Herpeton Academy

Aphonopelma bicoloratum

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Aphonopelma bicoloratum is the currently accepted scientific name. It should not be confused with the orange-legged Mexican Brachypelma species that also appear in the pet trade. Correct identification matters because Mexican tarantula trade includes both listed and non-listed species, and hybrids or mislabelled animals can circulate.

English common names used in the hobby:

Mexican blood leg tarantula
Mexican bloodleg

📌 Description

Aphonopelma bicoloratum is a terrestrial New World tarantula from Mexico, known for a dark body and rich reddish-orange legs. It is slower and calmer than many display tarantulas, but it is still a tarantula for observation rather than handling.

Aphonopelma chalcodes

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Aphonopelma chalcodes is the currently accepted scientific name. The 2016 revision of United States Aphonopelma synonymized several older names with this species, so old labels and field notes can be confusing.

Older names and combinations associated with this species include:

Aphonopelma apacheum
Aphonopelma minchi
Aphonopelma rothi
Aphonopelma schmidti
Aphonopelma stahnkei

English common names used in the hobby:

Aphonopelma mooreae

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Aphonopelma mooreae is the currently accepted scientific name. The species was originally published with the spelling Aphonopelma moorei; the corrected form mooreae is the name keepers should use on labels and breeding records.

Older names and spellings associated with the species include:

Aphonopelma moorei

English common names used in the hobby:

Mexican jade fuego tarantula
North American cobalt tarantula

📌 Description

Aphonopelma mooreae is a terrestrial New World tarantula from Mexico, especially associated in hobby sources with Jalisco. It is sought after for metallic blue-green tones on the carapace and legs, with warm red to orange abdominal hairs.

Avicularia juruensis

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Avicularia juruensis is the currently accepted scientific name. The 2017 revision of Avicularia treated Avicularia urticans as a synonym of this species, but also noted that some material once called A. juruensis was misidentified and may belong elsewhere. Hobby labels such as “M2” or “Peru purple” should therefore be kept with clear line information.

Older names and combinations associated with this species include:

Caribena laeta

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Caribena laeta is the currently accepted scientific name used for the taxonomy profile in this article.

The requested trade name Caribena laeta still appears in older hobby lists, import paperwork, and seller labels. Keep both names with the animal’s records so older documents remain traceable.

Older names and combinations associated with the article label:

Mygale laeta
Mygale caesia
Avicularia laeta
Avicularia caesia

English common names and hobby labels:

Dolichothele diamantinensis

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Dolichothele diamantinensis is the currently accepted scientific name. The species was originally described as Oligoxystre diamantinensis and was later transferred to Dolichothele. That older combination still appears in older listings and care notes.

Older names and combinations associated with this species include:

Oligoxystre diamantinensis

English common names used in the hobby:

Brazilian blue dwarf beauty
Brazilian blue beauty
Blue diamond tarantula
Dwarf green bottle blue

📌 Description

Dolichothele diamantinensis is a small, bright, fast-moving New World tarantula from Brazil. It is famous for blue legs, a greenish-blue carapace, orange to reddish abdominal hairs, and dense web tunnels. It offers strong display value in a compact enclosure, but it is not a handling spider and is usually better for keepers who already understand fast slings and web-heavy setups.

Grammostola porteri

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Grammostola porteri is kept as the article label because GBIF has a species record under that name, but World Spider Catalog currently treats it as a synonym of Grammostola rosea. Keep this taxonomic disagreement with the animal’s records, especially when comparing older rose-hair paperwork.

The requested trade name Grammostola porteri still appears in older hobby lists, import paperwork, and seller labels. Keep both names with the animal’s records so older documents remain traceable.

Omothymus schioedtei

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Omothymus schioedtei is the currently accepted scientific name used for the taxonomy profile in this article.

The requested trade name Cyriopagopus schioedtei still appears in older hobby lists, import paperwork, and seller labels. Keep both names with the animal’s records so older documents remain traceable.

Older names and combinations associated with the article label:

Cyriopagopus schioedtei
Cyriopagopus thorelli
Omothymus thorelli

English common names and hobby labels:

Pamphobeteus vespertinus

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Pamphobeteus vespertinus is the currently accepted scientific name used for the taxonomy profile in this article.

The requested trade name Pamphobeteus vespertinus still appears in older hobby lists, import paperwork, and seller labels. Keep both names with the animal’s records so older documents remain traceable.

Older names and combinations associated with the article label:

Lasiodora vespertina
Pamphobeteus vespertinus in older misidentified figures

English common names and hobby labels:

Poecilotheria vittata

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Poecilotheria vittata is the currently accepted scientific name in the World Spider Catalog. Older hobby and literature material may discuss the same animal under related or disputed names, especially because Poecilotheria pederseni has been treated in connection with this species and P. vittata has also been compared with P. striata.

Useful names to recognize:

Poecilotheria vittata
Poecilotheria pederseni in older or synonymy discussions

English common names used in the hobby:

Acanthoscurria chacoana

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Acanthoscurria chacoana is the currently accepted scientific name. World Spider Catalog treats Acanthoscurria altmanni as a synonym of this species.

English common names used in the hobby:

Bolivian red rump tarantula
Bolivian redrump tarantula
Chaco tarantula

📌 Description

Acanthoscurria chacoana is a large terrestrial New World tarantula from Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Argentina. It is often kept as a visible display spider, but it is still a powerful animal with urticating hairs and a strong feeding response.

Aphonopelma seemanni

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Aphonopelma seemanni is the currently accepted scientific name. World Spider Catalog treats it as accepted and as the type species of Aphonopelma.

Older records and hobby material may use Eurypelma seemanni, Rhechostica seemanni, or the synonym Aphonopelma latens. Use current scientific name, locality, and source records when comparing animals.

English common names and hobby labels:

Costa Rican zebra tarantula
Costa Rican striped-knee tarantula
striped-knee tarantula

📌 Description

Aphonopelma seemanni is a deep-burrowing Central American terrestrial tarantula with bold pale striping on the legs. It is common in the pet trade, but it is faster and more nervous than many keepers expect from an Aphonopelma.

Asian Forest Scorpion

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Modern taxonomy treats Heterometrus silenus as a distinct accepted species. It is also one of the names most relevant to current Asian forest scorpion husbandry, while many trade animals are still sold under broad or outdated labels.

Names and labels keepers may encounter:

Asian forest scorpion
Malaysian forest scorpion
Giant forest scorpion
Heterometrus sp.
Trade animals labelled Heterometrus petersii, Heterometrus spinifer, or Heterometrus laoticus

Those labels are not automatic synonyms. Some are valid names for related scorpions, and many imported animals are not identified to species with certainty. Use locality, adult photos, and seller documentation when species identity matters.

Asian Forest Scorpion — Fact Sheet

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Heterometrus silenus · Asian Forest Scorpion

📋 At a glance


Adult size	12-15 cm
Lifespan	5-8 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 28-30 °C
Warm zone: 24-28 °C
Cool zone: 22-24 °C
Night: 21-24 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Emperor Scorpion

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Pandinus imperator is the accepted scientific name for the emperor scorpion. In the pet trade, the common name has been used loosely for other large black scorpions, so legal documents, invoices, and enclosure labels should use the Latin name.

Common names used in the hobby:

Emperor scorpion
Common emperor scorpion

Names that can be confused with it in trade:

Emperor Scorpion — Fact Sheet

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Pandinus imperator · Emperor Scorpion

📋 At a glance


Adult size	15-20 cm
Lifespan	5-8 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 28-30 °C
Warm zone: 24-28 °C
Cool zone: 22-24 °C
Night: 21-24 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Ephebopus rufescens

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Ephebopus rufescens is the accepted scientific name for this South American theraphosid. The genus Ephebopus is useful to keep separate from ordinary New World terrestrial tarantulas because its defensive urticating setae are carried on the palps rather than only on the abdomen.

English common names used in the hobby:

Red skeleton tarantula
Burgundy skeleton tarantula
Red skeleton

📌 Description

Ephebopus rufescens is a medium-sized fossorial New World tarantula with reddish to burgundy leg markings, a strong feeding response, and a much more secretive routine than many display tarantulas. Adults are usually around 11-14 cm legspan, with females living much longer than mature males.

Ephebopus rufescens — Fact Sheet

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Ephebopus rufescens · Ephebopus rufescens

📋 At a glance


Adult size	11-14 cm
Lifespan	4-15 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 24-27 °C
Warm zone: 23-27 °C
Cool zone: 21-23 °C
Night: 20-23 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Hapalopus formosus

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Hapalopus formosus is the currently accepted scientific name. GBIF lists Hapalopus magdalena as a synonym, and WSC also links older Typhochlaena and Avicularia combinations from the Colombian material.

Hobby animals are often sold as pumpkin patch tarantulas or Hapalopus sp. “Colombia.” Keep breeder line information because trade labels, size forms, and old names are easy to mix.

Lasiodora striatipes

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

GBIF lists Lasiodora striatipes as a species, but World Spider Catalog currently treats the name as nomen dubium. That means the name is historically available but taxonomically uncertain in modern revisionary work.

Hobby animals sold as Bahia grey birdeater should therefore be recorded carefully. Do not use this label for serious breeding claims without strong source and locality information.

Melopoeus longipes

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Melopoeus longipes is the current World Spider Catalog name for the Southeast Asian fossorial tarantula commonly traded as the Vietnamese tiger. Older care sheets, GBIF, and import labels may still use Cyriopagopus longipes or Haplopelma longipes.

Older names and combinations associated with the species include:

Haplopelma longipes
Cyriopagopus longipes

English common names used in the hobby:

Vietnamese tiger tarantula
Vietnam tiger

The generic limits around Cyriopagopus, Haplopelma, Melopoeus, and related Asian earth-tiger genera have been unstable in recent literature. Keep purchase records with the exact name used by the seller, but do not assume that a generic “Vietnam tiger” or “earth tiger” label identifies this species.

Melopoeus minax

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

World Spider Catalog currently treats this taxon as Melopoeus minax. GBIF and much of the hobby trade still use Cyriopagopus minax, and older labels may also use Haplopelma minax.

Use the WSC accepted name for new records, but keep the older name on invoices and source notes so the animal remains traceable.

Older names, trade labels, or important status notes:

Neoholothele incei

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Neoholothele incei is the currently accepted scientific name. The species is still often encountered in older care material and sale lists as Holothele incei, so keep both names in mind when checking records.

World Spider Catalog treats the species as accepted and places its distribution in Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela. The old communal reputation is a husbandry claim, not a reason to ignore individual risk.

Nhandu carapoensis

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Nhandu carapoensis is the accepted scientific name and the type species of the genus Nhandu. Older references may list the name Nhandu tripartitus, which has been treated as a synonym.

English common names used in the hobby:

Brazilian red tarantula
Carapo tarantula
Brazilian giant red

📌 Description

Nhandu carapoensis is a large, heavy-bodied South American terrestrial tarantula. It is impressive, food-responsive, and capable of dramatic defensive displays, but it is not a handling animal.

Nhandu carapoensis — Fact Sheet

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Nhandu carapoensis · Nhandu carapoensis

📋 At a glance


Adult size	17-21 cm
Lifespan	5-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 24-27 °C
Warm zone: 23-27 °C
Cool zone: 21-23 °C
Night: 20-23 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Nhandu coloratovillosus

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Nhandu coloratovillosus is the currently accepted scientific name. Older literature and some hobby labels use Brazilopelma coloratovillosum, the name under which the species was first described.

World Spider Catalog treats the species as accepted and lists Brazil as the distribution. Do not merge it casually with other black-and-white tarantulas; Acanthoscurria geniculata and Nhandu chromatus are different care and record subjects.

Pamphobeteus sp. "Machala"

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Pamphobeteus sp. “Machala” is a provisional hobby label, not a formally described species name in World Spider Catalog. Use the full label in records, because shortening it to Pamphobeteus machala makes it look more certain than it is.

The name is usually used for a large Ecuador-associated Pamphobeteus line, but visual identification inside this genus is unreliable. Males, females, and juveniles can look very different, and several South American Pamphobeteus species remain difficult in trade.

Pamphobeteus sp. "Platyomma"

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Pamphobeteus sp. “Platyomma” is a provisional hobby label, not a formally accepted species name in World Spider Catalog. Record it exactly as a trade or lineage label, and avoid shortening it to Pamphobeteus platyomma as if that were a stable taxon.

The old name Pamphobeteus platyomma now belongs to Vitalius platyomma, a Brazilian nomen dubium based on inadequate material. That WSC entry is useful because it explains the confusion, but it should not be treated as the identity of animals sold as Pamphobeteus sp. “Platyomma”.

Poecilotheria ornata

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Poecilotheria ornata is the currently accepted scientific name. Use the full Latin name because common names are reused loosely in the ornamental tarantula trade.

English common names used in the hobby:

fringed ornamental tarantula
ornate tiger spider

📌 Description

Poecilotheria ornata is a fast arboreal Old World tarantula from Sri Lanka. It is kept for display, not handling, and the enclosure has to be designed around speed, medically significant venom, and reliable paperwork.

Poecilotheria rufilata

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Poecilotheria rufilata is the currently accepted scientific name. World Spider Catalog treats it as an accepted Indian species and links the trade restriction to CITES.

Common names often emphasize red or slate colors, but use the scientific name for records. Several Poecilotheria species are traded under similar ornamental names.

English common names used in the hobby:

Poecilotheria smithi

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Poecilotheria smithi is the currently accepted scientific name. World Spider Catalog treats Poecilotheria pococki as a synonym of this species.

English common names used in the hobby:

Kandy parachute spider
yellow-backed ornamental
Smith’s tiger spider

📌 Description

Poecilotheria smithi is a fast arboreal Old World tarantula from Sri Lanka. It is kept for display, not handling, and the enclosure has to be designed around speed, medically significant venom, and reliable paperwork.

Poecilotheria striata

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Poecilotheria striata is the currently accepted scientific name. World Spider Catalog treats it as an accepted Indian species.

Older literature and hobby discussion can confuse Poecilotheria striata with the Sri Lankan Poecilotheria vittata. Keep records by scientific name and locality rather than by common name alone.

English common names used in the hobby:

Mysore ornamental tarantula
striated parachute spider
striated ornamental

📌 Description

Poecilotheria striata is a fast arboreal Old World tarantula from India with strong striping, pale leg markings, and the classic ornamental spider build.

Poecilotheria subfusca

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Poecilotheria subfusca is the currently accepted scientific name. World Spider Catalog treats Poecilotheria bara and Poecilotheria uniformis as synonyms.

Hobby labels such as highland, lowland, bara, and subfusca have been used inconsistently. Keep locality and lineage information with the animal and avoid mixing lines just because two spiders share a similar ivory pattern.

English common names used in the hobby:

Poecilotheria tigrinawesseli

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Poecilotheria tigrinawesseli is the currently accepted scientific name. World Spider Catalog treats Poecilotheria chaojii as a synonym of this species.

English common names used in the hobby:

Wessel’s tiger ornamental
Anantagiri’s parachute spider

📌 Description

Poecilotheria tigrinawesseli is a fast arboreal Old World tarantula from India. It is kept for display, not handling, and the enclosure has to be designed around speed, medically significant venom, and reliable paperwork.

Tapinauchenius cupreus

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Tapinauchenius cupreus is the currently accepted scientific name. World Spider Catalog lists it as an accepted Ecuadorian species.

The 2022 revision of Tapinauchenius, Psalmopoeus, and Amazonius made this genus more precise, so use the full Latin name and locality information instead of broad labels such as purple tree spider.

