Midland Painted Turtles
Chrysemys picta marginata. These turtles are commonly seen basking on logs in the ponds and lakes in our area. Image by Stephen Barten
Chrysemys picta marginata. Basking in a pond on conservation property in Barrington. Image by Stephen Barten
Snapping Turtle Catching a Breath
The Snapping Turtles in our area are common (Eastern) Snapping Turtles, Chelydra serpentina, NOT Alligator Snapping Turtles. They will not attack you but will defend themselves if they feel threatened. Image by Stephen Barten.
American Bullfrog in a Pond
Lithobates catesbeianus (Rana catesbeiana). The American Bullfrog is our largest native frog. You can hear the males calling “roo-roo-room,” or “jug-o-rum" in the spring. The diameter of the round, flat eardrum behind the eye is larger than the eye itself in males, and equal or smaller in females. Image by Stephen Barten
Northern Leopard Frog
Lithobates (Rana) pipiens. The Northern Leopard Frog has dark, leopard-like spots. This is more of a grassland species than pond species, except during the breeding season. Image by Stephen Barten
Boreal (Western) Chorus Frog
Pseudacris maculata (P. triseriata). These inch-long frogs with three dark brown stripes are the most common frogs in the Barrington area. They can be heard calling from every pond and roadside ditch in the spring. Image by Stephen Barten
Green Frog
Lithobates (Rana) clamitans. That's its official name. It's a Green Frog, not just a green frog. Image by Stephen Barten
HARMLESS Eastern Foxsnake
Pantherophis vulpinus. THERE ARE NO VENOMOUS SNAKES IN THE BARRINGTON AREA. This harmless Foxsnake can grow to 5 feet long and will rattle its tail when threatened. Notice that the tail is pointy WITH NO RATTLE. These are harmless snakes and a good mousers, please don't kill them. Image by Stephen Barten
HARMLESS Eastern Milksnake
Lampropeltis triangulum. A member of the Kingsnake family, this harmless milksnake eats rodents and other snakes. It might rattle its tail when disturbed but is NOT a rattlesnake. Image by Stephen Barten
HARMLESS Chicago (Eastern) Gartersnake
Thamnophis sirtalis semifasciatus. Gartersnakes are the most common snakes in our area and recognized by three longitudinal yellow stripes on a black to checkered background. Image by Stephen Barten
Thamnophis sirtalis semifasciatus. Image by Jeff Chemeleski
Red-bellied Snake, Storeria occipitomaculata
These harmless, beautiful little snakes average only 8 to 10 inches long and eat slugs and worms. Image by Stephen Barten
Snapping Turtle
Image by Bob Reynolds, Fox River Preserve
Chorus Frog
Image by Bob Reynolds, Deer Grove East
Frog at Volo Bog
Image by Bob Reynolds
Peek-a-Boo
Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans) Image by Gerard M. Bauer
Friends In The Sun
Three Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta) cooperate on a small submerged log so they may bask in the mid-summer sun and enjoy its warmth. Image by David C. Taylor
Turtle Claw
A large Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta) captured basking in the sun's warmth unwittingly displays the long, strong claws it has to climb up on the log it has selected. Image by David C. Taylor
American Bullfrog
Rana (Lithobates) catesbeiana (catesbeianus). Image by Stephen Barten
Cope's Gray Treefrog
Hyla chrysoscelis. They are often bright green but can change color to turn gray. Image by Stephen Barten
Turtle Cove, Lake Barrington
This part of the lake is aptly named Turtle Cove. Midland Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta). Image by Bob Reynolds
Frog in Duckweed
Frog playing peek-a-boo through a thick layer of Duckweed. Image by Ken Olsen
Sun Bathing
Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta) in one of its favorite sunbathing spots in Fox River Forest Preserve. Image by Dave Taylor.
American Toad (Anaxyrus americanus)
Bufo (Anaxyrus) americanus. The "warts" are not warts al all, but skin glands that produce toxins, making them taste bad to predators who try to eat them. Perching toad awaiting dinner to fly by. Image by Jim Bodkin
