AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES

Transcription

1 AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES Within Mecosta County, 16 species of amphibians and 18 species of reptiles have been recorded. One additional species of amphibians and seven reptiles are also listed as range maps indicate their possible presence in the county. However, there are no records or observations for these as their population may be extirpated, rare or very localized, making them very difficult to locate, although they are considered within range (Harding and Holman 1990, Harding 1997). Since the original publication (2001) the Four-toed Salamander and the Common Musk Turtle have been located in the county. These species are listed parenthetically in hopes that persons with an interest may seek them out or that someone, by serendipitous chance, may find one. Although some points of identification are given in the descriptions, the finer points are left to the books mentioned below. Date ranges given in specific dates are from observation. When given in general terms or none, there are an insufficient number of dates to give an exact range; thus their activity can be expected during the warm months given. The date range presents a range of times the species might be viewed, yet some species may be active before or after, but in a less-observable manner. For instance, Mudpuppies may be active throughout the winter under water; Wood Turtles may move about under water in the winter but not be seen except during the spring and summer. Several species are visible in spring and fall but are less active or retreat underground during the summer heat. All of the species with uncommon to abundant populations are found throughout the county in suitable habitat. Collections The species listed below that have a collected specimen from the county are noted. County records refer to recent specimens collected in the county that have been donated by the author to the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology (UMMZ); all such specimens are from found-dead specimens, no living specimens were killed. The previously collected specimens in the UMMZ and the Michigan State University Museum (MSU) have not been examined by the author and are taken at face value. The Collection note notations are from lists provided by the university museums, and both acknowledge potential inaccuracies. The specimens in the Ferris State University collection are not numbered or cataloged, and are used as study specimens. These specimens are periodically removed or destroyed due to damage from handling. Therefore, the few specimens in that collection are not cited here. Sources The species accounts of amphibians and reptiles are compiled from personal observations and from three books printed by the Michigan State University Cooperative Extension Service: Michigan Frogs, Toads and Salamanders (Harding and Holman 1992); Michigan Turtles and Lizards (Harding and Holman 1990); and Michigan Snakes (Holman and Harding 1989); and Harding s Amphibians and Reptiles of the Great Lakes Region (1997). At this printing, all titles are readily available in bookstores. For a very thorough treatment of the turtles of the United States, see Ernst et al. (1994). The order and nomenclature of the species follows Harding (1997). Suggested References Refer to the above-listed books in Sources. Also: Cogger, H. G., and R. G. Zweifel Encyclopedia of Reptiles and Amphibians, Second ed. Conant, R., and J. T. Collins A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians: Eastern and Central North America. Peterson Field Guide Series. Similar titles in the Audubon and Golden Guide series. Duellman, W. E., and L. Treub Biology of Amphibians. Technical, does not use common names. Thorough treatment of amphibian biology. Ernst, C. H., and R. W. Barbour. Snakes of Eastern North America. Ernst, C. H., J. E. Lovich, and R. W. Barbour Turtles of the United States and Canada. Somewhat technical. Uses common names at species headings but not in text. Thorough treatment of the turtles. Holman, J. A Fossil Records of Michigan Herptofauna.

2 Petranka, J. W Salamanders of the United States and Canada. Tennant, A., and R. D. Bartlett Snakes of North America: Eastern and Central Regions. Web Sites The sites below are wide-ranging and have many links. < < < < a large herpetology bibliography. Symbols and Abbreviations Parenthetical species indicate that Mecosta County is within its range, but there are no observations or museum records. SALAMANDERS ORDER CAUDATA Though seldom seen, there can be as many as 200 to 3,600 salamanders per acre in good habitat. They may outnumber the birds and mammals in the same area, and their biomass may outweigh the breeding birds by 2.5 times and equal that of the small mammal population (Burton and Likens 1975, cited in Harding 1997). Mudpuppy Family Proteidae MUDPUPPY Necturus maculosus maculosus. Status uncertain, likely rare and declining. Harmless, fully aquatic salamanders which occur in muddy lakes and streams, sometimes also in sandy and siltybottomed lakes with aquatic vegetation. Occasionally wash up on shores of lakes (Chippewa, George Vogel). They are largely nocturnal and remain active all year long, with mating taking place in the fall. Mudpuppies are susceptible to pollutants in the system, and their presence in a waterway suggests relatively good quality water. Date Range. Active year-round underwater, but seldom seen. Collection Note: One specimen (UMMZ 63135) taken near Paris in the summer of Newt Family Salamandridae EASTERN NEWT Notophthalmus viridescens. Status uncertain but likely common. The form most common in Mecosta County is the Central Newt, N. v. louisianensis. The aquatic larvae are gilled and most will metamorphose into a terrestrial, red stage called an eft, which does not breed. This is the stage most often encountered. Efts (sometimes called red-spotted newts) are active only in warmer months, spending some time