Older names, trade labels, or important status notes:

Ybyrapora diversipes

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Ybyrapora diversipes is the accepted scientific name for the Brazilian arboreal tarantula long known in the hobby as Avicularia diversipes. The genus transfer matters because many older care sheets and sale labels still use the former pinktoe genus.

Older names and combinations associated with the species include:

Avicularia diversipes

English common names used in the hobby:

Ybyrapora diversipes — Fact Sheet

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Ybyrapora diversipes · Ybyrapora diversipes

📋 At a glance


Adult size	10-13 cm
Lifespan	3-12 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 24-27 °C
Warm zone: 22-27 °C
Cool zone: 20-23 °C
Night: 20-23 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Avicularia avicularia

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Avicularia avicularia is the currently accepted scientific name and the type species of the genus Avicularia. Older literature and trade labels may use several historic names, and many pinktoe-type tarantulas have been reclassified or separated from Avicularia in modern revisions.

Older names and combinations associated with the species include:

Aranea avicularia
Mygale avicularia
Avicularia vestiaria
Avicularia velutina

English common names used in the hobby:

Avicularia avicularia — Fact Sheet

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Avicularia avicularia · Avicularia avicularia

📋 At a glance


Adult size	11-15 cm
Lifespan	3-12 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	Northern South America and Trinidad and Tobago
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure only; outdoor keeping is not appropriate
Display species; routine handling not recommended
Keep singly; tarantulas are not social unless a species-specific breeding plan says otherwise
Tall arboreal enclosure with strong cross-ventilation
Adult minimum: about 30 x 30 x 45 cm or larger
Substrate: modest soil/coco layer; not a wet sealed box
Avoid stale humid air, mesh that catches claws, and layouts that force handling

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Vertical cork bark tube or slab
Branches, foliage, and anchor points for webbing
Water dish that can be serviced safely
Dry upper retreat with airflow

💡 Lighting

No special lighting required; normal room day-night cycle is enough
Avoid bright basking lamps; they dry arboreal enclosures quickly
Photoperiod: roughly 10-12 h ambient room light; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Heat focus: 22-27 °C

Davus fasciatus

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Davus fasciatus is the currently accepted scientific name. The name still appears in older hobby material as Cyclosternum fasciatum or Cyclosternum fasciatus.

Older names and combinations associated with the species include:

Cyclosternum fasciatum
Cyclosternum fasciatus

English common names used in the hobby:

Costa Rican tiger rump tarantula
Tiger rump tarantula

Trade labels for small tiger-rump tarantulas are often messy. Do not assume that an animal sold simply as “tiger rump” is this Costa Rican species; Davus pentaloris and locality-labeled forms are commonly confused.

Davus fasciatus — Fact Sheet

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Davus fasciatus · Davus fasciatus

📋 At a glance


Adult size	8-10 cm
Lifespan	5-20 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	Costa Rica
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure only; outdoor keeping is not appropriate
Display species; routine handling not recommended
Keep singly; tarantulas are not social unless a species-specific breeding plan says otherwise
Low terrestrial enclosure with secure lid and good ventilation
Adult minimum: about 30 x 30 x 30 cm or larger
Substrate: soil/coco mix that holds shape; about 10 cm for adults
Avoid excessive height, swampy substrate, and unstable decor

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Cork bark hide and open feeding area
Substrate for shallow burrowing
Water dish large enough to find easily
Leaf litter or simple visual cover

💡 Lighting

No special lighting required; normal room day-night cycle is enough
Avoid bright basking lamps; they dry small enclosures and increase stress
Photoperiod: roughly 10-12 h ambient room light; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Heat focus: 22-26 °C

Heterothele villosella

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Heterothele villosella is the name used for the dwarf Tanzanian baboon tarantula covered here. GBIF lists the species under this name, and current World Spider Catalog entries include the species from Tanzania after a period in which the name was treated as a nomen dubium.

English common names used in the hobby:

Tanzanian chestnut dwarf baboon
Tanzanian chestnut baboon
Dwarf baboon tarantula

Trade labels may also appear as Heterothele sp. “villosella”. Keep the Latin name and source information with breeding records, because small African theraphosids can be hard to identify from hobby photos alone.

Heterothele villosella — Fact Sheet

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Heterothele villosella · Heterothele villosella

📋 At a glance


Adult size	4-6 cm
Lifespan	2-10 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	Tanzania
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Compact secure fossorial enclosure; routine handling not recommended
Adult setup: about 20 x 20 x 20 cm with 6-10 cm substrate
Provide bark, leaf litter, web anchors, and very secure ventilation holes
Solitary housing is the safer default despite communal hobby claims

🌡️ Temperature

Warm zone: 22-26 °C
Cooler area: 20-22 °C
Night: 19-22 °C

💧 Humidity & Water

Keep a moisture option, not a soaked enclosure
Spiderlings should not dry out
Adults can use a small water dish and one damp corner
Avoid moldy webbing and poor airflow

🪳 Feeding

Feed very small crickets, small roaches, fruit flies for tiny slings, or pre-killed prey
Adults usually eat every 5-10 days
Remove large or uneaten prey promptly

🩺 Warning Signs

Shrinking abdomen, weak movement, mold, mites around prey remains, escape attempts, or failed molt

Melopoeus longipes — Fact Sheet

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Melopoeus longipes · Melopoeus longipes

📋 At a glance


Adult size	13-16 cm
Lifespan	8-20 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	Thailand, Cambodia, Laos
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure fossorial enclosure; no routine handling
Adult setup: about 30 x 30 x 45 cm with 20-25 cm or more of compactable substrate
Provide starter burrow, water dish, ventilation, and secure service openings
Avoid heavy decor that can collapse into the burrow

🌡️ Temperature

Warm zone: 22-27 °C
Cooler area: 20-23 °C
Night: 20-23 °C

💧 Humidity & Water

Water dish always available for juveniles and adults
Keep lower substrate lightly moist, not saturated
Surface can dry somewhat between water additions
Never flood the burrow

🪳 Feeding

Feed crickets, roaches, locusts where available, and occasional worms
Adults usually eat every 7-14 days
Drop prey near the burrow entrance and remove uneaten prey

🩺 Warning Signs

Collapsed burrow, exposed surface sitting, shrinking abdomen, weak movement, mold, or failed molt

Poecilotheria regalis

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Poecilotheria regalis is the currently accepted scientific name. The species was described by Pocock in 1899 and remains one of the best-known Indian ornamental tarantulas in the hobby.

English common names used in the hobby:

Indian ornamental tarantula
Indian ornamental tree spider
Regal ornamental tarantula

As with other Poecilotheria, use the full scientific name when buying, selling, or breeding. Common names such as “ornamental” can refer to several Indian and Sri Lankan species with different legal and conservation concerns.

Poecilotheria regalis — Fact Sheet

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Poecilotheria regalis · Poecilotheria regalis

📋 At a glance


Adult size	16-20 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	India
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure only; outdoor keeping is not appropriate
Display species; routine handling not recommended
Keep singly; tarantulas are not social unless a species-specific breeding plan says otherwise
Tall arboreal enclosure with strong cross-ventilation
Adult minimum: about 30 x 30 x 45 cm or larger
Substrate: shallow soil/coco layer; not a deep wet box
Avoid stale humid air, loose doors, and layouts that force handling

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Vertical cork bark tube or slab
Branches and anchor points for webbing
Water dish that can be serviced safely
Dry upper retreat with airflow

💡 Lighting

No special lighting required; normal room day-night cycle is enough
Avoid bright basking lamps; they dry arboreal enclosures and increase stress
Photoperiod: roughly 10-12 h ambient room light; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Heat focus: 23-27 °C

Tapinauchenius plumipes

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Tapinauchenius plumipes is the current GBIF-backed name for the South American arboreal tarantula long sold under several orange-tree-spider labels. The animal requested in the todo list as Tapinauchenius gigas belongs here because both GBIF and the World Spider Catalog treat T. gigas as a synonym of T. plumipes.

Important older names and trade labels:

Mygale plumipes
Tapinauchenius gigas
Pseudoclamoris gigas
Tapinauchenius violaceus
Tapinauchenius purpureus

English common names used in the hobby:

Tapinauchenius plumipes — Fact Sheet

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Tapinauchenius plumipes · Tapinauchenius plumipes

📋 At a glance


Adult size	12-14 cm
Lifespan	3-18 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Brazil
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure arboreal enclosure; routine handling not recommended
Adult minimum: about 30 x 30 x 45 cm or similar
Use cork bark, branches, web anchors, water dish, and strong ventilation
Plan maintenance before opening; this species is fast and escape-prone

🌡️ Temperature

Warm zone: 23-27 °C
Cooler area: 21-23 °C
Night: 20-23 °C

💧 Humidity & Water

Moderate humidity with airflow
Water dish always available
Lightly moisten part of the enclosure, then let surfaces dry
Avoid sealed wet air and soaked webbing

🪳 Feeding

Feed crickets, roaches, locusts where available, and occasional soft larvae
Adults usually eat every 7-14 days
Remove uneaten prey, especially near molt

🩺 Warning Signs

Weak grip, shrinking abdomen, repeated frantic bolting, failed molts, or loss of a stable retreat

Amazonius germani

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Amazonius germani is the currently accepted scientific name. The species was described in the genus Amazonius in 2022. In older hobby material, similar orange arboreal spiders may appear under Psalmopoeus or Tapinauchenius-related trade labels, so locality and scientific name matter.

English common names used in the hobby:

Orange tree spider
French Guiana orange tree spider

📌 Description

Amazonius germani is a fast arboreal New World tarantula from northern South America. It suits keepers who already understand quick tree-dwelling species, secure maintenance, and vertical cork-bark retreats.

Aphonopelma hentzi

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Aphonopelma hentzi is the currently accepted scientific name. Modern Aphonopelma taxonomy has been revised heavily, and older regional names can be confusing. Use the scientific name and locality information when comparing animals or older care notes.

English common names used in the hobby:

Texas brown tarantula
Oklahoma brown tarantula
Missouri tarantula

📌 Description

Aphonopelma hentzi is a hardy terrestrial tarantula from the central and southern United States. It is calm by tarantula standards, but it is slow growing and should still be managed as a display animal, not as a handling pet.

Aphonopelma moderatum

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Aphonopelma moderatum is the currently accepted scientific name. The accepted name is Aphonopelma moderatum. As with many Aphonopelma, older records and trade labels may be imprecise, so locality data is useful when possible.

English common names used in the hobby:

Rio Grande gold tarantula
Texas gold tarantula

📌 Description

Aphonopelma moderatum is a terrestrial North American tarantula valued for warm brown and golden tones. It is usually manageable, but its slower growth and limited availability make careful sourcing important.

Birupes simoroxigorum

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Birupes simoroxigorum is the currently accepted scientific name. The species was described in 2019. Because it entered hobby attention very quickly after description, labels should be checked carefully and wild-origin claims should be treated cautiously.

English common names used in the hobby:

Bornean neon blueleg tarantula
Neon blue leg tarantula

📌 Description

Birupes simoroxigorum is a rare Bornean tarantula known in the hobby for striking blue legs. It is a specialist display species: fast, secretive, moisture-sensitive, and unsuitable for beginners.

Chilobrachys natanicharum

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Chilobrachys natanicharum is the currently accepted scientific name. The species was formally described in 2023 after being known in the pet trade under electric-blue Chilobrachys labels. Accurate naming matters because several Chilobrachys species can look similar in trade.

English common names used in the hobby:

Electric blue tarantula
Electric blue earth tiger

📌 Description

Chilobrachys natanicharum is the electric-blue Thai Chilobrachys described from southern Thailand. It is a fast, defensive, heavy-webbing fossorial species for experienced keepers only.

Cyriocosmus elegans

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Cyriocosmus elegans is the currently accepted scientific name. It is a very small New World theraphosid, and hobby labels should not be shortened to only “dwarf tiger” because several small South American tarantulas are traded under similar descriptive names.

English common names used in the hobby:

Trinidad dwarf tiger tarantula
Trinidad dwarf tarantula

📌 Description

Cyriocosmus elegans is a tiny terrestrial to fossorial tarantula from Trinidad, Tobago, and nearby northern South America. It is attractive, fast to mature, and often visible at the entrance of a small burrow, but its size makes enclosure management more delicate than with a larger beginner species.

Eupalaestrus campestratus

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Eupalaestrus campestratus is the accepted spelling and scientific name. The vendor-list spelling “campestartus” is a typo. In the hobby this species is commonly sold as the pink zebra beauty.

English common names used in the hobby:

Pink zebra beauty
Pink zebra beauty tarantula

📌 Description

Eupalaestrus campestratus is a terrestrial New World tarantula from southern South America. It is known for a dark body, pale striping around the legs, and a generally steady temperament, making it one of the calmer display tarantulas when sourced captive-bred.

Lasiocyano sazimai

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Lasiocyano sazimai is the currently accepted name in the World Spider Catalog. It was long kept and sold as Pterinopelma sazimai, so older care notes, invoices, and forum posts often use that previous combination.

English common names used in the hobby:

Brazilian blue tarantula
Sazima’s tarantula
Iridescent blue tarantula

📌 Description

Lasiocyano sazimai is the Brazilian blue tarantula, a terrestrial New World species famous for metallic blue iridescence. It is visually impressive but not a casual beginner tarantula: it can be skittish, defensive, and sensitive to stale damp conditions.

Nhandu tripepii

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Nhandu tripepii is the currently accepted scientific name. Older names and trade labels may include Eurypelma tripepii, Hapalopelma tripepii, and Nhandu vulpinus, which has been treated as a synonym in revisionary work.

English common names used in the hobby:

Brazilian giant blonde tarantula
Brazilian blonde tarantula
Strawberry blonde bird-eater

📌 Description

Nhandu tripepii is a large Brazilian New World terrestrial tarantula with long pale to golden-brown setae and a strong, heavy-bodied presence. It is impressive, food-responsive, and often bold, but it is not a handling species.

Phormingochilus hatihati

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Phormingochilus hatihati is the current accepted name for the tarantula long sold as Cyriopagopus sp. “Hati Hati” and also seen under Omothymus sp. “Hati Hati”. The 2024 description matters for keepers because this is not a true Cyriopagopus fossorial setup animal; adults are better treated as fast semi-arboreal Old World tarantulas.

English common names used in the hobby:

Acanthoscurria chacoana — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Acanthoscurria chacoana · Acanthoscurria chacoana

📋 At a glance


Adult size	15-20 cm
Lifespan	5-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 24-27 °C
Warm zone: 22-27 °C
Cool zone: 20-23 °C
Night: 19-22 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Alligator Snapping Turtle

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Macroclemys temminckii is an older combination; current taxonomic databases generally use Macrochelys temminckii.

Common names used in the hobby:

Alligator snapping turtle

📌 Description

A huge, powerful aquatic turtle from the southeastern United States that needs expert housing, heavy filtration, secure containment, and strict safety routines.

Adults are usually about 40-80 cm and can weigh far more than most private keepers can safely manage. This article treats the species as a long-term specialist animal, not a normal pet-turtle choice.

