James Arthur Peters (July 13, 1922 – December 18, 1972) was an American herpetologist and zoogeographer.

His main subject of research was herpetology and zoogeography of Latin America, especially Ecuador.

During his thirty years of research in herpetology he described 17 new species or subspecies, most of them amphibians, such as several neotropical toads of the genus Atelopus.

He held teaching positions at He held positions in the Department of Reptiles and Amphibians at the Smithsonian Institution Peters was a member of professional societies such as: American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, where he served as secretary, 1960–1966, vice-president, 1967 and president, 1970.

He founded the newsletter MUDPIE (Museum and University Data Program and Information Exchange) providing information on computer programs, references, grants, meetings, etc.