Thomas C. Brennan

Basics: 2006, softcover, 150 pages, 132 species, 194 color photos, 15 habitat photos, range maps

This is a nicely done photo guide covering all the reptiles and amphibians of Arizona. The specimens in the photograph have been digitally removed from their backgrounds and placed onto a blank white page. These photos are of very good color, quality, and size.

Each species is typically shown with just one photo; although some receive two photos where there is distinct differences in age, subspecies, or to show the ventral coloration of some of the earless lizards. Another 20+ black-and-white illustrations are included to show unique scale designs on the head of the Crotalus or on the sides of various lizards.

Extra effort went into the range maps to show detail. This detail makes it obvious as to where the various mountain sky-islands, rivers, or arid desert habitats are located for the niche-specific species.

Each page reviews 2-4 species with text that is mostly dedicated to identification and field marks. Brief, but descriptive text is also given for the habitats and behavior.

This book will help the herpetologist identify most of the species encountered in Arizona. I say “most” because the great variation in the whiptails is one of the weaknesses of this book. Only one of the 11 species has more than one photo. There can be notable differences with the extent or boldness of the spotting and striping of this group, affected by age, range, and individual variation. None of this variation is shown in the book and is only briefly noted in the text.

Overall, this is very good book and should be added to your libary.

I’ve listed several related books below…
1) Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Reptiles and Amphibians
2) Field Guide to Amphibians and Reptiles of Maricopa County by Brennan/Holycross
3) Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians by Stebbins
4) Handbook of Lizards by Smith… (mais)