Alligator Snapping Turtle — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Macrochelys temminckii · Alligator Snapping Turtle

📋 At a glance


Adult size	40-80 cm
Lifespan	50-100 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Cathemeral
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; large-snapping-turtle and local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 28-32 °C
Warm zone: 20-26 °C
Cool zone: 18-20 °C
Night: 18-22 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Amazonius germani — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Amazonius germani · Amazonius germani

📋 At a glance


Adult size	13-16 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 24-27 °C
Warm zone: 23-27 °C
Cool zone: 21-23 °C
Night: 20-23 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Aphonopelma bicoloratum — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Aphonopelma bicoloratum · Aphonopelma bicoloratum

📋 At a glance


Adult size	13-15 cm
Lifespan	5-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 23-27 °C
Warm zone: 21-27 °C
Cool zone: 20-23 °C
Night: 18-22 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Aphonopelma chalcodes — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Aphonopelma chalcodes · Aphonopelma chalcodes

📋 At a glance


Adult size	12-15 cm
Lifespan	5-30 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 22-26 °C
Warm zone: 20-25 °C
Cool zone: 18-22 °C
Night: 16-21 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Aphonopelma hentzi — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Aphonopelma hentzi · Aphonopelma hentzi

📋 At a glance


Adult size	10-13 cm
Lifespan	5-30 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 22-26 °C
Warm zone: 20-26 °C
Cool zone: 18-21 °C
Night: 16-21 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Aphonopelma moderatum — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Aphonopelma moderatum · Aphonopelma moderatum

📋 At a glance


Adult size	11-14 cm
Lifespan	5-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 22-26 °C
Warm zone: 20-26 °C
Cool zone: 18-21 °C
Night: 16-21 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Aphonopelma mooreae — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Aphonopelma mooreae · Aphonopelma mooreae

📋 At a glance


Adult size	11-13 cm
Lifespan	5-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 23-27 °C
Warm zone: 21-27 °C
Cool zone: 20-23 °C
Night: 18-22 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Aphonopelma seemanni — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Aphonopelma seemanni · Aphonopelma seemanni

📋 At a glance


Adult size	10-14 cm
Lifespan	5-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 23-26 °C
Warm zone: 22-26 °C
Cool zone: 20-22 °C
Night: 18-22 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Asian Forest Tortoise

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Manouria emys is the currently accepted scientific name. Two subspecies, M. e. emys and M. e. phayrei, are often discussed, but practical care still depends on adult size, origin, and humidity management.

Common names used in the hobby:

Asian forest tortoise
Asian giant tortoise

📌 Description

A very large humid-forest tortoise from South and Southeast Asia that needs huge floor space, high humidity, soaking access, and robust outdoor-style housing.

Asian Forest Tortoise — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Manouria emys · Asian Forest Tortoise

📋 At a glance


Adult size	45-60 cm
Lifespan	50-80 years
Subspecies	M. e. emys and M. e. phayrei are encountered; match size and climate details to known origin.
Origin	Humid forest and hill forest from South Asia into Southeast Asia.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Expert
Legal status	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Housing

Use deep leaf litter, soil, cypress mulch, and clean forest-floor materials over a draining base. Provide open walking lanes, planted or visual cover, several full-body shelters, and barriers that resist pushing and digging.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 30-32°C
Warm zone: 24-29°C
Cool zone: 22-24°C
Night: 20-24°C

🥬 Feeding

Feed a broad plant-heavy diet: broadleaf weeds, grasses, edible leaves, squash leaves, hibiscus, mulberry, plantain, and seasonal browse. Some forest-food variety can be useful, but keep the diet high-fiber and controlled for calories.

🩺 Common problems

Common failures are dry housing, shallow substrate, small pens, dirty soaking water, weak barriers, obesity, shell trauma, and poor quarantine of imported animals.

Avicularia juruensis — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Avicularia juruensis · Avicularia juruensis

📋 At a glance


Adult size	12-15 cm
Lifespan	3-12 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 24-27 °C
Warm zone: 22-27 °C
Cool zone: 20-23 °C
Night: 20-23 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Basiliscus plumifrons — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Basiliscus plumifrons · Basiliscus plumifrons

📋 At a glance


Adult size	60-90 cm
Lifespan	7-12 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 35-38 °C
Warm zone: 26-30 °C
Cool zone: 24-26 °C
Night: 20-24 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Birupes simoroxigorum — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Birupes simoroxigorum · Birupes simoroxigorum

📋 At a glance


Adult size	10-13 cm
Lifespan	6-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 24-27 °C
Warm zone: 23-27 °C
Cool zone: 21-23 °C
Night: 20-23 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Black Soldier Fly Larvae

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Hermetia illucens is the accepted scientific name used for this feeder guide.

Common names used in the feeder trade:

Black soldier fly larva
BSFL
Calciworm

📌 Description

Black soldier fly larvae are soft-bodied fly larvae valued for their naturally higher calcium content compared with many traditional feeders. They are useful for small and medium insectivores, but they move less than crickets and may be refused by animals that hunt mainly by motion.

California Kingsnake — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Lampropeltis californiae · California Kingsnake

📋 At a glance


Adult size	90-150 cm
Lifespan	15-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Cathemeral
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 30-32 °C
Warm zone: 24-28 °C
Cool zone: 21-24 °C
Night: 18-22 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health - warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, retained shed, mouth inflammation, mites, and sustained weight loss.

California Kingsnake Care Guide

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Lampropeltis californiae is the California kingsnake. Older sources and trade labels may place it within the broader Lampropeltis getula complex, so use the current scientific name in records.

Common names used in the hobby:

California kingsnake
Cal king

The important husbandry fact is that this is an active, solitary kingsnake with a strong feeding response and a high escape risk. It can be beginner-suitable only when the enclosure is secure and the keeper does not overfeed.

Caribena laeta — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Caribena laeta · Caribena laeta

📋 At a glance


Adult size	11-13 cm
Lifespan	3-12 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 23-26 °C
Warm zone: 22-26 °C
Cool zone: 20-22 °C
Night: 20-22 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Children's Python

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Antaresia childreni is the currently accepted scientific name for the Children’s python. The common name honors John George Children; it does not mean the snake is a pet for children to manage alone. Recent work on northern Australian Antaresia shows that locality animals and nearby species can be difficult to separate by appearance, so breeder records and conservative labelling matter.

Children's Python — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Antaresia childreni · Children’s Python

📋 At a glance


Adult size	75-110 cm
Lifespan	15-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 32-34 °C
Warm zone: 26-30 °C
Cool zone: 24-26 °C
Night: 22-25 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Chilobrachys fimbriatus — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Chilobrachys fimbriatus · Chilobrachys fimbriatus

📋 At a glance


Adult size	12-18 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 24-27 °C
Warm zone: 22-27 °C
Cool zone: 20-23 °C
Night: 20-23 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Chilobrachys natanicharum — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Chilobrachys natanicharum · Chilobrachys natanicharum

📋 At a glance


Adult size	13-16 cm
Lifespan	8-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 25-28 °C
Warm zone: 24-28 °C
Cool zone: 22-24 °C
Night: 21-24 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Chinese Box Turtle

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Cuora flavomarginata is the accepted scientific name for this species.

Common names used in the hobby:

Chinese box turtle
Yellow-margined box turtle

📌 Description

A semi-terrestrial Asian box turtle requiring humid forest-floor housing, shallow clean water, UVB, stable hygiene, and CITES paperwork.

Adults usually reach about 13-20 cm. The species looks compact, but it is not a small aquarium turtle: it needs humid land, shallow water access, retreats, and a stable routine. With good care it may live 30-50 years, so acquisition should be planned as a long-term commitment.

Chinese Box Turtle — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Cuora flavomarginata · Chinese Box Turtle

📋 At a glance


Adult size	13-20 cm
Lifespan	30-50 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 30-32 °C
Warm zone: 24-28 °C
Cool zone: 22-24 °C
Night: 20-24 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Chinese Crocodile Lizard

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Shinisaurus crocodilurus is the accepted scientific name and the only living species in the family Shinisauridae. The Vietnamese form is often listed as Shinisaurus crocodilurus vietnamensis; older material may treat all animals simply as S. crocodilurus.

Common names used in the hobby:

Chinese crocodile lizard
Crocodile lizard

German common names used in the hobby:

Krokodilschwanzhöckerechse

📌 Description

Chinese crocodile lizards are cool, semi-aquatic, legally sensitive display lizards. They need clean water, planted land areas, branches over water, cool temperatures, high humidity, UVB, cautious feeding, and complete documentation.

Chinese Crocodile Lizard — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Shinisaurus crocodilurus · Chinese Crocodile Lizard

📋 At a glance


Adult size	40-46 cm
Lifespan	10-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: Appendix I; EU: Annex A; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 26-28 °C
Warm zone: 20-25 °C
Cool zone: 18-22 °C
Night: 16-20 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Chinese Softshell Turtle

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Pelodiscus sinensis is the current scientific name for the Chinese softshell turtle. Trionyx sinensis is an older combination that still appears in older books, market lists, and some hobby labels.

Common names used in the hobby:

Chinese softshell turtle
Trionyx sinensis

📌 Description

An active Asian softshell turtle, often requested as Trionyx sinensis, that needs warm clean water, soft sand, secure containment, and experienced handling.

Chinese Softshell Turtle — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Pelodiscus sinensis · Chinese Softshell Turtle

📋 At a glance


Adult size	20-33 cm
Lifespan	20-30 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Cathemeral
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 30-32 °C
Warm zone: 24-28 °C
Cool zone: 22-24 °C
Night: 20-24 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Common Snapping Turtle

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Chelydra serpentina is the currently accepted scientific name.

Common names used in the hobby:

Common snapping turtle

📌 Description

A large, defensive North American aquatic turtle that needs expert containment, excellent filtration, cool-water options, and no routine handling.

Adult size is usually about 25-50 cm, with large differences caused by sex, origin, age, and condition. This article treats the species as a long-term specialist animal rather than a short-term beginner pet.

Common Snapping Turtle — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Chelydra serpentina · Common Snapping Turtle

📋 At a glance


Adult size	25-50 cm
Lifespan	30-50 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Cathemeral
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 28-32 °C
Warm zone: 20-26 °C
Cool zone: 18-20 °C
Night: 18-22 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Cyriocosmus elegans — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Cyriocosmus elegans · Cyriocosmus elegans

📋 At a glance


Adult size	4-5 cm
Lifespan	3-10 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 23-26 °C
Warm zone: 22-26 °C
Cool zone: 20-22 °C
Night: 20-22 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Dolichothele diamantinensis — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Dolichothele diamantinensis · Dolichothele diamantinensis

📋 At a glance


Adult size	8-10 cm
Lifespan	3-15 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 23-27 °C
Warm zone: 21-27 °C
Cool zone: 20-23 °C
Night: 19-22 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Eastern Box Turtle

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Terrapene carolina is the accepted scientific name for this species.

Common names used in the hobby:

Eastern box turtle
Common box turtle

📌 Description

A terrestrial North American box turtle needing humid leaf litter, spacious land housing, UVB, soaking access, and legal-origin proof.

Adults are usually about 10-20 cm, but their care needs are not small. The species is long-lived, sensitive to drying, and unsuitable for a decorative dry display. With stable care it may live 30-60 years.

Eastern Box Turtle — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Terrapene carolina · Eastern Box Turtle

📋 At a glance


Adult size	10-20 cm
Lifespan	30-60 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local collection, possession, and transfer rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 30-32 °C
Warm zone: 22-28 °C
Cool zone: 18-22 °C
Night: 16-22 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Eastern Kingsnake

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Lampropeltis getula is the eastern kingsnake; this guide treats it separately from California kingsnakes and other Lampropeltis forms.

Common names used in the hobby:

Eastern kingsnake
Common kingsnake

The most useful husbandry facts come from its natural history: eastern and southeastern North American forests, wetlands, field edges, pine woods, coastal plain habitat, and disturbed cover; it is a generalist predator with a notable habit of eating other snakes, lizards, rodents, eggs, and occasionally venomous snakes. Taxonomy should also be checked against sales labels because common names, former subspecies names, and locality names are often used loosely in the trade. When a seller cannot give a scientific name, origin history, and feeding record, assume the care plan needs extra verification before purchase.

Eastern Kingsnake — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Lampropeltis getula · Eastern Kingsnake

📋 At a glance


Adult size	90-150 cm
Lifespan	15-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 30-32 °C
Warm zone: 24-28 °C
Cool zone: 22-24 °C
Night: 20-23 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Egyptian Tortoise

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Testudo kleinmanni is the currently accepted scientific name. Older material may separate Israeli/Negev animals as Testudo werneri; check current paperwork and locality data rather than assuming old names are interchangeable.

Common names used in the hobby:

Egyptian tortoise
Kleinmann’s tortoise

📌 Description

A very small, arid-land tortoise from North Africa that needs bright UVB, careful heat control, dry housing, and strict legal paperwork.

Egyptian Tortoise — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Testudo kleinmanni · Egyptian Tortoise

📋 At a glance


Adult size	10-13 cm
Lifespan	30-70 years
Subspecies	Older material may separate Negev/Israeli animals; verify current paperwork and locality data.
Origin	Arid Mediterranean and desert-edge habitats in Egypt, Libya, and Israel/Negev records.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Expert
Legal status	CITES: Appendix I; EU: Annex A; local rules still apply

🏠 Housing

Use a broad open-topped tortoise table or secure dry-season pen with firm sandy loam or soil-sand substrate. Avoid dusty pure sand, bark chips, slick floors, and loose bedding that stays cold and wet. Provide several low hides at different temperatures.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 32-35°C
Warm zone: 24-30°C
Cool zone: 20-24°C
Night: 18-22°C

🥬 Feeding

Feed varied weeds, flowers, grasses, and fibrous leafy greens. Avoid fruit, dog food, high-protein diets, and pellets as staples. Small portions matter; monitor weight, shell growth, and hydration.

🩺 Common problems

Main risks are overheating, damp stagnant air, respiratory disease, dehydration, weak UVB, rich grocery diets, pyramiding from poor growth management, and illegal or wild-caught origin.

Emerald Tree Boa — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Corallus caninus · Emerald Tree Boa

📋 At a glance


Adult size	120-180 cm
Lifespan	15-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 30-32 °C
Warm zone: 24-28 °C
Cool zone: 22-24 °C
Night: 22-24 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health - warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, retained shed, mouth inflammation, mites, and sustained weight loss.

Emerald Tree Boa Care Guide

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Corallus caninus is the northern emerald tree boa from the Guiana Shield and nearby northern South America. Keep this article separate from Amazon Basin emerald tree boas, which are now usually treated as Corallus batesii, and from Amazon tree boas such as Corallus hortulana.

Common names used in the hobby:

Emerald tree boa
Northern emerald tree boa

Sales labels should be checked carefully. A useful seller can identify the animal, explain whether it is captive-bred or imported, give feeding and shed history, and state any locality information conservatively.

Eupalaestrus campestratus — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Eupalaestrus campestratus · Eupalaestrus campestratus

📋 At a glance


Adult size	12-15 cm
Lifespan	5-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 22-26 °C
Warm zone: 20-26 °C
Cool zone: 18-22 °C
Night: 17-21 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

False Map Turtle

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Graptemys pseudogeographica is the accepted scientific name for this species.

Common names used in the hobby:

False map turtle

📌 Description

A North American basking map turtle that needs clean flowing-style water, strong filtration, UVB, and a large dry basking platform.

Adults are usually about 9-27 cm, with large differences caused by sex, origin, age, and condition. Females can become much larger than males, so adult housing should be planned for the larger possible animal.

