Wataru HIMENO– Author –
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Vietnam Herping: The Rare Morphs of the Oriental Vine Snake
During a recent herping expedition in Vietnam, I had the privilege of being guided by a local friend to a location known for its rare morphs of the Oriental Vine Snake (Ahaetulla prasina). This species, the largest of the vine ... -
Differences and Similarities Between Reptiles and Amphibians
Reptiles and amphibians are often grouped together in discussions, but they are quite distinct from one another. However, both are loved by herping enthusiasts due to their unique charm, which can sometimes blur the lines between them. I... -
Is a “Venomous Frog” Actually Poisonous?
The terms "poison" and "venom" are often used interchangeably, but in reality, they refer to different things. Both are harmful substances that can cause damage to humans and animals, but there is a significant difference in how they act... -
Exploring the Differences Between Snakes and Lizards
Snakes and lizards are both fascinating members of the reptile family, each having evolved unique adaptations over time. They belong to the same order, Squamata, but lead very different lifestyles. These differences span from their appea... -
How to Look for Mamushi Pit Viper(Gloydius blomhoffii): A Guide to Finding the Japanese Pit Viper
The Mamushi, also known as the Japanese pit viper (Gloydius blomhoffii), is a venomous snake indigenous to Japan, spanning Hokkaido to Kyushu. Known for its distinctive triangular head and heat-sensing pits, the Mamushi is a captivating ... -
Discovering the Ornate Earless Agama (Aphaniotis ornata) in Borneo’s Rainforest
Ornate Earless Agama (Aphaniotis ornata) During my time in Borneo, I encountered the Ornate Earless Agama (Aphaniotis ornata). It was a rainy night, and I found it sleeping about 30 cm above the ground. Though these agamas are diurnal, t... -
Wild Violin Beetle Encounter in Borneo: Wildlife in the Borneo
While walking through the jungle at night on the island of Borneo, I noticed an unusual insect resting on a tree stump. It had shiny black, violin-shaped wings that immediately caught my eye. This insect was the Violin Beetle (scientific... -
Photographing the Unique Galápagos Marine Iguana (Amblyrhynchus cristatus)
The Galápagos marine iguana (Amblyrhynchus cristatus) is a remarkable species and the only lizard in the world that forages in the sea. Endemic to the Galápagos Islands, this reptile has evolved to thrive in both marine an... -
Encounter with the Sakishima-banded Snake (Lycodon rufozonatus walli) on Ishigaki Island
**Sakishima-banded Snake (Lycodon rufozonatus walli)** Sakishima-banded Snake (Lycodon rufozonatus walli) eating a Sakishima rice frog (Fejervarya sakishimensis) One of the most commonly encountered snakes while herping on Ishigaki Islan... -
Tips for Finding the Elegant Pit Viper (Protobothrops elegans)
**How to Find the Elegant Pit Viper (Protobothrops elegans)** Elegant Pit Viper (Protobothrops elegans) Found relatively easily on Ishigaki and Iriomote Islands, this species exhibits a wide range of color variations, from orange to gray...
