20 IOWA STUDIES IN NATURAL HISTORY 
nearly or quite exterminated. It is highly important that faun- 
istie studies be undertaken here, and throughout our country, at 
as early a date as possible if we are to have any record of the 
composition and distribution of our native fauna, and if we are 
to deal intelligently with its preservation. For an excellent ac- 
count of the vegetation of the region see Shimek, 1915, and for 
a discussion of prairie habitats applicable to this locality, see 
Ruthven, 1910. 
The present study shows the natural reptile-amphibian fauna 
to be rather poor in number of forms, and to be rapidly grow- 
ing much poorer. Even those species that find the region 
naturally highly favorable are maintaining a losing struggle 
against cultivation of the land and persecution. 
As already pointed out by Ruthven (1910, 202) the reptile- 
amphibian fauna is made up of both eastern and western forms. 
Those characteristic of the eastern forests are, as would be ex- 
pected, but scantily represented. There is definite record for 
only one forest amphibian, Hyla versicolor versicolor. Of snakes 
preferring the forests, Storeria occipito-maculata is rare here, 
and Diadophis arnyt has been taken in Plymouth County and 
may yet be found in this vicinity. Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis 
appears to have greater preference for the woods than for the 
open prairies, and is moderately common. As is well known, 
its close relative, 7’. sirtalis sirtalis, has found the eastern de- 
ciduous forest region a highly favorable habitat. 
Eastern aquatic and land forms are represented by Bufo 
americanus, Acris gryllus, Rana pipiens, and Liopeltis vernalis 
(the latter not yet on record for this county but undoubtedly 
present. ) 
Of strictly western forms there are Pleistodon septentrion- 
alis, Chrysemys marginata belli, Thamnophis radix, Heterodon 
nasicus, and three which doubtless occur here but have not yet 
been taken, Pitwophis sayi, Lampropeltis triangulum § syspila 
and Sistrurus catenatus catenatus. 
For several species of snakes this region appears to be close 
to, or just beyond, the northern limit of their distribution. It 
is probable that Liopeltis vernalis, Diadophis arnyi, Elaphe vul- 
pina, Pituophis sayi, and Lampropeltis triangulum syspila, will 
yet be found in the county, while the following forms, well- 
