REPTILES OF GLENDORA

Compiled by Dick Swinney

Copyright November 2006

All specimens collected by Dick Swinney unless otherswise noted

Observations from 1947 - 2011

Last Updated: June 4, 2012

Both scientific and common names used in this publication, follow the names set forth in 2000 of Scientific and Standard English Names of Amphibians and Reptiles of North America North of Mexico, published by the Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles. In addition, I am using the modification of the above system as used by Robert C. Stebbins in Western Reptiles and Amphibians, third ed., copyright 2003. This deals exclusively with the western states and the publication is one of the most recent books available to the average reader. The order used here also follows the specific taxonomic organization of Stebbins, third edition.

Order Testudinata - Turtles

Family Testudinidae - Fresh-water and Marsh Turtles, Land Tortoises, and Their Allies

Subfamily Emydinae

Clemmys marmorata pallida - Southwestern Pond Turtle

North area - rare, normally 5 to 10 observed by author in BDD prior to 2000, normally seen on boom logs, several observed on logs by Kevin Sweeney in summer of 2000.

1 large specimen on mud bar in BDDB, 1/17/76; 29 on boom logs at BDD, 5/21/77; 1 adult collected by Jerry Greeran in May of 1990 in mid BDC bottom, released by author in BDC, above the Dam; 1 adult collected by Jerry Greeran in April of 1992 at BDCC, released in April of 1992 by author into BDD. None observed after dredging of Dam in 2003(?)

South Hills - no record

Order Squamata - Lizards and Snakes

Suborder Sauria - Lizards

Family Phrynosomatidae - Side-Blotched and Horned Lizards

Uma notata - Colorado Desert Fringed-Toed Lizard

North area - 1 collected on 11/5/06 by Barry Clark just N. of upper Morgan Ranch development (NE. Glendora) in coastal-sage scrub. Imm.., snout to anus length - 2 in.(5.1 cm.), female, blotching surrounding ventral black spots are yellowish-pink color, more like that of Uma scoparia, photos taken, lizard to be released at same location.

Specimen or its immediate descendants apparently escaped (released) from captivity. Will continue to survey the area in the future.

South Hills - No record

Phrynosoma coronatum - Coast Horned Lizard

Previously listed as subspecies frontale

North area - Fairly common in selected areas of Glendora prior to 1957, such as areas surrounding the Santa Fe RR tracks, corn fields, 1 collected in grape vineyard south Sierra Madre Ave. west of Pennsylvania Ave., circa 1960 by author; 2 young individuals observed at N.W. boundary of BDCP on LMM at 0.5 mi. NE. of jct.. with Mystic Cnyn. Tr. on July 20, 1989; 4 young observed at same location on Aug. 2, 1990; 1 adult on GRR by Mike Peralez, 1998.

South Hills - Observed in the early 1960’s near the Big Dalton Wash and Haltern by Larry Smith

Sceloporus occidentalis - Western Fence Lizard

Previously listed as subspecies biseriatus

Abundant throughout in undisturbed areas, often fairly common in residential areas.

Uta stansburiana - Common-Side Blotched Lizard

Previously listed as subspecies hesperis

North area - inclined to full exposure, rocky and or sandy areas.

Not normally found in residential areas.

South Hills - no records

Family Scincidae - Skinks

Eumeces skiltonianus skiltonianus - Skilton’s Skink

Previously called the Western Skink

North area- 2 records in BDCWP; 1 at BDCC(then Camp Miller) circa 1962 by author, juvenile; 1 in Pavil Canyon circa 1976 by author,juvenile.

1 by Candace Frank at MLSNC in BDC in July of 1992.

South Hills - 1 in the SHWA, adult, under log on Elderberry Trail on March 4, 1995, 150 meters w. of SHCP, 6.6 in. (16.8 cm) Specimen retained in author’s collection.

Family Teidae - Whiptails and their Allies

Cnemidophorus tigris multiscutatus - Western Whiptail (Tiger Whiptail)

Previously called the Coastal Whiptail

North area - found most often in open, sandy areas; along trails and in clearings. Most common in chaparral and coastal sage scrub communities.

