The Fauna and Flora of Kerr County, Texas | home

The Reptiles

Common Snapping Turtle, Chelydra serpentina serpentina

Common Snapping Turtle, Chelydra serpentina serpentina

Hatchling found at Camp Rio Vista. This turtle, while present in our area in small numbers is seldom seen. This hatchling was found in a wet grass depression about 600 meters from the nearest water (Guadalupe River), and over 50 feet above pool level. It was found just after the torrential rains of early July 2002 (July 10), and was released into the river on 1 September 2002 when these photos were taken.

photos © by tony gallucci

Stinkpot, Sternotherus odoratus

Cade Loop Bridge, Ingram Dam Lake, 18 September 2002

photos © by tony gallucci

Stinkpot, Sternotherus odoratus

Mountain Home Bridge, 19 October 2002

photos © by tony gallucci

Texas Slider, Pseudemys texana

The 2002 nesting season at Rio Vista has resulted in the finding of 22 nests so far (the latest being laid on 23 June), with a total of 236 eggs. One of this year's laying females was first tagged in 1993. Another very large female, first tagged in 1994, was found dead by campers on our waterfront. So far, of females identified at the nest, none were repeats from last year, adding to mounting data that suggests females may not be laying every year. Thus far 8 new adult turtles have been located for tagging in 2002.

Texas Slider, Pseudemys texana

Camp Rio Vista, Guadalupe River, 6 September 2002

photos © by tony gallucci

Texas Slider, Pseudemys texana

Guadalupe River between Ingram and Hunt, 1 October 2002

photos © by tony gallucci

Texas Slider, Pseudemys texana

Camp Rio Vista, Guadalupe River, 4 October 2002

photos © by tony gallucci

Cagle's Map Turtle, Graptemys caglei

Cagle's Map Turtle, Graptemys caglei, three males, with Texas Slider, Pseudemys texana, one male

Both of these are endemic species, found only in Hill Country rivers. the Cagle's Map Turtle's

entire world range is limited to the Guadalupe River system.

Undisclosed location, Guadalupe River, between Ingram and Hunt, 5 September 2002

photos © by tony gallucci

Cagle's Map Turtle, Graptemys caglei

Undisclosed location, Guadalupe River, between Ingram and Hunt, 19 September 2002

photos © by tony gallucci

Cagle's Map Turtle, Graptemys caglei

Undisclosed location, Guadalupe River, between Ingram and Hunt, 4 October 2002

photos © by tony gallucci

Guadalupe Softshell Turtle, Apalone spiniferus guadalupensis

A yearling of this endemic race turtle was found and caught by Andy Andrus on 26 June 2002.

Guadalupe Softshell, Apalone spiniferus guadalupensis

Dam, Ingram Dam Lake, Guadalupe River, Ingram, 19 October 2002

photos © by tony gallucci

Smooth Softshell, Apalone muticus

Texas Alligator Lizard, Gerrhonotus infernalis

A single Alligator Lizard was seen at Camp Rio Vista 6 September 2002 (tg)

Texas Alligator Lizard, Gerrhonotus infernalis

Rio Vista genepool, 3 August 2002

Texas Alligator Lizard, Gerhonotus infernalis

Rio Vista genepool, office, Camp Rio Vista, 14 September 2002

Six-lined Racerunner, Cnemidophorus sexlineatus sexlineatus

Campers at RV caught one of these on 27 June 2002. This is the less common of our local Cnemidophorus species.

Texas Spiny Lizard, Sceloporus olivaceus

Cade Loop Road, 9 September 2002

Texas Spiny Lizard, Sceloporus olivaceus

Along Cade Loop, above the dam, Ingram Dam Lake, 10 October 2002

Crevice Spiny Lizard, Sceloporus poinsettii

Dowdy Massacre marker, Texas 27 Rest Area, Mountain Home, 20 October 2002

Blotched Water Snake, Nerodea erythrogaster transversa

These seem to be unusually common in the Rio Vista area during the summer of 2002. One hatchling brought in by campers at Rio Vista was bursting with worms.

Blotched Water Snake, Nerodea erythrogaster transversa, juvenile

Camp Rio Vista, June 2002

Diamond-backed Water Snake, Nerodea rhombifera rhombifera

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