Reptile Care

The Mayo Clinic has received a $2.5 million grant from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health, to study the effects of an engineered guanylyl cyclase (GC) activator called cenderitide on cardiac and renal injuries following a heart attack. Cenderitide was invented by Mayo Clinic researchers using venom […]

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.

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

Bearded Dragons, scientifically known as Pogona vitticeps, are moderately difficult to care for. This guide was published on July 2, 2015, and last updated on September 28, 2023. Native to eastern and central Australia, bearded dragons can be found in various habitats such as semiarid deserts, scrublands, and dry forests. Their name is derived from

Blue Tongue Skink (Tiliqua spp.) have a difficulty level ranging from low to moderate. Published on April 22, 2017 and last updated on November 15, 2023. Blue tongue skinks are a genus of diurnal, terrestrial lizard found throughout Australia and parts of Indonesia. All Tiliqua species (except the Adelaide pygmy skink, T. adelaidensis which is

Boa Constrictor Care Boa Constrictor (Boa sp.) is a medium to large, semi-arboreal genus of snakes native to Central and South America. These snakes are often surrounded by myths and are mistakenly referred to as ‘boa constrictors,’ which actually refers to just one of the 3 species: Boa constrictor amarali, Boa constrictor constrictor, and Boa

Introducing the Corn Snake: Corn snakes, scientifically known as Pantherophis guttatus, are nonvenomous and semi-arboreal, predominantly found in the southeastern United States. They are also reported in the Cayman Islands and may have an invasive population in Brazil. These snakes inhabit temperate forests, favoring wooded areas, rocky hillsides, meadowland, and even human-made structures like barns

Crested Geckos, scientifically known as Correlophus ciliatus, are native to New Caledonia and are an arboreal species of gecko found primarily on the islands of Grande Terre and Isle of Pines. These unique reptiles are named for their distinctive eyelash-like crests, which also contribute to their endearing appearance. Once believed to be extinct, crested geckos

Dumeril’s Boa Care Guide: Expert Tips for Raising Acrantophis dumerili. Dumeril’s Boa (Acrantophis dumerili) is an intermediate-level pet for reptile enthusiasts. This guide was first published on July 31, 2016, and last updated on June 12, 2023. Dumeril’s boas, native to the spiny thickets and forests of southwestern Madagascar, are ground-dwelling, ovoviviparous snakes. Unlike the