South Hills - no record

Family Anguidae - Lateral Fold or Alligator Lizards

Elgaria multicarinata webbi - San Diego Alligator Lizard

Previously listed as Gerrhonotus multicarinatus webbi

Common throughout

Family Anniellidae - North American Legless Lizards

Anniella pulchra pulchra - Silvery Legless Lizard

North area - 2 observed in Glendora in the 300 block of N. Pennsylvania Ave. in

leaf litter by Mark Severance and Fred Rabb. The collected specimen was given to Dick Swinney who released it in BDCWP in May of 1978.

South Hills - no record

Order Serpientes - Snakes

Family Leptotyphlopidae - Blind Snakes

Leptotyphlops humilis - Southwestern Blind Snake

Previously listed as subspecies humilis

North area - 1 in spring of 1997 on side of GRM by Mike Peralez, 4-5 in., dead specimen (not retained), approx. 2 mi. E. of Garcia Trail jct.; 1 on Aug. of 2010, in E.Forkk. San Gabriel River, by Chad Smeltzer, dead specimen, photo available, speciman not retained

South Hills - No record

Family Boidae - Boas

Charina trivirgata roseofusca - Coastal Rosy Boa

Previously called Lichanura trivirgata roseofusca

North area - rare; 1 record at YMCA Site (now the BDCC) in 1963 or 64 by David Hamilton; 1 observation in summer of 1967 at 1.2 mi. N.E. of GMR on BDC Rd., adult, early evening, by author; 1 by Bill Nichols in 1972, N. of Goddard Middle School, adult; 1 record by Jerry Greeran in Aug. of 1986 at 0.9 mi. N.E. of GMR on BDC Rd., adult, released at same location soon afterward; 1 dead specimen observed by Jerry Greeran on BDC Rd. at 0.2 mi. E. of GMR, young, in 19__?; 1 record by Jim Fredericks on June 16, 2006 at 1.2 mi. N.E. of GMR at BDC Rd., approx.. 14 in.(35.5 cm.) long; 1 record by Bill Nichols at 0.9 mi. N.E. of GMR at BDC Rd. on Oct.18, 2006, 2 1/2 ft. (76.2 cm.) length, evening.

South Hills - no record

Family Colubridae - Colubrids

Diadophis punctatus - Ring-Necked Snake

previously listed as subspecies modestus

North area- Commonly encountered prior to 1965 by author in BDC; currently uncommon.

1 on Aug. 23, 1948 in BDC in a dark moist cavern, at an elev.. of 1350 ft. by Paul Keiser, identified by Laurence M. Klauber;

1 record on July 27,1996 by author at 0.9 mi. N.E. of GMR on BDC Rd., 18 1/2 in. (47.0 cm.); 1 observed in Oct. 2002 in burn area of Sep. 2002 in upper Mystic Cyn. by author, adult; 1 in Glendora Country Club parking lot in late Sep. 2006 by Kevin Sharp, 3 1/2 in. (8.9 cm.); 1 at MG by Bill Nichols, 18 1/2 in. (47.0 cm.), March 14, 2007; 1 at jct. of LDC & GMR in Oct. of 2007, 5 1/2 in., by Bill Nichols;

1 at jct. of BDC Rd. & Coulter Pine Tr., 0.9 mi. E. of GMR at BDC Rd., Apr. 8, 2008, found dead, 20 1/2 in. (51.5 cm.), by BillNichols, retained in author’s collection; 1 at jnct. of GMR & LMW on 4/13/08 by Bill Nichols, 13 1/2 in.

(33.6 cm.); 1 at FCT on 4/25/08 by Bill Nichols, 8 in. (20.4 cm.); 1 at 1.1 mi. NE. of GMR at BDC Rd. on June 19, 2008 by Bill Nichols; 1 at S. entrance of Lower Monroe Mtwy. at GMR on June 18, 2008 by Bill Nichols

South Hills - 1 in 2005 at N. Bonnie Cove in the SHWA by Barry Clark.

