The Biota of the Gordon Natural Area - Amphibians & Reptiles
Amphibians and reptiles (aka, ‘Herptiles’) have been little studied at the GNA, so the account here is accordingly brief. To date, 18 species of herptiles, in 14 Genera, 6 Families, and 4 Orders have been noted at the GNA. Data were compiled by surveys by Dr. Harry Tiebout, augmented by observations from GNA staff (which as used here, includes student interns), additional WCU Faculty, and graduate student Steven Clay.
Based on GNA staff observations, the most commonly-encountered species are Northern Red-backed Salamanders, Eastern American Toads, and Eastern Box Turtles. Additionally, various species of snakes (primarily, garter snakes) and other species of salamander are periodically observed. With a life-span of 120+ years, Eastern Box Turtles are the longest-living animals in the GNA. Recently, we've begun to plant tree species that are known to be food sources for box turtles, with an aim towards increasing food resources for this species. To facilitate this work we’ve compiled a list of plant species utilized by box turtles. (the list can be accessed: here).
You can explore the herptile checklist below, or you can access a pdf copy of the checklist.
Anaxyrus americanus americanus (Eastern American Toad)
Group: Amphibians & Reptiles
Type: Amphibians
Family: Bufonidae
Notes
Common Names: Eastern American Toad
Years Noted: 2004; 2007; 2011; 2013; 2016-2024
Identified and First Noted By: Harry Tiebout
Also Noted By: Kendra McMillin; William Ricci; Nur Ritter; Alexandra Hodowanec; Paige Vermeulen; Maribeth Beatty; Ariana Rivellini; Kathryn Krueger; Alex Desjardines; David Kramer; Miranda Davies
iNaturalist Observations:
206721582 (Observed: 4/10/2024)
206721583 (Observed: 4/10/2024)
187789219 (Observed: 10/10/2023)
176022615 (Observed: 7/31/2023)
176510258 (Observed: 8/3/2023)
185029645 (Observed: 9/25/2023)
79779776 (Observed: 5/22/2021)
174975817 (Observed: 7/25/2023)
174975819 (Observed: 7/25/2023)
172151254 (Observed: 7/6/2023)
170173968 (Observed: 6/27/2023)
134205485 (Observed: 9/8/2022)
115395493 (Observed: 4/29/2022)
115394297 (Observed: 4/14/2022)
115393828(Observed: 4/14/2022)
115391871 (Observed: 4/14/2022)
111225684 (Observed: 4/12/2022)
42664102 (Observed: 5/30/2019)
79587176 (Observed: 5/20/2021)
42664589 (Observed: 10/14/2016)
56973170 (Observed: 8/19/2020)
iNaturalist Observations:
206721582 (Observed: 4/10/2024)
206721583 (Observed: 4/10/2024)
187789219 (Observed: 10/10/2023)
176022615 (Observed: 7/31/2023)
176510258 (Observed: 8/3/2023)
185029645 (Observed: 9/25/2023)
79779776 (Observed: 5/22/2021)
174975817 (Observed: 7/25/2023)
174975819 (Observed: 7/25/2023)
172151254 (Observed: 7/6/2023)
170173968 (Observed: 6/27/2023)
134205485 (Observed: 9/8/2022)
115395493 (Observed: 4/29/2022)
115394297 (Observed: 4/14/2022)
115393828(Observed: 4/14/2022)
115391871 (Observed: 4/14/2022)
111225684 (Observed: 4/12/2022)
42664102 (Observed: 5/30/2019)
79587176 (Observed: 5/20/2021)
42664589 (Observed: 10/14/2016)
56973170 (Observed: 8/19/2020)
Images
Anaxyrus fowleri (Fowlers Toad)
Group: Amphibians & Reptiles
Type: Amphibians
Family: Bufonidae
Notes
Common Names: Fowler's Toad
Years Observed: 2007; 2017; 2018; 2023
Identified and First Noted By: Nur Ritter
Also Noted By: Paige Vermeulen; Miranda Davies
Notes:
Conservation status: S3/S4 (S3: Vulnerable - Vulnerable in the nation or state due to a restricted range, relatively few populations (often 80 or fewer), recent and widespread declines, or other factors making it vulnerable to extirpation/S4 Apparently Secure)
iNaturalist Observations:
193881594 (Observed: 10/12/2023)
179815861 (Observed: 8/22/2023)
Images
Hyla versicolor Complex (Gray Tree Frog)
Group: Amphibians & Reptiles
Type: Amphibians
Family: Hylidae
Notes
Common Names: Gray Tree Frog
Year Observed: 2023
Identified By: Nate N. (iNaturalist)
First Noted By: Kathryn Krueger & David Kramer
Also Noted By: Nur Ritter
iNaturalist Observations:
180649874 (Observed: 8/12/2023)
180649876 (Observed: 8/12/2023)
180649880 (Observed: 8/12/2023)
180649882 (Observed: 8/12/2023)
180649885 (Observed: 8/12/2023)
180649886 (Observed: 8/12/2023)
180649887 (Observed: 8/12/2023)
177387239 (Observed: 8/8/2023)
176483424 (Observed: 8/3/2023)
Desmognathus fuscus (Northern Dusky Salamander)
Group: Amphibians & Reptiles
Type: Amphibians
Family: Plethodontidae
Notes
Common Names: Northern Dusky Salamander
Years Observed: 2004; 2007; 2023
Identified and First Noted By: Harry Tiebout
Also Noted By: David Kramer
iNaturalist Observations:
177044475 (Observed: 8/6/2023)
192092867 (Observed: 11/17/2023)
Images
Eurycea bislineata (Northern Two-lined Salamander)
Group: Amphibians & Reptiles
Type: Amphibians
Family: Plethodontidae
Notes
Common Names: Northern Two-lined Salamander
Years Observed: 2004; 2007; 2018; 2019; 2020; 2022; 2023; 2024
Identified and First Noted By: Harry Tiebout
Also Noted By: Paige Vermeulen; Stroud Water Research Center; Ariana Rivellini; Rowan Nygard
iNaturalist Observations:
202558236 (Observed: 1/26/2024)
202226558 (Observed: 3/12/2024)
202226561 (Observed: 3/12/2024)
194291160 (Observed: 12/15/2023)
185029658 (Observed: 9/25/2023)
185029659 (Observed: 9/25/2023)
187789218 (Observed: 10/10/2023)
176022618 (Observed: 7/31/2023)
183299321 (Observed: 9/8/2023)
183299323 (Observed: 9/8/2023)
185029653 (Observed: 9/25/2023)
192092866 (Observed: 11/17/2023)
192092868 (Observed: 11/17/2023)
192092875 (Observed: 11/17/2023)
174975818(Observed: 7/25/2023)
163681548 (Observed: 5/25/2023)
123995298 (Observed: 6/29/2022)
37540451 (Observed: 1/12/2020)
Images
Eurycea longicauda (Long-tailed Salamander)
Group: Amphibians & Reptiles
Type: Amphibians
Family: Plethodontidae
Notes
Common Names: Long-tailed Salamander
Year Observed: 2023
Identified and First Noted By: David Kramer
Images
Hemidactylium scutatum (Four-toed Salamander)
Group: Amphibians & Reptiles
Type: Amphibians
Family: Plethodontidae
Notes
Common Names: Four-toed Salamander
Years Observed: 2005; 2007
Identified and First Noted By: Harry Tiebout
Notes:
A state-listed species in Pennsylvania ('Species of special concern'). I
Plethodon cinereus (Eastern Redback Salamander)
Group: Amphibians & Reptiles
Type: Amphibians
Family: Plethodontidae
Notes
Common Names: Eastern Redback Salamander
Years Observed: 2004; 2005; 2007; 2015; 2016; 2017; 2018; 2019; 2020; 2021; 2022; 2023; 2024
Identified and First Noted By: Harry Tiebout
Also Noted By: Nur Ritter; Paige Vermeulen; Maribeth Beatty; Ariana Rivellini; Noah Long; Gerry Hertel; Kendra McMillin; Francis Kane; Kathryn Krueger
Notes:
The Red-backed Salamander is the most commonly encountered amphibian at the Gordon. The species is unusual in being a fully terrestrial species. This species has two color forms: 1) the red-backed morph; and, 2) the lead-backed morph.
