Reptiles, Rodents & Small Pets

Determining the sex of amphibians, a process known as sexing, can often be quite difficult, as they lack external sex organs. In frogs sexual dimorphism (obvious differences in form, size or color...

The desert tree frog, also called the red tree frog or ruddy tree frog, is a small Australian frog that can range in color from gray to red-brown. Its predators include snakes, toads and mammals....

There are four varieties of dwarf hamsters that are popular in the pet market--the Russian (also called Siberian or Campbell's), the winter white, the Chinese and the Roborovski. However, dwarf...

There are more than 100 species of chameleons that all share a similar diet. Most are insectivores with the larger species enjoying a bird or rodent when the opportunity arises. A species few also...

The Cook Islands, low coral atolls located in the South Pacific about halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand, are home to about 20 reptile species, native and imported.

Design a turtle enclosure in your backyard for the most natural lifestyle for your pet turtles. Turtles like to be able to dig, hide, rest in water, and in some cases even swim. Keeping a turtle...

Snake owners face many challenges. Their pets are often feared and misunderstood. Veterinary care requires a veterinarian who is knowledgeable about snakes. Grocery stores don't stock snake food...

If you are considering keeping a pet hamster, you are in for a treat. These little bundles of fur are clean, inexpensive and easy to keep. They make a wonderful pet if you live in a small place...

Scorpions are venomous arthropods that are part of the Arachnida class and are akin to spiders, ticks and mites. There are more than 1,000 different species of scorpions throughout the world.

A gecko is a small to medium-sized lizard with at least 68 species and sub-species. While each individual species exhibits different characteristics, there are traits common among most species.

There are many "factors" to consider when setting out to "harvest" or collect aquatic turtles. Some of the physical ones may be seasonal, population of the species, location and accessibility. ...

Soft-shelled turtles, or "soft-shells," are carnivorous, water-dwelling turtles of the taxonomic family Trionychidae. There are at least twenty-six known species, characterized by their soft...

In the words of Indiana Jones: "Why'd it have to be snakes?" There's nothing worse for me than discovering a snake in the garden. Perhaps it's the sliminess or just not knowing whether...

Salamanders are amphibians that resemble lizards although they are not part of the lizard family. These nocturnal creatures live predominantly in the south eastern United States but can be found...

It's very common to come across baby turtles in your backyard or alongside the road, especially if you live near a body of water. Baby turtles can easily be identified with a little research and...

Geckos are widely distributed lizards, especially prevalent in the tropics and subtropics of both the New World and Old World. A number of species are popular in captivity, and knowledge of their...

Geckos are small to medium-sized lizards, and there are more than 1,000 different species spread throughout the world, many of which people keep as pets. According to Encyclopedia.com, geckos are...

Both cobras and rattlesnakes are dangerous and efficient predators. Both snakes can deliver fatal bites to humans, but they have different types of venom. Although the snakes are similar in the...

People frequently capture or purchase turtles and keep them as pets. Many different types of turtles make good pets, according to the Reptile Channel website. They are easy to care for and require...

Boa constrictors are a thick-bodied snake that can weigh more than 100 pounds. Types of boa constrictor include Colombian, red-tail and albino. A loss of habitat and poor care by people keeping...

Geckos are reptiles that are found in warm, wet climates and are favored by some as pets. They are unique in their ability to communicate vocally. There are over 600 gecko species.

There are more than 10,000 different species, or types, of grasshoppers. Each species has unique characteristics when it comes to geographic location, anatomy and trends in behavior. In addition...

Before acquiring a pet reptile, please do research on how large they get. Pet stores only sell young animals and many species of lizards, snakes and turtles will quickly outgrow these homes. Since...

Poison frogs are brilliantly colored amphibians that reside in rainforests. Their toxicity varies from one species to another, and they are generally between 3/4 and 2-1/2 inches in length.

Reptiles can be purchased in almost any major pet store or at reptile shows and expos. Private breeders also sell reptiles. With so many choices, wise reptile buyers will shop around to find...

