One of my favorite little desert creatures, is the Couch's Spadefoot, which is also called "spadefoot toad." Spadefoots are among the first amphibians heard after a heavy summer rain. Their long wailing calls often sound like the bleating of several sheep. After they surface from their underground burrows, the males will call loudly to attract the females. They will breed and lay eggs in nearby ponds and temporary pools of water. Spadefoots can hatch from an egg, and grow from a tadpole into a frog in just 10-14 days! They mostly are active at night, and feed on insects, such as winged termites. After the summer rains have gone, the spadefoots will use the spade-like ridge on each of their hind feet to scrape away the soil as they dig into the ground. They will hibernate in their protective underground burrows until the summer rains soak the dry ground once again.
"As round as barrel cactuses,
they surface from the ground,
pudgy little spadefoots!
and everywhere there's sound.
They call from moonlit puddles
with the only tunes they know.
And though they sing off-key,
to me, the melodies grow."
--A couple of verses from "Cactus Garden" by Carolyn French
they surface from the ground,
pudgy little spadefoots!
and everywhere there's sound.
They call from moonlit puddles
with the only tunes they know.
And though they sing off-key,
to me, the melodies grow."
--A couple of verses from "Cactus Garden" by Carolyn French
A True Toad
You can hardly see the difference between a spadefoot and a true toad, but there are differences. True toads, like the large Sonoran Desert Toad to the left, generally have large glands behind their heads. The glands ooze poison, which helps protect the toad from would-be attackers. The skin of true toads is not as smooth, and toads also lack the sharp-edged spades on each of their hind feet. The black pupil of a true toad's eye is more horizontal, whereas the spadefoot has cat-like eyes. There are other slight differences, but both also have much in common. You can read a funny poem about a Sonoran Desert Toad by clicking on its photo.
You can hardly see the difference between a spadefoot and a true toad, but there are differences. True toads, like the large Sonoran Desert Toad to the left, generally have large glands behind their heads. The glands ooze poison, which helps protect the toad from would-be attackers. The skin of true toads is not as smooth, and toads also lack the sharp-edged spades on each of their hind feet. The black pupil of a true toad's eye is more horizontal, whereas the spadefoot has cat-like eyes. There are other slight differences, but both also have much in common. You can read a funny poem about a Sonoran Desert Toad by clicking on its photo.
(# 2) One of the first reptiles people see when they visit the desert, is a lizard. And out of all the lizards living in the Sonoran Desert, my favorite is the horned lizard. These large oval-shaped lizards are also known as "horny toads." Most of them are armed with dagger-like head spines (horns), and sharp scales along the surfaces of their bodies. Horned lizards are not that easy to find. Their colors and spiny skin often match the sandy, rocky, and gravelly desert floor. That's where they can sometimes be found--eating their favorite insect meals--ants. The lizards are not fast runners. So instead of running, horned lizards will often crouch low, and sit still. They blend so well with their background, people do not notice them, and end up walking right by. When picked up, a horned lizard may inflate its body by gulping air. This helps the lizard look larger and spinier, which discourages hungry animals. The animals don't want to put something like that in their mouths. Some kinds will even spurt blood from small pores in their eyelids. This discourages would-be attackers, such as coyotes and foxes. I get happy every time I come across a horned lizard.
Lovable Lizards
There are lizards of all shapes and sizes in the Sonoran Desert--from the chunky short-legged horned lizard (above), to the slim-bodied long-legged zebra-tailed lizard (right photo). In fact, one of the first lizards I ever saw in the Sonoran Desert, was a zebra-tailed. These fast lizards will often not run until a person is very close. Like horned lizards, they blend into their sandy rocky surroundings quite well, and they seem to know this. When running, the zebra-tailed lizard will curl its tail over its back, and wave it at the beginning and ending of its run. It's believed that this attracts its enemies attention away from it, and onto its tail. When the lizard stops waving its tail, its enemy gets quite confused--"where did that meal-to-be go?"
There are lizards of all shapes and sizes in the Sonoran Desert--from the chunky short-legged horned lizard (above), to the slim-bodied long-legged zebra-tailed lizard (right photo). In fact, one of the first lizards I ever saw in the Sonoran Desert, was a zebra-tailed. These fast lizards will often not run until a person is very close. Like horned lizards, they blend into their sandy rocky surroundings quite well, and they seem to know this. When running, the zebra-tailed lizard will curl its tail over its back, and wave it at the beginning and ending of its run. It's believed that this attracts its enemies attention away from it, and onto its tail. When the lizard stops waving its tail, its enemy gets quite confused--"where did that meal-to-be go?"
