September 1958

YOSEMITE NATURE NOTES VOLUME XXXVII - NUMBER 9 SEPTEMBER 1958

—Anderson, NPS Western Rattlesnake

IN COOPERATION WITH THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE. OUT OF YOSEMITE'S PAST

A One Picture Story George Shaffer and his group from Oakdale camping in Yosemite Valley in 1890.

in its 37th year of public service. The monthly publication of Yosemite's park naturalists and the Yosemite Natural History Association. John C. Preston, Superintendent D. H. Hubbard, Park Naturalist Robert F. Upton, Assoc. Park Naturalist R. H. Sharp, Asst. Park Naturalist S. J. Zachwieja, Junior Park Naturalist Robert A. Grom, Park Naturalist Trainee

VOL. XXXVH SEPTEMBER

1958

NO. 9 SOME LOCALITY RECORDS OF YOSEMITE HERPS

By Lawrence P. Richards, Ranger Naturalist On reading Naturalist M. V. duplicated here. It is hoped that the Walker's paper on the herpetofauna present list will be of value to those of Yosemite ( "Reptiles and Amphibpersons interested in locating and fans of Yosemite National Park, " Yostudying some of the species of herps scmite NATURE NOTES, Jan. 1946, XXV, of Yosemite National Park. No. 1 : 1-48), it was realized that a useMany people, both National Park ful complement could be made to personnel and park visitors, have this publication in the form of a comcontributed data used in this list, and pilation of known herpetological lothe members of the Yosemite Mucality records from several ready seum staff are grateful to all of them sources in the Yosemite Museum. for bringing these data and/or speciThe following list includes localities mens to the museum for recording for which adequate records are availand preservation. able and which are not mentioned NOTE: in Walker's publication of eleven 1. All localities are in Yosemite years ago. The sources of these recNational Park except where noted ords are (1) the Yosemite Museum otherwise. herpetological collection card cata2. Mariposa County is understood log, (2) the Yosemite Museum Specifor all localities except as otherwise men or Artifact Record sheet file, and noted; Madera and Tuolumne coun- (3) the Yosemite Museum Natural Histies are abbreviated Mad. Co. and tory or Wildlife) Observations slip Tuol. Co., respectively. file. 3. Boundary Hill Research ReThe present list should be used in serve referred to in Walker 's paper conjunction with the descriptions of as Yosemite Research Reserve) is an localities in Walker 's paper, for no area in Mariposa Co. of about 25 localities mentioned in either a gensq. mi. located between Yosemite eral or detailed manner in his text are and Cascade creeks, south of White

Wolf and the Tioga Road, and north otherwise indicated. The term of the El Capitan Trail running along "(acc.)", following the date, includes the northern rim of Yosemite Valley. the date of accession of the speci4. Swamp Lake Research Reserve men into the Yosemite Museum col is an area in Tuolumne Co. of about lection and is used when the date 12 sq. mi. located west of Hetch of capture of the animal is not readily Hetchy Reservoir and that section of available. the Tuolumne River between the 6. The term "YM followed by a Hetch Hetchy Dam and the western number, refers to Yosemite Museum boundary of the park, and east of the herpetological collection numbers truck trail from the Lake Eleanor for individual specimens. Any other Road to North Mountain. initials followed by a number refer to a numbered specimen recorded in 5. Dates represent dates of obserthe particular observer' s field catavation or specimen capture except as log. —Hubbard, NPS Yosemite 's Junior Ranger Program gives youngsters an opportunity to learn about misunderstood animals such as the rattlesnake-killing mountain king snake.