False Map Turtle — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Graptemys pseudogeographica · False Map Turtle

📋 At a glance


Adult size	9-27 cm
Lifespan	20-40 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix III; EU: Annex C; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 30-34 °C
Warm zone: 22-26 °C
Cool zone: 20-22 °C
Night: 20-24 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

False Water Cobra — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Hydrodynastes gigas · False Water Cobra

📋 At a glance


Adult size	180-250 cm
Lifespan	15-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 31-33 °C
Warm zone: 25-29 °C
Cool zone: 23-25 °C
Night: 21-24 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health - warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, retained shed, mouth inflammation, mites, and sustained weight loss.

False Water Cobra Care Guide

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Hydrodynastes gigas is the false water cobra, a large South American dipsadine snake. Older legal and trade references may also use the synonym Cyclagras gigas, so both names are worth checking in documents.

Common names used in the hobby:

False water cobra
Brazilian smooth snake
South American water cobra

This is not a true cobra. It is a powerful, active, rear-fanged snake with enlarged rear teeth and biologically active oral secretions. Treat that as a practical safety issue, not as a novelty label.

Fruit Flies

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Drosophila melanogaster is the accepted scientific name used for this feeder guide.

Common names used in the feeder trade:

Fruit fly
Flightless fruit fly
Drosophila

📌 Description

Fruit flies are tiny feeders for dart frogs, small geckos, mantis nymphs, spiderlings, and other very small insectivores. Pet cultures usually use flightless or wingless strains, but they still climb, escape through poor ventilation mesh, and crash when cultures are overheated or contaminated.

Giant Prickly Stick Insect

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Extatosoma tiaratum is the accepted scientific name for Macleay’s spectre. Older or trade names can appear in culture notes, but current taxonomy treats names such as Extatosoma bufonium as synonyms rather than separate care forms.

Common names used in the hobby:

Giant prickly stick insect
Macleay’s spectre
Spiny leaf insect

Names and groups that can be confused with it in trade:

Giant Prickly Stick Insect — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Extatosoma tiaratum · Giant Prickly Stick Insect

📋 At a glance


Adult size	10-15 cm
Lifespan	1-2 years
Activity	nocturnal
Difficulty	beginner
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local biosecurity rules still apply
Humidity	50-70%; molt support 65-80%
Egg incubation	120-270 days

🏠 Enclosure

45 x 45 x 60 cm. Use this as a minimum for a small group, with secure fine mesh, fresh food stems in covered water, and open hanging space for molts.

🌡️ Temperature

ambient air: 20-26°C
night: 18-22°C

🪳 Feeding

eucalyptus, bramble, raspberry, rose, oak, hawthorn, pyracantha. Keep safe host leaves available at all times, replace wilted stems promptly, and avoid pesticide-treated or roadside cuttings.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for failed molts, mold, mites, dehydration, pesticide exposure, escapes, food refusal, injuries, and unexplained nymph losses.

Giant Spiny Stick Insect

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Eurycantha calcarata is the accepted scientific name for the giant spiny stick insect. It is not the same animal as every large spiny Eurycantha sold in trade, so colony labels should include the Latin name and source line where known.

Common names used in the hobby:

Giant spiny stick insect
New Guinea spiny stick insect
Thorny devil stick insect

Names and groups that can be confused with it in trade:

Giant Spiny Stick Insect — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Eurycantha calcarata · Giant Spiny Stick Insect

📋 At a glance


Adult size	10-15 cm
Lifespan	1-2 years
Activity	nocturnal
Difficulty	intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local biosecurity rules still apply
Humidity	65-85%; molt support 75-90%
Egg incubation	120-240 days

🏠 Enclosure

45 x 45 x 45 cm. Use this as a minimum for a small group, with secure fine mesh, fresh food stems in covered water, and open hanging space for molts.

🌡️ Temperature

ambient air: 22-27°C
night: 20-23°C

🪳 Feeding

bramble, raspberry, rose, oak, hawthorn, ivy, guava. Keep safe host leaves available at all times, replace wilted stems promptly, and avoid pesticide-treated or roadside cuttings.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for failed molts, mold, mites, dehydration, pesticide exposure, escapes, food refusal, injuries, and unexplained nymph losses.

Grammostola porteri — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Grammostola porteri · Grammostola porteri

📋 At a glance


Adult size	12-15 cm
Lifespan	5-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 22-26 °C
Warm zone: 20-26 °C
Cool zone: 18-21 °C
Night: 18-21 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Green Anole

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Anolis carolinensis is the accepted scientific name. Older and hobby material may also mention names such as Anolius carolinensis, Anolis baccatus, or Norops baccatus.

Common names used in the hobby:

Green anole
Carolina anole
American green anole
American chameleon

German common names used in the hobby:

Rotkehlanolis

📌 Description

Green anoles are small, fast, diurnal arboreal lizards. They are inexpensive and common in trade, but they are not low-care pets: good results depend on vertical space, dense cover, UVB, small live prey, humidity cycles, and escape-proof construction.

Green Anole — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Anolis carolinensis · Green Anole

📋 At a glance


Adult size	13-20 cm
Lifespan	4-8 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 30-33 °C
Warm zone: 24-29 °C
Cool zone: 22-24 °C
Night: 18-22 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Green Iguana — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Iguana iguana · Green Iguana

📋 At a glance


Adult size	120-210 cm
Lifespan	15-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 45-50 °C
Warm zone: 24-31 °C
Cool zone: 24-27 °C
Night: 23-28 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Hapalopus formosus — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Hapalopus formosus · Hapalopus formosus

📋 At a glance


Adult size	7-10 cm
Lifespan	3-10 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 23-26 °C
Warm zone: 22-26 °C
Cool zone: 20-22 °C
Night: 20-22 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Heteroscodra maculata — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Heteroscodra maculata · Heteroscodra maculata

📋 At a glance


Adult size	12-15 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 25-27 °C
Warm zone: 23-27 °C
Cool zone: 21-23 °C
Night: 20-23 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Hornworms

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Manduca sexta is the accepted scientific name used for this feeder guide.

Common names used in the feeder trade:

Hornworm
Tobacco hornworm
Manduca larva

📌 Description

Hornworms are large, soft, moisture-rich sphinx moth larvae. They are very useful for hydration support and for animals that need a soft feeder, but they grow extremely fast and become too large for many pets within days.

Hysterocrates gigas — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Hysterocrates gigas · Hysterocrates gigas

📋 At a glance


Adult size	16-20 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 24-27 °C
Warm zone: 22-27 °C
Cool zone: 20-23 °C
Night: 20-23 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Idiothele mira — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Idiothele mira · Idiothele mira

📋 At a glance


Adult size	8-10 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 24-27 °C
Warm zone: 22-27 °C
Cool zone: 20-23 °C
Night: 20-23 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Imitator Poison Frog

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Ranitomeya imitator is the accepted scientific name for the imitator poison frog, a tiny diurnal dendrobatid from Peru.

Common names used in care literature and trade:

Imitator poison frog
Imitator dart frog
Ranitomeya imitator

📌 Description

This is a thumbnail dart frog: small, active, visually oriented, and dependent on a dense planted microhabitat. Adults are only about 1.8-2.5 cm, but they need careful daily food production, escape-proof ventilation, and very stable moisture.

Imitator Poison Frog — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Ranitomeya imitator · Imitator Poison Frog

📋 At a glance


Adult size	1.8-2.5 cm
Lifespan	8-15 years
Lifestyle	Tiny diurnal dart frog for planted vivaria
Minimum adult enclosure	45 x 45 x 45 cm for a pair
Temperature	21-25°C day, 18-22°C night
Humidity	75-95% with drainage and airflow
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; keep origin records

🏠 Setup

Use a dense planted vivarium with leaf litter, cork, bromeliads or film canisters.
Secure vents and doors; froglets and fruit flies escape through tiny gaps.
Avoid deep open water and mixed-species displays.
Quarantine new frogs 60-90 days; consider fecal and chytrid testing for uncertain animals.

🪳 Feeding and supplements

Feed tiny live prey daily: fruit flies, springtails, small isopods, aphids and pinhead crickets.
Start food cultures before buying frogs.
Lightly dust most feedings with calcium; rotate multivitamin, vitamin A and D3 according to UVB and product strength.

🩺 Watch for

Weight loss, hiding, weak tongue strike or poor feeding.
Metabolic bone disease, vitamin A imbalance, swelling, skin sores or abnormal posture.
Drowning risk from deep water; escape/dehydration risk from loose vents.
Keep locality, line, parentage and captive-bred records with all offspring.

Indonesian Blue-tongued Skink

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Tiliqua gigas is the accepted scientific name for this species.

Common names used in the hobby:

Indonesian blue-tongued skink

📌 Description

Indonesian blue-tongued skinks are large humid-tropical omnivores. They need a secure horizontal enclosure, higher humidity than Australian blue-tongues, deep substrate, broad hides, measured heat and UVB, and a varied diet; confusing them with drier Australian forms is a common care failure.

Indonesian Blue-tongued Skink — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Tiliqua gigas · Indonesian Blue-tongued Skink

📋 At a glance


Adult size	45-65 cm
Lifespan	15-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Adult minimum: 150 x 75 x 60 cm. Use a secure horizontal enclosure with species-appropriate humidity, UVB, heat, hides, and safe substrate.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 35-40 °C
Warm zone: 26-30 °C
Cool zone: 23-26 °C
Night: 21-24 °C

🪳 Feeding

Mixed omnivorous diet. Juveniles may eat every 2-3 days; most adults do better around every 5-7 days. Remove uneaten food promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Jungle Nymph

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Heteropteryx dilatata is the accepted scientific name for the jungle nymph and is PSG 18 in Phasmid Study Group culture records. The genus is treated as monotypic in current references, so older names should not be used as separate care forms.

Common names used in the hobby:

Jungle nymph
Malayan jungle nymph
Thorny tree-nymph stick insect
Malaysian stick insect

Names and groups that can be confused with it in trade:

Jungle Nymph — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Heteropteryx dilatata · Jungle Nymph

📋 At a glance


Adult size	9-17 cm
Lifespan	1-2 years
Activity	nocturnal
Difficulty	advanced
Reproduction	sexual egg laying
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local biosecurity rules still apply
Humidity	70-85%; molt support 80-90%
Egg incubation	180-360 days

🏠 Enclosure

45 x 45 x 60 cm. Use this as a minimum for a small group, with secure fine mesh, fresh food stems in covered water, and open hanging space for molts.

🌡️ Temperature

ambient air: 22-27°C
night: 20-23°C

🪳 Feeding

bramble, hawthorn, ivy, oak, rose, raspberry. Keep safe host leaves available at all times, replace wilted stems promptly, and avoid pesticide-treated or roadside cuttings.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for failed molts, mold, mites, dehydration, pesticide exposure, escapes, food refusal, injuries, and unexplained nymph losses.

Lasiocyano sazimai — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Lasiocyano sazimai · Lasiocyano sazimai

📋 At a glance


Adult size	14-16 cm
Lifespan	4-15 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 23-26 °C
Warm zone: 21-26 °C
Cool zone: 19-22 °C
Night: 18-22 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Lasiodora striatipes — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Lasiodora striatipes · Lasiodora striatipes

📋 At a glance


Adult size	20-25 cm
Lifespan	5-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 24-27 °C
Warm zone: 22-27 °C
Cool zone: 20-23 °C
Night: 20-23 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Lobster Roaches

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Nauphoeta cinerea is the accepted scientific name used for this feeder guide.

Common names used in the feeder trade:

Lobster roach
Speckled feeder roach

📌 Description

Lobster roaches are fast, productive feeder roaches for reptiles, amphibians, tarantulas, and other insectivores. They breed readily and make a useful colony feeder, but unlike Dubia roaches they climb smooth surfaces and require serious escape prevention.

Mangrove Snake

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Boiga dendrophila is the accepted scientific name for the mangrove snake. It is a rear-fanged colubrid, and legal or veterinary notes should follow the scientific name on the animal’s paperwork because common names are used loosely in the trade.

Common names used in the hobby:

Mangrove snake
Gold-ringed cat snake

📌 Description

This is a large, nocturnal, visually striking display snake for advanced keepers. It is not a handling species: bites can be painful, prolonged chewing increases venom exposure, and the enclosure must be serviceable without free-hand wrestling.

Mangrove Snake — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Boiga dendrophila · Mangrove Snake

📋 At a glance


Adult size	150-240 cm
Lifespan	15-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 31-33 °C
Warm zone: 26-30 °C
Cool zone: 24-26 °C
Night: 22-25 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Mealworms

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Tenebrio molitor is the accepted scientific name used for this feeder guide.

Common names used in the feeder trade:

Mealworm
Yellow mealworm

📌 Description

Mealworms are the larvae of a darkling beetle and are useful, quiet, easy-to-store feeders for many reptiles, amphibians, birds, fish, tarantulas, and mantids. They are less active than crickets and easier to contain, but their chitin and phosphorus-heavy profile mean they should be rotated with other feeders rather than used as the only staple.

Melopoeus minax — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Melopoeus minax · Melopoeus minax

📋 At a glance


Adult size	13-16 cm
Lifespan	8-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 24-27 °C
Warm zone: 22-27 °C
Cool zone: 20-23 °C
Night: 20-23 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Mexican Alligator Lizard

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Abronia graminea is the accepted scientific name. Older literature and labels may use Gerrhonotus gramineus or the subspecies-style combination Abronia taeniata graminea.

Common names used in the hobby:

Mexican alligator lizard
Sierra de Tehuacan arboreal alligator lizard
Green arboreal alligator lizard

German common names used in the hobby:

Grüne Baumschleiche

📌 Description

This is a cool-climate arboreal alligator lizard, not a warm rainforest lizard. It suits keepers who can provide a planted, well-ventilated vertical enclosure, cool nights, careful misting cycles, small live food, and complete legal paperwork.

Mexican Alligator Lizard — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Abronia graminea · Mexican Alligator Lizard

📋 At a glance


Adult size	20-30 cm
Lifespan	10-15 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 25-27 °C
Warm zone: 18-24 °C
Cool zone: 16-20 °C
Night: 14-18 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Migratory Locusts

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Locusta migratoria is the accepted scientific name used for this feeder guide.

Common names used in the feeder trade:

Migratory locust
Feeder locust

📌 Description

Migratory locusts are active, lean, high-movement feeders for larger insectivorous reptiles, amphibians, birds, and invertebrates. They are excellent enrichment prey, but they need more space, heat, light, and plant food than most small feeder insects.

Monocentropus balfouri — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Monocentropus balfouri · Monocentropus balfouri

📋 At a glance


Adult size	10-13 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 24-27 °C
Warm zone: 22-27 °C
Cool zone: 20-23 °C
Night: 20-23 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Neoholothele incei — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Neoholothele incei · Neoholothele incei

📋 At a glance


Adult size	5-7 cm
Lifespan	2-8 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 23-26 °C
Warm zone: 22-26 °C
Cool zone: 20-22 °C
Night: 20-22 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Nhandu coloratovillosus — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Nhandu coloratovillosus · Nhandu coloratovillosus

📋 At a glance


Adult size	16-18 cm
Lifespan	4-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 24-27 °C
Warm zone: 22-27 °C
Cool zone: 20-23 °C
Night: 20-23 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Nhandu tripepii — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Nhandu tripepii · Nhandu tripepii

📋 At a glance


Adult size	18-22 cm
Lifespan	5-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 24-27 °C
Warm zone: 23-27 °C
Cool zone: 21-23 °C
Night: 20-23 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Northern Blue-tongued Skink

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Tiliqua scincoides intermedia is the accepted scientific name for the northern subspecies of the eastern blue-tongued skink group.