A Beloved Reptile
(# 3) I could not talk about the Sonoran Desert without speaking of another beloved reptile--the desert tortoise. These amazing animals are famously known for their slow and steady ways. Since they cannot walk too fast, the tortoises rely on their thick shells for protection. A desert tortoise can pull its head, short tail, and elephant-like legs inside the shell whenever it feels threatened. Although they move slowly... desert tortoises can walk up to seven miles (11 km) a day. That's a lot of walking! They are mostly active during warmer months, when there is seasonal rains. When the tortoises are not out searching for food or mates, they will spend their time in deep underground burrows. The burrows protect the tortoises from extreme heat and cold. In fact, most of a desert tortoise's life is spent hibernating in its underground burrow.
Look, But Don't Touch
Desert tortoises are "herbivores," which means they eat a wide variety of plants. They love to eat plants, such as juicy cactus pads and fruits, flowers, and grasses. They can also drink large amounts of water at one time, and then go long periods before drinking again. A tortoise stores the water in its bladder. It may empty its bladder if it is handled or picked up. This loss of water could lead to the tortoise's death. They need that stored water for the dry seasons. That's why it's important to never pick up a desert tortoise. I like to take photos of the tortoises I see. I sometimes look at the photo, and then draw a picture of the tortoise. I also like to read books about desert tortoises, and write stories and poems about them. Can you think of a story about a desert tortoise?
Desert tortoises are "herbivores," which means they eat a wide variety of plants. They love to eat plants, such as juicy cactus pads and fruits, flowers, and grasses. They can also drink large amounts of water at one time, and then go long periods before drinking again. A tortoise stores the water in its bladder. It may empty its bladder if it is handled or picked up. This loss of water could lead to the tortoise's death. They need that stored water for the dry seasons. That's why it's important to never pick up a desert tortoise. I like to take photos of the tortoises I see. I sometimes look at the photo, and then draw a picture of the tortoise. I also like to read books about desert tortoises, and write stories and poems about them. Can you think of a story about a desert tortoise?
Desert tortoises can live for many years.... It is said that they can live for around 40-70 years. Sadly, though, many do not get to live for very long. Some are destroyed by off-road vehicles, and from the new construction of buildings. Others are taken by people who want to keep them as pets. Often, the tortoise is not handled or housed properly, or fed the foods it needs. So it suffers a very slow death. If you should ever see a desert tortoise, make sure no one disturbs it. Don't forget to take plenty of pictures, and write about your wonderful experience. The tortoise will be so happy to carry-on its slow and steady way.... It will also get to mate. If it's a female, she will lay a clutch, or more, of 4-6 eggs--starting a whole new family of beautiful desert tortoises!
(# 4) This cute little animal, in the right photo, is a Western Banded Gecko. Unlike other geckos, which like to climb, this gecko prefers to stay on the ground. It often lives underneath rocks, and in rock crevices. You can identify the Western Banded Gecko by its brown bands on both its body and tail. This 2-3 inch (5-7 cm) long lizard, with its soft skin and large eyes, is nocturnal, which means it's mostly active at night. That's when it searches for insect meals and mates. After mating, the female will lay up to three clutches a year, of two eggs. The young will hatch, looking just like the parents.
Did you know that geckos communicate by squeaking and chirping. The name "gecko" is based on the sound made by an oriental gecko that squeaks! when disturbed. There are many kinds of geckos in the world. The gecko seen near lights on houses, in the Sonoran Desert, is often the Mediterranean House Gecko. The geckos are able to climb well due to thousands of tiny microscopic hair-like structures on the bottom of their toes. These help the lizards cling to surfaces, such as ceilings and walls. The Western Banded Gecko's slender toes do not have these structures.
Better to Eat Part of Me Than All of Me!
Geckos can store fat and water inside their plump tails. When caught by the tail, a gecko can release the tail from its body, and run away. The gecko saves its life, and the attacker still has a nutritious meal. A new tail will eventually grow back, but it may be shorter than the first one. It's important not to handle a gecko, so it doesn't end up losing a tail.
Better to Eat Part of Me Than All of Me!
Geckos can store fat and water inside their plump tails. When caught by the tail, a gecko can release the tail from its body, and run away. The gecko saves its life, and the attacker still has a nutritious meal. A new tail will eventually grow back, but it may be shorter than the first one. It's important not to handle a gecko, so it doesn't end up losing a tail.
