Carl H. Ernst
This authoritative compendium of North American poisonous snakes and lizards is organized by individual species. Each section contains the individual reptile's geographic distribution and provides condensed information on its ecological role, behavior, feeding, and reproduction, as well as reports of human envenomations. Also included are a range map, photographs, and descriptions of regional morphological variations and related recognized subspecies. This book contains an accurate specimen identification key for the species it covers, but most other information may be found elsewhere. Narrow in scope, yet heavily footnoted and crammed with technical information on karyotypes, scale patterns, and fossil records, this book will appeal only to advanced lay or professional herpetologists seeking a one-stop source. Recommended for academic collections.
- Frank Reiser, Nassau Community Coll., Garden City, N.Y.