Common names used in the hobby:

Northern blue-tongued skink

📌 Description

Northern blue-tongued skinks are robust Australian omnivores with a strong feeding response. They are more forgiving than humid Indonesian blue-tongues, but adults still need a large horizontal enclosure, a measured heat gradient, UVB, dry retreats, and controlled feeding.

Northern Blue-tongued Skink — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Tiliqua scincoides intermedia · Northern Blue-tongued Skink

📋 At a glance


Adult size	45-60 cm
Lifespan	15-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Adult minimum: 150 x 75 x 60 cm. Use a secure horizontal enclosure with species-appropriate humidity, UVB, heat, hides, and safe substrate.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 35-40 °C
Warm zone: 26-32 °C
Cool zone: 22-26 °C
Night: 20-24 °C

🪳 Feeding

Mixed omnivorous diet. Juveniles may eat every 2-3 days; most adults do better around every 5-7 days. Remove uneaten food promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Omothymus schioedtei — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Omothymus schioedtei · Omothymus schioedtei

📋 At a glance


Adult size	20-25 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 25-27 °C
Warm zone: 23-27 °C
Cool zone: 21-23 °C
Night: 20-23 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Omothymus violaceopes — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Omothymus violaceopes · Omothymus violaceopes

📋 At a glance


Adult size	20-25 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 25-27 °C
Warm zone: 23-27 °C
Cool zone: 21-23 °C
Night: 20-23 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Pamphobeteus sp. "Machala" — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Pamphobeteus sp. “Machala” · Pamphobeteus sp. “Machala”

📋 At a glance


Adult size	18-22 cm
Lifespan	4-21 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 24-27 °C
Warm zone: 22-27 °C
Cool zone: 20-23 °C
Night: 20-23 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Pamphobeteus sp. "Platyomma" — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Pamphobeteus sp. “Platyomma” · Pamphobeteus sp. “Platyomma”

📋 At a glance


Adult size	18-21 cm
Lifespan	4-21 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 24-27 °C
Warm zone: 22-27 °C
Cool zone: 20-23 °C
Night: 20-23 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Pamphobeteus vespertinus — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Pamphobeteus vespertinus · Pamphobeteus vespertinus

📋 At a glance


Adult size	18-22 cm
Lifespan	4-21 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 24-27 °C
Warm zone: 22-27 °C
Cool zone: 20-23 °C
Night: 20-23 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Pancake Tortoise

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Malacochersus tornieri is the currently accepted scientific name. The genus is monotypic, so trade listings usually use the Latin name or the common name.

Common names used in the hobby:

Pancake tortoise

📌 Description

A flattened East African rock-crevice tortoise that needs secure rocky structure, high basking heat, UVB, and strict legal documentation.

Adult size is usually 15-18 cm, with adult weight around 350-700 g and a potential lifespan of 25-40 years. Plan the adult enclosure before purchase, not after the juvenile outgrows a starter pen.

Pancake Tortoise — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Malacochersus tornieri · Pancake Tortoise

📋 At a glance


Adult size	15-18 cm
Lifespan	25-40 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split.
Origin	Rocky kopjes and dry savanna areas of Kenya and Tanzania.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Expert
Legal status	CITES: Appendix I; EU: Annex A; local rules still apply

🏠 Housing

Use anchored rock modules, bonded slate stacks, or artificial crevice systems rather than loose piles. Every piece must resist shifting, sliding, and crushing when pushed. Use secure lids or inward lips, smooth upper barriers, blocked cable exits, and hides that can be opened without pulling the tortoise out by force.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 34-38°C
Warm zone: 24-30°C
Cool zone: 22-25°C
Night: 18-22°C

🥬 Feeding

Feed a dryland herbivore diet based on weeds, grasses, leaves, and flowers. Small body size makes overfeeding rich greens a real risk. Offer high-fiber portions, regular calcium, and a shallow water dish that does not soak the substrate.

🩺 Common problems

The main risks are escape, crushed animals from unstable rocks, dehydration during hot periods, damp stagnant crevices, weak UVB, and illegal wild-caught origin.

Pelinobius muticus — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Pelinobius muticus · Pelinobius muticus

📋 At a glance


Adult size	16-20 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 24-27 °C
Warm zone: 22-27 °C
Cool zone: 20-23 °C
Night: 20-23 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Phormingochilus hatihati — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Phormingochilus hatihati · Phormingochilus hatihati

📋 At a glance


Adult size	13-16 cm
Lifespan	8-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 25-28 °C
Warm zone: 24-28 °C
Cool zone: 22-24 °C
Night: 21-24 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Pill Bugs

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Armadillidium vulgare is the accepted scientific name used for this feeder guide.

Common names used in the feeder trade:

Pill bug
Roly-poly
Common pill woodlouse

📌 Description

Pill bugs are hardy terrestrial isopods used as cleanup crew and occasional calcium-rich feeders for small insectivores. They roll into a ball when disturbed, so some predators ignore them, but they are useful in bioactive setups and easy to culture.

Poecilotheria ornata — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Poecilotheria ornata · Poecilotheria ornata

📋 At a glance


Adult size	18-23 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 24-27 °C
Warm zone: 22-27 °C
Cool zone: 20-23 °C
Night: 20-23 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Poecilotheria rufilata — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Poecilotheria rufilata · Poecilotheria rufilata

📋 At a glance


Adult size	18-22 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 25-27 °C
Warm zone: 23-27 °C
Cool zone: 21-23 °C
Night: 20-23 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Poecilotheria smithi — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Poecilotheria smithi · Poecilotheria smithi

📋 At a glance


Adult size	15-20 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 23-26 °C
Warm zone: 22-26 °C
Cool zone: 20-22 °C
Night: 19-22 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Poecilotheria striata — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Poecilotheria striata · Poecilotheria striata

📋 At a glance


Adult size	16-20 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 25-27 °C
Warm zone: 23-27 °C
Cool zone: 21-23 °C
Night: 20-23 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Poecilotheria subfusca — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Poecilotheria subfusca · Poecilotheria subfusca

📋 At a glance


Adult size	15-20 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 22-25 °C
Warm zone: 20-25 °C
Cool zone: 19-21 °C
Night: 18-21 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Poecilotheria tigrinawesseli — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Poecilotheria tigrinawesseli · Poecilotheria tigrinawesseli

📋 At a glance


Adult size	15-20 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 24-27 °C
Warm zone: 23-27 °C
Cool zone: 21-23 °C
Night: 20-23 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Poecilotheria vittata — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Poecilotheria vittata · Poecilotheria vittata

📋 At a glance


Adult size	18-20 cm
Lifespan	4-15 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 23-27 °C
Warm zone: 20-26 °C
Cool zone: 20-23 °C
Night: 19-22 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Psalmopoeus cambridgei — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Psalmopoeus cambridgei · Psalmopoeus cambridgei

📋 At a glance


Adult size	15-18 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 24-27 °C
Warm zone: 22-27 °C
Cool zone: 20-23 °C
Night: 20-23 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Psalmopoeus pulcher — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Psalmopoeus pulcher · Psalmopoeus pulcher

📋 At a glance


Adult size	14-17 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 24-27 °C
Warm zone: 22-27 °C
Cool zone: 20-23 °C
Night: 20-23 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Psalmopoeus reduncus — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Psalmopoeus reduncus · Psalmopoeus reduncus

📋 At a glance


Adult size	12-15 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 24-27 °C
Warm zone: 22-27 °C
Cool zone: 20-23 °C
Night: 20-23 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Psalmopoeus victori — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Psalmopoeus victori · Psalmopoeus victori

📋 At a glance


Adult size	13-16 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 22-26 °C
Warm zone: 21-26 °C
Cool zone: 20-23 °C
Night: 20-23 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Radiated Tortoise

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Astrochelys radiata is the currently accepted scientific name. Older literature and some trade records may still use Testudo radiata or Geochelone radiata.

Common names used in the hobby:

Radiated tortoise

📌 Description

A large, long-lived Madagascar tortoise with exceptional legal restrictions, high space needs, strong UVB needs, and a dry-season herbivorous diet.

Adult size is usually 35-40 cm, with adult weight around 8000-16000 g and a potential lifespan of 60-100 years. Plan the adult enclosure before purchase, not after the juvenile outgrows a starter pen.

Radiated Tortoise — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Astrochelys radiata · Radiated Tortoise

📋 At a glance


Adult size	35-40 cm
Lifespan	60-100 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split.
Origin	Southern and south-western Madagascar dry spiny forest and scrub.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Expert
Legal status	CITES: Appendix I; EU: Annex A; local rules still apply

🏠 Housing

Use strong, opaque low fencing outdoors, locked gates, anti-digging edges, and heated indoor retreat space for cold or wet periods. Substrate should be firm and walkable: soil-based surfaces, dry shelters, edible grasses, browse plants, shaded shrubs, and clean feeding areas. Avoid slick floors and permanently wet bedding.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 32-35°C
Warm zone: 24-30°C
Cool zone: 20-24°C
Night: 18-23°C

🥬 Feeding

Feed a high-fiber, low-sugar herbivore diet. Good staples include grasses, dandelion, plantain, sow thistle, hibiscus leaves and flowers, mulberry leaves, grape leaves, and other safe browse. Commercial tortoise pellets can be occasional support, not the foundation; fruit should be rare.

🩺 Common problems

Common failures are small pens, weak UVB, rich grocery diets, damp sleeping areas, obesity, poor calcium balance, and undocumented animals.

Red Runner Roaches

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Shelfordella lateralis is the accepted scientific name used for this feeder guide.

Common names used in the feeder trade:

Red runner roach
Turkestan roach
Lateralis roach

📌 Description

Red runner roaches are fast, soft-bodied feeder roaches that trigger a strong feeding response in many insectivores. They breed quickly and suit tarantulas, lizards, amphibians, and mantids, but they are escape-prone and can become pests in warm buildings.

Rosy Boa

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Lichanura trivirgata is the rosy boa, a small North American boa with locality variation that should be tracked in breeding records.

Common names used in the hobby:

Rosy boa
Three-lined boa

The most useful husbandry facts come from its natural history: rocky shrubland, desert washes, chaparral edges, Baja California habitats, and sheltered stones or burrows in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico; it is secretive, often crepuscular or nocturnal, and relies on tight retreat sites more than open display behavior. Taxonomy should also be checked against sales labels because common names, former subspecies names, and locality names are often used loosely in the trade. When a seller cannot give a scientific name, origin history, and feeding record, assume the care plan needs extra verification before purchase.

Rosy Boa — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Lichanura trivirgata · Rosy Boa

📋 At a glance


Adult size	60-90 cm
Lifespan	20-30 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Crepuscular
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 32-34 °C
Warm zone: 25-30 °C
Cool zone: 22-25 °C
Night: 18-22 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Rough Woodlice

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Porcellio scaber is the accepted scientific name used for this feeder guide.

Common names used in the feeder trade:

Rough woodlouse
Rough isopod
Cleanup isopod

📌 Description

Rough woodlice are hardy cleanup-crew isopods and occasional feeders for small insectivores. They process leaf litter, shed skin, and leftover organic matter, but they need calcium, hides, and a moisture gradient to avoid die-offs.

Shingleback Skink

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Tiliqua rugosa is the accepted scientific name for this species.

Common names used in the hobby:

Shingleback skink
Bobtail skink

📌 Description

Shingleback skinks are heavy, slow Australian blue-tongued skinks with strong jaws and a very long lifespan. They need dry-temperate housing, a broad basking zone, sturdy hides, controlled feeding, and minimal stress; they are not a casual beginner choice.

Shingleback Skink — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Tiliqua rugosa · Shingleback Skink

📋 At a glance


Adult size	35-45 cm
Lifespan	20-40 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Adult minimum: 150 x 75 x 60 cm. Use a secure dry-temperate horizontal enclosure with sturdy hides, UVB, a broad basking area, and safe dry substrate.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 34-38 °C
Warm zone: 24-30 °C
Cool zone: 20-24 °C
Night: 16-22 °C

🪳 Feeding

Mixed omnivorous diet. Most adults do better around every 3-7 days depending on season and body condition. Remove uneaten food promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Silkworms

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Bombyx mori is the accepted scientific name used for this feeder guide.

Common names used in the feeder trade:

Silkworm
Silkworm larva

📌 Description

Silkworms are soft, slow-moving moth larvae that make excellent occasional or rotation feeders for many reptiles and amphibians. They are usually easier to digest than hard beetle larvae, but they depend on clean mulberry-based food and spoil quickly when warm and dirty.

Slider Turtle

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Trachemys scripta is the accepted scientific name for this species.

Common names used in the hobby:

Slider turtle
Red-eared slider
Yellow-bellied slider

📌 Description

A common but legally sensitive aquatic turtle needing large water volume, strong filtration, UVB, basking access, and strict no-release management.

Adults usually reach about 12-30 cm, and females can become much larger than males. Hatchlings are often sold as easy pets, but real care is for a large, long-lived aquatic turtle that may live 20-40 years.

Slider Turtle — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Trachemys scripta · Slider Turtle

📋 At a glance


Adult size	12-30 cm
Lifespan	20-40 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU wildlife trade: not listed; EU IAS and local invasive-species rules may prohibit keeping, breeding, sale, transfer, or release

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 30-34 °C
Warm zone: 22-26 °C
Cool zone: 20-22 °C
Night: 20-24 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Spotted Python

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Antaresia maculosa is the currently accepted scientific name for the spotted python. Trade names can blur spotted pythons, Children’s pythons, Stimson’s pythons, and locality Antaresia, so purchase records should state the scientific name, origin history, hatch date where known, and feeding record.

Common names used in the hobby:

Spotted python

📌 Description

This is the largest commonly kept Antaresia, but it is still a compact python. It is usually manageable when bred in captivity, settled, and housed securely, yet juveniles can be defensive and adults can have an enthusiastic feeding response.

Spotted Python — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Antaresia maculosa · Spotted Python

📋 At a glance


Adult size	90-140 cm
Lifespan	15-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 32-34 °C
Warm zone: 26-30 °C
Cool zone: 24-26 °C
Night: 22-25 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Springtails

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Folsomia candida is the accepted scientific name used for this feeder guide.

Common names used in the feeder trade:

Springtail
White springtail
Cleanup springtail

📌 Description

Springtails are tiny cleanup-culture invertebrates and micro-feeders for very small amphibians, hatchling geckos, mantis nymphs, and spiderlings. They help control mold and consume fine organic debris, but they need constant moisture and should be cultured cleanly.

Stromatopelma calceatum — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Stromatopelma calceatum · Stromatopelma calceatum

📋 At a glance


Adult size	14-18 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 25-27 °C
Warm zone: 23-27 °C
Cool zone: 21-23 °C
Night: 20-23 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Sunny Stick Insect

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Sungaya inexpectata is the accepted scientific name for the sunny stick insect and is PSG 195 in Phasmid Study Group culture records. Keep colony labels with the Latin name and any culture-line information, because trade names and colour-form labels are not reliable identification by themselves.

Common names used in the hobby:

Sunny stick insect
Sungay stick insect
Sungay stick-insect

Names and groups that can be confused with it in trade:

Sunny Stick Insect — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Sungaya inexpectata · Sunny Stick Insect

📋 At a glance


Adult size	6-9 cm
Lifespan	1-2 years
Activity	nocturnal
Difficulty	beginner
Reproduction	parthenogenetic egg laying
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local biosecurity rules still apply
Humidity	60-80%; molt support 70-90%
Egg incubation	90-160 days

🏠 Enclosure

30 x 30 x 45 cm. Use this as a minimum for a small group, with secure fine mesh, fresh food stems in covered water, and open hanging space for molts.

