The library
Books worth your shelf space.
Field guides for every part of the country, the science, the care references, the clinical texts, and shelves for young readers. Tick a category or two, pick a state, or search, and the list narrows to what you need. Every title has links to buy it, borrow it from a library, or find a used copy. Know one that belongs here? There is a suggestion form at the bottom.
Showing all 140 books.
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A few we’d hand you first. The full shelf is below.
A Field Guide to Amphibians and Reptiles in Arizona
Photographic field guide to Arizona's herpetofauna published by the state wildlife agency.
A Field Guide to Oklahoma’s Amphibians and Reptiles
Photographic field guide to Oklahoma's herpetofauna published by the state wildlife agency.
A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians in the Hawaiian Islands
Field guide to the introduced reptiles and amphibians and native sea turtles of Hawaii.
A Field Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of Iowa
Photographic field guide to Iowa's herpetofauna with range maps and natural history.
A Field Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of Nebraska
Photographic field guide to Nebraska's amphibians and reptiles with county maps.
A Place for Frogs
Picture book explaining threats to frogs and conservation actions kids can take.
ABC Reptile Book
Alphabet picture book introducing reptile species and terms for young children.
ABC Snake Book
Alphabet picture book introducing snake species and vocabulary for young children.
ABCs of Derpetology
Humorous alphabet book using photos of reptiles and amphibians caught in silly poses to teach herp facts.
Alligators
The Illustrated Guide to Their Biology, Behavior, and Conservation
Illustrated natural history of the American alligator.
Amphibian Declines
The Conservation Status of United States Species
Species-by-species conservation assessment of all US amphibians.
Amphibian Husbandry Resource Guide
AZA guide to institutional amphibian husbandry, quarantine and biosecurity.
Amphibian Medicine and Captive Husbandry
Comprehensive reference on amphibian husbandry, anatomy, diseases and clinical treatment for veterinarians and advanced keepers.
Amphibians & Reptiles of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks
Guide to the amphibians and reptiles of the Greater Yellowstone region of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho.
Amphibians and Reptiles in Colorado
State reference to Colorado's herpetofauna with accounts, maps and natural history.
Amphibians and Reptiles in Minnesota
State guide to Minnesota's amphibians and reptiles with photos, maps and natural history.
Amphibians and Reptiles of Alaska
A Field Handbook
Field handbook to the few amphibian and reptile species recorded in Alaska.
Amphibians and Reptiles of Connecticut and Adjacent Regions
Bulletin 112 reference to the herpetofauna of Connecticut and surrounding areas.
Amphibians and Reptiles of Delmarva
Field guide to the herpetofauna of the Delmarva Peninsula (Delaware, eastern Maryland and Virginia).
Amphibians and Reptiles of Florida
Comprehensive reference to Florida's native and introduced amphibians and reptiles with accounts, photos and maps.
Amphibians and Reptiles of Georgia
Comprehensive state reference to Georgia's amphibians and reptiles with species accounts, photos and maps.
Amphibians and Reptiles of Indiana
State reference to Indiana's herpetofauna with keys, accounts and maps.
Amphibians and Reptiles of Louisiana
An Identification and Reference Guide
Comprehensive state guide to Louisiana's amphibians and reptiles with keys, photos, range maps and species accounts.
Amphibians and Reptiles of Montana
Field guide to Montana's amphibians and reptiles with photos, maps and accounts.
Amphibians and Reptiles of New England
Habitats and Natural History
Regional guide to New England herpetofauna with habitat and natural history summaries.
Amphibians and Reptiles of New Mexico
Comprehensive reference to New Mexico's herpetofauna with accounts, keys and maps.
Amphibians and Reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast
Reference to the herpetofauna of Pennsylvania and adjacent northeastern states with accounts and maps.
Amphibians and Reptiles of Texas
With Keys, Taxonomic Synopses, Bibliography, and Distribution Maps
Reference to Texas herpetofauna with keys, county distribution maps and an extensive bibliography.
Amphibians and Reptiles of the Carolinas and Virginia
Regional field guide to the herpetofauna of North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.
Amphibians and Reptiles of the Great Lakes Region
Regional field guide to the herpetofauna of the Great Lakes states and Ontario.
Amphibians and Reptiles of the Pacific Northwest
Regional reference to the herpetofauna of Idaho, Oregon and Washington with accounts and maps.
Amphibians and Reptiles of Wisconsin
Comprehensive reference to Wisconsin's herpetofauna with species accounts, maps and conservation discussion.