Coluber constrictor mormon - Western Yellow-Bellied Racer

North area - uncommon; 1 in July of 1947 in BDC below the BDD, by H. Paul Keiser, identified by Laurence M. Klauber; 2 adults observed by author in mid portion of BDC from 1980 to 1992.1 observation in Aug. 1992 by author at 1.2 mi. N.E. of GMR in BDC bottom; 1 on May 6, 1995 , 0.9 mi. NE. of GMR approx.. 0.5 mi. S. of BDC Rd. & W. Coulter Pine Tr. head jnct.. on Coulter Pine Tr., by author, adult coloration, 21 7/8 in. (55.5 cm), morning, retained in authors collection; 1 on Aug. 11, 1999 at 1.2 mi. NE. of GMR on BDC Rd., dead, juvenile coloration,18 in. (46.0 cm.), retained in author’s collection; 1 record on March 16, 2002, juvenile coloration, 13 1/2 in. (24.3 cm.), 0.9 mi. NE. of GMR on Coulter Pine Tr., 0.4 mi. S. of BDC Rd. and Coulter Pine Tr. jnct.., injured during trail work, by the author, morning, retained in author’s collection; 1 observation in LDDB on Oct. 6, 2006, juvenile, by author, afternoon; 1 observed on Sep. 14, 2011, at ¼ mile up the Monroe Truck Trail by Bill Nichols & Mary Grave; 1 adult observed on Monroe Truck Trail on May 23, 2012 by Bill Nichols; 1 adult observed by Bill Nichols on Lower Monroe Mtwy. on May 29, 2012

South Hills - no record

Masticophus flagellum piceus - Red Racer

North area - rare; 1 in LDC by Bill Nichols in 1973 or 74 at 0.7 mi. N. of BDC Rd. on LDC Rd.; 1 in Big Dalton Cyn. at 1.1 mi. N.E. of Glendora Mt. Rd. at WC by John Lucas in July of 1976

South Hills - no record

Masticophis lateralis lateralis - Chaparral Whipsnake (formerly California Striped Racer)

North area - common in N. area

South Hills - reported as fairly common in E. area by Flint Gehre.

Salvadora hexalepis virgultea - Coast Patch-Nosed Snake

North area - uncommon; 1 on Aug. 11,1948 by Paul Keiser in BDC, identified by Laurence M. Klauber; 1 in the N.-central foothills on the Engelhardt Trail (N. of the present Engelwild Dr.) by the author in summer of 1965, adult; 1 in Aug. of 1980 at the junction of Pavil Cnyn. & BDC by the author, adult, photographed and released; 1 dead on the rd. on May 16, 1995 at 0.5 mi. E. of GMR on BDC Rd., 2 ft. (61.0 cm.), by author, retained in authors collection; 1 observed on June 28, 1995 by author, 100 meters E. of Mystic Cnyn. on BDC Tr., approx. 2 ft.; 1 in 1997 on Glendora Ridge Rd., 8 in. (20.3 cm.),by Mike Peralez; 1 on LMM at approx. 2 mi. E. of Glendora Mt. Rd. and LDC junction by Chad Smeltzer on Apr.4, 2004, 6:45 pm, approx.16 in. (40.6 cm.); 1 on BDC Rd. at 0.6 mi. NE of GMR, by Bill Nichols, approx 15 in. (38.1 cm.), live specimen retained by Bill, 5/3/77; 1 on 5/10/07 at jct. of GMR & LDC at LMM, length approx. 20 in. (50.8 cm.), late afternoon, released at location; 1 by Bill Nichols in LDC at mine location(0.7 mi. N of Jnct. of GMR & LDC), 12 in. (30.5 cm.) on 6/26/07, late afternoon, released at location; 1on 5/27/07, at 1.5 mi. NE of GMR at BDC Rd., 14 in. (35.6 cm.), late afternoon by Bill Nichols, released at location; 1 at 0.7 mi. N of BDC Rd. at LDC Rd., by Bill Nichols, road kill between 1:00 pm and 2:15 pm, 14 July, 2007, 20 in. (50.8 cm.); 1 on 7/2/08 at 6:30 pm at 0.3 mi. E. of GMR on BDC Rd. by Bill Nichols, 20 in. (7.8 cm.); 1 large specimen at Little Dalton Cyn. in summer of 2010, by Bill Nichols; 1 at Little Dalton Cyn., 0.5 miles n. of GMR, by Bill Nichols in early summer of 2010

South Hills - no record

Pituophis catenifer annectens - San Diego Gopher Snake

North area - common in N. area, 1 in early June, 1947 by H. Paul Keiser, identified by Laurence M. Klauber.