YOSEMITE

Slender Salamander, Batrachoseps attenuatus Eschscholtz: T.l. 9, 1949, Henness Ridge Fire Lookout, 6000 ft., (YM 552; another seen by observer in same spot; first record for park); Robt. Wagner. Sierra Nevada Salamander, Ensatina eschscholtzi platensis Espada: Nov. 5, 1950, 0.3 mi. downstream from Vernal Fall, 4500 ft., Merced R.; Joe Gorman. Dec. 6, 1950, near top of Wawona Pnt., 6400 ft.; Mr. Joyce. Sept. 9, 1957, Yosemite Fall Indian Cave (cave at foot of Upper Yosemite Fall), 4995 ft., Yosemite Valley; W. W. Bryant. Slender Salamander, Batrachoseps attenuatus Eschscholtz: Sierra Nevada Salamander, Ensatina eschscholtzi platensis Espada: Mount Lyell Salamander, Hydromantes platycephalus Camp: Jul. 28, 1934, Peeler L., 9532 ft;, (YM 101, 102); A. Cameron. June 6, 1938, entrance to Tenaya Box Canyon, 5800 ft., (YM 237); Bob Weigal. Jul. 29, 1938 (acc.), cave at foot of Upper Yosemite Fall, 4995 ft., Yosemite Valley, (YM 394); Lowell Adams. Jul. 31, 1940 (acc.), Ledge Trail near Glacier Pnt., 6700 ft., (YM 464); C. H. Martin. Aug. 1, 1940 (acc.), Triple Peak Divide, 10700 ft., Mad. Co., (YM 466, 467); C. Hemphill & C. H. Martin. Aug. 30, 1941, near top of Ledge Trail, 6900 ft., Yosemite Valley, (YM 534); W. A. Evans. Jul. 8, 1949, Firefall Ledge, 6300 ft. 900 ft. below Glacier Pnt., (YM 553, 554, 555, 556); C. Danforth. Nov. 5, 1950, near top of Mist Trail below Vernal Fall, 5015 ft., Merced R.; Joe Gorman. Yosemite Toad, Bufo canorus Camp: Aug. 7, 1933, W. side Kuna Crest, 11000 ft., Tuol. Co., (YM 52); D. Michner. Aug. 2, 1939, Lower McCabe L., 10000 ft., Tuol. Co., (YM 327, 328, 329, 331, 332, 333, 334, 335, 339, 341, 342, 343); J. E. Cole. Aug. 7, 1939, Smoky Jack Mdws., 8600 ft., Cold Canyon, Tuol Co., (YM 364); J. E. Cole. Aug. 12, 1939, Harden L., 7575 ft., Tuol. Co., (YM 373); J. E. Cole. June 27, 1940 (acc.), Tioga Pass Ranger Sta., 9940 ft., Tuol. Co.,

(YM 413, 414, 415, 416); C. H.

Martin. Jul. 31, 1940 (acc.), near Harriet Lakes, 10000 ft., Mad. Co., (YM 446); C. Hemphill. Jul. 21, 1941, Turner Mdw., 7700 ft., (YM 528, 530); S. Hanson. Sept. 10, 1955 (acc.), 0.5 mi. SE Tioga Pass Ranger Sta., 9800 ft., Tuol. Co., (YM 564); E. Karlstrom. Aug. 3, 1957, between Middle and Upper Gaylor Lakes, 10300 ft., Tuol. Co., (LR 60); L. P. Richards. Pacific Tree-toad, Hyla regilla Baird and Girard: Jul. 29, 1934, Kerrick Mdw., 9400 ft., (YM 103); A. Cameron. Aug. 1, 1934, S. side Sawtooth Ridge, 10800 ft., (YM 104); A. Cameron. Apr. 20, 1939, Lake Eleanor Dam, 4600 ft., Tuol. Co., (YM 262); J. E. Cole. May 4, 1939, E. of Tenaya L., 8145 ft., (YM 275, 276); J. E. Cole.

YOSEMITE HAWK SNAKE FROG HOOF

An exhibit at the Happy Isles Nature Center tells the importance of snakes and frogs in "Nature's House that Jack Built ".

YOSEMITE

June 27, 1940 (acc.), Tioga Pass Bull Frog, Rana catesbeiana Shaw : (An I Ranger Sta., 9940 ft., Tuol. Co., exotic species in California) (YM 418, 463); C. H. Martin. Summer, 1955, Ahwahnee Hotel Jul. 22, 1941, Horse Ridge, 9000 ft., Pond, 3060 ft., Yosemite Valley; (YM 531); F. Kellar. E. Karlstrom. Mar. 14, 1940 (acc.), Wawona Valley, 4000 ft., (YM 388, 389); J. E. Cole & D. Tiemann. California Yellow-legged Frog, Rana boylei boylei Baird: Apr. 20, 1939, Lake Eleanor Dam, Sierra Yellow-legged Frog, Rana boy4600 ft., Tuol. Co., (YM 264); J. E. lei sierra(' Camp: Cole. Jul. 14, 16, 1933; Jul. 12, 1934; Jul. Sept. 24, 1939, Sniall (or Sniell ?) 6, 8, 1935; Boundary Hill ReL., 11500 ft., base of Lyell Glasearch Reserve, 8000-8200 ft., cier, Tuol. Co., (YM 377, 378, 379,