🌡️ Temperature

ambient air: 22-27°C
night: 20-23°C

🪳 Feeding

bramble, hawthorn, chestnut, raspberry, ivy, beech, rose, oak. Keep safe host leaves available at all times, replace wilted stems promptly, and avoid pesticide-treated or roadside cuttings.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for failed molts, mold, mites, dehydration, pesticide exposure, escapes, food refusal, injuries, and unexplained nymph losses.

Superworms

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Zophobas atratus is the accepted scientific name used for this feeder guide.

The accepted taxonomy treats the feeder trade animal as Zophobas atratus; the trade still often uses Zophobas morio. It is a tropical American darkling beetle now distributed commercially through feeder production.

Common names used in the feeder trade:

Superworm
Morio worm
Zophobas

📌 Description

Superworms are large darkling beetle larvae sold under the older trade name Zophobas morio. They are active, attractive feeders for larger insectivores, but they are fatty, strong-jawed, and too large for small or weak animals.

Tapinauchenius cupreus — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Tapinauchenius cupreus · Tapinauchenius cupreus

📋 At a glance


Adult size	10-13 cm
Lifespan	3-15 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 24-27 °C
Warm zone: 23-27 °C
Cool zone: 21-23 °C
Night: 20-23 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Thorny Stick Insect

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Aretaon asperrimus is the accepted scientific name for the thorny stick insect. In hobby records it is often linked with PSG 118; labels and invoices should still use the Latin name because several brown, spiny phasmids are sold under similar common names.

Common names used in the hobby:

Thorny stick insect
Spiny Sabah stick insect

Names and groups that can be confused with it in trade:

Thorny Stick Insect — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Aretaon asperrimus · Thorny Stick Insect

📋 At a glance


Adult size	5-8 cm
Lifespan	1-2 years
Activity	nocturnal
Difficulty	beginner
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local biosecurity rules still apply
Humidity	65-85%; molt support 75-90%
Egg incubation	90-180 days

🏠 Enclosure

30 x 30 x 45 cm. Use this as a minimum for a small group, with secure fine mesh, fresh food stems in covered water, and open hanging space for molts.

🌡️ Temperature

ambient air: 22-27°C
night: 20-23°C

🪳 Feeding

bramble, raspberry, oak, ivy, pyracantha. Keep safe host leaves available at all times, replace wilted stems promptly, and avoid pesticide-treated or roadside cuttings.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for failed molts, mold, mites, dehydration, pesticide exposure, escapes, food refusal, injuries, and unexplained nymph losses.

Tliltocatl kahlenbergi — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Tliltocatl kahlenbergi · Tliltocatl kahlenbergi

📋 At a glance


Adult size	11-14 cm
Lifespan	5-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 22-26 °C
Warm zone: 20-26 °C
Cool zone: 18-21 °C
Night: 18-21 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Tliltocatl vagans — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Tliltocatl vagans · Tliltocatl vagans

📋 At a glance


Adult size	12-16 cm
Lifespan	5-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	See the full care guide for distribution details.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 22-26 °C
Warm zone: 20-26 °C
Cool zone: 18-21 °C
Night: 18-21 °C

🪳 Feeding

Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.

Vietnamese Mossy Frog

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Theloderma corticale is the accepted scientific name for the Vietnamese mossy frog, a cool-humidity arboreal frog from northern Vietnam and nearby regions.

Common names used in care literature and trade:

Vietnamese mossy frog
Mossy frog
Tonkin bug-eyed frog

📌 Description

Vietnamese mossy frogs are cryptic, rough-skinned frogs whose green, black and brown pattern helps them disappear against wet moss, bark and rock. They are mostly nocturnal and often rest above or near cool clean water.

Vietnamese Mossy Frog — Fact Sheet

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Theloderma corticale · Vietnamese Mossy Frog

📋 At a glance


Adult size	6-9 cm
Lifespan	8-15 years
Lifestyle	Cool, humid, arboreal frog using clean water retreats
Minimum adult enclosure	45 x 45 x 60 cm for a small group
Temperature	20-24°C day, 16-20°C night
Humidity	70-90% with strong ventilation
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Setup

Build vertically with cork, branches, plants, shaded rests and clean water access.
Avoid heat: stagnant 27-28°C conditions can become dangerous.
Use easy exits from water and guard pump intakes.
Quarantine new frogs 60-90 days with separate tools; consider parasite and chytrid testing.

🪳 Feeding and supplements

Feed varied gut-loaded insects every 2-3 days.
Remove uneaten insects that may bite resting frogs.
Use calcium regularly, multivitamin every 2-4 weeks, and D3 according to UVB exposure.

🩺 Watch for

Overheating, constant soaking, lethargy or frantic movement.
Dirty-water skin problems: redness, sores, cloudy skin or foul smell.
Weak grip, tremors or poor posture from calcium/D3/UVB problems.
Weight loss, swelling, abnormal buoyancy or repeated falls: seek veterinary help.

Waxworms

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Galleria mellonella is the accepted scientific name used for this feeder guide.

Common names used in the feeder trade:

Waxworm
Greater wax moth larva

📌 Description

Waxworms are soft, high-fat moth larvae used as occasional feeders, appetite stimulants, or treats. They are not a staple feeder for most reptiles or amphibians, but they are useful when a soft-bodied, highly palatable feeder is needed.

Asian Water Monitor

Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Varanus salvator is the currently accepted scientific name. In trade, use the Latin name when checking animals, locality labels, invoices, and legal documents, because common names can overlap between related species.

English common names used in the hobby:

Asian Water Monitor

📌 Description

The Asian water monitor (Varanus salvator) is a very large, powerful monitor for specialist keepers with room-sized enclosure plans. Adults usually reach 1.5-2.5 m total length, with exceptional animals larger, and may live 15-20+ years with stable long-term care.

Basiliscus plumifrons

Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Basiliscus plumifrons is the accepted scientific name for the Green basilisk covered here. Use this Latin name when comparing labels, origin documents, and close relatives, because trade names can overlap.

English common names used in the hobby:

Green basilisk

German common names used in the hobby:

Stirnlappenbasilisk

📌 Description

Basiliscus plumifrons is a non-venomous lizard with care needs shaped by its natural habitat: warm, humid forest edges, riverbanks, and branches above water. Adults are usually around 70-90 cm total length, and a realistic captive lifespan is 8-12 years when housing, diet, and veterinary care are handled well.

Black Tree Monitor

Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Varanus beccarii is the currently accepted scientific name. In trade, use the Latin name when checking animals, locality labels, invoices, and legal documents, because common names can overlap between related species.

English common names used in the hobby:

Black Tree Monitor

📌 Description

The black tree monitor (Varanus beccarii) is an active arboreal monitor for keepers who can provide height, cover, humidity control, and careful source documentation. Adults usually reach 85-110 cm total length and may live 10-15+ years with stable long-term care.

Blue Tree Monitor

Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Varanus macraei is the currently accepted scientific name. In trade, use the Latin name when checking animals, locality labels, invoices, and legal documents, because common names can overlap between related species.

English common names used in the hobby:

Blue Tree Monitor

📌 Description

The blue tree monitor (Varanus macraei) is a narrow-range arboreal monitor for specialist keepers who can provide height, cover, humidity control, and reliable documentation. Adults usually reach 90-110 cm total length and may live 10-15+ years with stable long-term care.

Chilobrachys fimbriatus

Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Chilobrachys fimbriatus is the currently accepted scientific name used for this care guide. In hobby listings, use the Latin name carefully because common names are informal and may be reused for related Old World tarantulas.

Names used in the hobby:

Indian violet
Indian violet earth tiger
Indische Violette Vogelspinne

📌 Description

Chilobrachys fimbriatus is an Old World tarantula that digs readily and webs heavily around its retreat. It comes from warm seasonal habitats in India, where burrows, roots, and dense silk shelters give the animal buffered places to hide. Adults usually reach about 5-6 cm body length and 13-15 cm legspan. Females often live 10-15 years, while mature males live much shorter lives.

Coleonyx mitratus

Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Coleonyx mitratus is the currently accepted scientific name. In trade, use the Latin name when checking animals, locality labels, invoices, and legal documents, because common names can overlap between related species.

English common names used in the hobby:

Central American Banded Gecko

📌 Description

The Central American banded gecko (Coleonyx mitratus) is a small, secretive lizard kept by specialist reptile keepers. Adults usually reach 12-18 cm total length and may live 8-15 years with stable long-term care.

Coleonyx variegatus

Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Coleonyx variegatus is the currently accepted scientific name. In trade, use the Latin name when checking animals, locality labels, invoices, and legal documents, because common names can overlap between related species.

English common names used in the hobby:

Western Banded Gecko

📌 Description

The western banded gecko (Coleonyx variegatus) is a small, secretive lizard kept by specialist reptile keepers. Adults usually reach 10-15 cm total length and may live 8-15 years with stable long-term care.

Emerald Tree Monitor

Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Varanus prasinus is the currently accepted scientific name. In trade, use the Latin name when checking animals, locality labels, invoices, and legal documents, because common names can overlap between related species.

English common names used in the hobby:

Emerald Tree Monitor

📌 Description

The emerald tree monitor (Varanus prasinus) is a slender, highly active arboreal monitor for keepers who can provide height, cover, humidity control, and careful feeding. Adults usually reach 70-100 cm total length and may live 10-15+ years with stable long-term care.

Furcifer lateralis

Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Furcifer lateralis is the accepted scientific name for the Carpet chameleon covered here. Use this Latin name when comparing labels, origin documents, and close relatives, because trade names can overlap.

English common names used in the hobby:

Carpet chameleon

German common names used in the hobby:

Teppichchamäleon

📌 Description

Furcifer lateralis is a non-venomous lizard with care needs shaped by its natural habitat: sunlit shrubs, forest edges, gardens, grassland margins, and seasonally variable vegetation. Adults are usually around 17-25 cm total length, and a realistic captive lifespan is 3-5 years when housing, diet, and veterinary care are handled well.

Green Iguana

Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Iguana iguana is the currently accepted scientific name. In trade, use the Latin name when checking animals, locality labels, invoices, and legal documents, because common names can overlap between related species.

English common names used in the hobby:

Green Iguana

📌 Description

The green iguana (Iguana iguana) is a large, demanding lizard kept by specialist reptile keepers. Adults usually reach 1.2-1.8 m total length, with exceptional males larger and may live 15-20+ years with stable long-term care.

Heteroscodra maculata

Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Heteroscodra maculata is the name used for the animal covered here. The species is usually sold under Heteroscodra maculata; older common names vary widely. Use the Latin name when comparing labels, origin documents, and close relatives.

Names used in the hobby:

Togo starburst baboon
Togo-Starburst-Vogelspinne

📌 Description

Heteroscodra maculata is a very fast Old World arboreal tarantula. In nature it uses bark, hollow wood, and densely webbed retreats in warm, humid parts of West Africa. Adults are usually about 5-6 cm body length and 12-15 cm legspan. Females often live 10-12 years, while mature males live much shorter lives.

Hysterocrates gigas

Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Hysterocrates gigas is the currently accepted scientific name used for this care guide. In hobby listings, use the Latin name carefully because common names are informal and may be reused for related Old World tarantulas.

Names used in the hobby:

Cameroon red baboon
giant baboon spider
Kamerun-Rotvogelspinne

📌 Description

Hysterocrates gigas is a large Old World fossorial tarantula. It uses deep retreats in humid forest soils and often webs heavily around the burrow entrance. Adults usually reach about 7-8 cm body length and 16-20 cm legspan. Females may live over 15 years, while mature males live much shorter lives.

Idiothele mira

Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Idiothele mira is the currently accepted scientific name used for this care guide. In hobby listings, use the Latin name carefully because common names are informal and may be reused for related Old World tarantulas.

Names used in the hobby:

blue-foot baboon
trapdoor baboon tarantula
Blaufuß-Baboon

📌 Description

Idiothele mira is a small Old World fossorial tarantula. It is associated with dry to seasonally moist ground retreats and silk-lined burrows. Adults are usually about 3-4 cm body length and 8-10 cm legspan. Females often live 8-12 years, while mature males live much shorter lives.

Jungle Carpet Python

Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Morelia spilota cheynei is the name used for the animal covered here. Use the subspecies label carefully; some databases resolve the taxonomy at species level as Morelia spilota. Use the Latin name when comparing labels, origin documents, and close relatives.

Names used in the hobby:

jungle carpet python
Dschungel-Teppichpython

The most useful husbandry facts come from its natural history: rainforest margins, wet forest edges, creek lines, clearings, hollow logs, branches, and sheltered human-made structures in northeastern Queensland; it is an active nocturnal python that uses both branches and the ground, with a strong feeding response and clear preference for secure elevated routes. Taxonomy should also be checked against sales labels because common names, former subspecies names, and locality names are often used loosely in the trade. When a seller cannot give a scientific name, origin history, and feeding record, assume the care plan needs extra verification before purchase.

Monocentropus balfouri

Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Monocentropus balfouri is the currently accepted scientific name used for this care guide. In hobby listings, use the Latin name carefully because common names are informal and may be reused for related Old World tarantulas.

Names used in the hobby:

Socotra island blue baboon
Socotra blue baboon
Socotra-Blautiger-Vogelspinne

📌 Description

Monocentropus balfouri is an Old World tarantula associated with dry to semi-arid conditions, deep burrows, and heavy webbing. Adults are usually about 5-6 cm body length and 12-14 cm legspan. Females often live 12-15 years or more, while mature males live much shorter lives. The species is known for tolerating group keeping better than most tarantulas, but that does not make it risk-free.

Octodon degus

Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Octodon degus is the accepted scientific name for the degu covered here. Use this Latin name when comparing labels, origin documents, and close relatives, because trade names can overlap.

English common names used in the hobby:

Degu

German common names used in the hobby:

Degu

📌 Description

Octodon degus is a non-venomous small mammal with care needs shaped by its natural habitat: dry open scrubland with burrows, rocks, grasses, roots, and strong day-night rhythm. Adults are usually around 170-310 g adult body weight, and a realistic captive lifespan is 5-8 years, sometimes longer when housing, diet, and veterinary care are handled well.

Omothymus violaceopes

Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Omothymus violaceopes belongs to the large Southeast Asian arboreal theraphosids that are often sold under color-based trade names. For this species, the Singapore blue label is useful only when the Latin name and source history also match.

Names used in the hobby:

Singapore blue
Singapore blue tarantula
Singapur-Blaue Vogelspinne

📌 Description

Omothymus violaceopes is a large Old World arboreal tarantula associated with warm, humid Sundaic forest, hollow trunks, bark slabs, and heavily webbed vertical retreats. Large females often sit around 18-22 cm legspan, with exceptional individuals reported larger; males are slimmer and shorter-lived after maturity.

Pelinobius muticus

Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Pelinobius muticus is the East African king baboon tarantula of the hobby, a deep-burrow Old World species rather than a general “baboon tarantula” category. Labels should keep the genus and species together because common names are applied loosely.

Names used in the hobby:

king baboon tarantula
Königs-Pavianspinne

📌 Description

Pelinobius muticus is a very large Old World fossorial tarantula from East African savanna and scrub soils where a deep, stable burrow is the centre of its life. Adults are heavy, powerful spiders, often about 16-20 cm in legspan; females can live for many years, while mature males usually decline much sooner.

Physignathus cocincinus

Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Physignathus cocincinus is the accepted scientific name for the Chinese water dragon covered here. Use this Latin name when comparing labels, origin documents, and close relatives, because trade names can overlap.

