why are reptiles and amph called Herp?
 

First thought was herpes and I was very confused.....

nevermind, i guess i should of google first then post...

herpetology is the branch of zoology dealing with reptiles and amphibians. :)

That is my "FUN FACT OF THE DAY"

Sometimes they are refered to as "herptiles".
Rarely they are refered to as "herpetofauna", but that word is out there.
Most just refer to the group as "herps".
"herpes" is something you don't want, even if you are the most dedicated keeper.
:D



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I learn something new everyday on this forum! Thanks

Was on a field trip with a herpetologist a few years back, and he said it came from some greek word that more or less meant 'creepy-crawlies'.

:)

herpeton is greek for "creeping animal"
originally, reptiles and amphibians were grouped together taxonomically in the same clase, herpetile.
from herpetile, we derived the shortened term herp.

To add, herpetoculture is the technical term for the keeping of reptiles in captivity, but some often mistakenly call it herpeculture.

love some etymology.

Nice op, I was wondering the same thing.


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'A' to marco n hybrid for their knowledge in Greek language.. :P
Even though that 'H' in herpeton confused me a bit..then again a greek word written in latin characters doesnt make much sense either way..

herpetology is an odd scientific discipline. reptiles and amphibians are not each other's closest relatives, although they do have a fair number of biological similarities. but it's like creating a new discipline for bats and birds simply because most of them fly. funny really. I think amphibians have about as much in common with fish, especially when it comes to husbandry, particularly water quality and filtration. there is a group of scientists called the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists (ASIH) that share an interest in all these beasts.