Website Under Construction
We are currently building up our Herp Guides, Trip Reports, Explore features, and photo inventory. Some things on the site have not yet been added or polished to perfection. Please check back for more updates soon. Thank you! (October 2022)
Herp Identification Resources
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If you are looking to identify a herp, these are the resources you need. Ty's Herp Guide is our site's guide to VA's herps. Ty tries to keep this guide as up to date, and make it as efficient as possible. The guide is not complete yet, but all of our Virginia species are listed on there. If you are still unsure of your ID, or want a less involved way to ID, you can submit the form on the Herp ID help page, so one of our experts can ID it for you.
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Herpetological News & Weather
News on website updates, research, exploration, or herping for any of our Virginia species.
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Virginia WeatherHerping like all outdoor activities can be weather sensitive. Some herps like balmy weather, some like the down-pours. We also need to be mindful of storms and freak weather events while herping. This is why we feel it important to give you an up-to-date weather resource with a easy to read radar to help you plan your next exploration.
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Exotic Rattlesnakes found in Virginia!?I am sure you have seen this post of a Diamondback Rattlesnake found in a flowerpot near your hometown. What if I told you that wasn't the only exotic Rattlesnake reported in Virginia this month? So, what is going on here and should we be worried? Well, we have the scoop on these stories... and here is why they are obviously hoaxes.
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Potential New Dusky Species in VirginiaA new paper dropped that discusses several new "mito-nuclear candidate species" of Desmognathus salamanders, hybridization, and more genetic information found in their study that spanned multiple states. This paper would take the 22 known Desmognathus species and offer a new total of 47. What does this mean for our local species?
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Stop Counting Supralabials!Have you ever been told that you can only ID these skinks from counting the scales on their lips called supralabials (labials)? I am sure you have heard of this, but what if I told you that was wrong and probably the worst way to ID these lizards. Well, its the truth... There is no scientific bases for this technique and it honestly sucks! So, this is the truth about skinks.
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Upcoming Events
Keep up-to-date on big days, education opportunities and Herping Holidays.
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Our iNaturalist ProjectAre you an iNaturalist user? Our project takes all herp species observed in Virginia and makes all of the observations digestible. Join our project, add observations, and identify observations to aid our research. You can even ask our experts questions through messages and observation comments. The project has:
Almost 100,000 observations to explore.Over 150 species from all corners of the state.Over 12,000 observers aiding us map species.Several reputable experts to help identify photos and audio. |
Herp of the Month
Enjoy a highlighted herp each month! Learn about a new species or gain a new appreciation for species you already know.
September/October 2022 | Eastern Gartersnake
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The Eastern Gartersnake is our only subspecies of the Common Gartersnake found in Virginia. These snakes are highly variable and can be found all across the state. This is our official state reptile, and loves suburban areas, especially near water. Eastern Gartersnakes eat frogs, salamanders, fish, worms, slugs, and other invertebrates. Gartersnakes are one of the few communal snakes we have. Not only will they live in colonies, but they are known to develop "friendships" with other members of their group. So, how well do you know this legless neighbor?
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Herper of the Quarter
Who is who? What are they doing?
Destination of the Month
Learn about a Virginia, herping destination that you must check out in the near future.
Flag Rock Recreational Area
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Way down yonder in "Wood Booger" Country, there is a City called Norton. Here there is a park in the mountains that is a preserve for Salamanders. I personally love this place, but if you go herping here, please bring a trash bag and some grabbers and pack a bag of trash out. People throw trash down in the rockwork constantly, and this can kill these amazing salamanders. If we want these salamanders to out live us, we really need to preserve this preserve.
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Herp ID Challenge
Some Herps can be tricky. Test your knowledge with our monthly challenge.
