The Kingdom of Norway is home to several species of reptiles and amphibians, despite its cold climate. According to the University of Bergen publication, "Today there is no active collecting of herptiles at the University Museum [of Bergen] and new material are mainly animals that have been found dead for various reasons."
Reptiles
Scientific name Norwegian common name Description Image Anguis fragilis Stålorm slow worms are semifossorial (burrowing) lizards that spend their time hiding underneath objects. Coronella austriaca Slettsnok These snakes may bite people, although they are non-venomous. Dermochelys coriacea Havlærskilpadde The largest of all living turtles and the heaviest non-crocodilian reptile Natrix natrix Buorm The grass snake, ringed snake, or water snake, is a Eurasian semi-aquatic non-venomous colubrid snake. It is often found near water and feeds almost exclusively on amphibians. Vipera berus HoggormThis snake is venomous but its bite is rarely fatal to humans. Zootoca vivipara Nordfirfisle This is one of the few lizards who gives birth to live offspring.
Amphibians
Scientific name Norwegian common name Description Image Bufo bufo Nordpadde a toad found throughout most of Europe Lissotriton vulgarisSmåsalamanderThe newts' skins are dry and velvety when they are living on land, but become smooth when they migrate into the water to breedTriturus cristatusStorsalamanderDuring the breeding season, males develop a conspicuous jagged crest on their back and tail.Rana arvalisSpissnutefroskhe frog makes use of various cryoprotectants i.e. antifreeze that decrease its internal freezing temperature.Rana temporariaButtsnutefroskfrogs undergo metamorphosis through three distinct life stages — aquatic larva, terrestrial juvenile, and adult. They have plump bodies with rounded snouts, webbed feet, and long hind legs adapted for swimming and hopping on land.
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