Herpetology is the study of reptiles and amphibians, including turtles, snakes, lizards, frogs, toads, and salamanders. The herpetology collection contains nearly 2,500 fluid-preserved specimens. It is one of the largest collections of Idaho herps and represents most of the 35 native species. The collection is predominantly from Idaho and surrounding states and includes specimens from the Idaho and Montana Natural Heritage Programs, Craters of the Moon National Monument, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, and the collection formerly held by the University of Idaho.
Dr. Allan Linder curated the collection until 1988. Dr. Charles R. Peterson is the current affiliate curator. Dr. Peterson and his students have conducted amphibian research and monitoring in Idaho and in Yellowstone National Park. He and Ted Koch of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service published a field guide to the amphibians and reptiles of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.