Discover the expert in you.
Discover the expert in you.
Wild snakes get what they need from their natural habitat, and pet snakes must be able to satisfy these same needs in captivity. In the case of ball pythons (Python regius), these resources include proper temperatures, hiding spots, substrate, water and appropriate cage space. If provided with a quality habitat, ball pythons can live exceptionally long lives; the oldest recorded snake was a ball python that was held in captivity for 48 years before its death.
Boa constrictors (Boa constrictor ssp.) are popular pets due to their beautiful coloration and generally docile disposition. There are pros and cons to keeping a boa constrictor while you live in an apartment, so explore all sides of the issue before you commit to owning a snake that may live over 40 years.
A pet boa constrictor can live 20 to 30 years if you care for him extremely well. A boa constrictor doesn't need to go on walks or chase a laser pointer; he needs you to accommodate his habits, which are deeply ingrained by natural instincts. By equipping him for indulging his natural habits, you ensure his health and his happiness.
Enjoying a boa constrictor as a pet is not a small commitment. Boas can grow longer than 8 feet, and many live more than 20 years in captivity. During that time, it's possible even the best-cared-for snake can develop health issues, but observing your snake closely can help you determine whether any issues exist.
Scorpions are far less fierce and frightening than they appear. Between the scorpion's pincers and their long, whip-like tail, these arachnids look dangerous, but the vast majority of them are harmless. That doesn't mean that your child is home free, however, because certain scorpions do have venom in their sting. Knowing what to look for and what precautionary measures to take will help keep your child safe.
Making fondant butterflies is really easy, so long as you break the process down into a series of manageable steps. Make fondant butterflies with help from the Cake Diva in this free video clip.
There are a few things you can do to make the process of a snake shedding his or her eyecaps easier on the animal. Help your snake shed eyecaps with help from a dynamic, holistic and conventional veterinarian in this free video clip.
A properly cared for pet boa constrictor has a lifespan of between 20 and 30 years. If you want your pets to live long, healthy lives, you have to spend a significant amount of time maintaining your boa constrictors' living environment. Failing to keep a boa constrictor's living enclosure clean can cause significant health problems for the snake due to bacteria and infections.
Fractions and the Butterfly method are directly related in a number of interesting ways. Learn about fractions and the Butterfly method with help from a mathematics educator in this free video clip.
Moths being attracted to your clothes isn't something you just have to deal with. Learn about herbal repellent for clothes from moths with help from an expert on green pest control in this free video clip.
Young children adore the notion of homely caterpillars transforming into beautiful butterflies. While children in preschool may be too young to fully understand the specifics of the process, there are many entertaining and educational activities you can do with them. Activities on butterflies turning into caterpillars serve to illustrate the wonders of our world while engaging kids in the process.
Cockroaches are scavengers who often feed on deceased animals and waste, so their presence in the home is never welcomed. Although an occasional cockroach sighting is inevitable in some regions, an infestation is cause for alarm since it may lead to bacterial and viral illnesses, and allergy attacks. Cockroaches look for shelter, food and water when hunting for a new habitat. Although poorly maintained buildings are most commonly infested, it is not unheard of for apparently pristine homes to be invaded by cockroaches.
Whether looking to attract butterflies to your backyard or simply enjoy artistic renderings of these beautiful insects, square butterfly planters are sure to delight the eyes of all who wander through your garden. Look for square planters made of different materials for a varied garden look, or stick with the same type of planter for a more uniform appearance. Plant butterfly-friendly flowers in planters if desired to bring these winged insects to your property.
Butterflyweed (Asclepias curassavica), also called tropical milkweed, silkweed, Mexican milkweed and bloodflower, is a species of milkweed that is hardy enough to survive in most parts of the United States. Cutting back the plant helps control overgrowth and keeps it in bloom, and pruning should take place at different times of the year -- between late spring and late fall, and ending before any major snowfall in your area.