on land, then return to water where they change again, this time into a greenish-colored breeding adult. They may be found in the spring and early summer after rains as they move about from one pond to another. The efts eat worms and other invertebrates. Newts remain wholly aquatic, are active year around underwater, and are usually found in fishless bodies of water, but may occasionally be in waters with small fish such as Mudminnows, where the newts feed on invertebrates. Date Range. As above. Observations since the original publication include 1 Oct 2011, 17 Oct 2012 (Sec 12 Colfax Twp.), 28 Apr 2010 on 125 th Ave Sec 12 Colfax Twp., Collection Note: One specimen collected in Section 14 of Green Township on 10 May 1925 (UMMZ 61689). Mole Salamander Family Ambystomatidae BLUE-SPOTTED SALAMANDER Ambystoma laterale. Common to uncommon. County record. Mecosta County s second most abundant salamander is found under logs and forest debris in moist woodlands, as well as piles of boards and construction materials. Habitats range from dry fields to residential areas. Date Range. Active late March (eggs on 17 Mar 2012) to early November (latest, 11 Nov 2012.). SPOTTED SALAMANDER Ambystoma maculatum. Status uncertain; probably uncommon in good habitat. Found in unlogged or undisturbed woodlands with full canopy cover. One recent observation in Sec. 11 SE, Morton Township by Ed Herig in late August or early September 2000 (exact date unrecorded). Most often seen at vernal ponds in spring mating season, and seldom thereafter due to their underground habits. Once quite common in the state but declining precipitously in recent decades (J. Harding, pers. comm.). Date Range. Presumably, similar to that of the other salamanders. Collection Note: One specimen

3 exists in the MSU collection (HE.3908) from 2.5 miles southwest of Barryton, collected on 10 July Observations: 21 Oct 2009 in the open on leaves in the Haymarsh woodland north of Hillview Lake, 10 April 2009 (Joe Lipar and class) in the Pickerel Lake woods of the Haymarsh, egg masses 7 May 2011 Sect 14 Grant Twp and as early as 19 March 2012 at same location. Hatching tadpoles in a pond in Sec 27 Grant Twp. from eggs laid about 20 Mar (EASTERN TIGER SALAMANDER Ambystoma tigrinum tigrinum). Status uncertain. The state s largest terrestrial salamander, reaching 6 or 7 inches. These salamanders inhabit a variety of habitats in farm country, fields, woodlands, and even towns, wherever suitable aquatic breeding sites are available. Difficult to find due to their underground habits. No evidence of this salamander since publication. Lungless Salamander Family Plethodontidae RED-BACKED SALAMANDER Plethodon cinereus. Common. Found under logs, particularly rotting Paper Birch, and boards in moist woodland habitats where they may be the most common vertebrate of all (Harding 1997). Two forms occur, the red-backed and a rather lead-gray form, which seem about equally common. It is the most common and easily found of the salamanders in the county. Date Range. Active from mid-april to early November, possibly year-round underground. Collection Note: One in the UMMZ (61715) from the Buckhorn Creek in Green Township, on 7 May FOUR-TOED SALAMANDER Hemidactylium scutatum. Status uncertain; likely very rare. Widely but spottily distributed in much of both peninsulas. Moist woods with boggy characteristics are the preferred habitat. Harding (pers. comm.) states they have very specific breeding-habitat preferences, with the females brooding eggs beneath overhanging mats of leaves or Sphagnum clumps over water of longlasting ponds. Such places do exist in the county. A thorough search of some of these habitats may produce specimens. Two observations and photographs in section 27 Grant Twp. on 12 April 2006, 22 May Has not been found in the same area since even though no change to habitat. FROGS AND TOADS ORDER ANURA This group of amphibians is known to anyone who ventures out of cities and towns in the spring and early summer. The singing of frogs and toads is hard to miss as soon as the weather begins to warm in late March, when the Wood and Chorus Frogs and Spring Peepers begin to sing. Later Leopard and Pickerel Frogs croak on the larger marshy lakes and ponds, and American Toads sing their long trills. Rainy May afternoons bring on the trill of the Gray Treefrogs. Green Frogs give their calls in late May and early June, while on hot summer afternoons and evenings, it s Bullfrogs. The food of all the frogs and toads is generally invertebrates, though larger Green Frogs and Bullfrogs can consume much larger prey, even vertebrates. True Toad Family Bufonidae EASTERN AMERICAN TOAD Bufo americanus americanus. Common, though probably declining. Found in a wide variety of habitats in the county, American Toads appear to be declining, perhaps drastically in recent years (J. Harding, pers. comm.). Having toads in the garden is desirable, as they eat many harmful insects. Date Range. Active late March or early April to early October. Late Date. One toad was observed hopping along 45 th Ave. south of Madison Rd. on 29 November 1998 (61 F). Observation: On 24 and 27 Aug 2012 a garter snake was observed eating an American Toad in Sec 12 of Colfax Twp. On the first date the toad got away, on the second, the toad (possibly the same) was consumed. Collection Note: Two specimens in the UMMZ collection: and FOWLER S TOAD Bufo fowleri. Rare, possibly extirpated. Mapped in Harding and Holman (1992) as occurring only in the western half of the county. Personal observations have been made of this species (no dates recorded) in Big Rapids Township along the Muskegon River below the Ferris State University campus in the 1960s (with no records since). Fowler s Toads breed slightly later than American Toads, and a survey of the ponds at the western edge of the county might turn up a few. Date Range. Insufficient data, probably similar to the American Toad. Most likely location to find them is the dry areas of Aetna Twp.

