This is a comprehensive, theoretically up to date list of the reptile and amphibian species I have observed within their natural habitats in 2012. I will try and keep it updated as I observe more species. All species found within Arkansas state limits unless noted otherwise. I closed 2011 with 98 species and subs, but with the traveling I'll be doing this year, I hope to end it with well over 100 species and subspecies (where valid).
     As many of you can tell by my gallery, my biggest passion is finding and photographing reptiles and amphibians within their natural habitats. A lot of the animals I post are manipulated ("posed") for more aesthetically pleasing images, but none are harmed in any way and they are all released at the area of capture. I may post some endangered, threatened, or special concern species that have obviously been handled, but I only do so with proper permits I've been issued to work with said animals. I also shoot venomous snakes in real close proximity, something that I don't recommend unless you have experience working with them and understanding what they're capable of. I've spent a lot of years working with them and I know where I can be in relation to them while still remaining in a safe zone.
     Animals preceded by an asterisk (*) are lifer species/subspecies. (Species that have been personally found for the first time this year).



Snakes:
Carphophis vermis - Western wormsnake
Crotalus atrox - Western diamondback rattlesnake (Oklahoma)
Diadophis punctatus arnyi - Prairie ringneck snake (Arkansas and Oklahoma)
Masticophis (=Coluber) flagellum flagellum (Oklahoma)
Lampropeltis getula holbrooki - Speckled kingsnake
Lampropeltis triangulum syspila - Red milksnake (Arkansas and Oklahoma)
Nerodia erythrogaster flavigaster - Yellow bellied watersnake
Nerodia rhombifer rhombifer - Northern diamondback watersnake
Nerodia sipedon pleuralis - Midland watersnake
Opheodrys aestivus aestivus - Northern rough green snake
Pantherophis obsoletus - Western ratsnake
Storeria dekayi wrightorum - Midland brown snake
Tantilla gracilis - Flat headed snake (Arkansas and Oklahoma)
Thamnophis proximus proximus - Orange striped ribbon snake
Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis - Eastern gartersnake (Arkansas and Oklahoma)
Virginia striatula - Rough earth snake


Lizards:
Aspidoscelis sexlineata viridis - Prairie racerunner
Plestiodon anthracinus pluvialis - Southern coal skink
Plestiodon fasciatus - Five lined skink
Plestiodon laticeps - Broadheaded skink
Sceloporus consobrinus - Prairie lizard (Arkansas and Oklahoma)
Scincella lateralis - Ground skink


Turtles:
Chelydra serpentina - Common snapping turtle
Sternotherus odoratus - Common musk turtle (Stinkpot)
Terrapene carolina triunguis - Three toed box turtle (Arkansas and Oklahoma)
Trachemys scripta elegans - Red eared slider


Frogs/Toads:
Acris crepitans blanchardi - Blanchard's cricket frog
Anaxyrus americanus charlesmithi - Dwarf American toad (Seen and heard)
Hyla versicolor - Grey treefrog (Heard)
Lithobates catesbieanus - American bullfrog
Lithobates sphenocephalus utricularius - Southern leopard frog (Seen and heard)
Pseudacris crucifer - Spring Peeper (Seen and heard)
Pseudacris fouquettei - Cajun chorus frog (Heard)


Salamanders/Newts:
*Eurycea longicauda melanopleura - Dark sided salamander
*Eurycea lucifuga - Cave salamander
Eurycea multiplicata - Many ribbed salamander
*Eurycea spelaea - Grotto salamander
Eurycea tynerensis - Oklahoma salamander
Plethodon albagula - Western slimy salamander
Plethodon angusticlavius - Ozark zigzag salamander
*Plethodon caddoensis - Caddo Mountain salamander
Plethodon fourchensis - Fourche Mountain salamander
Plethodon ouachitae - Rich Mountain salamander
Plethodon serratus - Southern redbacked salamander

Crocodilians: