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Tarantulas and Other Spiders: Dangerous vs. Beneficial Species – Part 1

While most people acknowledge that spiders perform a valuable service by consuming harmful insects, there remains the lingering belief that the vast majorities are dangerously venomous, and do more harm than good. Today I’d like to pass along some facts and figures that you may find interesting. Venom All spiders […]
Read more » Tarantulas and Other Spiders: Dangerous vs. Beneficial Species – Part 1

The Chuckwalla – a Hardy, Personable Candidate for the Desert Terrarium – Part 2

[…]available vegetables, along with occasional feedings of crickets, mealworms, beetles and other insects. I’ve found dandelion flowers to be a great favorite, and usually mix some soaked Tortoise Pellets into the salad as well. A Unique Defense Chuckwallas spend a good deal of time basking on rocks to achieve their […]
Read more » The Chuckwalla – a Hardy, Personable Candidate for the Desert Terrarium – Part 2

My Leopard Gecko Is Not Eating: What To Do

[…]food items.  Dietary variety is important for health reasons.  But providing different types of insects can also incite new interest in feeding.  We see this most commonly in chameleons, but the enthusiasm your Leopard Geckos will show for novel foods will leave you with no doubt as to their value. […]

First North American Captive Breeding of the Giant Horned Lizard

[…]well-experienced and able to provide for their very specific needs. Those that accept a variety of insects, such as the Short-Horned Lizard, Phrynosoma douglassii, are better choices than the ant specialists.  The Short-Horned Lizard, I learned to my surprise and delight many years ago, also gives birth to live young. […]
Read more » First North American Captive Breeding of the Giant Horned Lizard

Cicadas – An End of Summer Treat for Pet Reptiles, Amphibians and Invertebrates

[…]The waning days of summer bring with them the annual die-off of untold millions of large, juicy insects – the annual and periodical cicadas. More than 100 of the world’s 2,000+ cicada species make their home in North America, and they are widely distributed. I still hear them regularly in […]
Read more » Cicadas – An End of Summer Treat for Pet Reptiles, Amphibians and Invertebrates

Snake Surprise – “Virgin” Female Boa Constrictor Gives Birth

[…]reproduction or parthenogenesis – producing young without mating – is well known among insects and certain fishes (including Hammerhead Sharks), some of which can even switch sexes several times.  It has also been recorded in a small number of reptiles, such as the Brahminy Blind Snake, American Whiptail Lizards and […]
Read more » Snake Surprise – “Virgin” Female Boa Constrictor Gives Birth

The Cuatro Cienegas Slider (Trachemys scripta taylori) and other Unusual Relatives of the Red Eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans)

  Note: For further information on red eared sliders in the wild and captivity, please see The Red Eared Slider in Outdoor Ponds  and Typical and Atypical Habitats of the Red Eared Slider The red eared slider is familiar to herp enthusiasts the world over, but many of its relatives […]
Read more » The Cuatro Cienegas Slider (Trachemys scripta taylori) and other Unusual Relatives of the Red Eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans)

2012’s New Species – Spiders, Roaches, Millipedes, Wasps – Which is your Favorite?

[…]of all tarantula genera, seem to live only in plants known as Tank Bromeliads.  There they ambush insects that are attracted to water that collects at the bromeliads’ bases.  Among the newly-described species (genus Typhochaena) we also find the world’s smallest arboreal tarantulas.  Please see the article below for natural […]
Read more » 2012’s New Species – Spiders, Roaches, Millipedes, Wasps – Which is your Favorite?

Interesting Facts and the Care of the Senegal Chameleon

[…]second day hunting accuracy rises to 20%.  On day 4, the one-eyed hunters successfully capture insects on 50% of their attempts. Senses of Hearing and Smell Chameleons do not hear well …like snakes, they detect air vibrations and low-pitched sounds only. The Jacobsen’s organ, which allows many other reptiles to […]
Read more » Interesting Facts and the Care of the Senegal Chameleon

My Experiences with Snake Necked Turtles in Zoos and at Home

[…]efficiently.   Fish are favored by most, but tadpoles, crayfish, snails, carrion, worms, and insects are also taken; larger species occasionally add small lizards, frogs, snakes, and mammals to the diet.   Pet Snake Necks fare best on a diet comprised largely of whole organisms such as earthworms, occasional pre-killed […]
Read more » My Experiences with Snake Necked Turtles in Zoos and at Home

African Rainbow Skinks Now Breeding in Florida – Giant Ameivas Spreading

[…]in increasing numbers in Broward County, Palm Beach and the Corkscrew Swamp.  Capable of tackling insects, other lizards, frogs, nestling birds and small mammals, Giant Ameivas likely represent a significant threat to native wildlife.  Florida’s Giant Ameivas occur in 2 rather distinct forms, being either dark-colored or brightly-marked in green.  […]
Read more » African Rainbow Skinks Now Breeding in Florida – Giant Ameivas Spreading

