That Reptile Blog » Frank’s Creatures

Scorpions as Pets – an Overview of their Care

findiviglio — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:18:55 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. I can’t remember a time when scorpions did not fascinate me, and their lure grows stronger with each new species I encounter. In the past, I’ve written on the care and natural history of Emperor, Flat Rock, Asian Forest and other popular scorpions. Today I’d like to present a general overview. More >

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Scorpions as Pets – an Overview of their Care

A Sub-Surface Basking Site and Shelter for Semi-Aquatic for Turtles, Newts and Frogs

findiviglio — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:48:55 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. I’ve found the Penn Plax Turtle Pier to be one of the most useful of all basking platforms. In addition to providing a haul-out site that does not take away from the swimming area, it can be used by reptiles and amphibians in a variety of other ways. Today I’d like More >

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A Sub-Surface Basking Site and Shelter for Semi-Aquatic for Turtles, Newts and Frogs

Amphibian Abuse – Neon Dyed Frogs Wildly Popular in Chinese Pet Stores

findiviglio — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 19:04:37 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Many turtle keepers here in the USA can recall seeing hatchling Red-Eared Sliders with gaily-painted shells being offered for sale at pet stores and carnivals. Thankfully, through education and the passage of legislation, that practice, which killed thousands if not millions of turtles, is no longer with us. Unfortunately, an equally-horrific More >

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Amphibian Abuse – Neon Dyed Frogs Wildly Popular in Chinese Pet Stores

New Test for Cryptosporidiosis, an Incurable Disease of Snakes and Lizards

findiviglio — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 19:38:49 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. A decade or so ago, Cryptosporidiosis became recognized as a major concern in captive snake and lizard collections. Caused by a one-celled parasite known as Cryptosporidium varanii, the disease remains incurable to this day. At the Bronx Zoo, where I worked at the time, tests showed that many snakes already in More >

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New Test for Cryptosporidiosis, an Incurable Disease of Snakes and Lizards

Burmese Pythons in the Wild – the Natural History of a Giant Snake

findiviglio — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 13:23:52 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. The Burmese or Asian Rock Python, Python molurus bivittatus (or Python bivittatus, see below) is one the world’s longest snakes, and vies with the Green Anaconda for the title of heaviest. Florida’s introduced Burmese Pythons are often in the news these days for causing ecological havoc and occasional human fatalities. However, not More >

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Burmese Pythons in the Wild – the Natural History of a Giant Snake

Treating Sick and Injured Emperor Scorpions

findiviglio — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 15:58:26 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Reptile and amphibian keepers know how hard it is to find veterinary care for their pets, but those who keep scorpions face even greater difficulties. I found one or two vets willing to experiment while working at the Bronx Zoo, but in private practice your options are just about non-existent. What More >

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Treating Sick and Injured Emperor Scorpions

Urban Turtle fest – the New York Turtle and Tortoise Society’s Annual Show

findiviglio — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 14:00:49 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Early June brings to NYC one of my favorite herp events, the NY Turtle and Tortoise Society’s (NYTTS) annual show. The word “show”, however, does not due justice to this wonderful event, as you’ll see below. A NYC Chelonian Tradition The show is held outdoors, in a schoolyard located in the More >

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Urban Turtle fest – the New York Turtle and Tortoise Society’s Annual Show

Stag Beetle Conservation, with Notes on Keeping Large Beetles

findiviglio — Thu, 12 May 2011 13:37:34 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Beetle-keeping is a small but expanding hobby here in the USA, but is amazingly popular in Japan, where beetle larvae are even sold in vending machines (I experienced this first-hand, and can say they survive the ordeal quite well!). Beetles are classified in the order Coleoptera, which exceeds all other animal More >

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Stag Beetle Conservation, with Notes on Keeping Large Beetles

Tortoise Habitats – Glass Aquariums Are Not Suitable Tortoise Homes – Part 2

findiviglio — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 15:45:56 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Tortoises have long been immensely popular pets, and with good reason. We know a good deal about their needs, but misinformation as to a proper enclosure abounds. In Part 1 of this article I discussed the general unsuitability of glass aquariums and the usefulness of outdoor enclosures. Today we’ll take a look More >

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Tortoise Habitats – Glass Aquariums Are Not Suitable Tortoise Homes – Part 2

Lessons Learned – An Anole-Keeping 1960’s Flashback

findiviglio — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 13:28:48 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Green Anoles (Anolis carolinensis) were one of the first lizards to be widely available in the US pet trade. Although there were bright spots, our knowledge of their needs was severely lacking, and millions met untimely ends as a result (Horned Lizards, Phrynosoma spp., the other trade staple at the time, More >

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Lessons Learned – An Anole-Keeping 1960’s Flashback