Date of Award
7-1936
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Biology
First Advisor
Harry H. Hall
Keywords
Climate, Lacertilia, Serpentes, Testudinata, Topography
Abstract
Cherokee County has an area of 585 square miles. The greater part is covered with hydrophytes and mesophytes, but there are some Xerophytic areas. A large part of its area is covered with typical prairie grassland. Thickets of plum, sumac, persimmon, hawthorne, blackberry, and buck brush occur in pastures and wastelands. Along the streams may be found the elm-ask-oak assocations and other plants. Along the embankments may be found blackberry, sumac, and wild rose. Surrounding the ponds and marsh areas are rushes, reeds, button willows, and willows.
The mean annual temperature is 56 degrees fahrenheit. The three summer months average 77 and the 3 winter months average 35 degrees fahrenheit. The mean annual precipitation is 43.25 inches. The area has a growing season of 195 days.
In the list of reptiles are enumerated the species which have been seen and collected by the writer during the period from September 1926 to July 1936, with notes on their habits and habitats which would be of value.
The reptiles have been placed in four groups; reptiles of open grasslands, reptiles of forest, reptiles of lakes, rivers, creeks, and ponds, and reptiles of marsh areas.
There are 38 species of reptiles belonging to 28 genera, 10 families, and 3 orders, which have been identified. There are 8 species of Testudinata or turtles, 7 species of Lacertilia or lizards, and 23 species of Serpentes or snakes.
The reptiles of widest habitat distribution are the box turtles, garter snakes, blotched king snakes, pilot black snakes, and glass snakes or legless lizards.
The reptiles of greatest economic value are the box turtles, striped race runners, blotched king snakes, green snakes, bull snakes, black snakes, and blue racers. The most harmful reptiles are the water turtles, water snakes, and pit vipers.
Recommended Citation
Hurd, Myron Alec, "The Reptiles of Cherokee County, Kansas" (1936). Electronic Theses & Dissertations. 389.
https://digitalcommons.pittstate.edu/etd/389
