Garter Snake Forum - View Single Post

Cazador · 03-04-2007, 04:20 PM

I have a copy of the 2003 edition of Western Reptiles and Amphibians, 3rd Ed., and I have to admit to being a little bit disappointed. It's probably a great source for distinguishing between thousands of easily recognizable taxa, but I think it lacks a bit when distinguishing between species that look similar. I bought it specifically for help distinguishing between T. ordinoides and T.s. pickeringii. It provided clues, but there were no dichotomous keys. Instead, they gave general descriptions of each (sub)species with limited reference to morphs. Based on the reveiws at Amazon.com, I hoped for more out of this book, but maybe it's simply the best of what's available? Perhaps someone could recommend a better "Western field guide" for garter snakes?

Rick

03-04-2007, 04:20 PM	#53 (permalink)
Cazador Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Alaska, USA Posts: 1,611 Country:	Re: Best Snake Books I have a copy of the 2003 edition of Western Reptiles and Amphibians, 3rd Ed., and I have to admit to being a little bit disappointed. It's probably a great source for distinguishing between thousands of easily recognizable taxa, but I think it lacks a bit when distinguishing between species that look similar. I bought it specifically for help distinguishing between T. ordinoides and T.s. pickeringii. It provided clues, but there were no dichotomous keys. Instead, they gave general descriptions of each (sub)species with limited reference to morphs. Based on the reveiws at Amazon.com, I hoped for more out of this book, but maybe it's simply the best of what's available? Perhaps someone could recommend a better "Western field guide" for garter snakes? Rick