Tips for Photographing Specimens
Adapted from the Ohio Biological Survey
Salamanders:
In general, a dorsolateral view (showing both the back and side) is sufficient.
Four-Toed Salamanders – views of the constriction at the base of the tail and/or the black flecking on the belly.
Frogs and Toads:
In general, a dorsal (back) view, showing the pattern of stripes, spots or blotches on the back and head.
Eastern Spadefoot – close up of the eyes (vertical pupils) and/or spades on the hind feet.
Fowler’s Toad – close up of the dark spots on the dorsum (back) and/or the unspeckled belly.
Southern Leopard Frog – lateral (side) view showing the light mark on the tympanum (eardrum).
Turtles:
A dorsal view of the carapace is usually sufficient. A lateral view of the extended head is also useful, particularly for Bog, Blanding’s and Map Turtles.
Lizards:
Eastern Fence Lizard – dorsolateral view of the head and body.
Northern Coal Skink – dorsolateral view of head and body showing color pattern and stripes.
Broadhead Skink – close up lateral view of the head. The picture must show enough detail to allow examination of the scales.
Snakes:
In general, a dorsal or dorsolateral view of the head and body showing enough detail to discern whether scales are smooth or keeled. An additional ventral (belly) view is often useful.
Queen Snake – ventral view showing the striped belly pattern.
Shorthead Garter Snake – lateral view showing the lateral stripe.
Eastern Ribbon Snake – in addition to a dorsolateral view of the entire body, a close up view of the lateral stripe is also useful.
Eastern Hognose Snake – in addition to a dorsolateral view of the entire body, a close up view of the head is also useful.
Timber Rattlesnake, Massasauga Rattlesnake, and Copperhead – these snakes are distinct enough that a close up view is not usually required. It is not worth getting bit in order to get a close up photograph.
Note that as of January 1, 2007, collecting most of these species is illegal without a scientific collector’s permit. If you must catch an individual to photograph it, take the picture as quickly as possible and release it immediately where you caught it. Unless you have a scientific collector’s permit, do not take the animal to another location to photograph it. If you do have a scientific collector’s permit and move the animal, return it as soon as possible to the location where you caught it. Rough handling can injury an animal, resulting in death later on. This is particularly likely with snakes, as they can be injured if they are grasped tightly around the neck or allowed to thrash around.
The largest photo that can be submitted is 2 MB. If your photo is larger than that, please reduce the size before trying to submit it.