4 Tree Frog Family Hylidae WESTERN CHORUS FROG Pseudacris triseriata. Abundant, but possibly decreasing recently, and variable in numbers year to year. Our chorus frogs are the western subspecies P. t. triseriata, the Striped Chorus Frog. The first spring frogs to become active, as early as 26 February and often before all the ice is off a lake or pond. Common in small, ephemeral bodies of water, like roadside ditches, swales, and forest pools to large, shallow marshes like the Featherbed Flooding; can be found well upland after mating. Drought cycles can significantly affect the population of these frogs due to their preference for ephemeral bodies of water; they are also susceptible to chemical pollution of their ponds near agricultural areas. Date Range. Becomes active occasionally in late February to late March, sometimes not until early April, through early October. Late Date. 15 November (1994). Greatest activity from mid- or late March to early May when mating. NORTHERN SPRING PEEPER Pseudacris crucifer crucifer. Abundant. Associated with small to large bodies of shallow water, they are most often viewed in the late summer and fall when they disperse into the uplands. Winter terrestrially in leaf litter and loose soil, as does the previous species. Both move to the spring ponds, where we are so familiar with them, only for mating. Well known for their spring chorus which ends about mid-may. They are silent until about mid-august when they again begin to peep, but individually from hidden places in damp woodlands, and so are often mistaken for birds. A bit of local folklore says that the peepers will sing and be quieted by cold weather three times before spring finally arrives for certain. Date Range. 2 February (2000) to 4 December (1998). Activity is very similar to chorus frog above. Collection Note: One specimen in the UMMZ (61101) collection from the Paris area, 13 April EASTERN GRAY TREEFROG Hyla versicolor. Common. Most often encountered in summer and into fall when they can be found in the uplands away from water, often on tree trunks, sides of buildings, rain gutters, or peering out the hole of vacated bird houses. Their trilling calls can be heard on humid afternoons and after rains in summer and early fall. The nearly identical Cope s Gray Treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis) may occur in the county, but has not yet been located. Date Range. Active mid-april through early October. Late Date. 26 November (1988). Collection Note: Two specimens in the UMMZ collection: one from the Paris area collected in the summer of 1925 (UMMZ 63136) and the other, 2 miles west of Remus on 2 July 1957 (UMMZ ). True or Typical Frog Family Ranidae BULLFROG Rana catesbeiana. Common. Our largest frogs and the ones most associated with hot muggy summer days at the lake. They seldom venture from water and their loud jug-o-rum calls are known to most everyone. They sit motionless on lily pads or in the shallows of marshy lake borders until some passing insect stirs them to leap into action for a meal. Their diet is highly varied and includes other frogs, fish, amphibians, birds, and small mammals, though a large percentage is confined to insects, snails, and crayfish (Harding 1997). Date Range. Active from early May to mid-october, but most active when water temperatures are above 60 F. GREEN FROG Rana clamitans melanota. Abundant. Found in lakes, marshes, ponds, and along streams, as well as damp upland sites. Green Frogs overwinter in ponds. During warm winters or in springs where rotting vegetation may keep a small patch of lake ice-free, Green Frogs may be active all year, and even seen basking in mid-winter (J. Harding, pers. comm.). The tadpoles often congregate along the edges of melting ice in spring, or forming ice in the fall. They eat a wide variety of invertebrates as well as an occasional frog; one in Berrien County was observed eating a hatchling snapping turtle (K. Miller. pers. comm.). Date Range. 26 February (1999) to 4 December (1998). Most active mid-march through mid- October. Collection Note: Three specimens are in the UMMZ collection (61686, , and ) collected in 1925, 1957, and 1996 respectively. WOOD FROG Rana sylvatica. Abundant, but may be decreasing somewhat. Breed in woodland ponds during March and April, mating and laying eggs even when ice remains. Wood Frogs, mostly males and only a few females, collect in large numbers in a small section of a pond, evenly spacing themselves about a foot apart. The mating season lasts around ten days in this area. In recent observations since the book was published (2001), mating can take place entirely on one warm spring day (2012 in particular) although a