(YM 64, 65, 66, 67, 91,92, 93, 94,

380, 381); J. E. Cole. 188, 189, 190, 101, 192, 193, 194, Jul. 17, 1940, Mariposa Grove, 6500 195); D. Michner, A. Cameron, ft., (YM 490); C. Hemphill. M. D. Bryant, H. F. Evans. Jul. 25, 1940 (acc.), unnamed lake, Aug. 4, 1933, unnamed lake, 10500 9700 It., NE. Mt. Clark, (YM 440, ft., 1 mi. E. Mt. Clark, Tuol. Co., 441, 442, 443, 444); C. Hemphill (YM 68); D. Michner. & A. B. Kromb. Jul. 27, 29, 1934, Kerrick Mdw., Jul. 30, 1940 (acc.), unnamed lake 9300 ft., (YM 105, 107, 108); A. SW. Isberg Peak, 10800 ft., Mad. Cameron. Co., (YM 445); C. Hemphill. Jul. 26, 29, 1934, Smedberg L., 9223 Jul. 23, 1941, Turner Mdw., 7700 ft., ft., (YM 106, 109, 110); A. Camer- (YM 526, 527, 529); F. Kellar. on. Aug. ll, 1957, Upper Lyell Base Feb. 2, Aug. 2, 1939 (acc.), Lower Camp, 10400 ft., ca. 2.4 mi. NNE. McCabe L., 10000 ft., Tuol. Co., summit Mt. Lyell, Tuol. Co., (LR

(YM 325, 326, 330, 336, 337); J. E.

64, 65, 66, 67); L. P. Richards. Cole. Aug. 5, 1939, Virginia Canyon, 10000 ft., Tuol. Co., (YM 368); J. E. Cole.

Western Pond Turtle, Clemmys marmorata Baird and Girard : (Probably this species; none of these individuals reposited in Yosemite Museum.) Oct. 1948, Laurel L., 6700 ft., Tuol. Co.; R. N. McIntyre. ca. June 27, 1955, NE. side Mt. Conness, 12000 ft., Tuol. (?) Co. or Mono (?) Co., (in Yosemite Nat. Park?); Roy Christian. Summer, 1955, Mt. Conness, 12000 ft., Tuol. ?) Co. or Mono (?) Co., (in Yosemite Nat. Park ?); R. Christian.

Jul. 14, 1941 (acc.), Yosemite Crk., 7000-7200 ft., near top Upper Yosemite Fall, (YM 99, 100); A. Cameron.

Pacific Blue-bellied Lizard, Sceloporus occidentalis biseriatus Hallowell: Jul. 9, 1932 (acc.), Tenaya Canyon, 5000 ft., (YM 23); Guy Van Duyn. Jul. 14, 1934 (acc.), Yosemite Crk., 7000-7200 ft., near top Upper Yosemite Fall, (YM 99, 100); A. Cameron. Jul. 24, 1934 (acc.), S. side Tuolumne Canyon on Pate Valley trails, 6000 ft., Tuol. Co., (YM 122); A. Cameron. Jul. 8, 9, 1938 (acc.); Jul. ll, 1939; Swamp L., 5200 ft., Tuol. Co., (YM 227, 228, 307); H. J. Leraas, N. W. Hemphill. Aug. 25, 1940 (acc.), Little Yosemite Valley, 6000 ft., (YM 474); C. H. Martin. Aug. (?) or Jul. ll, 1940 (acc.), is land in L. Eleanor, 4694 ft., Tuol. Co., (YM 475); C. H. Martin & C. Hemphill. Jul. 27, 1957, ca. 0.25 mi. N. Nevada Fall, ca. 5700-5950 ft., on N. side Merced R., (LR 57, 58); L. P. Richards. Jul. 27, 1957, summit Half Dome 8852 ft., (LR 59); L. P. Richards.

July 4, 1950, Stoneman Mdw., 3960 ft., Yosemite Valley; M. Pitman.

