Red-footed tortoises (Chelonoidis carbonaria) are popular pets in the U.S. They originate from South America and have simple care requirements. Their low cost, inquisitive personality and beautiful colors draw them to first-time tortoise keepers. A red-footed tortoise is easier to care for in warm, humid climates because it can live year-round outdoors. Wild-caught tortoises have […]
The red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) is a freshwater turtle native to North America. The descriptive name comes from the red streaks that frame its face. Availability, Size and Lifespan Red-eared sliders are available at pet vendors, local pet stores, large-scale turtle farms and reptile breeders. They may also be found through rescue organizations. These […]
Gargoyle geckos (Rhacodactylus auriculatus) originate from southern New Caledonia, an island chain to the east of Australia, much like crested geckos. Their name comes from the bumps on their heads, which are reminiscent of horns or ears. These bumps, along with their prehensile tails and triangular-shaped heads, make gargoyle geckos identifiable. Availability, Size and Lifespan […]
Also known as spiny-tailed lizards, uromastyx, or agamids, come from Africa, specifically Nigeria. The name comes from a Greek description of their appearance: “oura” for tail and “mastigo” for scourge or whip. They often come in red and yellow varieties. Availability, Size and Lifespan Uromastyxs are imported to the U.S. but are becoming popular with […]
Common garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis) are small snakes found throughout North America. These highly active snakes need a substantial habitat relative to their size, though they have relatively low maintenance needs. Being among the most harmless of the world’s snakes, it’s easy to see why garter snakes have slithered their way to being incredibly popular […]
Halmahera skinks (Tiliqua gigas gigas Halmahera) are a species of blue-tongued skink that hail from the large island of Halmahera in the North Maluku province of Indonesia. Halmahera skinks are identifiable from other blue-tongue skinks by their reddish-gray coloring, thin, black marking on their heads and patterned black and white or pink bellies. Large and […]
Pacman frogs, or Argentine horned frogs, are a robust frog found in moist grasslands from Argentina to Brazil. Their name is taken from the iconic 1980s Pac-Man arcade game, as they share the same voracious appetite, round body and large mouth. Over the years, due to their easy care, general hardiness and availability of captive-bred […]
White’s tree frog, also known as the dumpy tree frog, is native to Indonesia, New Guinea and parts of Australia. It is larger than most frogs at about four to five inches; males are slightly smaller than females and possess a vocal sac. Adult frogs will have a fatty ridge above the eyes, which gives […]
Box turtles are a semi-aquatic species that are native to North America. They require humid and damp conditions, which is important for hatchlings, as they can dehydrate quickly. The most common box turtles are the three-toed, Eastern, Gulf Coast, Florida and ornate. Box Turtle Caging The best cages for box turtles are glass terrariums or […]
As on the most common pet tarantulas in the world, the Chilean rose hair tarantula is one of the most docile, easy to care for and inexpensive arachnids. In the wild, they mostly inhabit dry grasslands of Chile, Bolivia and Argentina. They are naturally solitary, nocturnal hunters that live in moist, cool burrows. They are […]