5 few males may call for a few day after. Males mating with females may do so as a pair or form rolling balls of numerous males clamped around one female. The eggs are found in masses up to baseball size in shallow water, attached to submerged grasses or sticks, sometimes floating at the surface. Total egg masses found in a pond in Sec 27 of Grant Twp. can be as much as five by five feet across. Because of the temporary nature of their breeding pools, egg development is rapid; hatching occurs in about two weeks, and the first froglets leave the water about a month later (Heinrich 2000). After the short mating period, the adults fall silent and venture into moist woodlands, grassy areas and lawns, and can be found well away from water in late summer. Their diet consists of a variety of small invertebrates. Date Range. 7 March (2000) to 13 November (1993). Collection Note: Three specimens are in the UMMZ collection (61100, and 61717), all collected in the spring of 1925 near Paris. NORTHERN LEOPARD FROG Rana pipiens. Common. Once very common, this species has been declining steadily for unknown reasons (J. Harding, pers. comm.). Found around the grassy edges of marshes, lakes, ponds, and stream banks; can be found well into uplands in late summer, something the similar Pickerel Frog is less likely to do. Date Range. 2 April (1999) to 10 Oct. (1999); most active early April through mid-october or beyond. Late Date. Two were observed at the edge of Brockway Lake on 29 November 1998 (61 F). Collection Note: Three specimens in the UMMZ collection (61685, 63399, and ) collected in 1925, 1926, and 1968, respectively. PICKEREL FROG Rana palustris. Uncommon. Less common than the Leopard Frog, this species has similar habitat requirements, but prefers colder water, is more susceptible to changes in water quality, and is less likely to be found far from water. Appears to be declining in abundance, as it has been very seldom heard during mating season in recent years. Breeding is in late April. Date Range. 2 April (1999) to mid- October. Most active early April through mid-october or beyond. Collection Note: One specimen in the UMMZ collection (82083) collected near Paris, no date. TURTLES ORDER TESTUDINES Snapping Turtle Family Chelydridae COMMON SNAPPING TURTLE Chelydra serpentina serpentina. Common. Snappers are large turtles, reaching weights of 20 to 35 pounds, and can inflict a nasty bite when disturbed. These much-maligned turtles do not deserve their reputation for damage to fish populations in lakes and streams, pose no threat to sport-fish populations, and are only minimally injurious to wildfowl production (J. Harding, pers. comm.). Many probably die annually from fishhooks and lines left in their throats when they are cut loose after taking a fisherman s bait. They often lay their eggs along roadsides, and their digging power is truly amazing: sometimes the roadside substrate in which they construct their nests is nearly as hard as concrete. At this time of vulnerability, they are all-too-often needlessly and deliberately run over. Their diet is largely animal matter, much of it invertebrate, and they also consume a significant amount of vegetation. Date Range. 13April (2001) to 21 August (1998), possibly into mid-sept. Collection Note: One specimen in the UMMZ (121104), collected 2 July 1957 one mile south of Mecosta. Musk Turtle Family Kinosternidae COMMON MUSK TURTLE Sternotherus odoratus. Status uncertain but likely at least uncommon. While there are no Mecosta County records for this turtle in museum collections, it might be present and may even be common; it has been found in the Muskegon River as far north as Clare County (J. Harding, pers. comm.). (See observations below.) Difficult to find because they seldom leave the water, are active only early and late in the day, and may be mostly nocturnal during summer. Musk Turtles prefer shallow bottoms of marly lakes with partial cover from emergent vegetation. Plenty of habitat for these turtles exists in Mecosta County; any reports would be appreciated. Observations: Jun 2008, on the dock at Pretty Lake, Martiny Twp., 5 Jun 2011 crossing the causeway at the south end of Chippewa Lake, 18 Jul 2011 crossing the road at Twin (Nijode) Lakes east of 140 th Ave at 16 Mi Rd Colfax Twp, 21 Jun 2012 just north of Wilson Rd at 125 th Ave Colfax Twp.

