Santa Cruz Mountains
The following photo essay covers some of the reptiles and amphibians I encountered while herping California from April 4-13, 2008. The temperatures started off in the low 60s and gradually made it up to mid-80s by the end of the trip.

The California Slender Salamander is quite common. It has an elongated body and tiny legs.

Southern Alligator Lizards were seen in rather large numbers.

This Alligator Lizard had some nice orange markings.

Big millipedes were enjoying the damp conditions.

The first snake that I found on the trip was this little Ringneck.

The Ensatina is a highly variable salamander, displaying a variety of colors and patterns.

Jerusalem Crickets ain't that pretty at all.

California Kingsnakes are powerful constrictors that often eat rattlesnakes.