YOSEMITE

Mountain Lizard, Sceloporus graciosus Aug. (?) or Jul. ll, 1940 (acc.), is gracilis Baird and Girard: land in L. Eleanor, 4694 ft., Tuol. Jul. 13, 1934, Boundary Hill Reserve Co., (YM 475); C. H. Martin & C. 8300 ft., (YM 97, 98); A. Cameron. Hemphill. Jul. 24, 1934, E. side Piute Crk., 6500 Jul. 27, 1957, ca. 0.25 mi. N. Nevada ft., (YM 124, 126, 127, 128); A. Fall, ca. 5700-5950 ft., on N. side Cameron. Merced R., (LR 57, 58); L. P. Rich Jul. 8, 1938 (ace.), Swamp L., 5200 ards. ft., Tuol. Co., (YM 226); H. J. LeJul. 27, 1957, summit Half Dome raas. 8852 ft., (LR 59); L. P. Richards Jul. 14 (ace.), 25, 1940, Washburn Pnt., 5200 ft., (YM 465, 492); C. Hemphill & C. H. Martin. San Diego Alligator Lizard, Gerrhonotus webbii Baird: Ridge, 8000 ft., (YM 524, 525); S. Aug. 19, 1940 (acc.), near Grave Hanson. Pit L., 5300 ft., near Swamp Lake Research Reserve, Tuol. Co. Western Fence Lizard, Sceloporus occidentalis Baird and Girard : Jul., 1941, Miguel Mdws., 5200 Sept. 21, 1932 (ace.), Mariposa Tuol. Co., (YM 504); C. B. Tod Grove, 6500 ft., (YM 25); Guy Van Duyn. Jul. 24, 1934, Piute Crk., 6000 ft., Sierra Alligator Lizard, Gerrhonotus coeruleus Palmeri Steineger: Jul. 8, 1941, mud flow, 5200 ft., SW. Jul. 21, 1932, Mariposa Grove, 6500 Swamp L., Tuol. Co., (YM 505, ft., (YM 27); Guy Van Duyn. 506); S. Hanson. Jul. 24, 1934, Pleasant Valley, 7700 ft., Tuol. Co., (YM 121); A. Cameron. Pacific Blue-bellied Lizard, Sceloporus occidentalis biseriatus Hallowell: Aug. 7, 1930, Smoky Jack Mdws., 8600 ft., Cold Canyon, Tuol. Co., (YM 365); J. E. Cole. Jul. 9, 1932 (ace.), Tenaya Canyon, 5000 ft., (YM 23); Guy Van Duyn. 5000 ft., (YM 23); Guy Van Duyn. (YM 365); J. E. Cole. Jul. 14, 1934 (ace.), Yosemite Crk., May 30, 1940 (acc.), Hetch Hetchy 7000-7200 ft., near top Upper YoRd., 5000 ft., near Hetch Hetchy semite Fall, (YM 99, 100); A. Dam, Tuol. Co., (YM 448); C. H. Martin. Jul. 24, 1934 (ace.), S. side TuolJul. 14, 1941, Snow Crk. Falls Trc, umne Canyon on Pate Valley 4200 ft., Tenaya Canyon, (Y' ' trails, 6000 ft., Tuol. Co., (YM 533); W. E. Beatty. 122); A. Cameron. Jul. 21, 1941, Turner Mdw., 7700 ft., Jul. 8, 9, 1938 (ace.); Jul. ll, 1939; (YM 521), S. Hanson. Swamp L., 5200 ft., Tuol. Co., Jul. 23, 1941, Cascade L., 8500 ft., (YM 227, 228, 307); H. J. Leraas, Boundary Hill Research Reserve N. W. Hemphill. (YM 522); K. Johnson. Aug. 25, 1940 (ace.), Little Yosemite Jul. 25, 1941, Moraine Mdws., 8810 Valley, 6000 ft., (YM 474); C. H. ft., Mad. Co., (YM 518, 519); F. Kellar.

YOSEMITE

—Anderson, NPS The first Mount Lyell salamanders known to science were found near the head of Lyell Canyon in 1915. Since then they have been recorded from many localities, including the top of Half Dome!