(# 5) When we think of reptiles, one of the first that comes to our minds, is the snake. And one of my favorite snakes, is the rattlesnake. The largest of these, in the Sonoran Desert, is the Western Diamondback. This snake is one of the largest rattlesnakes in the west. Although it is large, the snake is generally non-aggressive. Rattlesnakes will shake their tails when they feel threatened. It's a warning--"back off! or I will bite!" When the tail rattles, it sounds similar to a burst of steam. The sound is made by dry loosely connected horny segments, called buttons. A rattlesnake grows a new button each time it sheds its skin. Young rattlesnakes are born with one button. They may shed their skin three times a year as they grow. Older snakes usually shed their skin once a year. Rattlesnakes are very venomous. They use their deadly venom to kill rodent prey (food they eat), such as mice, rats, and squirrels. This is a big reason why rattlesnakes are good for the desert. They help it not become overrun with rodents. If you should ever see or hear a rattlesnake, stand still until you have located it. Then slowly move away, and tell an adult. Never go near a rattlesnake--not even a dead snake. People have even been bitten by a dead rattlesnake's reflex actions. There are specialists who can relocate a rattlesnake, if one should come too close to a home. Usually the snakes leave after a while, but sometimes they decide to stay around. To read a rattlesnake poem, click on the photo.
What a Tongue!
Rattlesnakes do not see or hear very well, but they do have other body parts to help them out. The rattlesnake uses its long-forked tongue to pick up particles in the air. The particles then move through a small sensory organ in the roof of the snake's mouth, called the Jacobson's Organ. This helps the snake better detect its surroundings. Rattlesnakes also have two pits located between their nostrils and eyes. The pits help them detect temperature changes, like the heat from a body. Rattlesnakes will use the pits to find smaller animals to eat. Notice the long black tongue in the photo above.
What a Tongue!
Rattlesnakes do not see or hear very well, but they do have other body parts to help them out. The rattlesnake uses its long-forked tongue to pick up particles in the air. The particles then move through a small sensory organ in the roof of the snake's mouth, called the Jacobson's Organ. This helps the snake better detect its surroundings. Rattlesnakes also have two pits located between their nostrils and eyes. The pits help them detect temperature changes, like the heat from a body. Rattlesnakes will use the pits to find smaller animals to eat. Notice the long black tongue in the photo above.
Always Look Down when Walking in the Desert
This Diamondback Rattlesnake blended well with its surroundings. At first glance, I thought it was another piece of wood. It was a reminder to always look down when walking in the desert. I took a few pictures from a safe distance, and then quickly left the snake alone. |
Have you ever seen a Tiger Rattlesnake (left photo)? The darker colored bands on its body look similar to a "tiger's markings." That's how the rattlesnake got its name. Tiger Rattlesnakes like to move about during the day and the evening. The snakes prefer to live in dry rocky areas, where there is a lot of desert cacti and shrubs.
Did you know that rattlesnakes give birth to live snakes? The young snakes are covered in a thin membrane that breaks open right after they are born. The small snakes will feed on insects, such as grasshoppers and cicadas.
Did you know that rattlesnakes give birth to live snakes? The young snakes are covered in a thin membrane that breaks open right after they are born. The small snakes will feed on insects, such as grasshoppers and cicadas.
(# 6) Where does the Gila Monster--one of two venomous lizards in the world--live? If you guessed the Sonoran Desert, you are correct. This large heavy-bodied lizard prefers to live in rocky areas of the desert, where there is lots of plants. You can easily identify the lizard by its large size, and black and orange to yellow, or reddish-pink bead-like scales. It often moves around during warmer weather, following seasonal rains. The Gila Monster is a ground-dwelling lizard, and is mostly active at dusk and just after dark. This is when the lizard searches for food, such as eggs and small nestlings. It seeks out the nests of ground-dwelling animals, such as quail and wood rats. Then it feeds with the crushing action of its powerful jaws. With its strong jaws, it can crack open eggs, and then lick out the liquid insides. Glands along the lizard's jawline ooze venom. The venom can flow into the wound of anything the Gila Monster bites. That's why it's important not to touch a Gila Monster. These slower-moving lizards are not aggressive, and will only bite if they are being provoked. Gila Monsters are protected animals, which means it is illegal to harm them, or remove them from the wild. I wrote a funny poem about Gila Monsters. It is found under "Desert Poetry."