A red-tailed boa can grow to up to 10 feet in length and weigh 50 pounds as an adult. Boa enclosures require at least three different activity areas to ensure that the occupants will be comfortable. Red-tailed boas are also great escape artists, finding any weakness in the structure to push through. For this reason, these enclosures need to be fairly large and sturdy, and, if the enclosure has a detachable top, the top must fasten securely into place.
Even kids can get in on the drawing fun if you approach it in the right way. Learn how to draw garter snakes for kids with help from an artist with many years of drawing training and experience in this free video clip.
Geraniums that repel moths provide an alternative to highly toxic moth balls for pest control. Natural repellents, including scented geraniums, mask the odor of fabrics, confusing moths and helping to repel them. Using scented geranium might help to prevent moth infestations in closets and drawers to keep your clothing and linens free of moth holes.
Mesh butterflies can adorn the bedrooms of little girls, adding frilly and colorful decor. Because these butterfly decorations are lightweight, hanging them is not a difficult task. Hang mesh butterflies without nails to ensure you do not mar the wall surface. Small adhesive hooks will effectively hold the butterflies right where you want them. When you wish to take down the butterflies, remove the adhesive hooks carefully to avoid damaging the wall.
The butterfly is a challenging stroke for novice swimmers to learn because the arms and legs operate in two patterns – thrusting with the arms and kicking with the legs, while synchronizing breathing. It is best taught to novices in two separate parts, starting with the kick. Swimmers should begin in chest-deep water, with a kickboard and fins, to help the swimmer learn the movements and synchronize the kicking, stroke and breathing technique.
A grasshopper escapement is a type of clock mechanism that features two "arms" that rock back and forth, moving the pendulum and the one or two gears that push the clock's hands forward with appropriate timing. Such escapements and the clocks that contain them can be made out of metal, wood or even paper.
Rhino Grasshopper is an innovative program for designers that allows you to create shapes and forms without scripting or programming knowledge. This program not only works to model these images and forms on the computer screen, but you can even connect it to other programs, such as Excel, to create algorithms. Before using the programs together you must install files and plug-ins that instantly bind the two programs. Though you must purchase Rhino’s Grasshopper, the plug-ins and files are free to download.
LEGO Mindstorms are fun and educational toy kits that teach the basics about robotics. Recommended for ages 10 and older, the NXT edition allows users to build and program robots to perform simple tasks and commands. Each kit includes all of the manuals, software, parts and accessories needed to construct any one of four specific robot designs. One of these designs is the scorpion model, nicknamed "Spike," which has pincer arms, walks on six legs and can be programmed to react to stimuli with ultrasonic and audio sensors. It also has the ability to "attack" with a touch-sensor enabled "stinger."
Grasshoppers are devastating to gardens and crops when found in large numbers, and even small numbers of grasshoppers can destroy home gardens. You can control grasshopper populations with homemade tonics that kill the bugs and let your garden grow in peace. Make your own grasshopper insecticide so you know exactly what went into the tonic, with no questions about harmful side effects.
Butterfly Marketing is the name of an Internet marketing solution which allows website owners to create pages to promote various online services. When installing Butterfly Marketing on a new website, the program automatically generates basic templates which can be customized. To customize the default footer generated by Butterfly Marketing, you can use a special feature of the admin panel and edit the hypertext markup language code of the template.
Pipe router snake cleaning removes clogs and debris from drainage systems. The pipe snake, also referred to as an auger, can cover distances up to 100 feet. The distance of the pipe snake depends on the type of system it's used for.
The larvae of cloth-eating moths, such as the casemaking clothes moths or webbing clothes moths, feed under the cover of darkness and hide in crevices or folds of clothing by day. These ferocious eaters seek out fabric made from animal-based products such as wool, silk, feathers and fur and can infest your closet without your knowledge. Small tan or white moths might be the first sign that your clothing is infested with eggs or larvae, as the adult moths often leave the closet in search of light after the eggs have been laid.
German cockroaches are very difficult to deal with. They're small and tend to migrate in large communities. If you find one, you have dozens in your crawlspace and cupboards. Although it's possible to remedy the problem with boric acid, desiccating powders and other nontoxic strategies, using a fogger is the fastest solution. Foggers are very labor-intensive because they layer your whole home in a thin film of poison. You need to be very careful using foggers because they're flammable.
