Amphibian and Reptile Diversity in Selected Habitats
A variety of amphibian and reptile habitats are present in the White-Inyo mountains region. In this section, eight sites that are representative of particular habitats have been selected. Each site is on or near a main road and is easily accessible to people who may wish to observe a particular species or the species assemblage at a specific habitat.
Southern Owens Valley
The rocky slopes at the base of the Inyo Mountains are drained by canyons. At the mouth of each canyon a rocky, boulder-strewn alluvial fan gradually merges into the sand dunes around Owens Lake (Fig. 10.6). Scattered Creosote Bushes are present at the base of the mountains.
Amphibians
Great Basin Spadefoot (Spea intermontana ). Nocturnal; breeds in temporary pools in sand dunes.
Lizards
Western Banded Gecko (Coleonyx variegatus ). Nocturnal; most common in rocky areas.
Zebra-tailed Lizard (Callisaurus draconoides ). Diurnal; very common on gravel flats and at bases of sand dunes.
Great Basin Collard Lizard (Crotaphytus bicinctores ). Diurnal; basks on boulders.
Desert Iguana (Dipsosaurus dorsalis ). Diurnal; uncommon on alluvial fans and around bushes in sand dunes.
Long-nosed Leopard Lizard (Gambelia wislizenii ). Diurnal; basks on small rocks and under bushes; rare on rocky slopes.
Desert Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma platyrhinos ). Diurnal; most common in sandy areas; well camouflaged except when basking on small rocks.
Chuckwalla (Sauromalus obesus ). Diurnal; basks on boulders on slopes and in canyons.
Desert Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus magister ). Diurnal; occurs in rocky areas and around large bushes in sand dunes.
Side-blotched Lizard (Uta stansburiana ). Diurnal; occurs in all habitats; most common lizard in the area.
Western Whiptail (Cnemidophorus tigris ). Diurnal; present in all habitats; less common in rocky areas.
Desert Night Lizard (Xantusia vigilis ). Diurnal; secretive; active under cover objects such as logs and brush piles.
Snakes
Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans ). Nocturnal; usually occurs in sandy areas.
Western Shovel-nosed Snake (Chionactis occipitalis ). Nocturnal; most common among sand dunes.
Night Snake (Hypsiglena torquata ). Nocturnal; usually occurs on rocky slopes and in canyons.
Figure 10.6
East side of Owens Lake, southern Owens Valley.
Common Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula ). Nocturnal during summer, diurnal during spring and fall; occurs in all habitats but rare in sand dunes.
Coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum ). Diurnal; lives in all habitats but less common in rocky areas.
Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer ). Both nocturnal and diurnal; occurs in all habitats.
Long-nosed Snake (Rhinocheilus lecontei ). Nocturnal; most common in sandy areas.
Western Patch-nosed Snake (Salvadora hexalepis ). Diurnal; most common in sandy areas.
Ground Snake (Sonora semiannulata ). Nocturnal; active in the early evening; prefers rocky areas.
Southwestern Black-headed Snake (Tantilla hobartsmithi ). Nocturnal; occurs in rocky areas.
Western Blind Snake (Leptotyphlops humilis ). Nocturnal; occurs in washes of rocky areas; can be common in areas with permanent surface water.
Sidewinder (Crotalus cerastes ). Usually nocturnal; occurs in all habitats but most common in sandy areas.
Speckled Rattlesnake (Crotalus mitchellii ). Both nocturnal and diurnal; most common in rocky areas.
Southern White Mountains
Tollhouse Spring (Fig. 10.7) is the only source of permanent surface water along the Westgard Pass road (Hwy. 168). There is a fairly extensive area of riparian vegetation around the spring. The Pinyon-juniper Woodland starts just above the spring. A wide, gravelly, boulder-strewn wash below the spring separates the rocky lower slopes of the Inyo Mountains to the south from the White Mountains to the north.
Amphibians
Western Toad (Bufo boreas ). Both nocturnal and diurnal; breeds in stream below Tollhouse Spring; may be extinct.
Black Toad (Bufo exsul ). Diurnal except during heat of midsummer; introduced to Tollhouse Spring; may be extinct.
