As of sometime yesterday, we did it folks! 100,000 Observations. So, where do we go from here? Our overall goal was herp mapping, so let's keep at it! Thank you to all of our more than 14,000 observers. We can't do it without you all. Somehow, almost 90% of our observations are RG! So, thanks to all our IDers as well for your remarkable jobs. Tell me in the comments: Where do you think we should go from here?
Ok fellow herp lovers! Here we go! We are less than 400 Observations away from 100,000 observations on the "Herps of Virginia" project. That is freakin' awesome! I really just want you all to know how much this project means to us. We have all compiled amazing data that we are currently using to build some range maps, that are seemingly more accurate than most existing ones. Take this map here for example that shows the ranges for Slimy Salamanders in VA: https://www.herpingva.org/profiles/white-spotted-slimy-plethodon-cylindraceus
Most maps are out dated and show Northern Slimies places they shouldn't be, and others miss regions or fail to show the overlap on an impactful way. This map would not be possible without the iNat data on this project. So, keep it up! Let's make #1,000 a good one! There are still a few species yet to be observed on the project though, so let's hope we can document some of these as well.
Hello all,
A project we have been working on for a while is a way to help educate herpers and nature lovers alike as well as using Cit-sy to build a better understanding of the herp world. After almost a year of discussion, planning, and work we have finally launched a new website called "Herping Virginia". I know what you are thinking, isn't there the Virginia Herp Society? Well, yes. So, how are you different? Basically, we plan iNaturalist data to build maps, annual reports, and bar-charts. VHS does a great job with their scientific contributions, but they use very little iNat data. We also hope to make our herp information easier for beginners to digest. I love the degree of scientific data on VHS and it definitely serves its place, but it is very intimidating for new herpers. This is not just VHS, but field guides and other sources use a lot of terminology such as SVL, superlabials, and subcaudal that a lot of new herpers do not understand. We want to explain this for new comers, while teaching ethical herping strategies. We are currently still building the site, and in addition to our herp profiles, similar species profiles, we are adding habitat guides by region, safe techniques, and potential dangers to watch out for. Our site is incorporating trip reports for certain destinations, so one can figure out which sites near them are good to herp and how to safely and effectively herp them. We are giving you ways to search for herps by regions, so you can be prepared for what to expect.
Who knows what else the future brings, but we plan on continuing to fill this niche to aide herps and herpers alike.
Herping Virginia: https://www.herpingva.org/
Enjoy!
Howdy-doo all,
Quick question, have you used the "Annotations" feature on iNat? I am a very "scientific observer", and like to document all notes possible. Doing this allows me to pick up on things that might not be well documented. So, I love iNats "Annotations" feature, and encourage everyone to use it. It has come to my attention though, that there may be some completely understandable confusion with in the iNat community as far as what these are. So, here are some pointers on how to ID these Annotations. For this post, I will focus on Frogs, as these are the majority of what I am seeing.
-AGE-
I will keep this simple...
Egg = Egg mass
Larvae = Tadpole
Juvenile = Froglet until sexually mature
Examples: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/38573192
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/33167999
Adult = Clearly sexually mature
Example: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/41769085
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/39764546
-SEX-
Any frogs calling are going to be males. This does not include the squeaks many frogs do when scared though. Also, in amplexis, the male is the frog on the back, and the female is being clutched. But there are other ways to sex frogs.
Treefrogs and Allies, Toads, Narrowmouths, Spadefoots:
These guys are easy to sex just by looking at their chins. Males have vocal sacks on their throats, so the throat is a darker than the belly. Examples: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/41906835
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/41780696
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/31154953
True Frogs:
Adult Greens and Bullfrogs can be sexed by their tympanum (eardrum). Males will have tympanums larger than their eyes. Examples: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/22443093
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/22443092
Other True Frogs can be tricky. Males have vocal sacks between the tympanum and shoulder. In breeding season, the males stretch these, causing them to sag significantly. They also tend to be different colors. Examples: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/40585034
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/40585098
-DEAD OR ALIVE-
This is self explanatory. No description really needed.
So, I hope this clears up some questions. Thank you all for your submitting observations, and if you have any questions, leave them in the comments.
I am not a fan of the triple exclamation point, but this deserves it! Breakout the balloons and confetti, because as of last weekend, we reached 30,000 observations on our project. Thank you to everyone who submitted and I would like to give a special thanks to our top 10 observers @mjwcarr @imasongster @seigmond @kbeza31979 @easpears @usmcfiremedic @krosenthal @katharinab and our top observer, with 2,370 at the time of this post, @lucareptile .
There are hundreds of notable observations, including county records, but we will mention some of the best ones since my "20,000 Observations" post back in June.