Yellow perch are also called ringed perch. They are small, from 7 to 9 inches in length, and considered to be a delicacy because of their flavor. Yellow perch is caught in northern states, particularly around the Great Lakes. Butterfly fillets the meaty sides of the fish, held together by skin in the center. To butterfly perch or any other fish, you need a sharp, narrow, flexible fillet knife. Use a medium sized fillet knife, with about a 7-inch blade, for fish the size of yellow perch. Use a longer knife for larger fish.
Despite their impressive size – an adult can reach 13 inches – and formidable appearance, goliath pink foot tarantulas are not exceptionally aggressive. They are, however, skittish, preferring to be left in peace. Pink foot goliath tarantulas react nervously to the approach of larger animals and may fire irritating hairs. As a result, they do not make suitable pets for beginners and certainly not for children. Experienced arachnid enthusiasts, on the other hand, should appreciate the species.
Milk snakes are relatively small and highly attractive reptiles and are often kept as pets. Individual milk snakes, and juveniles in particular, may prefer to stay hidden from sight for lengthy periods. Nervous milk snakes will typically regurgitate their last meal, or defecate when being handled. Very stressed individuals will attempt to bite. The best way to calm your milk snake is to handle the animal on a regular basis, for short periods of time.
Ladybugs, also known as ladybird beetles, are usually red in color with black spots. However, you can also find them in other colors, such as orange, brown, gray and yellow; and they can have stripes instead of spots. Ladybugs are omnivorous, eating plants and bugs. They are also known to cannibalize if hunger overtakes them. These beetles are beneficial garden insects, as they get rid of several garden pests. Watching ladybirds in a homemade habitat can be an interesting hobby for people who are keen on understanding their behavioral traits.
A shoebox provides enough lightweight cardboard to make a sensational butterfly that's bigger than life. The 90-degree fold between the bottom and sides works to set the wings at an open angle, on the back of the butterfly. The finished butterfly craft looks good sitting on top of a desk or hanging from the ceiling.
A butterfly needle a short needle that is attached to a small tube and is mainly used for adults and children who have small veins. The typical gauge range for this needle is 21 to 25. There is a specific technique for starting or inserting a butterfly needle because it is smaller than standard needles.
Rice moths are part of a group of pantry pests known as grain moths. These moths are attracted to rice, flour, pasta and other grains and foods with a high sugar content. The small, grub-like larvae of these moths look very similar to grains of rice. Although very similar to the Indian Meal Moth, Rice moths are far less common. They're white with a single black dot on one end. Infected items will most likely contain some webbing, and the grains may clump together. The problem can only be solved if the larvae are removed from the infested area, and…
Cockroaches are pesky insects that can be a nuisance in any household. They are attracted to food crumbs, odors and standing water, and can spread bacteria throughout the home. If you have an aversion to chemical-based pest control products, you can incorporate vinegar into your daily chores to prevent cockroach infestation.
The type of cover used on a terrarium or snake tank is very important for the health of your pet. Screen or mesh covers have small holes which allow air to continually circulate while providing a secure cover, to prevent your snake from escaping. The screens can be constructed to fit tanks of all sizes.
Ladybugs embody the charming and whimsical side of nature, appealing to children and adults alike. A simple ladybug craft can entertain and inspire a young child's creativity or serve as a delightful decoration for your home or yard. Finishing your ladybug with an adorable face, complete with a welcoming set of eyes, boosts the cuteness factor.
Tarantulas look sturdy, but are delicate and can die within days if not given proper care and feeding. Prepare the habitat and educate yourself on tarantulas before bringing the spider home. Be cautious when handling a tarantula. Like most spiders, tarantulas can bite. While the bites are not fatal, they may surprise you and cause you to drop the spider to an early death. Tarantulas also have urticating hairs that can irritate human skin.
