Twelve Months of Northern Ohio Herps in 2024 (Part 3)

On a rainy night on June 5th, a number of frogs were observed crossing the road, like this American Bullfrog.

American Toads are considered to be “explosive breeders,” with large numbers arriving at a pool within a very short time. The entire breeding process is over in a week or two.

A Green Frog with a green head. These frogs, as described by their name, typically have varying degrees of green heads.

One of the three DeKay's Brown Snakes seen crossing the road that night. These small serpents mainly eat earthworms and slugs.

I didn't find very many of my favorite species of frog, the Gray Treefrog in 2024, so this one was a welcome find.

A boldly patterned Green Frog - these amphibians are quite adaptable and can be found in a range of habitats.

Perhaps Ohio's most beautiful amphibian - Northern Leopard Frogs utilize many aquatic habitats, such as marshes, ponds, lakes, rivers, or streams. During warmer months, these frogs may leave the water and venture into fields or pastures to forage for insects.

I found two Eastern Milk Snakes on June 7th, this one was the larger of the two. This snake feeds primarily on mice and other small mammals.

A "tadfrog" seen on June 9th. This is probably a Green Frog beginning to absorb its tail.

June 14th - A Two-lined Salamander that I found in my birthday.

A newly metamorphosed American Toad that I came across on June 25th. This species lays between 2,000-20,000 eggs in two strings; the eggs hatch in 3 to 12 days.

An Eastern Garter Snake missing its dorsal stripe that I found on June 28th.

A duckweed coated Midland Painted Turtle that I saw on the same day. The most widespread North American turtle, the Painted Turtle is the only turtle whose native range extends from the Atlantic to the Pacific.

Northern Water Snakes use water as a hunting grounds and place to escape from predators. This reptile feeds heavily on fish and amphibians, swallowing its prey alive. This one is being bitten by a mosquito.

Herp Habitat.

I had some good herp finds on the 5th of July, like this fantastic-looking Red Salamander in Lake County. The habitat for this colorful creature is under rocks and logs in and around cold, clean springs and adjacent brooks.

A young adult American Bullfrog. This amphibian gets its name from the sound the male makes during the breeding season, which sounds similar to a bull bellowing.

This Northern Water Snake looked like it was beginning to go through a shed cycle.

A good-looking Green Frog.

I saw this Spiny Softshell Turtle when I was out and about on July 26th.

I usually see Blanding's Turtles in the Spring, but I came across this fine example on August 12th.