Amphibians of Ohio
Ohio Biological Survey reference volume on the frogs and salamanders of Ohio.
Amphibians of Oregon, Washington and British Columbia
A Field Identification Guide
Field identification guide to Pacific Northwest amphibians including eggs and larvae.
Amphibians of the Pacific Northwest
Photographic field guide to the amphibians of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, northern California and British Columbia.
Amphibians, Reptiles, and Turtles in Kansas
Photographic guide to Kansas herpetofauna with range maps and accounts.
Ball Pythons
The History, Natural History, Care, and Breeding (Pythons of the World, Volume 2)
Comprehensive reference on ball python natural history, husbandry and breeding.
Biology and Evolution of Crocodylians
Comprehensive scholarly reference on crocodilian biology and evolution.
BSAVA Manual of Reptiles
UK veterinary manual covering husbandry, clinical techniques and diseases of commonly kept reptiles.
California Snakes and How to Find Them
Species guide to California's snakes with field-finding advice and natural history.
Carpenter’s Exotic Animal Formulary
Drug dosage and treatment formulary for exotic species, with dedicated reptile and amphibian chapters, for veterinarians.
Chameleons Are Cool
Read and Wonder picture book about chameleon biology for early readers.
Corn Snakes
The Comprehensive Owner's Guide
Keeper guide to corn snake care, breeding and color morphs.
Crested Geckos in Captivity
Keeper guide to crested gecko care and breeding.
Crictor
Classic picture book about a boa constrictor who becomes a beloved member of a French village.
Crocodiles
Biology, Husbandry and Diseases
Veterinary and husbandry reference on crocodilians in captivity and farming.
Current Therapy in Reptile Medicine and Surgery
Clinical companion to Reptile Medicine and Surgery covering new and updated diagnostic and treatment topics for reptile practitioners.
Drama Noodle
Naomi Nash chapter book centered on a school play and the young herper's pet snake.
Exotic Animal Medicine for the Veterinary Technician
Technician-level textbook on exotic animal care with sections on reptiles and amphibians.
Eye of Newt and Toe of Frog, Adder’s Fork and Lizard’s Leg
The Lore and Mythology of Amphibians and Reptiles
Survey of folklore, myth and cultural attitudes toward amphibians and reptiles.
Field Guide to Amphibians and Reptiles of California
Field guide to all California amphibians and reptiles with plates, maps and identification keys.
Field Guide to Amphibians and Reptiles of Illinois
Illinois Natural History Survey field guide to the state's amphibians and reptiles.
Field Guide to Amphibians and Reptiles of South Dakota
State agency field guide to South Dakota's amphibians and reptiles.
Frog Song
Picture book surveying frog species from around the world and their calls.
Frogs
Photo-driven nonfiction picture book on frog diversity and life cycles.
Frogs / Ranas
Bilingual English/Spanish sing-along nonfiction picture book about frogs with accompanying music.
Frogs and Toads of the Southeast
Illustrated guide to southeastern frogs and toads with calls, range maps and natural history.
Frogs of the United States and Canada
Two-volume reference with detailed accounts of every frog and toad species in the US and Canada.
Geckos
Photo-illustrated nonfiction picture book about gecko species and their traits.
Health Care & Rehabilitation of Turtles and Tortoises
Practical guide to husbandry, injury and illness management, and rehabilitation of chelonians, aimed at rehabilitators and keepers.
Herpetology
An Introductory Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles
University-level herpetology textbook covering evolution, physiology, ecology and diversity of amphibians and reptiles.
Herpetology
University-level herpetology textbook emphasizing the biology and ecology of amphibians and reptiles.
Hognose Snakes
Photo-illustrated nonfiction picture book about hognose snakes and their defensive behaviors.
How Snakes Work
Structure, Function and Behavior of the World's Snakes
Accessible account of snake anatomy, physiology and behavior.
Life in Cold Blood
Companion volume to the BBC series surveying the biology of amphibians and reptiles.
Lizards
Photo-driven nonfiction picture book on lizard diversity and adaptations.
Lizards
Windows to the Evolution of Diversity
Illustrated overview of lizard diversity, ecology and evolution.
Lizards and Crocodilians of the Southeast
Illustrated guide to the lizards, alligator and crocodile of the southeastern US.
Lizards of the American Southwest
A Photographic Field Guide
Photographic field guide to the lizards of the southwestern US, covering Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah and adjacent areas.