English common names used in the hobby:

Chinese water dragon

German common names used in the hobby:

Grüner Wasseragame

📌 Description

Physignathus cocincinus is a non-venomous lizard with care needs shaped by its natural habitat: humid broadleaf forest beside streams, pools, and rivers, with branches over water. Adults are usually around 60-90 cm total length, and a realistic captive lifespan is 10-15 years when housing, diet, and veterinary care are handled well.

Psalmopoeus cambridgei

Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Psalmopoeus cambridgei is the Trinidad chevron of the hobby and one of the faster arboreal Psalmopoeus species. It should be kept distinct from P. irminia, P. pulcher, and P. reduncus when comparing care records or breeding stock.

Names used in the hobby:

Trinidad chevron
Trinidad chevron tarantula
Trinidad Chevron-Vogelspinne

📌 Description

Psalmopoeus cambridgei is a fast New World arboreal tarantula from Trinidad, usually found in or around bark retreats, hollow wood, and heavily webbed above-ground shelters. Adult females commonly reach about 14-18 cm legspan and can live for a decade or more; mature males are lighter, faster, and short-lived.

Psalmopoeus pulcher

Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Psalmopoeus pulcher is commonly traded as Panama blonde. The trade name is descriptive, but the Latin name is the safer label because several pale arboreal tarantulas can be described in similar terms.

Names used in the hobby:

Panama blonde
Panama blonde tarantula
Panama-Blond-Vogelspinne

📌 Description

Psalmopoeus pulcher is a pale, fast Psalmopoeus species from Panama, kept as an arboreal display tarantula that uses bark retreats and dense webbing rather than open perches. Adult females are usually about 14-17 cm in legspan; mature males are noticeably lighter and need calm, planned maintenance because they can run very quickly.

Psalmopoeus reduncus

Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Psalmopoeus reduncus is commonly traded as Costa Rican orange mouth. Keep records under the Latin name because Psalmopoeus species are similar in build and can be confused when only common names are used.

Names used in the hobby:

Costa Rican orange mouth
Costa Rican orange-mouth tarantula
Costa-Rica-Orangemouth-Vogelspinne

📌 Description

Psalmopoeus reduncus is a medium-sized, fast Central American Psalmopoeus that lives around bark retreats, hollow wood, and webbed arboreal shelters. Adults are usually about 12-15 cm in legspan, with females more robust and males quicker and more fragile after maturity.

Psalmopoeus victori

Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Psalmopoeus victori is the currently accepted name for the Mexican arboreal tarantula covered here. Common names are useful for trade searches, but records, labels, and breeding notes should stay under the Latin name because several Mesoamerican Psalmopoeus names have moved around in recent taxonomy.

The current World Spider Catalog entry treats P. victori as an accepted species from Mexico. It is worth checking current taxonomy rather than copying older synonym lists: some Central American names that were once treated broadly around P. victori have since been revalidated, so a seller’s vague “Central American Psalmopoeus” label is not enough.

Python brongersmai Care Guide

Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Python brongersmai is the accepted scientific name for the blood python covered here. Use this Latin name when comparing labels, origin documents, and close relatives, because trade names can overlap.

English common names used in the hobby:

Blood python

German common names used in the hobby:

Blutpython

📌 Description

Python brongersmai is a non-venomous constricting snake with care needs shaped by its natural habitat: humid lowland forest, swamp margins, palm plantations, and covered ground near water. Adults are usually around 120-180 cm total length with a very heavy body, and a realistic captive lifespan is 20-25+ years when housing, diet, and veterinary care are handled well.

Python curtus Care Guide

Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Python curtus is the accepted scientific name for the Sumatran short-tailed python covered here. Use this Latin name when comparing labels, origin documents, and close relatives, because trade names can overlap.

English common names used in the hobby:

Sumatran short-tailed python

German common names used in the hobby:

Sumatra-Kurzschwanzpython

📌 Description

Python curtus is a non-venomous constricting snake with care needs shaped by its natural habitat: humid lowland forest, swampy ground, plantations, and covered terrestrial shelters. Adults are usually around 120-180 cm total length with a stocky body, and a realistic captive lifespan is 20-25+ years when housing, diet, and veterinary care are handled well.

Stromatopelma calceatum

Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Stromatopelma calceatum is the currently accepted name for the featherleg baboon tarantula covered here. The Latin name is more reliable than common-name variants, especially because “baboon spider” is used broadly for unrelated African theraphosids.

Names used in the hobby:

featherleg baboon
featherleg baboon tarantula
Federbein-Baboon-Vogelspinne

📌 Description

Stromatopelma calceatum is a fast West African arboreal tarantula that uses bark retreats, hollow wood, and heavy webbing. Adults are usually around 14-18 cm in legspan. Females may live for many years with stable care; mature males are slimmer and short-lived after maturity.

Tliltocatl kahlenbergi

Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Tliltocatl kahlenbergi is the currently accepted name used for the animal covered here. Older hobby, import, and legal material may list it as Brachypelma kahlenbergi, so keep both names in mind when checking documents or older care material.

Names used in the hobby:

Veracruz red rump
Veracruz-Rotrumpf-Vogelspinne

📌 Description

Tliltocatl kahlenbergi is a terrestrial Mexican tarantula associated with seasonal lowland habitat, burrows, roots, leaf litter, and shaded ground retreats. Adults are usually around 11-14 cm in legspan. Females can live for many years with stable care; mature males are slimmer and much shorter-lived after maturity.

Tliltocatl vagans

Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Tliltocatl vagans is the currently accepted name used for the animal covered here. Older hobby, import, and legal material often lists it as Brachypelma vagans, so keep both names in mind when checking documents or older care material.

Names used in the hobby:

Mexican red rump
Mexikanische Rotrumpf-Vogelspinne

📌 Description

Tliltocatl vagans is a robust terrestrial tarantula from warm seasonal lowland scrub and forest-edge habitats, where it uses burrows, roots, leaf litter, and shaded ground retreats. Adults are usually around 12-16 cm in legspan. Females can live for many years with stable care; mature males are slimmer and much shorter-lived after maturity.

Trioceros jacksonii

Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Trioceros jacksonii is the accepted scientific name for the Jackson’s chameleon covered here. Use this Latin name when comparing labels, origin documents, and close relatives, because trade names can overlap.

English common names used in the hobby:

Jackson’s chameleon

German common names used in the hobby:

Jackson-Chamäleon

📌 Description

Trioceros jacksonii is a non-venomous lizard with care needs shaped by its natural habitat: cooler, humid shrubland, forest edges, hedges, and planted highland areas. Adults are usually around 20-35 cm total length depending on sex and locality, and a realistic captive lifespan is 5-10 years when housing, diet, and veterinary care are handled well.

Banded Crickets

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Gryllodes sigillatus is the currently accepted scientific name in GBIF for this feeder cricket.

Common names used in the feeder trade:

Banded cricket
Tropical house cricket

📌 Description

Banded Crickets (Gryllodes sigillatus) are live feeder crickets used for insect-eating reptiles, amphibians, tarantulas, mantids, and other captive insectivores. They are active prey, easy to buy in bulk, and useful for gut-loading, but they spoil quickly when kept damp, crowded, or dirty.

Dubia Roaches

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Blaptica dubia is the currently accepted scientific name for the dubia roach. GBIF lists older synonyms including Blabera claraziana and Blabera ligata.

English common names used in the hobby:

Dubia roach
Orange-spotted roach
Guyana spotted roach
Argentine wood roach

📌 Description

Dubia roaches (Blaptica dubia) are medium to large, live-bearing cockroaches widely cultured as feeder insects for reptiles, amphibians, tarantulas, and other insect-eating animals. They are quiet, do not jump, produce less smell than neglected cricket tubs, and cannot climb clean smooth plastic or glass.

House Crickets

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Acheta domesticus is the currently accepted scientific name in GBIF for this feeder cricket.

Common names used in the feeder trade:

House cricket
Brown cricket

📌 Description

House Crickets (Acheta domesticus) are live feeder crickets used for insect-eating reptiles, amphibians, tarantulas, mantids, and other captive insectivores. They are active prey, easy to buy in bulk, and useful for gut-loading, but they spoil quickly when kept damp, crowded, or dirty.

Jamaican Field Crickets

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Gryllus assimilis is the currently accepted scientific name in GBIF for this feeder cricket.

Common names used in the feeder trade:

Jamaican field cricket
Silent cricket

📌 Description

Jamaican Field Crickets (Gryllus assimilis) are live feeder crickets used for insect-eating reptiles, amphibians, tarantulas, mantids, and other captive insectivores. They are active prey, easy to buy in bulk, and useful for gut-loading, but they spoil quickly when kept damp, crowded, or dirty.

Ocellated Lizard

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Timon lepidus is the currently accepted scientific name. In older books, conservation documents, and some trade listings it is often found as Lacerta lepida.

Older names and combinations associated with the species include:

Lacerta lepida
Lacerta ocellata

English common names used in the hobby:

Ocellated lizard
Jeweled lacerta
Jewelled lizard

German common names used in the hobby:

Ocellated Lizard — Fact Sheet

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Timon lepidus

📋 At a glance


Adult size	45-70 cm
Lifespan	15-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Iberian Peninsula, southern and western France, and a small north-western Italian range
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Large horizontal, escape-proof vivarium with strong ventilation
Practical adult minimum: 180 x 60 x 60 cm; larger is strongly preferred
Deep dry soil/sand/clay substrate that allows digging
Keep singly unless there is a controlled breeding plan and spare separation enclosures

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Hot basking platform, cool retreat, and several tight hides
Stable rocks, cork, roots, and low branches for climbing and cover
Damp retreat or humid pocket to support shedding
Heavy decor must be supported securely so digging cannot collapse it

💡 Lighting

Bright visible light and strong UVB are required for normal behaviour and calcium metabolism
Ferguson zone 3-4; aim for UVI 3-5 at basking height, with shaded areas close to zero
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no visible night light
Use a separate heat source if the basking surface is not warm enough

🌡️ Temperature

Basking surface: 38-45 °C

Two-Spotted Crickets

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Gryllus bimaculatus is the currently accepted scientific name in GBIF for this feeder cricket.

Common names used in the feeder trade:

Two-spotted cricket
Black cricket
Mediterranean field cricket

📌 Description

Two-Spotted Crickets (Gryllus bimaculatus) are live feeder crickets used for insect-eating reptiles, amphibians, tarantulas, mantids, and other captive insectivores. They are active prey, easy to buy in bulk, and useful for gut-loading, but they spoil quickly when kept damp, crowded, or dirty.

Acrantophis dumerili Care Guide

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Acrantophis dumerili is the accepted scientific name for Dumeril’s boa. In trade, keep it separate from other Madagascan boas and prefer animals with clear origin documents.

English common names used in the hobby:

Dumeril’s boa

📌 Description

Dumeril’s boa (Acrantophis dumerili) is a heavy-bodied Malagasy boa with a calm reputation, but it is still a strong, long-lived constrictor. It suits keepers who can provide deep cover, steady ground heat, and secure handling routines instead of frequent display handling.

Ambystoma maculatum

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Ambystoma maculatum is the accepted scientific name and is stable in current use. In trade it may appear as the spotted salamander, but that common name does not change the taxonomy used here.

English common names used in the hobby:

Spotted salamander

📌 Description

Ambystoma maculatum is an amphibian kept for observation rather than handling. Adult size is usually around 15-25 cm, and a realistic lifespan in stable care is about 10-20 years. It needs clean water, secure hides, correct temperature, and calm maintenance more than decorative complexity.

Ambystoma mavortium

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Ambystoma mavortium is now treated separately from Ambystoma tigrinum in many modern sources. Older tiger salamander material may group these forms together, so origin and accurate identification matter.

English common names used in the hobby:

Barred tiger salamander

📌 Description

Ambystoma mavortium is an amphibian kept for observation rather than handling. Adult size is usually around 18-30 cm, and a realistic lifespan in stable care is about 10-20 years. It needs clean water, secure hides, correct temperature, and calm maintenance more than decorative complexity.

Boaedon fuliginosus Care Guide

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Boaedon fuliginosus is used here for the brown African house snake, but the house-snake group has been revised repeatedly. Many animals in the hobby are sold as African house snakes without precise species or locality confirmation.

English common names used in the hobby:

Brown African house snake
African house snake

Older names and trade labels to know:

Corallus hortulana Care Guide

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Corallus hortulana is the accepted name for the Amazon tree boa. Older sources may use Corallus hortulanus, and trade labels can blur different Amazon tree boa localities.

English common names used in the hobby:

Amazon tree boa

📌 Description

The Amazon tree boa (Corallus hortulana) is a slender arboreal boa with strong perching behavior and a quick defensive response. It is a display snake first: stable humidity, secure branches, and calm maintenance matter more than handling.

Cynops orientalis

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Cynops orientalis is the accepted scientific name for the Chinese fire-bellied newt. In older pet trade it was often imported under broad common names, so it should not be confused with the Japanese Cynops pyrrhogaster.

English common names used in the hobby:

Chinese fire-bellied newt

📌 Description

Cynops orientalis is an amphibian kept for observation rather than handling. Adult size is usually around 6-10 cm, and a realistic lifespan in stable care is about 10-15 years. It needs clean water, secure hides, correct temperature, and calm maintenance more than decorative complexity.

Cynops pyrrhogaster

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Cynops pyrrhogaster is the accepted scientific name for the Japanese fire-bellied newt. Regional Japanese forms are discussed in the hobby, so avoid mixing locality lines for breeding.

English common names used in the hobby:

Japanese fire-bellied newt

📌 Description

Cynops pyrrhogaster is an amphibian kept for observation rather than handling. Adult size is usually around 9-14 cm, and a realistic lifespan in stable care is about 10-20 years. It needs clean water, secure hides, correct temperature, and calm maintenance more than decorative complexity.

Elaphe climacophora Care Guide

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Elaphe climacophora is the currently used scientific name for the Japanese rat snake. In trade, white Iwakuni animals should be treated as a distinct protected locality form rather than ordinary locality stock.

English common names used in the hobby:

Japanese rat snake
Aodai-sho

Older names and trade labels to know:

Japanese ratsnake
Iwakuni white snake

📌 Description

The Japanese rat snake (Elaphe climacophora) is an active temperate colubrid that uses both floor space and low climbing structure. It rewards secure, well-ventilated housing with seasonal temperature cues and steady rodent-feeding routines.

Elaphe schrenckii Care Guide

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Elaphe schrenckii is the accepted name for Schrenck’s or Amur rat snake. Trade listings may also use Russian rat snake, so Latin-name confirmation is useful.

English common names used in the hobby:

Russian rat snake

📌 Description

The Amur rat snake (Elaphe schrenckii) is a hardy temperate colubrid from northeast Asia. It is active, strong, and long-lived, so the enclosure needs secure locks, usable floor space, and cooler seasonal management rather than tropical heat.

Epicrates cenchria Care Guide

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Epicrates cenchria is the Brazilian rainbow boa. Rainbow boa taxonomy and trade names have shifted, so this page should not be read as covering every snake sold as a rainbow boa.

English common names used in the hobby:

Brazilian rainbow boa

📌 Description

The Brazilian rainbow boa (Epicrates cenchria) is a striking humid-forest boa best kept by people who can manage moisture without making the enclosure wet or stagnant. Its care depends on steady warmth, secure hides, and careful feeding more than handling.

Eryx colubrinus Care Guide

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Eryx colubrinus is the accepted name followed here for the Kenyan sand boa. Older hobby material may list the species as Gongylophis colubrinus.

