List of amphibians and reptiles of Nebraska Facts for Kids

Blanding's turtle, an endangered species found in Nebraska

Did you know that Nebraska is home to many amazing creatures? This article will introduce you to the 13 different kinds of amphibians and 47 types of reptiles that naturally live in Nebraska. These animals are super interesting, and you might even spot some of them if you explore the state's wild places!

Amphibians are animals like frogs, toads, and salamanders. They usually start their lives in water and then move to land as they grow. Reptiles, like snakes, lizards, and turtles, are known for their scales and for laying eggs on land.

Frogs and Toads
Lizards
Salamanders
Snakes
- Non-venomous Snakes
- Venomous Snakes
Turtles

Frogs and Toads

Nebraska has 11 different kinds of frogs and toads. These cool creatures are amphibians, meaning they can live both in water and on land. They often have smooth, moist skin and lay their eggs in water.

Native frogs and toads

American bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana)
American toad (Bufo americanus)
Cope's gray tree frog (Hyla chrysoscelis)
Great Plains narrow-mouthed toad (Gastrophryne olivacea)
Great Plains toad (Anaxyrus cognatus)
Northern cricket frog (Acris crepitans)
Northern leopard frog (Lithobates pipiens)
Plains leopard frog (Lithobates blairi)
Plains spadefoot toad (Spea bombifrons)
Western chorus frog (Pseudacris triseriata)
Woodhouse's toad (Anaxyrus woodhousii)

Lizards

Lizards are fascinating reptiles that live all over Nebraska. There are 10 native species here. They are known for their scales and often have long tails. Some lizards can even drop their tails to escape from predators!

Native lizards

Six-lined racerunner (Aspidoscelis sexlineatus)
Five-lined skink (Plestiodon fasciatus)
Many-lined skink (Plestiodon multivirgatus)
Great Plains skink (Plestiodon obsoletus)
Prairie skink (Plestiodon septentrionalis)
Lesser earless lizard (Holbrookia maculata)
Slender glass lizard (Ophisaurus attenuatus)
Pygmy short-horned lizard (Phrynosoma douglasii)
Sagebrush lizard (Sceloporus graciosus)
Eastern fence lizard (Sceloporus undulatus)

Salamanders

Salamanders are amphibians, just like frogs and toads. They have smooth, moist skin and usually live near water. Nebraska is home to two native species of salamanders.

Native salamanders

Small-mouth salamander (Ambystoma texanum)
Tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum)

Snakes

Snakes are reptiles that are found in many different habitats across Nebraska. There are 29 native species of snakes in the state. Most of them are harmless, but a few are venomous. It's always best to observe snakes from a safe distance.

Non-venomous Snakes

Most of Nebraska's snakes are not venomous. This means they don't have venom (a type of poison) that can hurt humans. They play an important role in the ecosystem, often helping to control rodent populations.

Native non-venomous snakes

Black rat snake (Pantherophis obsoletus)
Bullsnake (Pituophis catenifer)
Coachwhip snake (Masticophis flagellum)
Common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis)
Common water snake (Nerodia sipedon)
Dekay's brownsnake (Storeria dekayi)
Eastern hog-nosed snake (Heterodon platirhinos)
Fox snake (Pantherophis vulpinus)
Glossy snake (Arizona elegans)
Graham's crayfish snake (Regina grahamii)
Great Plains ratsnake (Pantherophis emoryi)
Lined snake (Tropidoclonion lineatum)
North American racer (Coluber constrictor)
Plains black-headed snake (Tantilla nigriceps)
Plains garter snake (Thamnophis radix)
Plains hog-nosed snake (Heterodon nasicus)
Prairie kingsnake (Lampropeltis calligaster)
Northern redbelly snake (Storeria occipitomaculata)
Ring-necked snake (Diadophis punctatus)
Smooth green snake (Opheodrys vernalis)
Speckled kingsnake (Lampropeltis holbrooki)
Western milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum)
Western ribbon snake (Thamnophis proximus)
Western terrestrial garter snake (Thamnophis elegans)
Western worm snake (Carphophis vermis)

Venomous Snakes

Nebraska has four species of venomous snakes. These snakes have special fangs that can inject venom. If you see one, it's best to give it plenty of space and never try to touch it.

Native venomous snakes

Eastern copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix)
Massasauga (Sisturus catenatus)
Prairie rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis)
Timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus)

Turtles

Turtles are ancient reptiles known for their hard shells. These shells protect them from predators. Nebraska is home to eight different species of native turtles. Some live mostly in water, while others prefer land.

Native turtles

Blanding's turtle (Emydoidea blandingii)
Common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina)
Ornate box turtle (Terrapene ornata ornata)
Painted turtle (Chrysemys picta)
Smooth softshell turtle (Apalone mutica)
Spiny softshell turtle (Apalone spinifera)
Yellow mud turtle (Kinosternon flavescens)

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List of amphibians and reptiles of Nebraska Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.

List of amphibians and reptiles of Nebraska facts for kids

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