September 2025

According to a study published in the Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, the Burmese python (Python molurus bivittatus), now competing with the American alligator as the apex predator in the Florida Everglades food chain, demonstrates a notable ability to endure prolonged exposure to saltwater. Titled “Experimentally derived salinity tolerance of hatchling Burmese pythons […]

The western hognose snake (Heterodon nasicus nasicus), also known as the puff adder, spreading adder, or viper-headed hognose, was once considered a marginal colubrid species. It was often listed in the ‘Miscellaneous’ section of pre-Internet reptile price lists alongside snakes like Thamnophis or Masticophis species. Despite its interesting behaviors, its rather drab appearance limited its

Several years ago, I worked incubating, hatching, and raising Eastern Indigo snakes (Drymarchon couperi) for a head start and release program in Alabama. It was the most rewarding work I’ve ever done, allowing me to work with what I consider the most impressive snake in this part of the world while contributing to its conservation.

There are many different types of food items to offer captive reptiles and amphibians. For smaller carnivorous lizards and amphibians, feeding them a varied diet that includes insects dusted with supplements, such as calcium and vitamins, goes a long way in promoting optimal health for your herps. For larger carnivorous reptiles, such as monitor lizards

Q: I have a pair of gold dust day geckos (Phelsuma laticauda) that just laid three eggs. Once the eggs hatch and the geckos mature sexually, I would like to try breeding one of them with a lined day gecko (Phelsuma lineata) that I also have. Will this work? If it does, will the coloration

Barten, S.L. 1996. “Lizards,” from Reptile Medicine and Surgery. Mader, D.R. (ed), pp. 47-61. Saunders, Philadelphia, PA. DeNardo, D. 1996. “Dystocias,” from Reptile Medicine and Surgery. Mader, D.R. (ed), pp. 370-373. Saunders, Philadelphia, PA. DeNardo, D. 1996. “Reproductive biology,” from Reptile Medicine and Surgery. Mader, D.R. (ed), pp. 212-223. Saunders, Philadelphia, PA. Dugan, B. 1982.

Q. I recently acquired a pair of banded geckos (Coleonyx variegatus). I housed them in a 25-gallon tank until discovering the female was nearing egg deposition. Subsequently, I transferred the female to a smaller enclosure until she completed laying her clutch. I seek further information regarding the reproductive behavior of these delicate geckos. Bennett Hubbard

Congratulations on choosing a gecko as your pet! Geckos are excellent companions that require relatively low maintenance compared to cats or dogs. They can thrive in compact living spaces, produce no allergenic fur or feathers, and do not require outdoor walks. This article introduces five gecko species suitable for both beginners and experienced reptile keepers.

When most people think of monitor lizards, they envision large and powerful reptiles, similar to the Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis). Vivid coloration is rarely associated with varanids, as most well-known species like V. salvator and V. exanthematicus exhibit rather subdued hues. In contrast, members of the tree monitor group (the Varanus prasinus complex) display some

The Rainbow Agama, also known as the Rainbow Lizard, is a species of lizard in the Agamidae family, primarily found in sub-Saharan Africa. It measures approximately 13-30 cm in length and has two subspecies characterized by triangular heads, robust bodies, long tails and limbs, small dorsal crests on the neck, and spiny flaps around the