#ontarioherps

[norfolknaturalist]

Five-lined Skink (Plestiodon fasciatus) in Pinery Provincial Park, May 2017. One of my most incredible encounters was spotting this small head poking above a billboard by a bathroom in Pinery Provincial Park. The head belonged to Ontario's only species of Lizard. I believe this individual is an adult Male, because he has lost the stripes of juveniles and also the bright blue colour of his tail. These Skinks, when threatened, can drop their own tail as a distraction for predators (especially effective considering the tail continues to move for several minutes). The tail will grow back, but tail loss isn't without a cost, as the tail contains reserves of fat that will have to be regained. Endangered in Ontario, mostly because it exists in small, isolated populations, this amazing animal was a treat to see! . . . . . . . #nature #ontario #fivelinedskink #plestiodonfasciatus #natureontario #lizard #skink #skinksofinstagram #lizardsofinstagram #ontariosonlylizard #herpsdaily #ontarioreptiles #ontarioherps #pineryprovincialpark #pinerypp #pinerypark #canada_wildlife #natureperfection #lizardphotography #natureinontario #nature_captures #endangeredspecies (at Pinery Provincial Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/CO5BuZigAOF/?igshid=1fs33o65gqzn9

[samagrant]

The tiniest of all frogs. Still have no idea what species it is! #ontarioherps #frog (at Bobcaygeon, Ont)

[norfolknaturalist]

Hatchling Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) that I moved off of a busy road onto the Lynn Valley Trail the other night. It's generally advised not to relocate turtles but it is advised to move them safely away from vehicle traffic. Mid August to September is when Snapping Turtles generally hatch and begin their journeys to the nearest source of water, so keep your eyes out for them. Upon hatching they are only a few cm long. . . . . . . . #nature #ontario #snappingturtle #chelydraserpentina #turtlesofinstagram #turtlesofig #ontarioherps #herpstagram #reptilesofinstagram #reptilesofontario #ontarionature #lynnvalleytrail #norfolkwild #blognorfolk #simcoeontario (at Lynn Valley Walking Trail) https://www.instagram.com/p/CiFooAEgEEm/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[samagrant]

I made a friend today! #paintedturtle #fieldwork #ontarioherps

[samagrant]

I had a great site today, spent the first half catching green frogs, bullfrogs, and tadpoles, then spent the second half seeing all the wildlife! I even hopefully got some tadpoles with ranavirus! #herpetology #ontarioherps #frinkcentre #ranavirus #blandingsturtle (at Frink Center, Belleville Ontario)