THE REPTILES OF THE VICINITY OF NEW YORK CITY.! 
By Raymonp L. DITMARs, 
Curator of Reptiles, New York Zodlogical Park. 
INTRODUCTION. 
In compiling this guide for the identification of the local 
reptiles, the writer has endeavored to present the subject in a 
simple and concise manner, avoiding technicalities as far as 
possible. The usual descriptions of reptiles concern arrange- 
ments of the scales upon the head and certain other physical 
characteristics that are necessarily associated with technical 
terms, but the keys for identifications and descriptions of the 
species in the present work appeal principally to the coloration 
and form of the reptiles. With but a limited number of species 
to consider, this plan seems appropriate, since it greatly sim- 
plifies the subject. 
The reptiles described are those which have been found 
within a radius of about fifty miles of New York City. Within 
this section 28 species are represented. Of these species 14 are 
serpents, 2 are lizards and 12 are turtles. Thus our local fauna 
may be said to be quite rich in reptile life. In fact, it is within 
the limits of the area described that certain species of snakes 
(the Garter Snake, Thamnophis sirtalis, and the Brown Snake, 
Storeria dekayi) abound to such an extent that hundreds of 
specimens are annually killed and captured without apparent 
decrease in their numbers. 
There are but two local species of poisonous snakes, the 
Banded Rattlesnake and the Copperhead. In certain districts 
both are fairly abundant, but may be hardly called a menace to 
mankind, as one is shy and retiring in habits, while the other 
1 Issued also in separate form as Guide Leaflet No. 19. 
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