YOSEMITE

California Whip-tailed Lizard, Cnemidophorus tessellatus stejnegeri Say: Trail and Bear Valley Trail, 8500 Jul. 8, 1938, Swamp L., 5200 ft., ft., Tuol. Co.; Robt. M. House. Tuol. Co., (YM 223); H. J. Leraas. Jul. 14, 1939, N. side Tuolumne Sharp-tailed Snake, Contia tenuis Baird and Girard: 5200 ft., Tuol. Co., (YM 313); J. E. Jul. 10, 1957, Middle Fork CampCole. ground, 4000 ft., where road to Jul. 10, 1941, East Lava Flow, North Hetch Hetchy crosses Middle Mt., 5000 ft., Tuol. Co., (YM 499); Fork of Tuolumne R., Tuol. Co., J. Dixon. (1 mi. W. of outside of boundary of Yosemite Nat. Park); Douglass Yosemite Skink, Eumeces gilberti gilMiller & Mike Erwin. berti Van Denburgh: Mar. 22, 1951, Wawona, 4096 ft., Western Blue Racer, Coluber constricSouth Fork Merced R.; Gary for (probably mormon) Baird and GuPearse. ard: Tune, 1956, Wawona Loop Rd. Sept. 7, 1957, 0.75 mi. down trail, around golf course, 4350 ft., Wa4300 ft., to Poopenaut Valley wona; R. Carpenter. from road to Hetch Hetchy Darn June, 1956, Wawona Pnt., 6700 ft., from Mather Ranger Sta., Tuol. F. Castillo. Co.; L. P. Richards. Jul. ll, 1957, ca. 2.3 mi. W. Cascade Crk. on New Big Oak Flat Rd., California Striped Whipsnake, Masti ca. 5300 ft., (LR 56); L. P. Richards. Aug. 5, 1957, Nevada Fall Trail, Masticophis lateralis Hallowell: 4500 ft., ca. 0.4 mi. S. of the more Sept. 6, 1957, 1 mi. E. Le Conte Pnt., southern of the Happy Isles, (LR 6400 ft., Tuol. Co.; Douglas R. & 63); L. P. Richards. Richard H. Brown. Pacific Rubber Snake, Charina bottae Pacific Gopher Snake, Pituophis cater bottae Blainville: catenifer Blainville: Aug. 30, 1935, Lyell Fork Merced June 25, 1948, Gentry Ranger Sta., R., 8000 ft., (YM 203); J. E. Cole. 6000 ft., at junction Old Big Oak Jul. 13, 1939, Frog Crk., 6000 ft., Flat Rd. and Cascade Crk., M. V. Tuol. Co., (YM 315); R. L. Lewis. Hood. July 14, 1949, Indian Crk., 6000-7300 ft., near Wawona (sic; Chinquapin ?); Robert Wagner. California Mountain King Snake, June 29, 1957, Base Line Blister Rust Lampropeltis sonata, ssp. Control Camp, 5750 ft., 1.75 mi. Apr. 28, 1934, N. side Hetch Hetchy E. Mather Ranger Sta., Tuol. Co.; Valley, 3700 ft., Tuol. Co., (YM Jul. 20, 1957, DOR Tioga Rd., 7100 74); A. E. Borell. ft., near Gin Flat; L. P. Richards. Jul. 4, 1950, bridge over Merced R., Reyn Shaeffer & Vince Gilliland. on Nevada Fall Trail, 4443 ft.; M. Jul. 22, 1957, Kerrick Canyon, near Pitman.

YOSEMITE

California King Snake, Lampropeltis Spotted Night Snake, Hypsiglena getulus californiae Blainville: ochrorhynchus ochrorhynchus Cope: Jul. ll, 1949, Blister Rust Control Jul. 1, 1951, road between Hetch Camp, 6200 ft., 0.5 mi. S. ChinHetchy picnic area and dam, quapin; Seymour Ziff. ca. 4000 ft., Tuol. Co.; R. H. Sierra Nevada Garter Snake, ThantPacific Rattlesnake, Crotalus viridis nophis orctinotdes con chi Kennicott : oreganus Holbrook: Jul. 2, 1949, Little Yosemite Valley; Aug. 19, 1935 (acc.), at spring on Vessels Noramor. Half Dome Trail, ca. 7050-7250 ft. (YM 202); Paul T. Wilson. California Red-sided Garter Snake, Aug., 1945, Little Yosemite Valley, Thantnophis sirtalis tetrataenia Yarrow: ca. 6300 ft., ca. 3 mi. upstream June 28, 1957, bridge over Merced from Nevada Fall, (YM 539); R., 3960 ft., N. of Old Village, Theo. Reddick. Yosemite Valley; Don Thornton. Mar. 21, 1947 (acc.), Washburn Pnt., Sept. 7, 1957, DOR, 3.2 mi. NE. 7450 ft., (YM 543); Wrn. F. Marsh. Mather Ranger Sta., 5000 ft., on Aug. 27, 1949; Jul. 18, 1951, Glacier road from Mather Ranger Sta. to Pnt., 7200 ft.; C. S. D., L. Moore. Hetch Hetchy Dam, Tuol. Co.; May 29, 1950, Mono Crk., 7000 ft., L. P. Richards. near Mono Mdw. Trail crossing, Mono Mdw.; E. D. Godwin. Mountain Garter Snake, Thamnophis Jul. 24, 1956, top of ridge, 9200 ft., elegans elegans Baird and Girard: SE. Johnson L., Mad. Co.; S. (?) Jul. 15, 1950 (?) or 1956 (?), Mt. HoffC. Mapes. man, 10800 ft.; R. M. B. (Brown). Sept. 1, 1957, 1 mi. SW. Pate ValAug. (late), 1955, above (sic; in alley, 4400 ft., Tuol. Co.; Donald R. titude or upstream ?) Happy & Richard H. Brown. Isles; Roy Christian., Sept. 5, 1957, 200 yds. N. Table L., Aug. 9, 1957, Lyell Canyon floor, 7100 ft., Pleasant Valley, Tuol. ca. 8900 ft., Tuol. Co.; L. P. RichCo.; Donald R. & Richard H. ards. Brown.

