The word herpetologist comes from the Greek root herpeton meaning "creeping animal." When a herpetologist goes out searching for reptiles and amphibians, he is herping, or peeking under rocks and in the mud, hoping to find a slithery creature lingering there. ... These reptiles and amphibians are a herpetologist's forte.

What does a herpetologist mean?

: a branch of zoology dealing with reptiles and amphibians.

What does a herpetologist do?

Herpetologists conduct scientific research on reptiles and amphibians. They are responsible for identifying the role that these species play in a given environment and for developing plans for conservation.