Meet the Garter Snakes – Beautiful, Interesting and Hardy – Part 1

[…]Natricinae and the family Colubridae. Diet Frogs, tadpoles, earthworms, salamanders, fishes and insects comprise the diets of most species.  Several are immune to the virulent skin toxins of amphibians such as California newts, which have caused human fatalities when ingested, and toxin-protected American toads are the primary food of plains […]
Read more » Meet the Garter Snakes – Beautiful, Interesting and Hardy – Part 1

How to Care for African Giant Millipedes and Their Relatives

[…]monkeys rub their bodies with millipedes, apparently using these secretions to deter biting insects and parasites (please see below). Despite common names suggesting the presence of thousands of legs, most species have less than 150 pairs.  The “leggiest”, a rare millipede from the American Southwest, sports 750 legs (please see […]
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Snake and Spider Fears and Phobias – Instinctive or Learned

[…]and spiders, are drawn to homes and gardens due to an unnaturally high density of prey (rodents, insects) and in search of shelter.  During the dry season in Venezuela, I collected numerous treefrogs, bats and spiders indoors. Snakes and Primate Evolution So, based on my experiences, I leaned toward a […]
Read more » Snake and Spider Fears and Phobias – Instinctive or Learned

The Snapping Turtle, Chelydra serpentina – Part I, Natural History and Behavior in the Wild (with notes on size records)

[…]and lay fertile eggs for years after a single mating. The young, jet black in color, forage for insects, worms and carrion in shallow water, and often remain buried beneath the mud with only the eyes and nostrils exposed (as do adults). Hatchlings are preyed upon by large fish, bull […]
Read more » The Snapping Turtle, Chelydra serpentina – Part I, Natural History and Behavior in the Wild (with notes on size records)

Introducing the Nosy Be Gecko (or Spearpoint Leaf-Tailed Gecko) – Part 2

[…]with the tails of some species sporting holes and irregularities that seem to have been chewed by insects.  They also adopt poses and movements that heighten their camouflaging coloration and body form – the Nosy Be Gecko, for example, can hang head down from a branch in near-perfect mimicry of […]
Read more » Introducing the Nosy Be Gecko (or Spearpoint Leaf-Tailed Gecko) – Part 2

Interesting Facts about the Anatomy and Natural History of the Chameleons

[…]in prey weighing half as much as itself.  Armed in this manner, large chameleons take quite large insects, and even small birds and rodents on occasion. Further Reading Chameleon reproductive behavior is among the lizard-world’s most complex.  The abstract of an interesting research project is posted at […]
Read more » Interesting Facts about the Anatomy and Natural History of the Chameleons

Wild Caught Invertebrates as Reptile and Amphibian Food: Pesticide Concerns – Part 1

[…]over many years, fishes and birds that had concentrated the toxin in the course of feeding upon insects. The non-target species were not killed outright, but the cumulative effects of the concentrated DDT rendered bird eggshells brittle and subject to breakage. There are, of course, exceptions…but, in any event, pesticides […]
Read more » Wild Caught Invertebrates as Reptile and Amphibian Food: Pesticide Concerns – Part 1

Breeding the Malayan Leaf Frog (Long-Nosed or Bornean Horned Frog)

[…]Malayan Leaf Frog calling (great!) Malayan Leaf Frog Natural History Frog Diets Collecting Feeder Insects   Horned Frog image referenced from wikipedia and originally posted by Olaf Leillinger Aphids image referenced from wikipedia and originally posted by Michel Vuijlsteke Aphids image referenced from wikipedia and originally posted by Michel […]
Read more » Breeding the Malayan Leaf Frog (Long-Nosed or Bornean Horned Frog)

The 5 Worst Reptiles and Amphibians to Choose as Holiday Gifts

[…]size that renders Poison Frogs as difficult captives. They take live food only, and suitably-sized insects may be difficult to supply. Pinhead crickets and fruit flies, the most easily obtainable foods, are not an adequate long term diet. Springtails, flour beetle grubs, termites, leaf litter invertebrates, aphids, and other wild-caught […]
Read more » The 5 Worst Reptiles and Amphibians to Choose as Holiday Gifts

Terrestrial Isopods (Sowbugs, Pillbugs, Potato Bugs) As Food for Captive Reptiles and Amphibians

[…]Scavengers Isopods are crustaceans, and as such provide a variety of nutrients not to be found in insects. Another thing I like about using them has to do with their appetites – they will eat anything, so by feeding them a rich and varied diet you are improving their value […]
Read more » Terrestrial Isopods (Sowbugs, Pillbugs, Potato Bugs) As Food for Captive Reptiles and Amphibians

Spotted Turtle Care: Is This Beauty the Perfect Small Turtle Pet?

[…]of 88-90 F, is ideal.   Diet Wild Spotted Turtles feed upon fish, tadpoles, snails, carrion, insects, crayfish, shrimp, salamanders, frogs and aquatic plants. Pets should be offered a diet comprised largely of whole animals such as minnows, shiners, earthworms, snails, crayfish, and prawn. Some adults will also accept dandelion, […]
Read more » Spotted Turtle Care: Is This Beauty the Perfect Small Turtle Pet?

Pet Lizards: Large, Small, and Colorful Insectivores

[…]roaches, crickets, butterworms, waxworms, calciworms, silkworms, hornworms and wild caught insects is critical for their long-term health. Like most related lizards, Emerald Swifts are high-strung and should be viewed as pets to observe rather than handle.   Long Tailed Grass Lizard, Takydromus sexlineatus This active, attractive lizard is also sold […]
Read more » Pet Lizards: Large, Small, and Colorful Insectivores

The Eastern Newt – the Many Subspecies and Hybrids of a Poplar Pet – Part 1

[…]an excellent choice as a staple; blackworms, guppy fry, chopped earthworms, brine shrimp and small insects are appreciated. Most Eastern Newt populations pass through a 1 to 3 year-long terrestrial stage, during which time they are known as Efts.  The orange or red Efts (please see photo) consume tiny crickets, […]
Read more » The Eastern Newt – the Many Subspecies and Hybrids of a Poplar Pet – Part 1

Asian Leaf Turtle Care and Conservation: A Zookeeper’s Thoughts

[…]Asian Leaf Turtle’s appetite knows no bounds…in the wild, fish, tadpoles, snails, carrion, insects, and fruit are all taken with equal relish. Pets should be offered a diet comprised largely of whole animals such as earthworms, snails, insects, crayfish, prawn, minnows, an occasional pre-killed pink mouse and a variety of […]
Read more » Asian Leaf Turtle Care and Conservation: A Zookeeper’s Thoughts

The Painted Turtle – Notes on Captive Care and Natural History

[…]in peak condition with a diet comprised of Reptomin, Freeze Dried Shrimp, minnows, earthworms, insects and dandelion and other greens (please see the article below for notes on feeding vegetables).  Most other aquatic turtle foods can also be offered from time to time. Basic Necessities Other necessary husbandry tool are readily available […]
Read more » The Painted Turtle – Notes on Captive Care and Natural History

Albino and Leucistic American Bullfrogs, Rana catesbeiana (Lithobates catesbeianus): a Request for Your Input

[…]minnows, earthworms, well-fed crickets, roaches and wild-caught cicadas, grasshoppers and other insects.   Field notes on albino bullfrog tadpoles in the wild are detailed in an article posted at: http://fwie.fw.vt.edu/vnhs/pdf-files/pdf-full-articles/Full-Bullfrog%20albino%20tadpole.pdf A visitor to the aquarium exhibit mentioned in this article has posted a video about it, see […]
Read more » Albino and Leucistic American Bullfrogs, Rana catesbeiana (Lithobates catesbeianus): a Request for Your Input

Black Rough Neck Monitor Care and History

[…]natural diet.  Wild individuals seem to feed primarily upon grasshoppers, roaches and other large insects, frogs, crabs, and snails.  Scorpions, termites, birds and their eggs, and fish have also been recorded as being consumed.   A rodent-only diet will not work well for Rough Necked Monitors. Youngsters should be fed […]

Habits and Husbandry of the New Caledonia Giant Gecko

[…]were the most readily accepted live foods; butterworms, crickets, waxworms, and wild-caught insects were taken sporadically. A Two-Foot-Long Gecko? Haplodactylus delcourti, a gecko native to New Zealand, was, at 24.5 inches, a good deal longer than the New Caledonian Giant.  This species is known from only a single specimen.  It […]
Read more » Habits and Husbandry of the New Caledonia Giant Gecko

World’s Largest Arachnids – Eight-Foot-Long Scorpions of Ancient Seas

[…]Sea Scorpions and their Prey Scorpions: an Overview of Popular Species Why Were Prehistoric Insects so Huge?     Giant Sea Scorpion image referenced from wikipedia and originally posted by University of Bristol/Associated Press National Museum of Natural History, palaeontological exhibition, ordovician, Washington D.C image referenced from wikipedia and originally posted […]
Read more » World’s Largest Arachnids – Eight-Foot-Long Scorpions of Ancient Seas

Barbour’s Map Turtle Care and Natural History

[…]feed almost entirely upon fresh water mussels, snails and crayfish. Males take smaller snails, insects, crayfish, and fish.   Pets should be offered a diet comprised largely of snails, crayfish, and mussels, along with whole fishes, earthworms and prawn. Those under my care accepted apple snails and other native and […]
Read more » Barbour’s Map Turtle Care and Natural History

Green Iguana Care – Housing, Diet and Handling

[…]well as “insurance”. Protein In their natural environment, young Green Iguanas consume both insects and vegetation before switching to a plant-based diet as they mature.  While success has been had by using insects as a protein source for young iguanas, most keepers are better off relying upon legumes, such as […]
Read more » Green Iguana Care – Housing, Diet and Handling

Garter Snakes in Captivity – Diet and Species Accounts – Part 4

[…]while others refused them.   Smaller species (i.e. Butler’s Garter Snake) often accept insects and slugs. Garter snakes may be immune to the toxins of amphibians found in their habitats, but not to those of related species.  An aquatic garter snake that can safely feed upon California newts, for example, might […]
Read more » Garter Snakes in Captivity – Diet and Species Accounts – Part 4

The Natural History and Captive Care of the Mudpuppy – Part 2

[…]minnows, goldfishes and shiners. If available, hellgrammites, dragonfly larvae and other aquatic insects should be offered. The tadpoles of most native frogs are taken as well (please see photo), but I discourage using other amphibians as food for a variety of reasons (please write in if you need further info). […]
Read more » The Natural History and Captive Care of the Mudpuppy – Part 2

Green Anole Intelligence – Researchers Shocked by Lizard Brainpower

[…]believe that anoles are quick learners because they evolved in complex environments occupied by insects that are difficult to capture.  Mental acuity may partially explain the phenomenal success of this group, and the huge number of species (391 at last count) that now exist. But the existence of intelligent reptiles […]
Read more » Green Anole Intelligence – Researchers Shocked by Lizard Brainpower

Keeping and Breeding Blue Tongue/Blue-tongued Skinks – Part 1

[…]30 years) in captivity.  Inquisitive, handle-able and with easily met dietary requirements (live insects not needed!), Blue Tongues are becoming ever more popular among lizard fanciers. Which Skink is Which? Blue Tongue Skink taxonomy is somewhat confusing, with pet trade names, hybrids and captive bred color phases (i.e. orange, “sunglow”) […]
Read more » Keeping and Breeding Blue Tongue/Blue-tongued Skinks – Part 1

Giant Day Gecko Care and Natural History

[…]a healthful diet for several days prior to use.   If possible, also offer wild-caught insects (avoid pesticide-sprayed areas, and learn to identify stinging and toxic species; please see the articles linked below).  Moths, beetles, grasshoppers, tree crickets, earwigs, “smooth” caterpillars and a variety of others will be accepted. Your […]

The Mossy Treefrog – Notes on Captive Care and Natural History

[…]effective camouflage was not new to me – I had long marveled at Gaboon Vipers, Leaf Insects and other masters – the Mossy Frogs topped all I had seen.  Installed in an exhibit with moss and lichen covered rocks, they were nearly impossible to locate.  Even when I found one […]
Read more » The Mossy Treefrog – Notes on Captive Care and Natural History

Chameleon Notes – Rare Belalanda Chameleon; Pet Choices; New Research

[…]that as many as 1,000 may be poached each week! Lemurs, gorgeously-colored Mantella Frogs, plants, insects and scores of creatures are all in dire straits.  Fortunately, Mantellas and certain others breed well in captivity, but many species do not. Chameleon Research Recent studies of chameleons have challenged a few basic […]
Read more » Chameleon Notes – Rare Belalanda Chameleon; Pet Choices; New Research

Monitor Lizards as Pets: Dumeril Monitor Care and Natural History

[…]Monitors take a wide variety of prey animals, including grasshoppers, roaches, and other large insects, frogs, crabs, snails, bats, rodents and other small mammals, birds and their eggs, turtle eggs, and fish. Populations living in mangrove swamps seem to favor crabs and snails…in my experience, crabs and crayfish always elicit […]
Read more » Monitor Lizards as Pets: Dumeril Monitor Care and Natural History

The Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis carolinensis) in the Wild and Captivity; – Natural History – Part 1

[…]species, however (i.e. Genus Pristidactylus), are largely terrestrial. Anoles feed mainly upon insects, spiders and other invertebrates. Several species have been observed to lap nectar and sap, and the Puerto Rican anole (A. cristatellus wileyae) sometimes consumes fruit. The green anole is the only species native to the USA, although […]
Read more » The Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis carolinensis) in the Wild and Captivity; – Natural History – Part 1

The Natural History and Captive Care of the Softshell Turtles – Part 1

[…]any creature they can overpower, and their strike rivals that of any snake in speed; fishes, insects, snails, crayfishes, frogs, tadpoles, salamanders and carrion are all on the menu.  The flattened mouth ridges seen in some species may be an adaptation to crushing mussels and other mollusks. While field research […]
Read more » The Natural History and Captive Care of the Softshell Turtles – Part 1

Rough and Smooth Green Snakes – Beautiful Insect-Eaters for Planted Terrariums – Part 1

[…]behaviors in captivity.  They are also quite active and their efforts at tracking down live insects in complex displays are very interesting to observe. The Terrarium A vertically-oriented “tall style” aquarium of at least 30 gallon capacity is ideal is ideal for Green Snakes –cramped, bare quarters will lead to […]
Read more » Rough and Smooth Green Snakes – Beautiful Insect-Eaters for Planted Terrariums – Part 1

The Natural History and Captive Care of the Mexican Axolotl, Ambystoma mexicanum: Natural History – Part 2

[…]the first part of this article. Diet Mexican axolotls feed upon shrimp, aquatic worms, copepods, insects and other invertebrates and small fish. Adults are major predators upon small axolotls and axolotl eggs. The larvae are largely carnivorous, but may consume some algae as well. Their main predators are herons and […]
Read more » The Natural History and Captive Care of the Mexican Axolotl, Ambystoma mexicanum: Natural History – Part 2

Reptile Hobbyists – Helping or Hindering Reptile and Amphibian Conservation?