6 Pond and Box Turtle Family Emydidae (SPOTTED TURTLE Clemmys guttata). Status uncertain; State Threatened. There are no records for the county, although it is considered within range (Harding and Holman 1990, Harding 1997). Prefers Sphagnum bogs and small lakes and ponds with clean water and abundant vegetation; several good prospective areas are in the county. Spotted Turtles are most active in cool weather of April, May, and into September, and even October. During hot weather, they become inactive and may aestivate. Known colonies tend to be small and are concentrated on the western side of the state (J. Harding, pers. comm.). Considerable effort has been expended looking for this turtle in good habitat, but it has not yet been found. WOOD TURTLE Clemmys insculpta. Rare; State Special Concern. One of the most docile turtles, Wood Turtles were relatively common here once, but have suffered much due to development pressures and collecting. They reach the southern limit of their range in Mecosta County and, like the Blanding s Turtle, lack a sufficient base of young turtles to replace the mortality of the older adults. Though terrestrial in habits during summer, they are seldom far away from water; clear brooks and streams are favored, where they are often seen feeding along the bottoms and edges of the banks. Their diet is a variety of leaves, fruits, berries, fungi, and some aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates. They are often first observed in mid- to late April when mating in streams, and seldom seen in the heat of summer; occasionally active throughout the winter under the ice; one Wood Turtle was found fully active under the ice of Mitchell Creek near the city pool on 8 December Date Range. 31 March (1981) to 8 Nov. (1981). Occasionally found along the White Pine Trail where it is near the river, but seldom seen nowadays. I have had no luck finding them mating in streams where I used to find them doing so years ago. Collection Note: A specimen collected in June 1968 with no other collection data is in the UMMZ collection (72157). EASTERN BOX TURTLE Terrapene carolina carolina. Rare and probably close to extirpation here; State Special Concern. Probably the rarest of the turtles still known to occur in Mecosta County. Habitat destruction and collecting are the main culprits. These turtles should be left alone and not molested. Their home range is quite small (about 5 acres) for a turtle that may live to be 100 years old. Food sources are fungi, low-lying plant matter, and various invertebrates. They are active early in warm weather but not so in full summer heat; at which time they may become inactive by hiding under logs, becoming active again after cooling rains. One turtle was found in Section 32 of Colfax Township on 19 May 1978, and another was reported in the summer of 1996 near Winters Creek in Section 25 of Big Rapids Township. Date Range. Insufficient observations; probably active during warm weather months. Observation: One observed crossing 16 Mi Rd about 0.25 mile west of 120 th Ave on 17 Jul 2011, a very unusual habitat for this turtle, and my first observation for this turtle in about 30 years. Collection Note: A specimen of the Box Turtle was collected in the vicinity of Paris with no other collection data (UMMZ 81701). BLANDING S TURTLE Emydoidea blandingii. Common; State Special Concern. Blanding s Turtles seem to come in only one size, fully grown, for they are seldom seen any smaller; they may live to 70 years of age. There is concern that these turtles are declining due to lack of younger age classes to replace the dwindling number of large adults. Easily found sunning on logs in roadside wetlands and farm ponds, but not generally seen in the larger lakes. Blanding s Turtles often cross roads in the spring and fall, where they are all too often flattened by vehicles. Their preferred habitat is muddy, shallow, still-water areas of lakes, ponds, and backwaters, where they feed on plants or numerous aquatic animals such as leeches, crayfish, and tadpoles. While Blanding s Turtles normally have a yellow-spotted carapace with a yellow plastron blotched with black, on 4 September 1998, a large Blanding s was found crossing Wilson Road just east of 130 th Ave. whose carapace was completely black. The plastron was a very dark chestnut brown with the black patches barely visible. Date Range. 30 March (1998) to 30 October (1999), though sometimes active in winter under the ice (J. Harding, pers. comm.). Early Date. 7 March Observation: During a spell of unseasonably warm weather in March 2012, a Blanding s Turtle was observed on 15 Mar in Sec 12 of Colfax Twp while sunning on an ice floe. COMMON MAP TURTLE Graptemys geographica. Locally common. This turtle seems to be declining in the county. It is less often seen along both the Muskegon and Little Muskegon Rivers. Formerly common between the Big Rapids and Rogers dams, but has largely disappeared since the Big Rapids dam was partially removed in Siltation that followed dam removal probably led to the loss of their main food source, freshwater mollusks and crayfish, and winter ice jams caused the loss of basking rocks (Ross 2000).

