The list of BFS Reptiles & Amphibians has just been updated.
There are two name changes:
- San Diegan Legless Lizard (Anniella stebbinsi)
Previously reported as Anniella pulchra, but A. pulchra has been divided into 5 species on the basis of morphological and molecular evidence. The species at the BFS is A. stebbinsi, which can be distinguished from the other species by its yellow underside, which you can see in the photo above. - Southwestern Pond Turtle (Actinemys pallida)
Previously reported as Actinemys marmorata. Recent morphological and molecular analysis, however, has led to Western pond turtles being separated into two species – one northern (A. marmorata) and one southern (A. pallida). The local species is A. pallida, but since the turtles at the BFS came from more than one source, some may, in fact, be A. marmorata.