YOSEMITE A REVISED AMPHIBIAN AND REPTILE KEY

By John D. Cunningham, Ranger Naturalist Since publication of "Reptiles and distinguished in the field. The only. Amphibians of Yosemite National subspecies listed are those of the Park" (Walker, 1946, Yosemite Nature Western garter snake, Thamnophis Notes, 25 (1) : 1-48, two additional speelegans. Within this species are ntcies of amphibians (California Slender Salamander, Batrachoseps attenuatus merous subspecies distinguishabl atus; Bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana) have not only by scales and their pattern been discovered within the boundaries of Yosemite National Park and several nomenclatorial changes have been made. It seems advisable, therefore, to revise Walker's key to include the additional species and to incorporate the name changes. In addition, several typographical errors in Walker's key are corrected.

Because there is considerable disagreement among taxonomists regarding subspecies and since they are of little interest to the majority using this simplified key, they are not enumerated. Subspecies are statistical entities determined from large series and, thus, rarely can they be distinguished in the field. The only species listed are those of the Western garter snake, Thamnophis elegans. Within this species are numerous subspecies distinguishable not only by scales and their pattern but also by behavior; some are priaries of Yosemite National Park and marily aquatic while others are several nomenclatorial changes largely terrestrial. Thamnophis have been made. It seems advisable, couchi is a representative of the ague therefore, to revise Walker 's key to tic group and is rarely discovered include the additional species and to far from water while T. e. elegans is incorporate the name changes. In often found long distances from we addition, several typographical erter in quiet dry situations. rors in Walker's key are corrected. This key, as was Walker 's, is en Because there is considerable distirely artificial and is applicable only agreement among taxonomists rewithin Yosemite National Park. Cot garding subspecies and since they taro common names have been cal are of little interest to the majority tered to correspond with Stebbins :' using this simplified key, they are Amphibians and Reptiles of the Westrte not enumerated. Subspecies are saUnited States, the authority for this tistical entities determined from large region. In certain cases the key I:. series and, thus, rarely can they be applicable only for adult specimens. la. Vertebrates with body covering smooth, usually moist Amphibians lb. Vertebrates with body covering of dry scales Reptiles 2a. Tailed amphibians with an elongate body Salamanders 2b. Tailless amphibians with a short body Anurans 3a. Skin slightly rough, reddish brown above CALIFORNIA NEWT—Taricha torosa 3b. Skin smooth __ 4a. Skin not conspicuously spotted _

CALIFORNIA SLENDER SALAMANDER—Batrachoseps attenuatus 4b. Skin more or less spotted _.. 5a. Body brownish black with a few yellow or orange spots ESCHSCHOLTZ'S SALAMANDER—Ensatina eschscholtzi 5b. Body chocolate or slate color with numerous grayish spots... _.