Great Basin Spadefoot (Spea intermontana ). Nocturnal; expected but not confirmed from Tollhouse Spring; known to occur nearby.
Lizards
Panamint Alligator Lizard (Elgaria panamintina ). Usually diurnal but sometimes active after dusk; may climb in vegetation in search of food; sometimes on road at dusk.
Western Banded Gecko (Coleonyx variegatus ). Nocturnal; commonly observed at night on road below spring at around 5,000 ft (1,520 m) elevation.
Zebra-tailed Lizard (Callisaurus draconoides ). Diurnal; occurs in sandy or gravelly washes.
Great Basin Collard Lizard (Crotaphytus bicinctores ). Diurnal; basks on boulders.
Long-nosed Leopard Lizard (Gambelia wislizenii ). Diurnal; basks on small rocks and under bushes in wash.
Desert Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma platyrhinos ). Diurnal; occurs in wash; may bask on small rocks.
Sagebrush Lizard (Sceloporus graciosus ). Diurnal; occurs from Tollhouse Spring up into Pinyon-juniper Woodland.
Desert Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus magister ). Diurnal; basks on rocks and tree trunks.
Western Fence Lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis ). Diurnal; basks on rocks, logs, and tree trunks; most common lizard from Tollhouse Spring up into Pinyon-juniper Woodland.
Side-blotched Lizard (Uta stansburiana ). Diurnal; most common in wash below spring.
Figure 10.7
Vicinity of Tollhouse Spring, Westgard Pass, southern White Mountains
Gilbert Skink (Eumeces gilberti ). Diurnal but secretive; occurs in riparian vegetation around Tollhouse Spring.
Western Whiptail (Cnemidophorus tigris ). Diurnal; most common around bushes in wash below spring.
Desert Night Lizard (Xantusis vigilis ). Diurnal but secretive; active under cover objects such as logs and rocks.
Snakes
Night Snake (Hypsiglena torquata ). Nocturnal; relatively common on road at night below Tollhouse Spring.
Common Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula ). Diurnal during spring and fall, nocturnal in heat of midsummer; very common around Tollhouse Spring.
Coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum ). Diurnal; present in all habitats but most common in wash.
Striped Whipsnake (Masticophis taeniatus ). Diurnal; occurs in all habitats.
Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer ). Diurnal during spring and fall, nocturnal during heat of summer; commonly seen on road around Tollhouse Spring.
Long-nosed Snake (Rhinocheilus lecontei ). Nocturnal; occasionally seen crossing road below Tollhouse Spring.
Western Patch-nosed Snake (Salvadora hexalepis ). Diurnal; most common in sandy or gravelly washes.
Ground Snake (Sonora semiannulata ). Nocturnal; active in early evening; during the day, expected under rocks around spring.
Southern Black-headed Snake (Tantilla hobartsmithi ). Nocturnal; two records from about 5,500 ft (1,680 m) elevation on road below spring and 6,500 ft (1.980 m) on road above spring.
Sidewinder (Crotalus cerastes ). Usually nocturnal; occurs in all habitats at lower elevations below spring but most common in sandy areas.
Speckled Rattlesnake (Crotalus mitchellii ). Both nocturnal and diurnal; occurs in all habitats around Tollhouse Spring.
Central Owens Valley
Along the Owens River are extensive, large tree stands with other riparian vegetation. Such growth is also present around creeks draining the Sierra Nevada (Fig. 10.8). Along the Owens River many side pools provide breeding habitat for amphibians.
In this list only riparian-associated species are discussed. For other species in the area, refer to the southern White Mountains list (except for the Panamint Alligator Lizard, Elgaria panamintina , and the Gilbert Skink, Eumeces gilberti ).
Amphibians
Owens Valley Web-toed Salamander (Hydromantes sp.). Nocturnal; active in spring; occurs under wood and rocks along streams draining the Sierra Nevada.
Western Toad (Bufo boreas ). Both nocturnal and diurnal; breeds in side pools.
Pacific Treefrog (Pseudacris regilla ). Both nocturnal and diurnal; breeds in side pools; occurs along streams and in marsh areas.