[…]of behaviors in small enclosures.  Lessons learned by hobbyists while keeping over 300 species of insects, spiders and scorpions have been applied to conservation programs for the Karner Blue Butterfly, Red-kneed Tarantula and scores of other endangered animals.  Similar scenarios apply to hundreds of reptile, amphibian, fish, bird and coral […]
Read more » Reptile Hobbyists – Helping or Hindering Reptile and Amphibian Conservation?

The Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis carolinensis) in the Wild and Captivity – Care in Captivity – Part 3

[…]feeding strategies of each.  For example, American toads will likely gobble up all non-climbing insects before anoles even begin to feed. On the other hand, anoles will leave no food for nocturnal hunters, such as green treefrogs, if all feeding is done during the day (the solution is to add […]
Read more » The Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis carolinensis) in the Wild and Captivity – Care in Captivity – Part 3

My Frog’s Color is Fading! Diet Changes can Brighten Frog Colors

[…]and other vertebrates must obtain them from their diet. Improving the Carotenoid Content of Feeder Insects Researchers at the University of Manchester and the Chester Zoo investigated carotenoid levels in three species of crickets and three different cricket diets (Zooquaria, No. 5, p.6). One of those studied, the Domestic or […]
Read more » My Frog’s Color is Fading! Diet Changes can Brighten Frog Colors

The Marine or Cane Toad, Bufo marinus (Rhinella marina) in Nature and Captivity – Marine Toads as Pets – Part 1

[…]capacity. During warm weather, Marine Toads can be housed in secure outdoor enclosures as well.  Insects lured by a small light or over-ripe fruit will supply your toads with important dietary variety. Their enclosure should be topped by a screen cover secured by clamps  and the substrate should be kept […]
Read more » The Marine or Cane Toad, Bufo marinus (Rhinella marina) in Nature and Captivity – Marine Toads as Pets – Part 1

Ant Control for Reptile and Amphibian Owners – Diatomaceous Earth

[…]to combat internal and external parasites. Diatomaceous earth is a desiccant, in that it kills insects by drawing moisture from their bodies. I believe it also clogs the spiracles, and so may interfere with respiration. Of course, an ant colony can send workers to replace those that are killed, but […]
Read more » Ant Control for Reptile and Amphibian Owners – Diatomaceous Earth

The Natural History and Care of Newts – Japanese and Chinese Fire-bellied Newts

[…]similar dried foods. Other favorites include live earthworms, blackworms, snails, tiny fishes, and insects. Like most newts, they become rather tame in captivity, readily accepting food from one’s fingers. Breeding Japanese Fire-Bellied Newts should be overwintered on wet moss at 40 to 50°F if breeding is to be successful. Courtship […]
Read more » The Natural History and Care of Newts – Japanese and Chinese Fire-bellied Newts

Crickets and Carotenoids – Study Examines Cricket Nutrient Levels

[…]Orthopterans, such as the various wetas (please see photo), are among the world’s heaviest insects, and seem capable of being more herp predator than herp food! In response to a virus that threatened House Cricket supplies, commercial breeders have begun working with the Jamaican House Cricket, Gryllus assimilis.  Adults are […]
Read more » Crickets and Carotenoids – Study Examines Cricket Nutrient Levels

The Yellow-Spotted Sideneck Turtle , Podocnemis unifilis, in the Wild and Captivity: Natural History – Part 2

[…]herbivorous and subsist largely upon aquatic vegetation and fallen fruits, but will also consume insects, fish, carrion, snails and crayfish (the preferred diet of juveniles). The yellow-spotted sideneck sometimes utilizes a feeding method known as neustophagia to filter particulate food matter from the water’s surface.  The turtle opens its jaws […]
Read more » The Yellow-Spotted Sideneck Turtle , Podocnemis unifilis, in the Wild and Captivity: Natural History – Part 2

New Species Found in 2014: Gymnastic Spiders and Other Invertebrates

[…]have contributed to the evolution of its unique escape style – other desert-adapted spiders and insects are able to roll away from danger.   Skeletons and Ghosts Southern California’s Santa Catalina Island is best known for sunny weather and beautiful ocean views. But a cave within one of its offshore […]
Read more » New Species Found in 2014: Gymnastic Spiders and Other Invertebrates

