Amphibians and reptiles thrive in New Mexico's many landscapes and varied environments. In all, the state has 123 species, an assemblage of 3 salamanders, 23 frogs and toads, 10 turtles, 41 lizards, and 46 snakes. In this comprehensive guide, each species is presented in a color photograph and its distribution shown on a map. Technical art supplements, identification keys, and line art complement family descriptions. For each species, the following is provided: type, distribution, description, similar species, systematics, habitat, behavior, reproduction, food habits, and references.

The detailed descriptions add to our knowledge about the region's herpetofauna, which will aid students, herpetologists, and resource managers. The book is also of great benefit to non-specialists, including casual hikers, since the authors write in accessible language that makes for easy identification of species.