Spider mites are a common pest that affect gardens, forests, the commercial produce industry and even house plants. Plants affected by spider mites start to show dead spots and discoloration,...

Most people who suffer from scorpion stings are not keeping them as pets, but instead accidentally stumble upon these arachnids in nature. Of the hundreds of scorpion species in the world, only...

Ladybugs, also known as Coccinellidae, are a type of small beetle often found in gardens. Coccinellidae means "little sphere," referring to a ladybug's shiny, brightly colored shell body. The term...

Painted turtles are considered the most widely distributed turtle species in North America. They are found all over the United States in bogs, marshes, rivers, lakes and streams.

Reptiles have been around for hundreds of millions of year. Their life spans can range from a few years to decades. The inception, hatching and maturing of a reptile depend on factors ranging from...

According to petplace.com, reptiles have existed on Earth for over 300 million years, after first evolving during the during the Upper Carboniferous period. Since that time, over 8,000 types of...

The earthworm is known and recognized by most people. That familiarity can be linked to the fact that earthworms are found worldwide, with the only exceptions being deserts, polar regions and...

Hamsters are small, desert-dwelling rodents that have hit it big in the pet industry. There are now several types of hamsters available as pets, the most common of which is the Syrian or golden...

When you pick your baby turtle out at the pet store or breeder, ask for care information specific to its species. If you discover a turtle in the wild, leave him in his natural habitat. However,...

Turtles are a familiar pet in many households. Popular with children and adults alike, these reptiles encompass many different habitats in many different parts of the world. Among the most common,...

Boa constrictors are very large, carnivorous snakes that slowly suffocate their prey before swallowing them whole. These snakes can grow as long as 13 feet. It's because of their mild temperament...

Wild geckos are abundant reptiles, and as a result, they are classified into hundreds of species. To live, they find shelter, eat, breed and protect themselves just as most animals do. Although...

Walking stick insects or phasmatidae live world-wide in temperate, tropical and subtropical climatic zones. These herbivorous insects disguise themselves as part of the plants they feed upon, with...

With over 50 species in the United States and over 250 species worldwide, there is a wide variety of types of turtles. In the United States, laws vary from state to state regarding what types are...

When it comes to pets, turtles are great starter pets and great for those that are looking for a low-maintenance companion. They don't make a whole bunch of noise, there is no mess to clean up,...

Praying mantises are seen as a beneficial insect --- preying upon other insects, often those that are harmful to human health and property. Despite its fearsome looks, the praying mantis does not...

Snails were likely slowly traveling the earth 600 million years ago. A type of mollusk, snails are hermaphrodites, meaning that each individual can produce both sperm and eggs. A snail can live to...

Chameleons are creatures best known for their ability to change color. This ability is largely exaggerated in popular culture, however. Chameleons can only change to a few colors and the change is...

Some people like boat racing, some people like bake sales, and other people like... bats. Despite the fact that we have an attic full of the creatures, my husband has an adopted bat, a fruit bat...

Millipedes reproduce sexually, where the sperm from the male is deposited inside the body of the female to fertilize her eggs. In millipedes, depending on the species, mating can take up to two...

Turtles are varied creatures, and there are many species with each having differing behaviors, diets and habits. Some turtles are carnivores, some are omnivores and some are vegetarians. For all...

Ladybugs, also known as lady beetles, are the colorful and cute little insects especially loved by children. There are about 5,000 different species of lady bugs, which have an average lifespan of...

Turtles are small, they're cute, and they're not hard to take care of, which makes them pretty good pets for just about anyone. There are plenty of species to choose from, some of them better than...

Both frogs and toads are members of the order Anura, so all toads are frogs. But true frogs and true toads have their own specific families, species and characteristics.

Besides being utterly adorable, baby turtles are energetic, instinctual water lovers. They are found on all continents and often serve as great pets as long as they are given room to grow. They...