South Hills - Abundance uncertain in past; the following observations were made by the author in 2005; 1 on March 12, 28 in., 1 on March 13 on South Hills Trail on ridge top, 3 ft. (91.4 cm.), 1 on March 27, 24 in. (61.0 cm.); 1 on March 22, 2007, approx. 18 in. (45.7 cm.), on Bonnie Cove E Trail, accidentally killed during trail work.

Lampropeltis getula californiae - California Kingsnake

North area - 1 in the Blue Bird Hills in the early 1970’s by Bill Nichols, recent hatch; 1 in N. foothills of Glendora by author, circa 1988 at MG; 1 in 600 block of N. Vermont Ave. circa 1969 by the author, 9 in. (22.9 cm.); 1 on Aug. 1, 2007 at 0.2 mi. E. of GMR on BDC Rd., by Bill Nichols, 8:00 pm., 3 ft. 7 in. - 3 ft. 9 in. (109.2 - 114.3 cm.)., specimen was imaciated, retained by Bill for personal collection; 1 adult observed on Colby Trail by Dave ___ during last week of May, 2012 (info. obtained by Bill Nichols. The lack of sightings of this species in N. Glendora is puzzling, as it is a common species in surrounding areas. No unusual markings of this subspecies have been identified in Glendora. The normal brown and yellow banding pattern has been consistent.

South Hills -commonly reported from the SH prior to 1990; 1 in May of 1997 by Kris Silverman; 1 on Feb. 14, 1998 on N. Bonnie Cove, 12 in. (30.5 cm.), by the author.

Lampropeltis zonata parvirubra - San Bernardino Mountain Kingsnake

North area - observed as fairly common in the BDC area by the author between 1960 and 1967, very few records available between 1968 and 1980; 2 in BDC within close proximity of each other on the same day, 1967; 1 by Bill Nichols in 1975 at 1 mi. N.E. of GMR on the LMM, approx 31 in. (78.7 cm.), released in 1982 by Bill at same location, final length at release was 38 in.; 1in. late April of 1992 in mid BDC by nature camp participants, they pledged to release it; 1 on Aug. 7, 1992 near stream, 1.5 mi. N.E. of GMR at BDC Rd., released on Aug. 17, 1992 at same location by the author; several observed by Dick Strahan (Caretaker of BDD) near the Dam between 1980 and 195; 1 in July of 1993 at 1.5 mi. N.E. of GMR by author, 1 in Aug. of 1993 in tributary cnyn. immediately upstream of the MLSNC in BDC by author; 1 in spring of 1994 at 0.9 mi. N.E. of GMR in BDC stream bottom by author; 1 adult on LMM in 1995, near seep area at 0.8 mi. NE. of GMR and LDC jnct.. by Patti Peralez; 1 in Pavil Canyon on May 31, 1996, adult, by author; 1 in BDC in July of 1994 by John Cullen; 1 in Sep. of 2005 at MG by Dave Hamilton; 1 at 0.9 mi. NE. of GMR at BDC Rd. by Steve Greeran on Oct. 29, 2006, 8 in. (20.3 cm.), 4:20 pm.; 1 on 5/10/07 by Kevin Sharp, BDC, 1.1 mi. NE of GMR at BDC Rd., on rd. shoulder, ,11:00 am, 2 ft. 8 in. - 2 ft. 9 in. (81.3 - 83.8 cm.); 1 at Big Dalton Cyn. in July of 2011, by Troy & Kelly _______; 1 at 0.7 miles e. of GMR, on Big Dalton Cyn. Rd. by Bill Nichols & Mary Grove on Sep. 19, 2011, in early evening, 1^st year hatchling

South Hills - 1 at Buffalo Trail in spring of 2000 by Flint Gehre. This is an elevation of about 875 ft. The lowest known elevation for parvirubra is listed as 800 ft. (244 m) at Big Dalton Wash in Glendora according to the book Mountain Kings - A Collective Natural History of California, Sonoran, Durango and Queretaro Mountain Kings by Brian Hubbs, 2004, p.62. At this elevation, the location listed would be nearly at Glendora’s South Hills, which is adjacent and south of the Big Dalton Wash. The wash is now a cemented flood control channel.

Black and White form occurrence in Glendora: This is a condition where the normal red band fails to interrupt the black band. If this “crossover” condition is complete, it produces a snake with just black and white bands.