Inexpensive Homes for American Toads and Their Relatives

[…]toad or a 20 gallon long style tank for a pair. Be sure to use a fitted screen cover, as feeder insects are escape artists. Plastic Terrariums work well for young toads. Low Cost Alternative Plastic storage boxes can be transformed into “luxury toad suites”.  Simply cut out a section […]
Read more » Inexpensive Homes for American Toads and Their Relatives

Lizard Conservation in the USA – 2012 Declared “Year of the Lizard”

[…]in SW New Mexico and West Texas. Surveys of the habitat are not complete, but already 14 endemic insects have been discovered. Bringing Lizards into the Spotlight In light of the above, I applaud PARC’s decision to focus this year’s work on lizards. Coordinated research, conservation, and educational efforts will be utilized […]
Read more » Lizard Conservation in the USA – 2012 Declared “Year of the Lizard”

The Monitor Lizards (Family Varanidae) – Family Overview and Species Accounts, Part I

[…]predators, with the various species taking an incredibly huge array of prey – termites and other insects, snails, spiders, crayfish and other invertebrates, birds and their eggs, frogs, turtles, snakes, hatchling crocodiles and other reptiles and amphibians, and rodents, weasels, tree kangaroos and other mammals to the size of adult […]
Read more » The Monitor Lizards (Family Varanidae) – Family Overview and Species Accounts, Part I

The Natural History and Captive Care of the Pickerel Frog

[…]toxins, and are preyed upon a wide range of animals, including fishes, newts, turtles and aquatic insects. The Leopard Frog, Lithobates pipiens, resembles the Pickerel Frog and shares much of its range (please see photo).  The Leopard Frog lacks powerful skin toxins but may be avoided by predators due to […]
Read more » The Natural History and Captive Care of the Pickerel Frog

Pet Toads: Best Choices for Kids or First Time Pet Owners

[…]the tiny Oak Toad (A. quercicus) may present some feeding difficulties due to the size of the insects required. Other good choices for the terrarium include Houston, Southern, Fowler’s and Great Plains Toads. Owners invariably describe each using words such as “charming”, “droll”, “friendly” and “engaging”. All are sometimes active […]
Read more » Pet Toads: Best Choices for Kids or First Time Pet Owners

The Spotted Salamander, Ambystoma maculatum, – Care in Captivity – Part 1

[…]below rocks and leaf litter.  They are excellent salamander food and avidly consume feces, dead insects and decaying moss (a bit of fish flake food added occasionally will keep them in top shape and assure that they reproduce).    Land snails are also excellent scavengers, and both they and isopods […]
Read more » The Spotted Salamander, Ambystoma maculatum, – Care in Captivity – Part 1

Pet Snakes That Don’t Eat Rodents: Insect-Eating Snake Care

Snakes that feed solely upon insects, earthworms, spiders, snails and other invertebrates are a great choice for folks who would rather not handle rats and mice. They also have other attractive characteristics, including small size, inoffensive natures, and adaptability to naturalistic terrariums containing live plants. What’s more, most receive scant […]
Read more » Pet Snakes That Don’t Eat Rodents: Insect-Eating Snake Care

Rosy Boa or Colombian Red-Tailed Boa? Choosing the Best Snake Pet

[…]for the Rosy Boa, are seemingly endless. Several Rosy Boas that I encountered while studying insects in Baja California, which were blue-gray and marked with 3 pinkish-orange stripes, stand out as being among the most beautiful snakes I’ve seen.   The Colombian Boa’s great size makes it vastly-more expensive to […]
Read more » Rosy Boa or Colombian Red-Tailed Boa? Choosing the Best Snake Pet

Leopard Gecko or Bearded Dragon? Choosing the Best Pet Lizard

[…]of 95-110 F Lizard Diet Leopard Geckos are carnivorous. Young Bearded Dragons feed largely upon insects, adding plants to the diet as they mature. Both require highly varied diets comprised of vitamin/mineral supplemented roaches, silkworms, crickets and other invertebrates. Bearded Dragons also need various greens and, perhaps, a high quality […]
Read more » Leopard Gecko or Bearded Dragon? Choosing the Best Pet Lizard

Milksnake Care – Keeping the Sinaloan Milksnake and Related Species

[…]for a time.  In the wild, youngsters feed primarily upon frogs, small lizards and, perhaps, large insects.  Scenting a pinky with these foods will encourage reluctant feeders. Companions Many Milksnake subspecies favor other snakes as food, and are notorious cannibals.  Hatchlings are especially difficult to rear in groups, but adults […]
Read more » Milksnake Care – Keeping the Sinaloan Milksnake and Related Species

Amphiuma Care: Keeping one of the World’s Largest Amphibians

[…]Small crayfishes are a great favorite (I remove the claws for safety’s sake). Crickets and other insects, shrimp, and frozen foods formulated for large aquarium fish are also readily accepted.   After a time in captivity, most individuals will accept turtle pellets and freeze-dried shrimp.     Related Articles Mudpuppy […]
Read more » Amphiuma Care: Keeping one of the World’s Largest Amphibians

