538 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageCrotalus cerberus-9612 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageCrotalus cerberus-9581 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

Green Ratsnake (Senticolis triaspis)
ImageSenticolis triaspis-2951 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

Desert Box Turtle (Terreapene ornata)
ImageTerrapene ornata-0890 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageTerrapene ornata-0774 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

Arizona Tree Frog (Hyla wrightorum)
ImageHyla wrightorum-1013 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

Mexican Hognosed Snake (Heterodon kennerlyi)
ImageHeterodon kennerlyi-0816 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

Mediterranean Gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus)
ImageHemidactylus turcicus-5341 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

Shovelnosed Snake (Chionactis occipitalis)
ImageChionactis occipitalis-9716 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

Western Patchnosed Snake (Salvadora hexalepis)
ImageSalvadora hexalepis - Yuma County, AZ-0395 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageSalvadora hexalepis-0276 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr


Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma mavortium)
ImageAmbystoma mavortium-9859 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard (Gambelia wislizenii)
ImageGambelia wislizenii-9235 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

Sonoran Gophersnake (Pituophis catenifer)
ImagePituophis catenifer-1614 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

Checkered Gartersnake (Thamnophis marcianus)
ImageThamnophis marcianus-0409 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageThamnophis marcianus-0381 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

Slevin's Bunchgrass Lizard (Sceloporous slevenii)
ImageSceloporus slevini-1065 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

Long-Tailed Brush Lizard (Urosaurus graciosus)
ImageUrosaurus graciosus-9827 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

Large-blotched Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzi klauberi)
These are introduced and invasive to a small area in Arizona.
ImageEnsatina eschscholtzi klauberi -9675 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr

ImageEnsatina eschscholtzi klauberi -9774 by Jeff Martineau, on Flickr
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BillMcGighan
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Joined: June 7th, 2010, 9:23 am
Location: Unicoi, TN

Re: 2020 EOY Report - Arizona

Post by BillMcGighan »

All super...
Especially the "in situ" shots.
The C. molossus in the tree was special.
VICtort
Posts: 691
Joined: July 2nd, 2010, 6:48 pm
Location: AZ.

Re: 2020 EOY Report - Arizona

Post by VICtort »

Congratulations, you really made the best of a tough situation. I kept waiting for "good weather/monsoons" which sort of fizzled. I though that notation about the Ensatina's fascinating, I had not heard about that.

Thank you for sharing, I am most impressed at the wide variety you found and photographed, and you apparently traveled widely over the State.
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Porter
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Re: 2020 EOY Report - Arizona

Post by Porter »

Congrats on that albino find :thumb: :beer: I’m always on the lookout for one of those to pop-up in Pseudacris. Highlights for me were that dark rhino, double buzz neck stripe-age, and those monstrous in-insitus. Nice post 👍🏻
Jimi
Posts: 1955
Joined: December 3rd, 2010, 12:06 pm

Re: 2020 EOY Report - Arizona

Post by Jimi »

Nice bunch of pics, Jeff. Thank you!

With the wet winter you guys had, I had been wondering what spring was like down there. And due to Covid crap, I just stayed pretty close to home this spring - and due to our terrible drought, it sucked royally up here, for me. So congrats on all the fun times those pics represent!

Most non-resident, monsoon-season reports I heard out of AZ in 2020 were pretty mediocre, at best. Some were downright bleak. I spent a week and a half or so down there in Sept (I just waited for it to cool down some) and had some fun, but - like most trips these last few years - had to work for it.

I was also fond of the scansorial molossus shot.
These are introduced and invasive to a small area in Arizona.Image
Introduced - most definitely. Successfully established, not likely to easily get blinked out? Sure seems like it. Invasive though? Is that really what is thought to be going on? I thought they were holding pretty tight to the state facility. But I freely admit to being distant and uninformed. More of a concern with the language, and to hear if there's been an assessment and determination of next steps (e.g., eradication, suppression, whatever). Not that you'd be sure to know that...but you might.

thanks again
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Brian Hubbs
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Re: 2020 EOY Report - Arizona

Post by Brian Hubbs »

Very Nice! You did a little bit of herping this year... :thumb:
After living in AZ for 21 years I still haven't seen a Sand Snake...LOL I guess I need to go look for one. :roll:
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zeevng
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Re: 2020 EOY Report - Arizona

Post by zeevng »

That's a great round up for such a slow year!
I'm going to have to shake myself out of hibernation and post an EOY report now! :D

Hoping to finally make it to Arizona this Spring, have a few weeks set aside for a honeymoon/herping roadtrip in May, this post is super encouraging.
Super nice find on that albino, very cool indeed.