Cuban Treefrog: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/36349501
Literally every Oak Toad in VA: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/27015525
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/27326513
First Tiger Salamander: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/38434264
First Mole Salamander: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/38562346
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/38565503
Midland Mud Salamander: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/34782249
Second Southern Dusky: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/41737924
Eastern Hellbender: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/31018960
Two-toed Amphiuma: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/28579910
Afghan (Russian) Tortoise: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/41673325
Piedmont Spotted Turtles: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/40568726
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/41329610
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/41637551
Mississippi Map Turtles: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/27047148
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/27994960
Out-of-place Spiny Softshells: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/36775377
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/32538675
New population of Green Anoles in Virginia Beach: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/28818788
Brown Anole: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/30458993
First Eastern Glasslizard: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/31057678
Farthest Western Cottonmouth in VA: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/31365369
Gray Ratsnake: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/29463941
Scarlet Kingsnake: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/37708957
Maybe the first Northern Scarlet Snake: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/33643552
Smooth Greensnake: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/34340009
Garden Tree Boa: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/26491949
I really have to thank all of the wonderful Project Admins:
Luca Catanzaro (@lucareptile)
Bobby Fingers (@bobbyfingers)
Evan Spears (@easpears)
The Lerad (@lerad)
Anthony Brais (@syrherp)
You guys are great!
We are growing exponentially, so get out there (at a safe distance) herp those finds... err, umm... find them herps. Maybe we can get to 50,000 by the years end. Thanks to all again, and if you need me, feel free to find me!
P.S.
I am trying to come up with fun challenges. Maybe, for example, a Herp of the Week. I can put out an article, and we can all look, and whoever has the most observations that week, wins the week. Whoever wins the most weeks by the end of the year, wins a prize. We all learn, fill in range maps, and have fun. If you like this idea, or have one of your own, feel free to leave a comment. Thanks!
This is a piece out of my field guide I am working for for the Herps of Virginia.
The term “Black Snake” is a colloquial term to describe any snake that is black. This covers several species, but it mostly describes either the Eastern Ratsnake or the Northern Black Racer. The two are very different, but hard for most people to identify. This said, almost everything, except color, is different in these two species.
The Eastern Ratsnake (Pantherophis alleghaniensis)
The Eastern Ratsnake has a wider, flat head. The eyes are typical for a colubrid, and are separated from the nostril by three long scales. The lower half of the upper labials are white. The tip of the nose is blunt, and black. The first third of the underside is white, yet checkered, with a slate under side for the rest of belly. The skin on the ratsnake is white, and is visible between the scales when bent, or the snake has inflated. Scales are glossy, except when shedding. Dorsal scales are slightly keeled.
Here are plenty of examples:
Adult: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/22328888
Adult: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/21876192
Adult: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/26563543
Adult: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/26563509
Adult: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/26554782
Adult (Note locomotion): https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/26343884
Adult: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/25771955
Transitioning juvenile: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/17612993
Juvenile: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/25962238
Juvenile: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/25028649
Juvenile: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/24786660
Juvenile: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/23467841
The Northern Black Racer has a narrow head. The eyes are very large, and are separated from the nostril by three short scales. The only white on the upper labials is on L1. The tip of the nose is sharp, and brownish. The chin is typically white, and the belly is a blue-gray. The skin is gray, but scales overlap where skin is not visible. Scales are dusky. All scales are smooth.
Here are plenty of examples:
Adult: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/24940095
Adult: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/13592626
Adult: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/13189733
Adults: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/19227821
Adults: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/23035814
Adult: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/19227788
Adult (in shed): https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/17203474
Subadult (note "coachwhip" shape): https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/20410397
Transitioning juvenile: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/26559348
Juvenile: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/26997543
Juvenile: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/15043658
Finally, posture and locomotion are good ways to identify at a distance. Racers tend hold their heads high and their long body tapers. This gives them a “coachwhip” like appearance. Ratsnakes only hold their body strait or kinked when moving, or on a narrow perch. When they are strait, the hold their head close to the ground, as long as they are not attempting to climb. When sitting, a Ratsnake holds a posture like a dropped piece of yarn.
Ratsnakes can move when they need to, but they are nothing compared to the Racers. To put it in simple terms, imagine a typical two-lane highway. The road is about twelve feet wide. A Ratsnake can enter the road, and exit the other side, in about six seconds. A Racer, going full speed, can enter and clear the road in less than two seconds.
Racer live a high speed lifestyle. They are so built for speed, Racers cannot constrict their prey. Instead, they pin down small animals and swallow them whole. This is very different from the Ratsnake. Ratsnakes are constrictors.
Thank you all who have submitted to the project, and are members following this project. Please, invite anyone who you believe would enjoy to join. I am excepting recommendations for the next times ID Tip. I hope everyone has a wonderful week!
Thank You,
-Ty Smith
We did it folks! We broke 20,000 observations for this project. We also have 135 of the 154 species (that stand now), and I am excited to see what is new to come. I could not do this alone, so I would like to thank all of our managers: @lucareptile @bobbyfingers @easpears @lerad @syrherp
I would also like to thank EVERYONE that has EVER posted a herp to this project. Most of our maps look PHENOMENAL, and we wish to continue are work. Our reviewers cannot help "hone in" on these maps if you don't post. So, please keep it up.
In other news, I may start doing "Weekly ID Tips" for certain species. If you would like to see these, please comment below. I if you have any suggestions for ID Tips (ex. Ratsnakes vs Racers), you can leave those comments below as well.
As always anyone looking to get in touch with me, or wants me to look at any Observations, my iNat user is @tysmith and my email is snakemantysmith@gmail.com and more info can be found on my profile.
Thanks to all!
-Ty Smith
