Reptiles of Berrien County, Michigan

Based on specimen records in the University of Michigan’s Museum of Zoology, 15 species representing 2 orders, 5 families, and 13 genera within the Class Reptilia (snakes, lizards, and turtles) are known from Berrien County:

ORDER SQUAMATA (Snakes and Lizards)

Family Colubridae (Colubrid Snakes):

Coluber constrictor, Blue Racer

Clonophis kirtlandii, Kirtland’s Snake

Elaphe obsolete, Black Rat Snake

Heterodon platyrhinos, Eastern Hog-nosed Snake

Lampropeltis triangulum, Eastern Milk Snake

Nerodia sipedon, Northern Water Snake

Thamnophis sauritus, Northern Ribbon Snake

Thamnophis sirtalis, Common Garter Snake

Family Viperidae (Pit Vipers):

Sistrurus catenatus, Massasauga

Family Scincidae (Skinks):

Eumeces fasciatus, Five-lined Skink

ORDER TESTUDINES (Turtles)

Family Chelydridae (Snapping Turtles)

Chelydra serpentina, Snapping Turtle

Family Emydidae (Pond Turtles and Terrapins):

Chrysemys picta, Painted Turtle

Clemmys guttata, Spotted Turtle

Emydoidea blandingii, Blanding’s Turtle

Terrapene carolina, Box Turtle