In the wild, corn snakes (Pantherophis guttatus) can be found in all sorts of habitats, including humid forests and dry scrubland. In general, you should keep a pet corn snake’s tank relatively dry to reduce the risk of fungal infections. However, they do need a certain amount of humidity, especially when they molt. Raising the humidity in the tank is straightforward with a humidity box.
Banana spiders, genus Phoneutria, make strictly “look only” pets. They are highly venomous and have skittish natures, making unnecessary handling a risky business. The best-known species, the Brazilian wandering spider (Phoneutria fera), ranks as one of the most dangerous in the world. Even experienced arachnid enthusiasts should exercise caution around these spiders. If you are new to pet spiders, a much better choice is the golden silk orb weaver, Nephila clavipes, which looks similar to members of genus Phoneutria -- and is also sometimes referred to as a "banana spider" -- but is much less dangerous. Since all spiders are…
Asian lady beetles (Harmonia axyridis) are small, easily recognizable beetles, with their black spotted, orange or red backs. Often called ladybugs, they are beneficial insects in the garden, as they consume harmful, sap-sucking insect pests such as aphids. Unfortunately, they can also be a nuisance in many areas of the country when the cooler weather of fall arrives. This is because they tend to invade buildings in search of a place to hibernate.
You might not see a swarm of gnats until you are right in the middle of it, and by then it is too late: The tiny insects are in your hair, on your skin and in your clothes. While not dangerous, swarming gnats in your yard are most certainly a nuisance.
Having the feeling of butterflies in your stomach is actually a result of your stomach's sensitive nerves during an anxious or stressful situation. It may not be possible to avoid completely, especially when something unexpected comes up to cause the butterflies, but there are several ways to manage them and make them less apparent and uncomfortable. The important thing to keep in mind is that the feeling of butterflies is temporary and will go away in time.
The family boidae consists of boas and pythons, and it possesses the planet's longest species of snake, the reticulated python. Thirty-three types of pythons are members of this family; an additional skull bone and more teeth distinguish pythons from other snakes in this family. Pythons also differ from boas in some other behavioral aspects.
Butterfly crafts with Tootsie Roll Pops teach children about the insect's metamorphosis in the sweetest possible way. Depict the full beauty of the adult butterfly with its colorful wings with these crafts. A few ideas for Tootsie Roll Pop butterflies include pipe cleaner bugs, a party centerpiece, a simple paper craft and a greeting card.
Clothes moths are around 1/4 inch long and are considered pests. However, it is not moths that destroys clothing, but rather their larvae that feed on natural fibers and wool. The two most commonly found clothes moths are the webbing clothes moth and case-making clothes moth. Some people may wonder what causes moths in their clothes. Understanding the behavior and egg-laying habit of clothes moths will clear this enigma.
Small, sparkling butterflies add a touch of whimsy, magic and elegance to anything they grace, from clothing and fashion accessories to party tables, home decorations, wedding accents and everything in between. Give a standard, simple object a magical, whimsical touch by making and adding your own homemade butterfly embellishments to plain-looking gifts or other items. Use simple materials such as paper and clay to form small, charming butterfly embellishments to attach to a variety of objects in playful or stylish ways.
The ladybug is a part of the Coccinellidae beetle family, which is made up of approximately 5,000 different species worldwide. Almost all ladybug species live in temperate climates where foliage such as trees, shrubs and flowers grow in abundance. A typical ladybug life span is one year; however, some species can live between two and three years if conditions are right.
When Halloween rolls around or when there is a county fair, it's time to break out the face painting creativity. Even if you are not normally artistically inclined, you can master the face-painted butterfly, which will greatly endear you to your young daughter. Be sure to practice, though, on a piece of paper, before transferring your artwork to the canvas of her young skin.
When you are tapestry weaving or working on a narrow warp such as a belt, a yarn butterfly can be a preferred way to carry the weft, instead of on a shuttle. On a tapestry, it can hang loosely in front while you work on other parts of the tapestry because it's so light. You can use a yarn butterfly any time you don't need to carry weft yarn across a wide expanse of warp. In effect, it's a very small, center-pull ball.
