Reptiles & Amphibians you could see on the trail

Lithobates sylvaticus

This is one of Delaware’s earliest-breeding frogs during the springtime. It is found predominantly in pools situated within wooded wetlands.

Clemmys guttata

This is a globally threatened species of turtle. Evolutionarily speaking, it is quite ancient and is the only extant species of its genus, Clemmys.

Lithobates sphenocephalus

This is a common frog in many Delaware wetlands. It is named for the leopard-like spots on its body, which can range from brownish to vibrant green.

Chrysemys picta

This turtle is named for the brilliant yellow and orange markings on its head and neck. It is found in freshwater bodies, where it feeds on a variety of aquatic plants and animals.

Pseudemys rubriventris

This species grows much larger than the painted turtle and may be over a foot wide. Adults have a dark black head and visible redness on the bottom of the shell.

Lithobates clamitans

This large frog appears in varying shades of green. Its alarm call is likened to the plucking of a loose banjo string.

Anaxyrus fowleri

This toad is very common throughout Southern Delaware. It may be identified by its lumpy shape and mottled gray body.

Heterodon platirhinos

This non-poisonous snake may vary in color but has dark bands across the width of its body. When threatened, it will flatten its head to appear more menacing.

Sceloporus undulatus

This small gray or brown lizard lives throughout Delaware. It is often found in brush piles and, being very quick, is somewhat difficult to spot.

Terrapene carolina carolina

This turtle is named for the closeable hinged flap with which it protects its head while hidden inside its shell. In captivity, box turtles have been known to live for more than 100 years.

Hyla chrysoscelis

This treefrog is distinguishable from the Gray Treefrog, found in Upstate Delaware, by its slightly different call. Its color varies greatly, ranging from mottled gray to almost entirely pale green.

Chelydra serpentina

This is Delaware’s largest turtle. It typically weighs well over 30 pounds at adulthood and may be aggressive when encountered on land.

Plestiodon fasciatus

Males of this species boast a bright blue tail and five distinct yellow-to-white lines down the length of their body. The females are larger than the males and sport a red head and less distinct lines.

Rana virgatipes

Uncommon in Delaware, this species is known for its distinctive “clack-clack-clack” call, which sounds like a carpenter hitting a board with a hammer.

Hyla cinerea

This species is not uncommon throughout Delaware. It has a longer, more slender body than the Gray Tree Frog. It tends to be a vibrant green-to-yellow color.

Lithobates catesbeianus

This is Delaware’s largest frog species. It is a common sight around many bodies of water, including ponds, swamps, creeks, and canals. Bullfrogs are ambitious predators. Indeed, rodents and birds have even been found in their stomachs.