THE REPTILES AND BATRACHIANS OF 
RHODE ISLAND & #& & 
BY 
FREDERICK P. DROWNE, M.D. 
INTRODUCTION. 
The reptiles and batrachians of Rhode Island have been 
given much less attention than other divisions of our fauna. It 
was with the idea of stimulating interest in these animals that 
a state check list was suggested to the author by Mr. Davis. 
Species likely to occur in the state, as well as those of which 
we have records, have been included in the following list which 
is probably very nearly complete. 
There is everywhere a popular prejudice against reptiles 
and batrachians of all kinds, with the exception possibly of 
turtles and frogs, and even these are destroyed in great num- 
bers. In this state the only noxious species are the rattlesnake 
and copperhead. Of these, the rattlesnake is very seldom seen, 
and we have no record of the copperhead, although its occur- 
rence is a possibility. All the other species found in our state 
are not only harmless, but in many instances really beneficial, 
doing much good by devouring insects and other vermin. They 
should receive then general protection, especially from the far- 
mers and gardeners whom they benefit the most. 
The food of the turtles is varied. Some species prey al- 
most entirely upon worms, insects and small aquatic reptiles, 
while others eat much vegetable food, such as potatoes, melons 
and mushrooms. The snapping turtle is fond of frogs and 
fishes, and occasionally, judging from accounts, varies its diet 
with young ducks. The food of the snakes is also subject to 
