Understanding the difference between herp, herpetology, and herptiles is much easier than it sounds. Firstly, herp or herptile refers to any reptile or amphibian, and their study is called herpetology. Although they look incredibly similar, reptiles and amphibians are entirely separate species, but scientists study them under the same branch of zoology. If you’re curious about the fascinating world of reptiles and amphibians, dive into the essential herps, herpetology, and herptiles facts below.
Herpetology is the Study of Herps and Herptiles
The word “herp” is derived from ancient Greek and means “crawling thing” – so herpetology translates as “the study of crawling things”. Herpetology is the science of studying herptiles or herps, and they are some of the oldest creatures around. After all, herps lived before the dinosaurs. They have a 400-million-year evolution history, were the first vertebrates to dwell on land, and have survived mass extinctions. Despite this, they fall victim to a stigma, as many people are creeped out by reptiles and amphibians.
Reptiles and amphibians are very different species, but in the early days of science, researchers assumed that they were the same. As science has evolved, we know they are very different creatures, but we still study them under the same branch of science: herpetology.
Here are some common terms associated with herps and their study:
- Herp – Any amphibian or reptile
- Herptiles or herpetofauna – Types of herps
- Herpetology – The branch of zoology that studies herps
- Herpetologist – Someone who studies herps
- Herpers – People who keep herps
- Herping – Looking for wild herps
Herps Include Reptiles and Amphibians
Scientists and hobbyists refer to reptiles and amphibians as herptiles, but they are two distinctive branches of the family. Although similar, reptiles and amphibians have physical, evolutionary, and environmental differences.
To clear things up, here are some examples of herptiles:
1. Reptiles – Including snakes, lizards, crocodiles, alligators, turtles, terrapins, tortoises and tuataras
2. Amphibians – Including toads, newts, aquatic salamanders and caecilians
Scientists study herps and their role in the wild to understand how to deal with climate change. These creatures have been on the planet for a long time and are incredibly sensitive to the environment. They are indicator species, meaning they respond to climatic changes. Scientists also study herptile toxins. Some toxins, like those from venomous snakes, are used in the medicinal industry and benefit humans. While these creatures have a lot of similarities, from a scientific viewpoint, they follow separate evolutionary paths.
What’s the Difference Between Reptiles and Amphibians?
There are many differences between reptiles and amphibians, like their skin and breeding habits. Let’s take a closer look at the differences between reptiles and amphibians:
1. Skin – Reptiles have dry, scaly skin, while amphibian skin is moist and smooth. Most reptiles also have claws, while amphibians don’t.
2. Respiratory system – Reptiles have better-developed lungs than amphibians and breathe through their mouth and nose. Some amphibians have gills and absorb oxygen through their skin.
3. Habitat – Reptiles live on dry land, while amphibians live in or near water.
4. Metamorphosis – Many amphibians have a metamorphosis, a dramatic physical change – like how a tadpole turns into a frog.
5. Reproduction – Reptiles have hard-shelled eggs, which they lay on the earth or buried beneath it, and hatchlings look like miniature adults. Amphibians lay soft-shelled eggs in moist or watery areas and usually lay more than reptiles. Amphibians have external fertilization – the male fertilizes eggs after the female lays them. Reptiles have internal reproduction and must physically mate.
What Are the Similarities Between Reptiles and Amphibians?
While reptiles and amphibians differ in many ways, they also share many characteristics. These similarities make it easy to group them as herps.
Here are the physical characteristics that reptiles and amphibians share:
1. Ectothermic biology – Reptiles and amphibians are cold-blooded, meaning they can’t generate body heat like mammals. Herps need an external source, such as the sun or artificial light, to keep warm and digest food. They must also move around to maintain their body temperature. Herps love basking in the sun but also need cool areas.
2. Shedding – Most herps shed their skin at least annually, and some shed their skin every few weeks as they grow. Many lizards eat their shedded skin because it’s protein-rich and to prevent predators from stalking them. Reptiles such as tortoises shed their skin in pieces, but others, like snakes, shed their skin in one piece.
3. Their sense of smell – Herps have a strong sense of smell, and many, such as snakes and salamanders, smell with their tongue. They have a “Jacobson’s Organ”, which converts taste into smell.
What to Know About Keeping Herps
Keeping herps differs from owning other creatures because they have specific care needs. There are endless things that a new reptile owner should know. You must replicate their environment and monitor it closely to ensure their optimum health and well-being. This means you must invest in specialist lights, heaters, humidifiers, and substrates to create a mini ecosystem. Reptiles and amphibians also require a specialist diet, which often includes sourcing and feeding live insects. It can also be hard to find an exotic vet, and the bills can be hefty. That said, some amphibians are low maintenance and ideal for beginners.
Owning herps requires time and financial investment but is incredibly rewarding because they are fascinating, unique creatures. Not everyone is a fan of herps, but they are a crucial part of evolution and some of the oldest and most durable creatures. This is why herpetology is a valuable part of the scientific community; herptiles have a lot to teach us.