1 in LDDB in June of 1978 by author, red on the head and extreme anterior only, photos taken, released at same location a week later; 1 collected in the E. Fork of the San Gabriel River in the spring of 2005 by Steve Herman, with 14 triads

(bands of black, red and white), now in the author’s collection.

Thamnophis hammondii - Two-Striped Garter Snake

This species is listed as a federal species of concern due to loss of wetland habitat in southern California. It may not be collected or possessed without a special permit.

North area - 1 in early June of 1947 by H. Paul Keiser, BDC, identified by Laurence M. Klauber; 2 young collected and released in 1967 in BDC, these were the first of this species seen by the author in the cnyn.; often fairly common in the Big and LDC’s, its numbers coincide with the abundance of water in Glendora. It feeds almost exclusively on aquatic prey. Water is no longer held for long periods of time in the Big and LDDB’s, hence in long dry periods, the populations are greatly reduced in the lower cnyn. areas. There is most always some water in the BDD in the upper region of the cnyn. regardless of the yearly rainfall amounts; many sightings in both canyons by the author and others during 2005 & 2006; 1 large speciman at FCT by Bill Nichols on Apr. 14, 2008; 1 at FCT on Apr. 15, 2008 by Bill Nichols, 20 in. (54 cm.); 1 on 6/4/08 at entrance to Lower Monroe Mtwy. at GMR by Bill Nichols; 1 on 6/22/08 at FCT in BDC by Bill Nichols

South Hills - no record

Tantilla planiceps - California Black-Headed Snake (Western Black-Headed Snake)

Previously listed as subspecies eiseni

North area – rare; 1 in July of 1979 by the author in the L.A. Co. Flood Control Tunnels at 1.5 mi. N.E. of GMR; 1 in Sept. of 1986 by Juneed Ashraf at the S.W. corner of BDCWP, retained by the author in his personal collection, 6 3/4 in. (17.2 cm.); 1 in July of 1988 in BDC by Jerry Greeran; 1 by the author & Eric Butterfield on July 25, 1993, FCT, on rock in the stream; 1 on side of GRM in spring of 1997 by Mike Peralez, approx. 12 in. (30.4 cm.), approx. 1 mi. E. of Garcia Tr. jct.; 1 on June 18(?), 2007, BDD Caretakers house, approx. 12 in. (30.4 cm.) by Kevin Sweeney (BDD Caretaker), released at same location; 1 on July 4, 2007, by Taylor Ingebretson at BDD Caretaker’s house, given to Jackie Swinney by Taylor, snake was given to Chad Smeltzer on the same day, I was out of town, 11 1/2 in. (29.3 cm.), possibly the same snake as the June 18, observation by Kevin Sweeney, released by the author on July 18, 2007 at 0.2 mi. E of GMR at BDC Rd.

South Hills - no record

Trimorphodon biscutatus - Western Lyre Snake

North area - rare; 1 on GMR at approx. 200 yds. N.E. of GRM, by Bill Nichols, 1975 or 76, 12 in. (30.5 cm.);1 at 0.4 mi. E. of GMR in BDC bottom by Tim Broda, date uncertain(1980’s); 1 observed at 0.3 mi. E. of GMR on BDC Rd. by Bill Nichols, approx. 24 in. 61.0 cm.), 6:30 pm., mid August, 2006; 1 at 0.3 mi. E. of GMR on BDC Rd. in mid Sep, 2006 by Bill Nichols, approx. 8 to 10 in.; 1 on Oct.1, 2006, 6:30 pm., 0.7 mi. N. of BDC Rd. on GMR by Bill Nichols, presently in his live collection, 12 in. (30.5 cm.), it bit him 8 times on the hands, no reaction from bites(these are rear-fanged, mildly poisonous snakes), it is currently eating Western Fence Lizards(Sceloporus occidentalis); 1 on Oct 3, 2006 by Kevin Sharp at 0.2 mi. E. of GMR on BDC Rd, 8:30 pm., released on Oct. 15 at same location, very aggressive, would not eat in captivity, length - 12 in. (30.5 cm.);1 found dead on GMR at 100 yds. N. of BDC Rd. by Bill Nichols, Nov. 8. 2006, approx. 8:30 pm, total length - 21 1/8 in. ( 53.0 cm.). Specimen given to author for retention in his personal collection; 1 at 0.4 mi. E. of GMR on BDC Rd., 4 in. (10.1 cm.), 6:30 pm. by Bill Nichols on 11/10/2006; 1 at 0.1 mi. N. of BDC Rd. on GMR,10 in. (25.3 cm.), 6:40 pm. by Bill Nichols, 11/10/2006; 1 at 0.3 mi. E. of GMR at BDC Rd. in a vehicle owned by Jerry & ______ Greeran, 5/18/2007, the snake was in the bed of the truck, observed by Mrs. Greeran, 26 1/2 in.