Great Basin Spadefoot (Spea intermontana ). Nocturnal; breeds in temporary pools.
Lizards
Southern Alligator Lizard (Elgaria multicarinata ). Diurnal but secretive; active in the late afternoon; occurs under wood and rocks along streams draining the Sierra Nevada.
Western Skink (Eumeces skiltonianus ). Diurnal but secretive; occurs under wood and rocks along streams draining the Sierra Nevada.
Snakes
Sierra Garter Snake (Thamnophis couchii ). Diurnal and wary; highly aquatic; occurs along the Owens River and large streams draining the Sierra Nevada.
Figure 10.8
East side of the Sierra Nevada in the central Owens Valley.
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake (Thamnophis elegans ). Mainly diurnal but also nocturnal during warm weather; occurs along the Owens River and streams draining the Sierra Nevada; may wander from permanent water.
Queen Valley and Northern White Mountains
The floor of Queen Valley, at an elevation of about 6,000 ft (1,830 m), is covered with typical Great Basin Scrub vegetation (Fig. 10.9). On the southeast side of the valley, Pinyon-juniper Woodland starts on the slopes of the White Mountains at an elevation of 6,800 ft (2,070 m). Springs with dense riparian vegetation are present in Queen and Buffalo canyons.
Amphibians
Western Toad (Bufo boreas ). Both nocturnal and diurnal; occurs in riparian areas in Queen and Buffalo canyons.
Great Basin Spadefoot (Spea intermontana ). Nocturnal; breeds in temporary pools; occasionally seen on roads at night during and after rains.
Figure 10.9
Queen Valley and northern White Mountains.
Lizards
Zebra-tailed Lizard (Callisaurus draconoides ). Diurnal; expected in sandy and gravelly areas below Pinyon-juniper Woodland.
Great Basin Collard Lizard (Crotaphytus bicinctores ). Diurnal; occurs in rocky areas below about 6,500 ft (1,980 m).
Long-nosed Leopard Lizard (Gambeila wislizenii ). Diurnal; basks on small rocks and under bushes; rare on rocky slopes.
Desert Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma platyrhinos ). Diurnal; most common in sandy areas; not present above 7,000 ft (2,130 m).
Sagebrush Lizard (Sceloporus graciosus ). Diurnal; common in Pinyon-juniper Woodland.
Desert Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus magister ). Diurnal; occurs in rocky slopes and around large bushes below 7,000 ft (2,130 m).
Western Fence Lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis ). Diurnal; commonly seen basking on rocks and logs in Pinyon-juniper Woodland; may climb trees to escape when approached.
Side-blotched Lizard (Uta stansburiana ). Diurnal; most common in sandy areas on valley floor; absent above 7,000 ft (2,130 m).
Western Skink (Eumeces skiltonianus ). Diurnal but secretive; not confirmed but expected in canyons draining the White Mountains.
Western Whiptail (Cnemidophorus tigris ). Diurnal; occurs up to about 7,500 ft (2,290 m); most common in Great Basin Scrub areas.
Snakes
Night Snake (Hypsiglena torquata ). Nocturnal; expected in rocky foothills below 6,500 ft (1,980 m).
Common Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula ). Nocturnal during summer, diurnal during spring and fall; occurs in all habitats below about 7,500 ft (2,290 m).
Coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum ). Diurnal; expected on valley floor; usually absent above 6,000 ft (1,830 m).
Striped Whipsnake (Masticophis taeniatus ). Diurnal; occurs from valley floor well into Pinyon-juniper Woodland in the foothills.
Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer ). Both nocturnal and diurnal; occurs in all habitats below about 8,000 ft (2,440 m).
Long-nosed Snake (Rhinocheilus lecontei ). Nocturnal; expected in sandy areas on valley floor up to about 6,000 ft (1,830 m).
Western Patch-nosed Snake (Salvadora hexalepis ). Diurnal; most common in sandy areas on valley floor; not expected above 6,500 ft (1,980 m).
Ground Snake (Sonora semiannulata ). Nocturnal; active in the early evening; expected in rocky areas up to about 6,000 ft (1,830 m).
Western Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis ). Both nocturnal and diurnal; present on valley floor; expected in foothills.