7 Still relatively common on the Muskegon River north of Big Rapids and on the Little Muskegon River, they are the most-often encountered turtle in sections with rocky bottoms and where exposed rocks for basking are present. It is interesting to note that range maps show the Map Turtle not to occur in Lake Huron drainage waters of the county, only Lake Michiganbound waters. Map Turtles are not found away from streams, though they will venture upland to lay eggs (Ruthven et al. 1928). These turtles are indicators of relatively unpolluted water (Ernst et al. 1994). Having dip-netted for dragonfly larvae in the county, the author has observed that many of the lakes and streams have abundant freshwater clam and snail populations that could sustain the Map Turtle. However, though noted in Ruthven et al. (1928), Holman (1992) and Harding (1997) as being inhabitants of lakes as well as rivers, Map Turtles have not been observed on any lakes in the county. Food consists of mollusks, crayfish, and some carrion, all consumed underwater. Holman (1992) remarks that this turtle has extended its range northward since 1928 (citing Ruthven et al. 1928), indicating that Map Turtles were not here prior to The author s observations in the 1950s indicates they were a well established and common turtle on the Muskegon River by that time. It might also be pointed out that it would be doubtful any riverine turtle species survived the log drives of the late nineteenth century, so all the species recolonized after the early twentieth century. Date Range. 14 April (1999) to 31 August (1999), possibly into mid-september. HRT. 128 on Muskegon River from north county line to Paris Park, 28 on one log, on 27 August Collection Note: One specimen is in the UMMZ collection (81700) collected near Paris with no other data provided. MIDLAND PAINTED TURTLE Chrysemys picta marginata. Abundant. By far, our most common turtles. Found in shallow muddy streams, ponds, and lakes with abundant vegetation, they are most often seen sunning on logs, mud clumps or patches of vegetation, even in groups of fifty or more. Though they may move long distances overland between suitable habitats, they are seldom found farther from water than the nearest nesting spot. Unlike most other turtles, the young, after hatching from the egg, may spend the winter in the nest and not emerge until the following spring (Ernst et al. 1994). These turtles are regularly maimed and killed while crossing roads, and their nests are easy targets for predators. They also seem prone to accidents away from roadways. On a number of occasions, the author has found their empty shells caught between ground-level forked tree trunks, where they appear to have become lodged and unable to pull or push free. During the summer of 1998, several weathered shells were found on the bog mat of Ashegun (Bass) Lake in Grant Township, where they appear to have become caught in the deep maze of Sphagnum channels and Leatherleaf shrubs. Their diet is a wide variety of aquatic plant and animal life, with some carrion. I have observed them laboriously working to pull petals off Spadderdock flowers, which they appear to eat readily when obtainable. Date Range. 23 March (1998) to 11 November (2012), though most often from early April to mid-october. Painteds will move about under the ice in winter. Early Date. 7 March Collection Note: One specimen collected on 10 May 1925 in Section 14 of Green Township is in the UMMZ collection (61690). Softshell Turtle Family Trionychidae EASTERN SPINY SOFTSHELL TURTLE Apalone spinifera spinifera. Rare. Once fairly common on the Muskegon River between the Big Rapids and Rogers dams, they have disappeared since the partial removal of the Big Rapids dam in Softshells can still be found in the backwaters of streams like the Morley Pond, and along sections of the Muskegon River north of Big Rapids. They are sensitive to pollution, so their presence generally indicates clean water. Ruthven et al. (1928) gives their range as south of Mecosta County in 1928 but were known in the Muskegon River in Big Rapids in the late 1950s (personal observation), some of impressive size. They have made a range extension since then as far as Crawford County. They are seldom seen due to their reluctance to leave the water; they send their long supple neck and snorkel-like snout above the water s surface for oxygen, while the body remains submerged. Oxygen is also obtained directly from the water through the throat and the cloacal opening (Harding and Holman 1990). Softshells are mean-tempered, will bite, and the long neck can reach fully over the back. Food consists of crayfish, small fish, and numerous aquatic insects and other invertebrates. Date Range. Active late April through September.