(67.3 cm.), Identified and released by the author on 5/18/07 at the same location; 1 at Little Dalton Cyn. Rd jct. with Little Dalton stream bottom in June of 2010 by Bill Nichols, specimen about 18 inches; 1 small specimen at 0.1 mile east of GMR on Big Dalton Cyn. Road, dead on the road, May 31, 2012;, by Bill Nichols; 1 dead specimen on road at 0.7 miles east of GMR on BDC Rd., June 3, 2012, small, by Bill Nichols.

The sightings of 8 Lyre Snakes during a 3 month period in 2006 and in close proximity to each other, is interesting. Only 2 available records in Glendora previously. The last fire in our area was the Williams Fire of 2002. There is a great difference in the plant species dynamics for several years following a fire. This includes a great increase in coverage of grasses, annuals and germinating perennials. This in turn affects the density of animal populations including insects and other invertebrates. Whether this could be partially responsible for the increased sightings of this species, in a very localized area, may never be provable. It will be interesting to see if increased sightings in other areas surrounding Glendora occur.

South Hills - No record

Hypsiglena torquata - Night Snake

Previously listed as the San Diegan Spotted Night Snake with the subspecies klauberi

North area - 4 records

1 injured specimen was found by Scott Sapporini & author, Dec. 1, 1990, 1:30 pm in BDC at the S. W. end of the FCT,17 1/2 in. (44.5 cm.) This record may represent the greatest length for this subspecies. Specimen died the following day, in Swinney’s personal collection; 1 collected by member of City Day Camp staff on Aug. 1,1991 at BDCC, collected on rock near stream, 6 3/4 in. (17.1 cm.), died in captivity and was given to the author. Specimen is now in the author’s personal collection; 1 specimen captured and released by the author on June 19, 2007 in LDC at 0.5 mi. N. of jnct. of GMR & LDC at 8:30 pm., 4 1/2 in. (11.4 cm.); 1 collected by Dr. Mike Peralez on driveway at Ben Lomond Ave., Glendora, 9:00 pm., Oct. 1, 2009, about 10 cm. long, released at the site of capture (into the groundcover)

South Hills - no record

Family Crotalidae - Pit Vipers

Crotalus viridis helleri - Southern Pacific Rattlesnake

North area - Abundant

Bill Nichols observed 45 between Feb 17 and June 22 of 2007. Some of these were likely observed on more than one occasion. Most of these snakes were young, many with only one button(rattle) which is unusual. By this time, these snakes which are usually delivered in Sept., should have had 2 to 3 rattles, as they gain a rattle each time their skin is shed. Even though this was the driest year on record, there is still water runoff from the record rainfall year the year before(2005); Swinney also observed 1 young in LDC on 6/20/07 with only 1 button.

The least common of the 4 color variations for this subspecies is olive, only 2 records of these for Glendora by the author. These olive forms lead some observers to think they are Mojave (Mojave Green) Rattlesnakes - Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus. There are no records for C. scutulatus south of the desert foothills of the San Gabriel Mts.

South Hills -1 in the Buffalo Trail area in the spring of 1997 by neighbors of the Silvermans’, 1 observed in the SHCP in summer of 1997, name of observer misplaced, no records by the author.

Because so many common and scientific names have been changed, only the recent publications will contain them. Many of the previous subspecific levels have been eliminated. The changes found in the recommended reference below even contain changes in the family status of some species.

Recommended Reference:

Robert C. Stebbins. A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians, third ed., Houghton Mifflin, Boston, 2003.

Permission is freely granted to reproduce any or all of this material as long as full credit is given to the author at www.glendoranaturalhistory.com