Mader’s Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery
The primary veterinary textbook on reptile and amphibian medicine, covering anatomy, husbandry, diagnostics, diseases and surgery.
Maine Amphibians and Reptiles
State guide to Maine's amphibians and reptiles with accounts, maps and a frog-call CD.
Measuring and Monitoring Biological Diversity
Standard Methods for Amphibians
Methods manual for amphibian inventory and monitoring.
Medical Management of Wildlife Species
A Guide for Practitioners
Veterinary reference on the clinical management of North American wildlife, including reptile and amphibian chapters, for practitioners and rehabilitators.
Medicine and Surgery of Tortoises and Turtles
Veterinary reference on chelonian anatomy, husbandry, diagnostics and treatment.
Minimum Standards for Wildlife Rehabilitation
NWRA/IWRC standards document setting baseline care, housing and release requirements for wildlife rehabilitators.
Mississippi Snakes
Their Identification, Natural History, and Influence on the Culture of the Magnolia State
Illustrated reference to all of Mississippi's snake species with identification, natural history and cultural context.
Mystery of the Ball Python
Chapter book in the Naomi Nash series in which a young snake enthusiast solves a mystery involving a ball python.
Peterson Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America
Standard field guide to all reptiles and amphibians east of the 100th meridian, with range maps and plates.
Peterson Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians
Standard field guide to reptiles and amphibians of the western United States and Canada.
Poison Frogs
Biology, Species & Captive Husbandry
Reference on dendrobatid frog biology and captive husbandry.
Practical Encyclopedia of Keeping and Breeding Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles
Husbandry reference for tortoises and freshwater turtles by the founder of the Tortoise Trust.
Problems at the Pond
Naomi Nash chapter book about a snake-loving girl investigating trouble at a local pond.
Rattlesnake
Portrait of a Predator
Illustrated natural history of rattlesnakes for a general audience.
Rattlesnakes
Their Habits, Life Histories, and Influence on Mankind
Two-volume encyclopedic monograph on rattlesnake biology and cultural history.
Reptile Biodiversity
Standard Methods for Inventory and Monitoring
Methods manual for surveying and monitoring reptile populations.
Reptile Care
An Atlas of Diseases and Treatments
Two-volume illustrated veterinary atlas of reptile diseases and treatments.
Reptile Keeper’s Handbook
General handbook on reptile husbandry, nutrition and health for keepers.
Reptile Medicine and Surgery in Clinical Practice
Clinical guide to reptile medicine written for general veterinary practitioners.
Reptiles and Amphibians
National Audubon Society Field Guide
Photographic national field guide to North American reptiles and amphibians.
Reptiles of the Northwest
California to Alaska; Rockies to the Coast
Photographic field guide to the reptiles of the Pacific Northwest and northern Rockies.
Salamanders of the Southeast
Illustrated guide to the salamanders of the southeastern US with species accounts and range maps.
Salamanders of the United States and Canada
Comprehensive reference to the biology and distribution of North American salamanders.
Saving Snakes
Naomi Nash chapter book in which the protagonist works to protect snakes in her community.
Scientific and Standard English Names of Amphibians and Reptiles of North America North of Mexico
With Comments Regarding Confidence in Our Understanding
SSAR Herpetological Circular giving the standard scientific and English names for North American herpetofauna.
Secrets of Snakes
The Science beyond the Myths
Myth-busting natural history of snakes for a general audience.
Snakes
Photo-driven nonfiction picture book on snake biology and behavior.
Snakes
The Evolution of Mystery in Nature
Illustrated overview of snake biology, diversity and evolution written for a broad audience.
Snakes and Snake Hunting
Classic first-person account of field collecting snakes across the United States in the mid-20th century.
Snakes of the Eastern United States
Photographic guide to every snake species native to the eastern United States.
Snakes of the Southeast
Illustrated guide to the snakes of the southeastern US with species accounts, range maps and conservation notes.
Snakes of the United States and Canada
Natural History and Care in Captivity
Species-by-species accounts of North American snakes combining natural history with captive care guidance.
Snakes of the United States and Canada
Comprehensive species accounts for all snakes of the US and Canada with keys and maps.
Snakes!
Level 2 early reader on snakes from the National Geographic Readers series.
Stalking the Plumed Serpent and Other Adventures in Herpetology
Essays recounting decades of field herpetology in the southeastern US and beyond.
Texas Snakes
A Field Guide
Field guide to all snake species and subspecies of Texas with photos, range maps and identification notes.