Happy Herping! :thumb:
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frodaman
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Joined: August 29th, 2011, 10:54 pm
Location: Arizona

Re: 2020 EOY Report - Arizona

Post by frodaman »

Introduced - most definitely. Successfully established, not likely to easily get blinked out? Sure seems like it. Invasive though? Is that really what is thought to be going on? I thought they were holding pretty tight to the state facility. But I freely admit to being distant and uninformed. More of a concern with the language, and to hear if there's been an assessment and determination of next steps (e.g., eradication, suppression, whatever). Not that you'd be sure to know that...but you might.
Yes, you are correct in bringing up and clarifying my language here and I thank you for that. I was able to participate in a small-scale AZGFD survey up there a couple years ago to push their known boundaries, and usually make a trip out there at least once a season. The further you get from the "site" they do seem to thin out, however due to their numbers within that area there can be no doubt that they have to be expanding to a degree. The issue is lack of data - many herpers don't seem to care about moving outward. They show up, have the experience with their Arizona lifelist expansion pack where it's easy, and move on (I admit I am at times guilty of this). As far as management goes, I do not know for sure what the current plan is as it's been a bit since I've heard any update, but I think they were leaning towards an "unlimited dead" bag limit. I'm sure Tom has more info on it than me. To your point - they don't seem to be competing with other species at the moment and I think if you were to label any ecological issue associated with them it would be habitat destruction from our own species.
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frodaman
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Location: Arizona

Re: 2020 EOY Report - Arizona

Post by frodaman »

Brian Hubbs wrote: December 1st, 2020, 9:45 pm Very Nice! You did a little bit of herping this year... :thumb:
After living in AZ for 21 years I still haven't seen a Sand Snake...LOL I guess I need to go look for one. :roll:
Do it! I would have more sympathy for you but I have yet to find an Arizona triangulum... :D :lol:
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fringe
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Re: 2020 EOY Report - Arizona

Post by fringe »

:shock: Geez son. A monsoon year must be a banger for you.
I'm coming out there in 2021, Lord willin' and the creek does rise.
I need to find one of those shovel-nosed snakes.
Maybe we can hang out and Catch It.
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fringe
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Re: 2020 EOY Report - Arizona

Post by fringe »

frodaman wrote: December 6th, 2020, 11:00 am
Brian Hubbs wrote: December 1st, 2020, 9:45 pm Very Nice! You did a little bit of herping this year... :thumb:
After living in AZ for 21 years I still haven't seen a Sand Snake...LOL I guess I need to go look for one. :roll:
Do it! I would have more sympathy for you but I have yet to find an Arizona triangulum... :D :lol:
Help you I can.
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Jeff
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Re: 2020 EOY Report - Arizona

Post by Jeff »

Wow! Nice photography of the usual plus rare critters of southern Arizona.
Having lived there and seen these I can appreciate the great photography, and the work that is necessary to find some of these reclusive animals. The gila monsters bursting forth is wonderful, along with so many others. My last days there in the 1980s were pre-border wall, so the Crotalus being turned away was sad. In 1985 I worked in the San Rafael Valley, and the "wall" was a fire-break along a non-imposing barbed-wire fence.
My favorite is the Long-tailed Brush Lizard, toward the end of the post. I have seen numerous California Desert individuals, which are sleek and pale flannel gray. I gather that one is the shannoni subspecies, and rightfully distinct from the Californios. That one is boldly marked and somewhat barbaric in contrast.
Yours is the sort of post that makes me think twice about living in the swamp.
Jeffr
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frodaman
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Re: 2020 EOY Report - Arizona

Post by frodaman »

fringe wrote: December 30th, 2020, 10:23 am Maybe we can hang out and Catch It.

:lol: :lol: Someone knows me better than I would have expected from this forum!
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frodaman
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Re: 2020 EOY Report - Arizona

Post by frodaman »

Jeff wrote: January 1st, 2021, 6:53 pm Wow! Nice photography of the usual plus rare critters of southern Arizona.
Having lived there and seen these I can appreciate the great photography, and the work that is necessary to find some of these reclusive animals. The gila monsters bursting forth is wonderful, along with so many others. My last days there in the 1980s were pre-border wall, so the Crotalus being turned away was sad. In 1985 I worked in the San Rafael Valley, and the "wall" was a fire-break along a non-imposing barbed-wire fence.
My favorite is the Long-tailed Brush Lizard, toward the end of the post. I have seen numerous California Desert individuals, which are sleek and pale flannel gray. I gather that one is the shannoni subspecies, and rightfully distinct from the Californios. That one is boldly marked and somewhat barbaric in contrast.
Yours is the sort of post that makes me think twice about living in the swamp.
Jeffr
Thanks for the kind words!
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Brian Hubbs
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Re: 2020 EOY Report - Arizona

Post by Brian Hubbs »

[/quote]Help you I can.
[/quote]

:) I know how to do it, I just never make time for them... 8-)
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fringe
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Joined: April 3rd, 2015, 1:07 pm

Re: 2020 EOY Report - Arizona

Post by fringe »

Brian Hubbs wrote: January 25th, 2021, 6:58 pm
Help you I can.
[/quote]

:) I know how to do it, I just never make time for them... 8-)
[/quote]

That is why you fail. Your path you must decide.
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