Your First Pet Lizard: a Checklist of Things to Consider

[…]Gecko needs only a 10 gallon aquarium with a low-wattage basking bulb, and a diet of small live insects…much less expensive than a 6 foot-long Water Monitor kept in a room-sized cage supplied year-round with powerful heat lamps and UVB bulbs and feeding upon rats and other rodents.   Veterinary […]
Read more » Your First Pet Lizard: a Checklist of Things to Consider

Choosing the Best Turtle Filters: 10 Vital Points

[…]goldfish ponds and filters are wonderful options. Nothing tops natural sunlight and an influx of insects in maintaining turtle health, and egg-deposition sites, almost impossible to include in aquariums, are easily arranged.     Further Reading The Best Turtle Filters Turtle Water Quality Slider, Map and Painted Turtle […]
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The Best Snake Pets – 5 Top Choices for Snake Keepers

[…]prey they take –venomous snakes (please see video below), lizards, rodents, frogs, turtle eggs, insects and birds are all on the menu. Captives are rarely particular, however, and fare well on mice. Kingsnakes are quite hardy and breed readily, but cannot tolerate damp conditions. Cannibalism is a definite concern as […]
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Swollen Eyes in Red Eared Sliders and other Aquatic Turtles

[…]diet as they mature.  When purchased as hatchlings, many such turtles become accustomed to eating insects, fish, earthworms and high protein turtle chows, and steadfastly refuse to accept Vitamin A-rich greens as they reach adulthood.  Efforts must be made to introduce these healthy foods early, and reluctant adults must be […]
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Amphipods (Scuds, Side-Swimmers) as Food for Amphibians and Reptiles

[…]in natural diets of many reptiles and amphibians.  They contain nutrients not found in insects, and are likely a rich source of calcium.  Several species are easy to collect and breed in captivity, but, unlike sowbugs, they rarely attract much attention from hobbyists (please see the article below for information […]
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The Two Toed Amphiuma: a Giant Salamander that Bites Like a Watersnake!

[…]that can be overcome, including frogs, tadpoles, salamanders, small snakes and turtles, fish, insects, snails, crayfish and carrion. They hunt largely by smell, and appear to have chemo-receptive glands along the body – a food item touched by any portion of the body is instantly seized.   The Mud Snake […]
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Red Eared Slider Turtles: Finding the Best Calcium Sources

[…]and golden shiners. Both are usually raised in outdoor ponds, and have therefore consumed insects and other invertebrates in addition to prepared diets. This may give them a superior nutrition profile. Depending upon the turtle species in question, I offer fish at least once weekly.   I also use minnow […]
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North America’s Colorful, Venomous Lizard – The Gila Monster, Heloderma suspectum

[…]and other ground-nesting birds, lizards and their eggs, tortoise eggs, locusts and other large insects and carrion. These lizards are well-adapted to a harsh environment in which food is often scarce.  They gorge when food is available, consuming up to 50% of their bodyweight, and in some areas eat but […]
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Do Newts and Salamanders Make Good Pets? Five Points to Consider

[…]far more enthusiastically than are crickets! Please see these articles for tips on collecting insects.   Useful invertebrates that you can buy include roaches, butterworms, calciworms, silkworms, and sow bugs.   Newts are simpler to feed than are terrestrial species, as nearly all (i.e. Red-Spotted, Crested, Paddle-tailed, Ribbed) will accept […]
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The 5 Best Reptiles and Amphibians to Choose as Holiday Gifts

[…]almost all other frogs, accept non-living foods such as reptile and fish pellets (occasional insects are also appreciated). A simple filter and weekly partial water changes are essential to their health…provided that, African Clawed Frogs will prove to be among the hardiest of all amphibian pets.       Further […]
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Cricket Care and Breeding – Keeping Your Live Food Alive

[…]people. Their taxonomic order, Orthoptera, contains over 20,000 grasshoppers, katydids and related insects. The USA is home to over 120 cricket species; my favorites, the bizarre Mole Crickets, tunnel below-ground with spade-like front legs (please see photo).  Over 3,000 species have been described worldwide. New Zealand’s “super cricket”, the Giant Weta, […]
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The Natural History and Captive Care of the Frilled Dragon or Frillneck Lizard, Chlamydosaurus kingii – Part I, Frilled Dragons in the Wild

[…]arboreal, they feed on the ground by dropping from their tree-trunk perches to intercept passing insects and small animals. Research has shown that, immediately after dry season fires, the percentage of large invertebrates in the frilled dragons’ diets increases significantly.  It seems that the lizards are able to see larger […]
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Thanksgiving at the Zoo: The Giant Appetites of Snakes, Frogs, and Moles

[…]including woodchucks, baby raccoons, flying squirrels and numerous native herps, birds, and insects, and simply could not keep up with the mole’s appetite. Reluctantly, I released the ravenous little beast – I’ve yet to come across another.   I also kept another small insectivore, the Short-tailed Shrew. Driven by a […]
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Turtles and Tortoises: 5 You Should Never Keep as Pets