iNaturalist Observations:
187789221 (Observed: 10/10/2023)
163681630 (Observed: 5/25/2023)
163682367 (Observed: 5/25/2023)
168521627 (Observed: 6/20/2023)
174975813 (Observed: 7/25/2023)
174975814 (Observed: 7/25/2023)
177044473 (Observed: 8/6/2023)
187789222 (Observed: 10/10/2023)
187789224 (Observed: 10/10/2023)
187789228 (Observed: 10/10/2023)
187789229 (Observed: 10/10/2023)
187789231 (Observed: 10/10/2023)
187789232 (Observed: 10/10/2023)
192092863 (Observed: 11/17/2023)
192092877(Observed: 11/17/2023)
110665069 (Observed: 4/5/2022)
72468670 (Observed: 3/30/2021)
39925031 (Observed: 10/2/2019)
45921211 (Observed: 5/14/2020)
Images
Plethodon glutinosus (Northern Slimy Salamander)
Group: Amphibians & Reptiles
Type: Amphibians
Family: Plethodontidae
Notes
Common Names: Northern Slimy Salamander
Year Observed: 2007
Identified and First Noted By: Harry Tiebout
Pseudotriton ruber ruber (Northern Red Salamander)
Lithobates catesbeianus (American Bullfrog)
Group: Amphibians & Reptiles
Type: Amphibians
Family: Ranidae
Notes
Common Names: American Bullfrog
Year Observed: 2007
Identified and First Noted By: Harry Tiebout
Lithobates clamitans (Green Frog)
Group: Amphibians & Reptiles
Type: Amphibians
Family: Ranidae
Notes
Common Names: Green Frog
Years Observed: 2007; 2013; 2018; 2019; 2020; 2021; 2023
Identified and First Noted By: William Ricci
Also Noted By: Paige Vermeulen; Stroud Water Research Center; Noah Long; Nur Ritter; Kathryn Krueger; Miranda Davies; David Kramer
Notes:
In 2021, the rare 'Blue Mutant' (the axanthic form) was observed in Gordon Run by GNA student intern Noah Long. We spent weeks attempting to get photos of this individual and finally were able too. Because of our obsession with getting photographs, we named the frog 'Moby Turquoise.'
