SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
Herp habitat in Santa Cruz.

The California Toad is large and robust with dry, warty skin. It is slow moving, often getting about by walking or crawling instead of hopping.

Jumping Bristletails are primitive, small insects with elongated bodies and arched backs.

Adult San Francisco Garter Snakes feed primarily on California Red-legged Frogs, which are federally listed as “threatened.” This one had dull coloration due to it being in a shed cycle.

Side-blotched Lizards can be found in a wide variety of arid and semi-arid habitats with scattered shrubs growing in soil may be sandy, gravelly or rocky. The species is often found in sandy washes with scattered rocks and bushes.

The Santa Cruz Garter Snake is only found California and resides in central and southern parts of the state. It feeds mainly on amphibians including frogs, tadpoles, and aquatic salamander larvae, but small fish are also eaten.