MOUNT LYELL SALAMANDER Hydromantes platycephalus

YOSEMITE

6a. Adults with parotoid glands present _ Toads

6b. Adults without parotoid glands

7a. Parotoid glands large; space between glands wider than one gland WESTERN TOAD—Bufo boreas 7b. Parotoid glands small; space between glands smaller than one gland Yosemite TOAD—Bufo canorus 8a. Toes with expanded adhesive discs at their tips PACIFIC TREE-FROG—Hyla regilla 8b. Toes without expanded adhesive discs at their tips Frogs 9 9a. Yellow coloring on inner side of hind legs; relatively small frogs YELLOW-LEGGED FROG—Rana muscosa 9b. No yellow coloring on inner side of hind legs; relatively large frogs 10a. Dorsolateral folds present RED-LEGGED FROG—Rana aurora 10b. Dorsolateral folds absent BULLFROG—Rana catesbeiana 11a. Reptiles with four legs

11b. Reptiles without legs

12a. Body covered above and below with a bony shell PACIFIC POND TURTLE--Clemmys marmorata 12b. Body covered with scales Lizards 13 13a. Femoral pores (a row of glandular pores on underside of thigh) present

13b. Femoral pores absent ___

14a. Head adorned with short sharp horns COAST HORNED LIZARD—Phrynosoma coronatum 14b. Head without horns

15a. Belly scales large, in 8 longitudinal rows WESTERN WHIPTAIL—Cnemidophorus tigris 15b. Belly scales small and numerous Blue-bellied Lizards 16 16a. Scales on back of thigh not keeled SAGEBRUSH LIZARD—Sceloporus graciosus 16b. Scales on back of thigh strongly keeled WESTERN FENCE LIZARD 17a. Dorsal scales smooth; no ridge running lengthwise of scale GILBERT'S SKINK—Eumeces gilberti 17b. Dorsal scales keeled Alligator Lizards 18 18a. Dorsal scale rows usually 14. Iris of eye yellow (live specimens)

FOOTHILL ALLIGATOR LIZARD—Gerrhonotus multicarinatus 18b. Dorsal scale rows usually 16. Iris of eye dark (live specimens)

NORTHERN ALLIGATOR LIZARD—Gerrhonotus coeruleus 9a. Snakes with pupil of eye vertical

9b. Snakes with pupil of eye round

20a. Dorsal body scales strongly keeled. Tail with rattle..

WESTERN RATTLESNAKE—Crotalus viridis •b. Dorsal body scales smooth

21a. Tail short and stubby. Skin loosely fitting RUBBER SNAKE—Charina bottae b. Tail not short and stubby. Skin normal SPOTTED NIGHT SNAKE—Hypsiglena torquata Dorsal body scales keeled

b. Dorsal body scales smooth, not keeled

22a. Dorsal body scales in 29 or more rows GOPHER SNAKE—Pituophis catenifer 22b. Dorsal body scales in 19 to 21 rows Garter Snakes 24 a. Without conspicuous lateral or dorsal light lines WESTERN GARTER SNAKE—Thamnophis elegans couchi aquatic subspecies

b. With conspicuous lateral and dorsal light lines

23a. With reddish spots or bars on sides....COMMON GARTER SNAKE—Thamnophis sirtalis b. Without reddish spots or bars on sides WESTERN GARTER SNAKE—Thamnophis elegans elegans - terrestrial subspecies 23b. Tail short, ending in a sharp point or spine SHARP-TAILED SNAKE—Contia tenuis b. Tail not short, normally long and slender

a. Anal plate divided

26a. Anal plate single

28a. A light neck ring present WESTERN RING-NECKED SNAKE—Diadophis amabilis Neck ring absent

Body with conspicuous lateral light lines CALIFORNIA...STRIPED WHIPSNAKE—Masticophis lateralis Body without lateral light lines; belly yellow RACER—Coluber constrictor Body marked with rings of black and white only COMMON KING SNAKE—Lampropeltis getulus Body marked with rings of black, white, and red (rarely black and white)

CALIFORNIA MOUNTAIN KING SNAKE—Lampropeltis zonata

REMEMBER WHEN?

Many readers will remember the old Yosemite Valley Railway which operated from 1909 to 1945, and the confusion which ensued upon arrival at El Portal where travelers were transferred to buses for the trip into Yosemite Valley.

PUBLICATIONS FOR SALE AT THE YOSEMITE MUSEUM

All mail orders should be addressed to, and remittances made payable to, Yosemite NATURAL HISTORY ASSOCIATION, Yosemite NATIONAL PARK, CALIFORNIA. Prices include postage, insurance, and on proper items, California State Sales Tax 3%, plus 1% County Tax.