iNaturalist Observations:
183299320 (Observed: 9/8/2023)
183299318 (Observed: 9/8/2023)
174975816 (Observed: 7/25/2023)
172723097 (Observed: 7/13/2023)
91570818 (Observed: 8/17/2021)
88167057 (Observed: 7/22/2021)
84458683 (Observed: 6/25/2021)
Images
Lithobates sylvaticus (Wood Frog)
Group: Amphibians & Reptiles
Type: Amphibians
Family: Ranidae
Notes
Common Names: Wood Frog
Years Observed: 2007; 2008; 2018; 2019; 2020; 2021; 2022; 2023; 2024
Identified and First Noted By: Nur Ritter
Also Noted By: Paige Vermeulen; Maribeth Beatty; Ariana Rivellini; Noah Long; Stroud Water Research Center; David Kramer
iNaturalist Observations:
202226548 (Observed: 3/11/2024)
202226550 (Observed: 3/11/2024)
202226551 (Observed: 3/11/2024)
180649878 (Observed: 8/12/2023)
136921194 (Observed: 9/28/2022)
95799297 (Observed: 9/22/2021)
84895390 (Observed: 6/28/2021)
69833700 (Observed: 9/14/2018)
Images
Chelydra serpentina (Common Snapping Turtle)
Group: Amphibians & Reptiles
Type: Reptiles
Family: Chelydridae
Notes
Common Names: Common Snapping Turtle
Years Observed: 2007; 2008; 2013; 2018; 2023
Identified and First Noted By: Bog Turtle Survey
Also Noted By: Wildlife Camera
GNA YouTube Videos featuring the Common Snapping Turtle:
Snapping Turtle reconnaissance (Video Posted: 07/27/2023)
Coluber constrictor constrictor (Northern Black Racer)
Group: Amphibians & Reptiles
Type: Reptiles
Family: Colubridae
Notes
Common Names: Northern Black Racer
Year Observed: 2007
Identified and First Noted By: John Beneski
Diadophis punctatus edwardsii (Northern Ringneck Snake)
Group: Amphibians & Reptiles
Type: Reptiles
Family: Colubridae
Notes
Common Names: Northern Ringneck Snake
Year Observed: 2007
Identified and First Noted By: Steven Clay
Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum (Eastern Milksnake)
Group: Amphibians & Reptiles
Type: Reptiles
Family: Colubridae
Notes
Common Names: Eastern Milksnake
Year Observed: 2007
Identified and First Noted By: Harry Tiebout
Nerodia sipedon sipedon (Northern Water Snake)
Group: Amphibians & Reptiles
Type: Reptiles
Family: Colubridae
Notes
Common Names: Northern Water Snake
Years Observed: 2007; 2021; 2022; 2023
Identified and First Noted By: Harry Tiebout
Also Noted By: Ty Showers; Nur Ritter; David Kramer
Images
Storeria dekayi (Dekays Brownsnake)
Group: Amphibians & Reptiles
Type: Reptiles
Family: Colubridae
Notes
Common Names: Dekay's Brownsnake
Year Observed: 2023
Identified By: Eric Steven Roscoe (iNaturalist)
First Noted By: Miranda Davies
Also Noted By: David Kramer
iNaturalist Observations:
170173490 (Observed: 6/29/2023)
185029651 (Observed: 9/25/2023)
Images
Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis (Eastern Garter Snake)
Group: Amphibians & Reptiles
Type: Reptiles
Family: Colubridae
Notes
Common Names: Eastern Garter Snake
Years Observed: 2004; 2007; 2013; 2014; 2017; 2018; 2019; 2020; 2021; 2022; 2023
Identified and First Noted By: Gerry Hertel
Also Noted By: Kendra McMillin; Nur Ritter; Paige Vermeulen; Maribeth Beatty; Ariana Rivellini; Noah Long; Rachel Resuta; Kathryn Krueger; Mike VanMeter
Notes:
Conservation status: Least Concern (Population stable)
iNaturalist Observations:
192092872 (Observed: 11/17/2023)
153581180 (Observed: 4/5/2023)
85005087 (Observed: 3/28/2019)
42306146 (Observed: 4/14/2020)
63815892 (Observed: 10/24/2020)
Images
Terrapene carolina carolina (Eastern Box Turtle)
Group: Amphibians & Reptiles
Type: Reptiles
Family: Emydidae
Notes
Common Names: Eastern Box Turtle
Years Observed: 2007; 2009; 2010; 2011; 2013; 2014; 2016; 2017; 2018; 2019; 2020; 2021; 2022; 2023
Identified and First Noted By: Gerry Hertel
Also Noted By: Kendra McMillin; Jared Kline; Nur Ritter; Paige Vermeulen; Maribeth Beatty; Ariana Rivellini; Noah Long; Matt Desko; Anna Carlson
iNaturalist Observations:
77509421 (Observed: 5/5/2021)
42306612 (Observed: 4/10/2020)
45214547 (Observed: 5/7/2020)