Because of its geographic position and its geologic past, the Delmarva Peninsula is a transition zone between the northern and southern sections of the Atlantic Coast of North America. The north-south influences result in a high diversity of species of plants and animals, including amphibians and reptiles. Delmarva's amphibians and reptiles are overlooked by the vast majority of people living in the area. Many have never heard a northern spring peeper call or seen a salamander, even though a breeding chorus of peepers is common in the spring and salamanders are residents of most woodlands in Delmarva. Misconceptions also abound. For example, people sometimes think they have seen "cottonmouths" (water moccasins) on Delmarva, though this venomous species is not known to occur north of the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. Other common fallacies are the belief that snakes are slimy or that handling a toad can cause warts. This updated field guide to amphibians and reptiles of Delmarva will be useful to everyone interested in these fascinating creatures--from the curious child who brings home a salamander, to students, experienced naturalists, and professionals in need of life history, behavioral, and distributional information on Delmarva's amphibians (salamanders and frogs) and reptiles (turtles, lizards, and snakes). Seventy-three species are included in this second edition--seventy known to occur on Delmarva and three that the authors believe either occur there or once did. Outstanding color plates aid in identifying the species.

It will appeal to both amateurs and professionals interested in herpetology, natural history, or ecology, as well as those with a special interest in Maryland's biodiversity.

Bibliography of herpetofaunal literature through Dec. 31, 1999, limited to published papers and books that deal primarily with single states or provinces or substantial portions thereof.