Texas Lizards: A Field Guide by Troy D. Hibbitts, Toby J. Hibbitts (review)

As diverse as the 10 ecoregions comprising the vast Texas landscape are the lizards that call it home. Texas Lizards: A Field Guide is a 2015 installment of the Texas Natural History Guides from the University of Texas Press. Authors Troy D. and Toby J. Hibbitts’s passion for herpetology is palpable with each page turn. Traversing the High and Rolling Plains of the northern panhandle to the lower Rio Grande Valley, and stretching from the western Trans-Pecos region to the eastern Piney Woods, this field guide is perfect for planning herpetological expeditions and lightweight enough to toss into a backpack.

The first 70 pages offer an overview of the natural history of lizards, followed by a lesson in Texas biogeography. The authors discuss changes to the landscape over the last 200 years due to urbanization, agriculture, and pollution in the context of species diversity. A dichotomous key describes subtle characteristics visible from close range, but it requires binoculars from greater distances and may be distorted in preserved specimens. Rulers printed on the inside cover enhance the practicality of the guide. Informational resources, glossary terms, common and scientific names, and an enlarged map labeling Texas counties are included as appendixes. Missing from this guide are plate drawings that accentuate differences; their absence ultimately prolongs identification. Lack of plates is partially compensated by vivid photographs. With prior knowledge, readers may refer to the Systematic Accounts section to identify lizards. Otherwise, flip through the photos, then confirm the identity based on the text.

Several pages are devoted to each species, and content is organized into size, description, similar species, distribution, natural history, reproduction, and comments and conservation, and a rudimentary Texas counties map is included. Range maps are useful for determining which counties to visit or for identifying lizards by county. Two to several photographs depict dorsal patterns and occasionally bellies, sexual dimorphisms, or juvenile forms. Age or sex differences can be found under Description, and differentiating species of interest from look-alikes is simple using Similar Species. Separate size ranges for both sexes are not provided. Therefore, examining other sexually dimorphic traits may be necessary to determine sex. Natural History describes activity periods, diets, and ecoregions. Distribution contains geographical ranges and preferred habitat types. Reproduction details breeding behavior, clutch sizes, and reproductive mode. The threatened status designated by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, governing whether a species can legally be handled or collected, is reported under Comments and Conservation.

Student, amateur, and professional herpetologists will find this guide a useful addition to their collections. Local Texans can learn more about species inhabiting their backyards and receive tips for constructing habitat to entice settlers. Professional herpetologists will find information about state laws useful. The introduction contains informative tips for budding herpetologists to facilitate locating, photographing, and safely handling lizards. Lizards are adept escape artists, so these techniques will require practice and patience. As the authors mention, “the first, and only, rule of handling lizards is not to do it unless necessary.” Remembering this sage advice is key.