Nine-banded Armadillos were a common sight. This year they were even found along the edges of Snake Road.

Unlike most mole salamanders, instead of laying eggs in the spring, Marbled Salamanders lay their eggs in the fall in low areas that are likely to flood during winter rains.

Plain-bellied Water Snakes are a species that is found in swamps, lakes and ponds – where they can be seen basking on overhanging branches or logs in the water.

Although Southern Leopard Frogs are often found close to water, they are more terrestrial than other frogs in their genus and can stray far from water. They are active both by day and night and can be seen in large numbers on rainy nights.

A young Ringneck Snake found on Snake Road. Ringnecks enjoy coast to coast distribution across the United States, though they are absent from arid areas.

A Midland Water Snake that I caught in one of my minnow traps.

The same snake about to be released. This species adapts well to humans and sometimes even resides in decorative ponds at apartment buildings.

My first-ever Bantam Sunfish.

A Central Stoneroller.

I caught this Broad-banded Water Snake while I was visiting Missouri.

A cool catfish known as a Tadpole Madtom.

Herp habitat in Missouri.

Midland Painted turtles are named for their bright red and yelllow markings.

The Warmouth is a highly aggressive and hardy fish that can live in polluted water.

A Cottonmouth going for a swim in Missouri.

Bess Beetles can give you some idea on how complex life can be – even for an insect. They communicate with each other through squeaking and clicking noises.

A Spiny Softshell Turtle in Missouri.

Although I saw three Southern Black Racers previously on the trip, this was the first one that I was able to catch.

Red-eared Sliders were the most commonly seen turtles.

A young Five-lined Skink, with a bright blue tail that can be detached if the lizard is attacked by a predator.

Ringneck Snakes like to hide under rocks and bark at the edges of forests, usually where a forest meets an open area, like a field.

Click here to see Part 3