Northeastern Argus Mountains
The Panamint Valley has the most Creosote Bush Scrub species. The slopes of the Argus Mountains provide a good habitat for species restricted to rocky Creosote Bush Scrub. Darwin Falls (Fig. 10.10) has an extensive riparian-vegetated area.
All species covered in the southern Owens Valley account occur here (except the Great Basin Spadefoot, Spea intermontana ) and are found in a similar manner. Additional species are discussed in the following list.
Amphibians
Western Toad (Bufo boreas ). Mostly nocturnal but also diurnal; occurs in riparian areas at Darwin Falls; hybridizes with the Red-spotted Toad (Bufo punctatus ).
Red-spotted Toad (Bufo punctatus ). Nocturnal; breeds in pools in Darwin Canyon; hides during the day in rodent burrows or under rocks; hybridizes with the Western Toad (Bufo boreas ).
Figure 10.10
Darwin Falls, northeastern Argus Mountains.
Snakes
Rosy Boa (Lichanura trivirgata ). Nocturnal; diurnal in late evening and morning during spring; during midsummer nocturnal only; in rocky areas to 5,000 ft (1,520 m).
Spotted Leaf-nosed Snake (Phyllorhynchus decurtatus ). Nocturnal; usually present in sandy or gravelly places.
Lyre Snake (Trimorphodon biscutatus ). Nocturnal; in rocky areas to 5,000 ft (1,520 m).
Base of East Side of Inyo Mountains
Hunter Canyon (Fig. 10.11) is one of several canyons draining the east side of the Inyo Mountains that contains extensive riparian vegetation and surface water all year. The rocky canyon mouth is located at an elevation of about 1,600 ft (490 m) in rocky Creosote Bush Scrub. Only riparian-restricted amphibians and reptiles are discussed here. General lowland Creosote Bush Scrub species that occur here (except for the Great Basin Spadefoot, Spea intermontana , the Glossy Snake, Arizona elegans , and the Sidewinder, Crotalus cerastes ) are covered in the Southern Owens Valley account.
Figure 10.11
Hunter Canyon, east side of the Inyo Mountains.
Amphibians
Inyo Mountains Slender Salamander (Batrachoseps campi ). Nocturnal; restricted to vicinity of water; lives in mossy, damp crevices and under rocks where ground is wet.
Red-spotted Toad (Bufo punctatus ). Nocturnal; breeds in pools in canyon; hides during the day in rodent burrows or under rocks.
Lizards
Panamint Alligator Lizard (Elgaria panamintina ). Usually diurnal but sometimes active after dusk; may climb in vegetation in search of food.
Gilbert Skink (Eumeces gilberti ). Diurnal but secretive; commonly forages in leaf litter.
Northeast Slopes of Inyo Mountains
Joshua Flats (Fig. 10.12), at an elevation of about 6,200 ft (1,890 m) on the Eureka Valley Road, is covered with an extensive stand of Joshua Trees. Pinyon-juniper Woodland is present on the surrounding hills. Several narrow, rocky canyons drain into the flats.
Figure 10.12
Joshua Flats, northeastern Inyo Mountains.
Lizards
Zebra-tailed Lizard (Callisaurus draconoides ). Diurnal; occurs in sandy or gravelly washes.
Great Basin Collard Lizard (Crotaphytus bicintores ). Diurnal; basks on boulders.
Long-nosed Leopard Lizard (Gambelia wislizenii ). Diurnal; basks on small rocks and under bushes.
Desert Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma platyrhinos ). Diurnal; most common in sandy parts of Joshua Flats.
Sagebrush Lizard (Sceloporus graciosus ). Diurnal; active on ground around bushes; basks on small rocks and logs; occurs in Pinyon-juniper Woodland above flats.
Desert Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus magister ). Diurnal; very common at Joshua Flats; climbs high in Joshua Trees.
Western Fence Lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis ). Diurnal; basks on rocks and fallen Joshua Trees.
Side-blotched Lizard (Uta stansburiana ). Diurnal; most common in sandy part of flats.
Gilbert Skink (Eumeces gilberti ). Diurnal but secretive; occurs under large rocks and in piles of Joshua Tree rubble.
