Similar to hibernation, some herptiles will bury themselves and remain dormant when the climate is too dry and/or hot for comfort. It is also spelled aestivation.

A horny, chitinous, or bony external plate or scale, as on the shell of a turtle or the underside of a snake. Also called scutum

The external eardrum.

The overall temperature of the environment.

A lack of pigment in the skin. (Pinkness comes from the blood color)

This is a group of tetrapods

Pertains to the front or head end.

Pertains to the front of the lower surface.

An opening at the base of the tale. (see cloaca)

Lives in the water.