Notes on Nebraska Reptiles

Abstract

Distributional data on over 250 specimens of reptiles collected in Nebraska since Hudson's (1942) herpetofaunal survey are presented. Information on reproduction, feeding, and growth, based on the specimens, is included. Subspecific relationships of milk snakes (Lampropeltis triangulum) in southwestern Nebraska are discussed. Trans. Kans. Acad. Sci., Vol. 78 (1-2), 1975. Nebraska has one of the least studied herpetofaunas of any state. Very little information has appeared since Hudson's (1942) survey, and much of his natural history information was drawn from sources pertaining to other than Nebraska specimens. The need for further investigation of Nebraska reptiles is apparent. This account relates information accumulated on Nebraska reptiles during the period 1968 to 1975. Most specimens collected during that period have been deposited in either the University of Nebraska State Museum (UN) or the Florida State Museum (FSM). Those cataloged in my private collection (JBI) are to be deposited in the Nebraska State Museum. Also included in the following list are Nebraska reptiles deposited in the Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan (,UMMZ) since Hudson's (1942) paper. Lengths are total lengths unless snoutvent length (SV) is indicated. Order Squamata FAMILY IGUANIDAE Holbrookia maculata Cherry Co.: Hackberry Lake (UMMZ 74715) Keith Co.: No further data (FSM 32772) Thomas Co.: Halsey (UMMZ 97501: 3 specs.) Sceloporus undulatus Chase Co.: Rt. 61 at Enders Dam (JBI 33) Cherry Co.: Hackberry Lake (UMMZ 747 16: 5 specs.) Dundy Co.: 1 mi. N. Rock Creek Fish Hatchery (JBI 30-32) A May 9, 1974, specimen (JBI 33) measured 54 mm SV, and contained four eggs, averaging 11 x 6.5 mm, in each oviduct. One of two females collected on May 9, 1974 (JBI 30) measured 40.6 mm SV and lacked eggs or enlarged follicles. The second (JBI 32) measured 50 mm SV and bore two slightly enlarged follicles (2.5 mm diameter) in her right ovary and three in her left.