MINERAL

Adams' Guide to Yosemite Valley, Illustrated -_ $1 65 Auto Tour of Yosemite Valley, Self-Guiding - -Beatty and Harwell

Auto Tour of Yosemite National Park - Dillon and McHenry

Campsite Finder (Western) - Hartesveldt 1 65 Climbers Guide to High Sierra - Sierra Club 3 25 Devils Postpile National Monument - Hartesveldt

Exploring Our National Parks and Monuments - Butcher (paper) 3 75 Exploring Our National Parks and Monuments - Butcher (cloth) 5 40 Going Light - With Backpack or Burro - Sierra Club 2 25 Happy Isles Nature Center, Your Guide to - Hubbard

National Park Story in Pictures - Story

National Parks, The - What They Mean to You and Me - Tilden (cloth) 6 20 National Parks, The - What They Mean to You and Me - Tilden (paper) 1 15 Nature Trail - Inspiration Point Self-Guiding - Carpenter

Nature Trail - Mariposa Grove Self Guiding - Wason

Outdoor Hazards - Real and Fancied - Hood 4 25 Place Names of Yosemite Valley - Hartesveldt

Rocks & Minerals, How to Know Them - Pearl

Starr's Guide to John Muir Trail and High Sierra Region 2 25 This is California - Obert -_ 8 00 Waterfalls, Famous, of the World - Brockman

Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada - Ansel Adams & John Muir 12 70 Yosemite Story, The - Scott 1 20 Yosemite Trails & Tales - Taylor

ANIMAL LIFE

Animal Tracks, Field Guide to - Murie 4 30 Birds of Pacific States - Hoffman - 5 40 Birds, Western, Field Guide to - Peterson 4.30 Birds of Yosemite - Stebbins

Fishes of Yosemite National Park - Evans-Wallis

Mammals, Field Guide to - Burt and Grossenheider 4 30 Mammals of Yosemite National Park - Parker

Reptiles and Amphibians of Yosemite National Park - Walker

Survey of Sierra Nevada Bighorn - Jones

TREES AND FLOWERS

Broadleaved Trees of Yosemite National Park - Brockman

Cone-bearing Trees of Yosemite Notional Park - Cole

Ferns, Field Guide to - Cobb 4 30 Sequoias, Yosemite, Guide to the - McFarland

Wildflowers, Common, of Yosemite - Beatty, Harwell and Cole

Wildflowers of the Sierra (80 color photos) - Hubbard

Wildflowers, Western, Field Book of - Armstrong 5 40

HISTORY AND INDIANS

Ghost Mines of Yosemite - Hubbard (paper) 1.20 Ghost Mines of Yosemite - Hubbard (cloth) 3.00 Gold, Guns and Ghost Towns - Chalfont 3.80 Indians, Yosemite, Yesterday and Today - Godfrey

John Muir, Protector of the Wilds - Haines-Morrill 2.00 Miwok Material Culture - Barrett and Gifford (paper) 2.20 Miwok Material Culture - Barrett and Gifford (cloth) 3.25 Mother Lode Country, Guide to the - Brockman

100 Years in Yosemite - Russell (paper) 2.20 100 Years in Yosemite - Russell (cloth) 3.25 One Thousand California Place Names - Gudde 1.15 Steward Mather of the National Parks - Shankland 6.20 Wilderness World of John Muir, The - Teale _ 4.85 Yosemite : The Story of An Idea - Huth

GEOLOGY AND MAPS

Geologic History of Yosemite Valley (Prof. Paper 160) - Motthes 5.75 Geology of Yosemite Valley, Brief Story of - Beatty

High Sierra Camp Areas, Pocket Guide to - Clark -

High Sierra Camp Areas, Trail Guide to - Clark 1.15 Incomparable Valley, The - Motthes (paper) 2.15 Map of Sequoia-Kings Canyon NP, Topographic - USGS 1.15 Map of Yosemite National Park, Topographic - USGS

Map of Yosemite Valley, Topographic, shaded (geology story printed on back)

North Country of Yosemite, Pocket Guide to - Clark

North Country of Yosemite, Trail Guide to - Clark 1.15 South Boundary Country, Pocket Guide to - Clark

South Boundary Country, Trail Guide to - Clark - 1.15

CHILDREN

A Day with Tupi, An Indian Boy of the Sierra - Hubbard (paper) 1.20 A Day with Tupi, An Indian Boy of the Sierra - Hubbard (cloth)

Animal Friends of the Sierra - Hubbard (paper) 1.20 Animal Friends of the Sierra - Hubbard (cloth) 3.00