Snakes of Arizona

"Snakes of Arizona. Andrew T. Holycross and Joseph C. Mitchell, editors. Foreword by Harry W. Greene. Illustrations by Randall D. Babb. A fascination with snakes drove the creation of this definitive, scholarly reference that celebrates what we know about every species found in Arizona. Written for naturalists and professional biologists, resource managers, teachers and students alike, this essential book examines all aspects of the biology of Arizona's snakes, as supported by a complete review of the primary and gray scientific literature plus a trove of previously unpublished data and observations. Fifty-nine peer-reviewed species accounts authored by leading authorities comprise the heart of this elegant and beautiful opus. Each account describes one snake species and discusses its taxonomy, distribution and abundance, habitat, diet and foraging biology, predators and parasites, behavior, and reproduction. The book is exquisitely illustrated with over 390 figures and hundreds of photographs. Introductory chapters eloquently describe Arizona's biotic communities, the need for action to conserve species, and other useful topics. Dot distribution maps for each species, based on vouchered records, are gathered in a concluding chapter. This essential reference comes complete with over 3, 170 unique literature citations, inviting the reader to further explore the captivating world of the snakes of Arizona"--