The Amphibians and Reptiles of Arkansas
Comprehensive state reference to Arkansas herpetofauna with accounts, maps and keys.
The Amphibians and Reptiles of Michigan
A Quaternary and Recent Faunal Adventure
Reference to Michigan herpetofauna with species accounts and Quaternary fossil history.
The Amphibians and Reptiles of Missouri
State guide to Missouri's amphibians and reptiles with photos, maps and accounts.
The Amphibians and Reptiles of New York State
Identification, Natural History, and Conservation
State reference to New York's herpetofauna with identification, natural history and conservation status.
The Amphibians of Tennessee
State guide to Tennessee's frogs and salamanders with photos, maps and identification keys.
The Art of Keeping Snakes
Husbandry guide emphasizing naturalistic vivarium design for snakes.
The Bearded Dragon Manual
Keeper manual on bearded dragon husbandry, diet, health and breeding.
The Book of Snakes
A Life-Size Guide to Six Hundred Species from around the World
Illustrated survey of 600 snake species from around the world.
The Care of Reptiles and Amphibians in Captivity
General husbandry manual covering housing, feeding and breeding of reptiles and amphibians.
The Complete Ball Python
A Comprehensive Guide to Care, Breeding, and Genetic Mutations
Keeper guide to ball python care, breeding and morph genetics.
The Ecology and Behavior of Amphibians
Comprehensive scholarly synthesis of amphibian ecology and behavior.
The Frog Scientist
Scientists in the Field title profiling Tyrone Hayes's research on pesticides and frogs.
The Green Iguana Manual
Keeper manual on green iguana husbandry, diet and health.
The Leopard Gecko Manual
Keeper manual on leopard gecko husbandry, health and breeding.
The Maryland Amphibian and Reptile Atlas
Atlas of Maryland herpetofauna distribution based on a statewide citizen-science survey, with species accounts.
The New Encyclopedia of Snakes
Illustrated reference to snake biology and families for general readers.
The Reptiles and Amphibians of Alabama
Classic state reference to Alabama herpetofauna with keys, accounts and distribution maps.
The Reptiles of Tennessee
State guide to Tennessee's turtles, lizards and snakes with photos, maps and keys.
The Reptiles of Virginia
Detailed reference to Virginia's reptiles with species accounts, maps and natural history.
The Salamander Room
Picture book in which a boy imagines transforming his bedroom into a habitat for a salamander he found.
The Snake Scientist
Scientists in the Field title following Bob Mason's research on red-sided garter snakes in Manitoba.
The Venomous Reptiles of the Western Hemisphere
Two-volume reference to all venomous reptiles of the Americas with accounts, photos and maps.
Tracks and Shadows
Field Biology as Art
Memoir and reflection on a career in field herpetology and the practice of natural history.
Turtle, Turtle, Watch Out!
Picture book following a sea turtle's life and the hazards she faces.
Turtles of the Southeast
Illustrated guide to the turtles of the southeastern US with species accounts and conservation context.
Turtles of the United States and Canada
Definitive reference on the biology of all turtle species of the US and Canada.
Turtles of the World
Illustrated guide to the turtle species of the world.
Understanding Reptile Parasites
Veterinarian-written guide to identifying and treating internal and external parasites of captive reptiles.
Venomous Reptiles of the United States, Canada, and Northern Mexico
Two-volume reference on the venomous reptiles of North America.
Verdi
Picture book about a young python who does not want to grow up and turn green.
What’s Wrong With My Snake?
Keeper-oriented guide to recognizing and responding to common health problems in pet snakes.
Wildlife Rehabilitation
A Comprehensive Approach
Textbook covering the principles and practice of wildlife rehabilitation, including intake, husbandry, medical care and release, for rehabilitators.
Yertle the Turtle and Other Stories
Classic Dr. Seuss story collection whose title story features a tyrannical turtle king.
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How the list is built
Chosen, not scraped.
Every book here was picked by a person who has read it or works from it, starting with the references on our own desks and the field guides written by the biologists who know each region best. Suggestions from readers are reviewed before they appear. Where a book has a newer edition, the newest is listed and older printings are noted. Books marked Our pick are the ones we would hand you first.
Buying links
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Borrow it first
Clinical texts and monographs are expensive. The Find in a library link checks WorldCat for copies near you, and most public libraries can borrow from other systems on request.
Out of print
Some of the best regional guides have not been reprinted. The Used copies link searches the used-book market by ISBN so you are matching the exact edition.
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