8 SNAKES AND LIZARDS ORDER SQUAMATA Lizards Suborder Lacertilia Skink Family Scincidae (FIVE-LINED SKINK Eumeces faciatus). Status uncertain. Although Mecosta County is within its range (Harding and Holman 1990, Harding 1997), an active search has been made in good habitat for several years by the author but none have been found and no collection records are known. Widely distributed throughout the Lower Peninsula, populations are localized and may be absent in much of their range. Look for them in edge habitats where there are brush piles and stumps among which to feed and bask. Snakes Suborder Serpentes Typical Snake Family Colubridae NORTHERN WATER SNAKE Nerodia sipedon sipedon. Common. Found in many of our wetlands, from small ponds and lakes to the Muskegon River. Not venomous, but are rather nasty-tempered when handled, and will bite. Their main food is frogs and small fish (none of game-fish quality). Date Range. 20 April to 6 Sept. (1998). Collection Note: Ten specimens of the Water Snake are listed in the UMMZ collection. Two specimens from the county exist in the MSU collection: (HE.3465) taken 2 miles north and 3 miles west of Chippewa Lake on 1 Oct and (HE.6433) 2 miles south of Remus on 3 May (QUEEN SNAKE Regina septemvittata). Status uncertain. Although Mecosta County is considered within its range (Holman et al. 1989, Harding 1997), there are no recorded specimens or known sightings. This species is declining range-wide (J. Harding, pers. comm.). They prefer streams of moderate flow with rocky bottoms and overhanging branches, and may be found basking on rocks and logs early in the day before seeking out their prey of recently molted crayfish. There are several relatively undisturbed streams in the county that may meet their requirements. Whether a large enough population of crayfish exists in any of these streams to support them is unknown. EASTERN GARTER SNAKE Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis. Common. Our most common snakes and the first snakes to emerge from hibernation in the spring, often by late March. They are easiest to observe in spring before the ground-level plants leaf out, and are found further upland than the next species. Food includes earthworms and small frogs and toads. Date Range. 30 March (1998) to 28 Oct. (1990), though most often found mid-april into early November. Early Date. 7 March Late Date. One observed on 2 December 1998 sunning on a two-track road in the Haymarsh SGA. One on 31 Dec 2004 in Sec 12 Colfax Twp., also 2 Dec Observation: 13 March 2012, 26 Garter Snakes were observed alon ghte north side of a pond in Sec 12 of Colfax Twp. Collection Note: Four specimens in the UMMZ collection. NORTHERN RIBBON SNAKE Thamnophis sauritus septentrionalis. Common. Easily confused with the Eastern Garter Snake; consult Holman (1989) or Harding (1997) for comparisons of these two species. Food is frogs, tadpoles, and small fish, reflecting its preference for shoreline and wetland habitats. The range of Butler s Garter Snake (Thamnophis butleri) reaches western Isabella County, and is possible there may be a few of these snakes in far-southeastern Mecosta County. Date Range. 3 April (1998) to 29 October (1999), though most are out of sight by mid-october. Early Date. 6 March 2000, 7 March Late Date. 2 Nov Collection Note: Three specimens in the UMMZ collection (60890, , and ). BROWN (or DEKAY S) SNAKE Storeria dekayi. Common. Found in moist locations, particularly after rains; they generally stay hidden under logs, flat boards, or junk piles and other similar objects. They spend much of the hot summer underground. The more easterly Northern Brown Snake (S. d. dekayi) is the more common subspecies, although its range overlaps broadly with the Midland Brown Snake (S. d. wrightorum) across southern Michigan (Harding 1997). On 20 September 1998, an apparent Midland Brown form was found sunning on 17 Mile Rd. just west of the crossing of Chippewa Creek. This is the only specimen of this subspecies the author has found or heard of for the county. Brown Snakes are very beneficial, for they eat slugs, other small invertebrates, and some earthworms, though barely larger than a nightcrawler themselves. Look for them after a rain, particularly spring and fall.

