Herpetology is the branch of zoology concerned with reptiles and amphibians. It studies about  ectothermic (animals whose body temperature is the same as their environment)  animals like salamanders, frogs, toads, snakes, lizards, turtles, tuataras and crocodilians.

Two classes are defined in herpetology: reptiles and amphibians. Both of them are ectothermic, and are similar in other ways as well. Many amphibians do not have lungs at all, but use their wet skin to breathe. Reptiles have a dry skin, usually protected by scales.
Reptiles are a group of vertebrate animals. They form the class Reptilia. All reptile species are ectothermic, and have scaly skin, lay eggs, and crawl on their belly. Some have legs, but snakes do not. Dinosaurs were also reptiles, but they are extinct now. The name "reptile" stems from Latin language and means "one who creeps", a creeper.

Amphibians are a group of vertebrate animals. They form the class Amphibia. Amphi-means both and bios refers to life.  They have four legs and are born from eggs. They live in the water as babies, and can go on land when they grow up. Frogs, salamanders, toads and caecilians are all amphibians.

Amphibians are born without legs, and grow legs as babies. When they grow up, they change shape, or metamorphosize. They eventually lose their gills and tails, and grow front and hind legs. Baby frogs, toads, or salamanders are called tadpoles. They lay as many as 1000 eggs, usually in the water or in wet places. They eat other animals, especially insects.  Amphibians are ectothermic, which means that their body temperature doesn't adapt to the weather.

As a keen photographer I am naturally attracted to all things bright and beautiful and to my mind reptiles and amphibians fall squarely into that category.

Often maligned as merciless killers with one intention in life, to hunt down and kill humans reptiles are actually shy and retiring creatures more keen on avoiding you than you are of avoiding them. I have always found them to be stunningly attractive members of the animal kingdom with few to rival their iridescent skin and complex patterns. If you don’t believe me then please take a look at the reptiles section of images within my animal gallery!