A Field Guide to Reptiles of North America

North America is home to a diverse array of reptiles, showcasing the fascinating and ancient lineage of these cold-blooded creatures. The continent boasts numerous reptilian species, each adapted to its specific habitat. From the majestic American alligator that dominates the swamps of the Southeast to the iconic western diamondback rattlesnake found in the arid deserts of the Southwest, reptiles in North America exhibit remarkable adaptations for survival. The vibrant colors of the green anole and the western fence lizard add beauty to the landscapes they inhabit, while the secretive box turtle and the well-camouflaged horned lizard are masters of disguise. The northern waters are patrolled by the agile snapping turtle and painted turtle, while the slender and swift coachwhip snake slithers across the grasslands. These reptilian inhabitants of North American reptiles continue to captivate the imagination with their incredible diversity and their crucial role in the continent's ecosystems.

Last Updated: 8/17/25

COUNT: 19 - Stay tuned, more reptiles are to come with each outing.

​American Alligator Range: Southern United States Habitat: Swamps, Ponds, Lakes Note:
​​American Bullfrog Range: North America Habitat: Ponds, Lakes, Slow moving streams
​Brown Anloe Range: Southern United States Habitat: Shrubs, Trees, Walls Note:
​California Newt Range: California Habitat: Ponds, Reservoirs, Slow moving streams Note: Poisonous
​California Toad Range: California Habitat: Desert, Grassland, Meadows Note: Subspecies of Western Toad
California Tree Frog Range: Western United States Habitat: Creeks, Rivers, Rocky areas
Desert Spiny Lizard Range: Western United States Habitat: Arid Shrub, Grassland
​Brush Rabbit Range: Western United States Habitat: Desert, Canyons, Washes Note:
Florida Shoftshell Turtle Range: Florida Habitat: Swamps, Lakes, Marshes, creeks Note:
​Gopher Snake Range: Western to Mid United States Habitat: Desert, Prairie, Brushland, Grassland Note:
​Green Sea Turtle Range: Warm portions of Atlantic / Pcaific Oceans Habitat: Oceans, Bays Note:
Loggerhead Sea Turtle Range: Atlantic Ocean Habitat: Ocean, Bays, Tidal Rivers Note:
​Red-eared Slider Turtle Range: Southern United States Habitat: Swamps, Ponds, Marshes Note:
​Red-eared Slider Turtle (Juvenile) Range: Southern United States Habitat: Swamps, Ponds, Marshes Note:
​Side-blotched Lizard Range: Western United States Habitat: Grasslands, Shrublands Note:
Side-blotched Lizard (Junenile) Range: Western United States Habitat: Grasslands, Shrublands Note:
Tiger Whiptail Lizard Range: Western United States Habitat: Open Woodland, Desert Note:
Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake Range: Western United States Habitat: Arid and Semiarid areas Note: Adult
Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake Range: Western United States Habitat: Arid and Semiarid areas Note: Juvenile
​Western Fence Lizard Range: Western United States Habitat: Grasslands, Shrublands, Woodlands Note:

Stay tuned, more reptiles are to come with each outing.

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