A Revised List of Amphibia and Reptiles of Chase and Lyon Counties, Kansas

Abstract

Since the publication of the 1936 listi of amphibia and reptiles of Chase and Lyon counties, much revision has become necessary, because of taxonomic changes and added collection in the area. The terrain of these two counties varies considerably, ranging from Flint Hills prairie through flood plains to wooded hills. The Flint Hills occupy most of Chase county and extend into the southwest and northeast part of Lyon and are for the most part in the Osage watershed. In central Lyon county and northern Chase county lie the flood plains of the Neosho and Cottonwood rivers, which join in east central Lyon. A small section to the extreme south of the area belongs to the Verdigris watershed. The Flint Hills are devoted almost exclusively to grazing. The flood plains are farmed intensively. Northern Lyon county has general farms and many large pastures. Except in the flood plains there are many springs, from which small streams make their way through rocky gullies. It is among these that some of the most successful collecting has been done. Fifty-three species of 37 genera have been taken. Unless otherwise specified, each form has been found in both counties. The technical names of the species are, with one exception, in accord with Smith's 1950 publication on the Amphibia and reptiles of Kansas2, in which all are described in detail. This book should be consulted by anyone interested in the identification, life history or distribution of Kansas amphibia and reptiles.