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Legendary Herpers: The Pioneers Who Inspired the Modern Herping Community
Every time you head out herping in search of snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs, or salamanders, you're participating in a tradition that stretches back centuries. Long before smartphones, GPS apps, and online species databases, passionate naturalists explored forests,...
How Do Reptiles Thermoregulate? The Biology of Being Cold-Blooded
If you've ever gone herping, you've probably noticed reptiles appear at specific times of day. That's because they're constantly regulating their body temperature through a process called thermoregulation. Unlike mammals, reptiles are ectothermic, meaning they rely on...
Leave No Trace: Ethical Herping Practices Every Herper Should Follow
For many outdoor enthusiasts, herping is more than just a hobby, it's a passion for discovering reptiles and amphibians in their natural habitats while learning about the incredible diversity of wildlife around us. Whether you're searching for colorful tree frogs...
Herping in Madagascar: The Island of Unique Species
For many wildlife enthusiasts, herping in Madagascar is the ultimate bucket-list adventure. Separated from mainland Africa for roughly 88 million years, Madagascar has evolved into one of the most biologically unique places on Earth. This isolation has allowed...
How Reptiles Regenerate: Tails, Scales, and Beyond
One of the most fascinating things people discover while herping is the incredible ability some reptiles have to recover from injuries. From lizards regrowing lost tails to snakes replacing damaged scales, reptiles possess remarkable regenerative abilities that help...
Exploring Coastal Habitats, Grasslands, and Mountain Canyons Through Herping
When many people think of herping, they imagine flipping logs in a forest or searching wetlands for frogs and salamanders. While those habitats certainly offer incredible opportunities, some of the most rewarding reptile and amphibian encounters happen in...
Many-spotted Cat Snake (Boiga multomaculata)
The world of herping is filled with fascinating snakes, but few are as visually striking and mysterious as the Many-spotted Cat Snake. Known for its slender body, large cat-like eyes, and beautiful spotted pattern, this rear-fanged snake is one of Asia’s more...
Herpetology Education & Careers: How to Turn a Passion for Reptiles Into a Real Career
If you’ve ever spent hours flipping logs, hiking trails at night, or scrolling through reptile photos online, chances are you’ve already stepped into the world of herping without even realizing how deep the rabbit hole goes. For a lot of people, what starts as a...
Axolotl vs. Salamander: What’s the Difference and Which Makes a Better Pet?
Is an axolotl a salamander? Technically yes, but axolotls break the rules of amphibian biology by never metamorphosing. Learn the key differences, why axolotls are critically endangered in the wild, and which species makes a better pet.
How to Identify Venomous Snakes in Your Backyard: A Visual State-by-State Guide
The U.S. is home to four groups of venomous snakes: rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths, and coral snakes. This state-by-state visual guide teaches you how to identify the venomous species in your region and what to do if you encounter one.