Western Whiptail (Cnemidophorus tigris ). Diurnal; most common around bushes in sandy areas.
Desert Night Lizard (Xantusia vigilis ). Diurnal but secretive; should live in piles of Joshua Tree rubble but has not been found at this site.
Snakes
Night Snake (Hypsiglena torquata ). Nocturnal; can be found during the day under fallen Joshua Tree logs; common along road at night.
Common Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula ). Diurnal during spring and fall, nocturnal during midsummer; occurs in all habitats.
Coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum ). Diurnal; occurs in all habitats but most common in sandy flats.
Striped Whipsnake (Masticophis taeniatus ). Diurnal; occurs in all habitats.
Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer ). Nocturnal during midsummer, diurnal during spring and fall; occurs in all habitats.
Long-nosed Snake (Rhinocheilus lecontei ). Nocturnal; expected in sandy areas of Joshua Flats.
Patched-nosed Snake (Salvadora hexalepis ). Diurnal; most common in sandy areas but present in all habitats.
Ground Snake (Sonora semiannulata ). Nocturnal; occasionally found by turning rocks and fallen logs.
Speckled Rattlesnake (Crotalus mitchellii ). Both nocturnal and diurnal but not active in heat of day during midsummer.
Deep Springs Valley
Most of the sandy floor of Deep Springs Valley is covered with Great Basin desert vegetation. The lowest point is about 5,000 ft (1,520 m) at Deep Springs Lake. At the southeastern edge of the valley, the flow from Deep Springs forms a marsh of a few acres around Deep Springs Valley (Fig. 10.13). The rocky foothills of the White-Inyo Range, which surround the valley, support stands of pinyon and juniper.
Amphibians
Black Toad (Bufo exsul ). Diurnal, becoming nocturnal during heat of summer; restricted to pools and marshes around springs.
Great Basin Spadefoot (Spea intermontana ). Nocturnal; breeds in pools; occasionally seen on road at night.
Figure 10.13
Deep Springs Valley
Lizards
Great Basin Collard Lizard (Crotaphytus bicinctores ). Diurnal; basks on boulders in foothills surrounding valley.
Long-nosed Leopard Lizard (Gambelia wislizenii ). Diurnal; basks on small rocks and under bushes; most common in sandy areas.
Desert Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma platyrhinos ). Diurnal; common throughout the valley; commonly seen along the highway.
Sagebrush Lizard (Sceloporus graciosus ). Diurnal; absent from valley floor; occurs in Pinyon-juniper Woodland of foothills.
Desert Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus magister ). Diurnal; occurs in rocky hills and around large bushes on valley floor.
Western Fence Lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis ). Diurnal; lives in rocky foothills; commonly seen basking on rocks along lower Wyman Canyon Road and along highway east of Deep Springs College.
Side-blotched Lizard (Uta stansburiana ). Diurnal; most common in sandy areas on valley floor.
Gilbert Skink (Eumeces gilberti ). Diurnal but secretive; rarely seen; appears to be restricted to the vicinity of springs.
Western Whiptail (Cnemidophorus tigris ). Diurnal; occurs throughout valley and surrounding foothills; very common around bushes on valley floor.
Snakes
Night Snake (Hypsiglena torquata ). Nocturnal; occurs in rocky foothills surrounding valley.
Common Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula ). Nocturnal during summer, diurnal during spring and fall; occurs in all habitats.
Coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum ). Diurnal; most common on valley floor.
Striped Whipsnake (Masticophis taeniatus ). Diurnal; occurs from valley floor well into Pinyon-juniper Woodland.
Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer ). Both nocturnal and diurnal; occurs in all habitats.
Long-nosed Snake (Rhinocheilus lecontei ). Nocturnal; occurs on valley floor.
Western Patch-nosed Snake (Salvadora hexalepis ). Diurnal; most common in sandy areas on valley floor.
Ground Snake (Sonora semiannulata ). Nocturnal; active in the early evening; prefers rocky areas.
Speckled Rattlesnake (Crotalus mitchellii ). Both nocturnal and diurnal; most common in rocky areas but present on valley floor.