9 Date Range. 30 May (1998) to 10 October (1999), though probably earlier. Early Date. 7 March Collection Note: Ten specimens (all northern) in the UMMZ collection, all collected in the spring of 1925 and 1926 in Green and Mecosta townships. NORTHERN RED-BELLIED SNAKE Storeria occipitomaculata occipitomaculata. Locally common but seldom seen. This snake is less common than the Brown Snake but is still easily found, particularly after spring or fall rains. Best time to look for both species is in late September or early October when they can most often be found on gravel roads. Found most often near low damp fields, roadside drainages, and the fringes of small marshes. Under certain conditions they may suddenly be found in numbers on roadsides, as on 8 October 1999 when 12 were found in Colfax and Martiny Townships in the span of an hour. Food includes earthworms and other small invertebrates, mostly captured underground. Date Range. 10 April (1993) to 27 October (1999). SMOOTH GREEN SNAKE Liochlorophis vernalis. Status uncertain; probably rare to locally common. The state s only all-green snake, although a few brown individuals have been found (Harding 1997). They are rarely encountered, but they may be more common than thought. Three were observed in the large Leatherleaf bog in Section 12 of Martiny Township (hence possibly locally common) during 1999, two among the Leatherleaf and one on a dry aspen island within the bog; and a complete shed skin was found in Section 18 of Sheridan Township, also in a Leatherleaf bog, on 17 August Three other observations of this snake have been made (10 September 1990, 28 July 1994, and 19 September 1999) in Section 12 of Colfax Township. Their diet of insects, insect larvae, and spiders makes them highly susceptible to agricultural chemicals used in fields, where they spend most of their time. Date Range. Probably active from late April to mid- to late September. Collection Note: One specimen in the UMMZ collection (76044) collected 20 September 1926, at the Paris Fish Hatchery. BLUE RACER Coluber constrictor foxii. Common. Reaching to 6 feet and still common here, racers are the largest snakes to be encountered in the county sadly, often dead on a road. To about 30 inches in length, they have a striking resemblance to Garter Snakes. Found in a wide range of open habitats like old fields, hedgerows, and woodland edges. They are occasionally arboreal in habit and can climb with surprising swiftness. Their diet consists of rodents, frogs, other snakes, and occasionally, birds. Date Range. 25 April to 11 October (1999). Observation: For some odd reason, at least one this snake seems to get run over just south of Wilson Rd at 130 th Ave once a year, often a three to four footer. (BLACK RAT SNAKE Elaphe obsoleta obsoleta). Status uncertain; State Special Concern. The largest snake in Michigan, Black Rat Snakes are inhabitants of rich, undisturbed woodlands, and also are arboreal. Their range includes the southern half of the county southward (Holman et al. 1989), but their presence there is doubtful as there is little suitable habitat in this region. They are declining statewide, being most common in the southwestern part of the state (J. Harding, pers. comm.). A valuable member of the reptile community, they are fond of rodents which they kill by constriction. EASTERN MILK SNAKE Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum. Common to uncommon. Seldom seen as they are primarily nocturnal, and active more in spring and fall than in summer. They are found in a variety of habitats from marshes to woodlands and farms. On 30 June 1978, in Section 32 of Colfax Township, a pair of Song Sparrows was observed successfully fighting off a milk snake that had come too close to the nest. These harmless snakes are very beneficial, for they feed on rodents. Date Range. Active about mid-april to late September. NORTHERN RING-NECKED SNAKE Diadophis punctatus edwardsi. Status uncertain. Although Mecosta County is considered within its range (Holman et al. 1989, Harding 1997), these snakes are confined to isolated populations. They were widely distributed in Michigan in the 1920s, but are not common anywhere now (J. Harding, pers. comm.). They may occur in isolated pockets along forest edge, in debris from clear-cuts and in trash dumps; they hide under the material and seldom come out into the open (Harding 1997). Dr. Bruce Beetley, Associate Professor of Biology at Ferris State University, located one in a woodpile at Chippewa Lake in He also reports having five ring-necked snakes come out of a log that was brought into the classroom by students for a terrarium the same year. Diet consists of small vertebrates and invertebrates. Date Range. Most active late April to late September.

10 EASTERN HOG-NOSED SNAKE Heterodon platirhinos. Uncommon; probably declining. Reaching to about 3 feet in length, these snakes are known for their habit of puffing up and acting like a cobra when disturbed, giving them the alternative name of puff-adder. They are also known to roll over and play dead when harassed sufficiently. They are not venomous; all their defensive activities are a bluff. Once a common snake, they may be declining due to the apparent decline in toads, their main prey, and from habitat disturbance. Hog-nosed snakes are found most often in open sandy woods. One reasonably good location to find them is the dry woodlands in Aetna Twp. along the south county line. Date Range. 5 June to 20 September (1999), but certainly from mid-april to late September. Collection Note: One specimen with no locality data was collected in August 1927 (UMMZ64380). Massasauga Family Viperidae (MASSASAUGA Sistrurus catenatus catenatus). Status uncertain; State Special Concern. Massasaugas are Michigan s only venomous snakes. Their range includes the entire Lower Peninsula (Harding 1997). Since Mecosta County is about the center of its range, it is very probable that they occur here. However, anyone who actually comes across these snakes usually has to be actively looking for them. The very cryptic. Massasaugas avoid any chance of contact and will freeze or slither away with little provocation, well before being observed. Their preferred habitat is isolated Sphagnum bogs, marshes, and shrubby wetlands, but they may move into dry uplands during the summer (J. Harding, pers. comm.). There are no collection records for the county, but they do exist for Osceola, Missaukee, Newaygo, and Kent. These snakes should be left alone and unmolested; their bites are potentially serious and should receive prompt medical attention.