[…]have revealed that youngsters feed largely upon two snail species. Some adults add mussels, insects, fish and other items to the diet, but even these fail to thrive in zoos or private collections. I’ve spoken with people who have kept them in seemingly perfect situations, but all wind up frustrated. […]
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The Marine Toad, Bufo marinus (recently re-classified as Rhinella marina) in Nature and Captivity – Part I, Natural History

[…]their keepers, and those living in developed areas learn to gather under street lights to capture insects. A field report detailing some of the unusual foods and other items found in the stomachs’ of free-living Marine Toads is posted […]
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Rosy Boa and Sand Boa Captive Care and Natural History

[…]natural variations are seemingly endless.  Several individuals that I encountered while studying insects in Baja California, Mexico stand out as being among the most beautiful snakes I’ve seen.  A number of unique color strains, ranging from black through orange-striped to white, have been developed by hobbyists. The Sand Boas Twelve […]
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The Natural History and Captive Care of the Black (Eastern) Ratsnake, Elaphe (obsoleta) alleghaniensis

[…]creatures, but also take birds and their eggs. Young snakes include lizards, frogs and large insects (i.e. cicadas) in their diet. A colleague of mine observed 6 foot-long (yellow-phase) black ratsnake attempting to constrict a white-tailed deer fawn on St. Catherine’s Island, Georgia. The fawn, which might have set a […]
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The Common Musk Turtle – My Choice for Perfect Pet Turtle, with Notes on Relatives

[…]reported to eat plants on occasion, the Common Musk feeds mainly upon crayfishes, fish, carrion, insects, leeches, tadpoles and snails. Hatchlings, vulnerable to predation due to their small size, are consumed by bullfrogs, fishes, giant water bugs, raccoons and other creatures. Captive Care As turtles go, Common Musks are quite […]
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Geckos – Setting Up a Terrarium, Gecko Supplies, and Gecko Facts

[…]Most terrariums should be misted twice daily. A Note on Diet Most geckos feed largely upon insects, but many take nectar and over-ripe fruits as well; the voracious Tokay Gecko will consume small birds, rodents, frogs, snakes and lizards.  A highly-varied diet is essential – Crickets and mealworms alone, even […]
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The USA’s Only Native Rear-Fanged Vine Snake: Care and Natural History

[…]natural diet is comprised of lizards, treefrogs and small birds; small arboreal rodents and insects may also be taken, but detailed field studies are lacking. Brown Anoles, Mediterranean Geckos and several other small lizards that have been introduced to Florida are the most reliably-available captive foods (in my experience, anoles […]
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Pet Newts: Spanish Ribbed Newt Care and Breeding

[…]Food and Reptomin Food Sticks can be used as the basis of the diet. Freeze-dried shrimp, “gelled insects”, and frozen fish foods (i.e. mosquito larvae) should be offered regularly.   A variety of live foods will help ensure a balanced diet. Blackworms, bloodworms, earthworms, guppies, small crickets and similar foods […]
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The Indigo Snake’s Less Expensive-Relative: Blacktail Cribo Care and Natural History

[…]Rodents, rabbits, snakes, birds and their eggs, lizards, frogs, fish, small turtles are large insects have been reported as being taken. I have first-hand experience with impressive biting power packed by most rodents, and find it amazing that Cribos do not utilize constriction, but merely grab and swallow their victims! […]
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East African Black Mud Turtle Care: a Herpetologist’s Thoughts

[…]African Mud Turtles take a huge variety of foods, including fish, tadpoles, snails, carrion, insects, frogs and small snakes. Aquatic and terrestrial plants have been reported in the diets of some populations as well.   Pets should be offered a diet comprised largely of whole animals such as fish, earthworms, […]
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Venomous Snakes: Care and Habits of the Cottonmouth or Water Moccasin

[…]would move about in an apparent search for food. I’m wondering if youngsters consume insects as well; the closely-related Copperhead has been observed feeding upon cicadas and grasshoppers.   Cottonmouths under my care were fed minnows, shiners, trout, goldfish, mice and rats; I’ve always meant to try crayfish, but unfortunately […]
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Chameleons as Pets: Breeding Senegal Chameleons

[…]or related problems. I favor ZooMed calcium supplements, and always nutrient load feeder insects unless they are wild-caught; please see the article linked below for more on calcium supplementation and diet.   Females fed a high calcium diet may nevertheless retain eggs if they are dehydrated. Senegal Chameleons rarely drink […]
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Eastern Painted Turtle Care: Keeping the USA’s Most Beautiful Turtle

[…]food items include earthworms, krill, freeze-dried river shrimp and crickets, waxworms and other insects.   Breeding Wild females become sexually mature at age 5-10, males at age 3-5. Courting and breeding occurs in May and June, and females deposit 1-4 clutches of eggs (1-15 eggs in total) between May and […]
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