English common names used in the hobby:

Kenyan sand boa

📌 Description

The Kenyan sand boa (Eryx colubrinus) is a compact burrowing boa that spends much of its time under loose, dry substrate. It is usually manageable, but good care depends on secure housing, a clear warm side, and feeding methods that match a fossorial snake.

Eunectes murinus Care Guide

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Eunectes murinus is the green anaconda. Keep records carefully because anacondas are large boids, legally sensitive, and sometimes confused in trade with other Eunectes species.

English common names used in the hobby:

Green anaconda
Common anaconda

Older names and trade labels to know:

Boa murina

📌 Description

The green anaconda (Eunectes murinus) is an extreme specialist, not a normal private-collection snake. Its size, strength, water needs, feeding risk, and legal restrictions make it suitable only for institutions or highly equipped expert keepers.

Grammostola pulchra

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Grammostola pulchra is the Brazilian black tarantula. The name has been used loosely in the hobby, so exact identity and breeder records matter when buying or breeding.

English common names used in the hobby:

Brazilian black tarantula

📌 Description

Grammostola pulchra is a New World tarantula kept mainly as a display invertebrate. Adult size is usually 6-7 cm body, 15-18 cm legspan, and lifespan is females 15-25+ years; males shorter after maturity. It should not be handled routinely. Even species considered calm can bolt, fall, bite, or flick urticating hairs when stressed. The keeper’s job is to provide a secure enclosure, stable moisture gradient, safe fall height, and enough privacy for normal feeding and molting.

Grammostola pulchra — Fact Sheet

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Grammostola pulchra · Grammostola pulchra

📋 At a glance


Adult size	14-18 cm
Lifespan	5-25 years
Subspecies / locality	Brazilian/Uruguayan material in the hobby; exact origin is often not documented.
Origin	Southern Brazil and Uruguay; grassland, scrub, and seasonal ground retreats.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

30 x 20 x 20 cm for one adult; 30 x 30 x 25 cm is more comfortable

Litoria caerulea

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Many hobby sources still use Litoria caerulea, while some databases, including GBIF, treat the accepted combination as Ranoidea caerulea. Both names commonly point to White’s tree frog in trade. In this article the familiar hobby name Litoria caerulea is retained in the title, while the taxonomy table follows the accepted database combination Ranoidea caerulea.

English common names used in the hobby:

Malayopython reticulatus Care Guide

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Malayopython reticulatus is the accepted combination for the reticulated python; older sources often use Python reticulatus. Dwarf and super-dwarf locality labels are husbandry-critical, not decoration.

English common names used in the hobby:

Reticulated python

📌 Description

The reticulated python (Malayopython reticulatus) is one of the world’s largest snakes and should be planned as a specialist large-constrictor project from the start. Secure rooms, trained help, strict feeding routines, and local legal checks are part of basic care.

Megaphobema robustum

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Megaphobema robustum is usually sold as the Colombian giant redleg. It is distinctive, but imported or old-stock animals should still be labeled with source and date.

English common names used in the hobby:

Colombian giant redleg
Colombian giant tarantula

📌 Description

Megaphobema robustum is a New World tarantula kept mainly as a display invertebrate. Adult size is usually 7-9 cm body, 18-20 cm legspan, and lifespan is females 12-20 years; males shorter after maturity. It should not be handled routinely. Even species considered calm can bolt, fall, bite, or flick urticating hairs when stressed. The keeper’s job is to provide a secure enclosure, stable moisture gradient, safe fall height, and enough privacy for normal feeding and molting.

Megaphobema robustum — Fact Sheet

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Megaphobema robustum · Megaphobema robustum

📋 At a glance


Adult size	15-20 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies / locality	Colombian humid-forest species; defensive threat postures are normal.
Origin	Colombia; humid forest floor, burrows, and leaf-litter retreats.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

40 x 30 x 30 cm for one adult, with limited fall height
Starter housing: small ventilated cup for slings, upgraded to deeper juvenile boxes

Morelia bredli Care Guide

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Morelia bredli is commonly sold as Bredl’s python or Centralian carpet python. Older references may treat it as Morelia spilota bredli, but this article follows species-level Morelia bredli.

English common names used in the hobby:

Bredl’s python

📌 Description

Bredl’s python (Morelia bredli) is a robust Australian carpet python relative from arid central ranges. It is usually rewarding to observe, but it needs strong basking, secure perches and hides, dry ventilation, and enough room for an active adult.

Morelia spilota Care Guide

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Morelia spilota is a variable carpet python complex. Subspecies and locality labels such as coastal, jungle, Darwin, Irian Jaya, and related carpet python forms should be kept identified and not mixed casually.

English common names used in the hobby:

Carpet python

📌 Description

The carpet python (Morelia spilota) is an adaptable Australian python complex that climbs readily and can be alert, food-motivated, and long-lived. It suits keepers who can provide secure semi-arboreal space, measured heat, and consistent handling boundaries.

Morelia viridis Care Guide

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Morelia viridis is the accepted name for the green tree python. Older hobby material may use Chondropython viridis, and locality names should be treated as provenance information.

English common names used in the hobby:

Green tree python

📌 Description

The green tree python (Morelia viridis) is an arboreal display species, not a snake for frequent handling. It needs stable perches, careful humidity control, clean air, and low-stress maintenance to avoid feeding and shedding problems.

Orthriophis taeniurus Care Guide

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

The beauty rat snake complex is still encountered under Orthriophis taeniurus in the hobby, while some databases place the accepted name as Elaphe taeniura. This article keeps the familiar hobby name in the title and flags the synonymy for record keeping.

English common names used in the hobby:

Beauty rat snake
Taiwan beauty snake

Older names and trade labels to know:

Phormictopus auratus

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Phormictopus auratus is the Cuban bronze tarantula. Keep it separate from other Phormictopus species in records and breeding projects.

English common names used in the hobby:

Cuban bronze tarantula
Cuban gold tarantula

📌 Description

Phormictopus auratus is a New World tarantula kept mainly as a display invertebrate. Adult size is usually 6-7 cm body, 15-18 cm legspan, and lifespan is females 10-15+ years; males shorter after maturity. It should not be handled routinely. Even species considered calm can bolt, fall, bite, or flick urticating hairs when stressed. The keeper’s job is to provide a secure enclosure, stable moisture gradient, safe fall height, and enough privacy for normal feeding and molting.

Phormictopus auratus — Fact Sheet

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Phormictopus auratus · Phormictopus auratus

📋 At a glance


Adult size	16-20 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies / locality	Cuban species; often sold for colour and feeding response rather than handleability.
Origin	Cuba; warm seasonal ground habitats, scrub, forest edge, and retreats.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

35 x 25 x 25 cm for one adult; give deeper substrate for burrowing

Phormictopus cancerides

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Phormictopus cancerides is a large Caribbean tarantula. The genus contains several similar species, so precise labels are important in breeding and trade.

English common names used in the hobby:

Hispaniolan giant tarantula
Haitian brown tarantula

📌 Description

Phormictopus cancerides is a New World tarantula kept mainly as a display invertebrate. Adult size is usually 7-8 cm body, 18-20 cm legspan, and lifespan is females 10-15+ years; males shorter after maturity. It should not be handled routinely. Even species considered calm can bolt, fall, bite, or flick urticating hairs when stressed. The keeper’s job is to provide a secure enclosure, stable moisture gradient, safe fall height, and enough privacy for normal feeding and molting.

Phormictopus cancerides — Fact Sheet

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Phormictopus cancerides · Phormictopus cancerides

📋 At a glance


Adult size	18-22 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies / locality	Hispaniola; large fast New World species with strong feeding response.
Origin	Haiti and Dominican Republic; warm seasonal scrub, forest edge, and ground retreats.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

35 x 25 x 25 cm minimum; 40 x 30 x 30 cm is better for large females

Pleurodeles waltl

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Pleurodeles waltl is the accepted scientific name for the Iberian ribbed newt. In hobby use it may be shortened to “ribbed newt”, but that common name should refer to this Iberian species here, not every ribbed or spiny-looking newt.

English common names used in the hobby:

Iberian ribbed newt

📌 Description

Pleurodeles waltl is an amphibian kept for observation rather than handling. Adult size is usually around 20-30 cm, and a realistic lifespan in stable care is about 10-20 years. It needs clean water, secure hides, correct temperature, and calm maintenance more than decorative complexity.

Python bivittatus Care Guide

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Python bivittatus is treated here as the Burmese python. Older material may place it under Python molurus bivittatus or the broader Indian python complex.

English common names used in the hobby:

Burmese python

📌 Description

The Burmese python (Python bivittatus) is a giant constrictor whose care must be planned around adult size, legal risk, and keeper safety from the beginning. It is not a casual pet; secure housing, trained backup, and strict feeding routines are basic requirements.

Salamandra salamandra

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Salamandra salamandra is a species complex with many regional forms and subspecies names in older material. Locality matters for responsible keeping and breeding, and different locality lines should not be mixed casually.

English common names used in the hobby:

Fire salamander

📌 Description

Salamandra salamandra is an amphibian kept for observation rather than handling. Adult size is usually around 15-25 cm, and a realistic lifespan in stable care is about 15-25+ years. It needs clean water, secure hides, correct temperature, and calm maintenance more than decorative complexity.

Theraphosa apophysis

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Theraphosa apophysis is the pinkfoot Goliath birdeater. It should be kept and bred separately from T. blondi and T. stirmi because trade confusion is common.

English common names used in the hobby:

Pinkfoot Goliath birdeater
Pinkfoot goliath tarantula

📌 Description

Theraphosa apophysis is a New World tarantula kept mainly as a display invertebrate. Adult size is usually 10-12 cm body, 25-30 cm legspan, and lifespan is females 12-20+ years; males shorter after maturity. It should not be handled routinely. Even species considered calm can bolt, fall, bite, or flick urticating hairs when stressed. The keeper’s job is to provide a secure enclosure, stable moisture gradient, safe fall height, and enough privacy for normal feeding and molting.

Theraphosa apophysis — Fact Sheet

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Theraphosa apophysis · Theraphosa apophysis

📋 At a glance


Adult size	25-30 cm
Lifespan	5-20 years
Subspecies / locality	Venezuelan/Northern South American Theraphosa; spiderlings have distinctive pinkish leg tips.
Origin	Venezuela and nearby northern South America; humid forest floor and burrow systems.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

45 x 30 x 30 cm minimum; 60 x 45 x 45 cm with 15-20 cm substrate is better

Theraphosa blondi

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Theraphosa blondi is the classic Goliath birdeater. Many hobby animals labeled blondi have historically been T. stirmi or uncertain Theraphosa, so do not breed uncertain stock.

English common names used in the hobby:

Goliath birdeater

📌 Description

Theraphosa blondi is a New World tarantula kept mainly as a display invertebrate. Adult size is usually 10-12 cm body, 25-30 cm legspan, and lifespan is females 12-20+ years; males shorter after maturity. It should not be handled routinely. Even species considered calm can bolt, fall, bite, or flick urticating hairs when stressed. The keeper’s job is to provide a secure enclosure, stable moisture gradient, safe fall height, and enough privacy for normal feeding and molting.

Theraphosa blondi — Fact Sheet

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Theraphosa blondi · Theraphosa blondi

📋 At a glance


Adult size	25-30 cm
Lifespan	5-20 years
Subspecies / locality	True T. blondi is less common than trade labels suggest; verify source carefully.
Origin	Northern South America; humid rainforest floor, burrows, and saturated forest-edge retreats.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

45 x 30 x 30 cm minimum; 60 x 45 x 45 cm with deep substrate is strongly preferred

Theraphosa stirmi

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Theraphosa stirmi is one of the Goliath birdeaters. Trade animals have often been confused with T. blondi, so use clear labels and avoid mixing species in breeding projects.

English common names used in the hobby:

Burgundy Goliath birdeater
Goliath birdeater

📌 Description

Theraphosa stirmi is a New World tarantula kept mainly as a display invertebrate. Adult size is usually 10-12 cm body, 25-28 cm legspan, and lifespan is females 12-20+ years; males shorter after maturity. It should not be handled routinely. Even species considered calm can bolt, fall, bite, or flick urticating hairs when stressed. The keeper’s job is to provide a secure enclosure, stable moisture gradient, safe fall height, and enough privacy for normal feeding and molting.

Theraphosa stirmi — Fact Sheet

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Theraphosa stirmi · Theraphosa stirmi

📋 At a glance


Adult size	23-28 cm
Lifespan	5-20 years
Subspecies / locality	Northern South American humid-forest species; often confused with other Theraphosa.
Origin	Guyana, Suriname, and nearby northern South America; humid lowland forest and deep retreats.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

45 x 30 x 30 cm minimum; 60 x 45 x 45 cm with deep substrate is better

Trachycephalus resinifictrix

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Trachycephalus resinifictrix is the accepted scientific name and is stable in current hobby use. It is often sold as the Amazon milk frog.

English common names used in the hobby:

Amazon milk frog

📌 Description

Trachycephalus resinifictrix is an amphibian kept for observation rather than handling. Adult size is usually around 7-10 cm, and a realistic lifespan in stable care is about 8-15 years. It needs clean water, secure hides, correct temperature, and calm maintenance more than decorative complexity.

Acanthoscurria geniculata — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Acanthoscurria geniculata · Acanthoscurria geniculata

📋 At a glance


Adult size	18-22 cm
Lifespan	5-20 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	Brazil
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure only; outdoor keeping is not appropriate
Display species; routine handling not recommended
Keep singly; tarantulas are not social unless a species-specific breeding plan says otherwise
Low terrestrial enclosure with secure lid and good ventilation
Adult minimum: about 30 x 20 x 20 cm; large species need 35-40 cm length
Substrate: soil/coco mix that holds shape; 10 cm or deeper for large adults
Avoid excessive height, swampy substrate, and unstable rocks

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Cork bark hide and open feeding area
Deep substrate for shallow burrowing
Water dish large enough to find easily
Leaf litter or simple visual cover

💡 Lighting

No special lighting required; normal room day-night cycle is enough
Avoid bright basking lamps; they dry small enclosures and increase stress
Photoperiod: roughly 10-12 h ambient room light; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Heat focus: 24-28 °C

Ackie Monitor — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Varanus acanthurus · Ackie Monitor

📋 At a glance


Adult size	50-70 cm
Lifespan	15-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Varanus acanthurus is native to northern, western and central Australia, including some offshore islands.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Large secure vivarium; monitors need space, heat, and strong construction
Adult enclosure should prioritize floor area, deep substrate, climbing, and basking access
Substrate: deep packed soil/sand/clay mix that supports digging
Avoid small tanks, weak lids, loose unstable rock piles, and underpowered heat

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Large basking platform, deep diggable substrate, secure hides, climbing branches or rock ledges
Humid retreat below the dry surface
Heavy decor must be supported from the floor, not resting on loose substrate

💡 Lighting

Strong UVB and intense visible light are essential
Best: linear high-output UVB plus bright LED/halide-style visible lighting and separate basking lamps
Measure basking UVI and replace lamps on schedule
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no visible light at night

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 50-60 °C

Acrantophis dumerili — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Acrantophis dumerili · Acrantophis dumerili

📋 At a glance


Adult size	150-200 cm
Lifespan	20-30 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Southwestern and southern Madagascar; dry forest, thorn scrub, savanna edges, and disturbed
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix I; EU: Annex A; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure escape-proof vivarium with more length than height for most species
Adult minimum depends strongly on species; provide enough room to stretch, explore, and thermoregulate
Substrate: species-appropriate bedding that allows hygiene and humidity control
Avoid loose lids, heat rocks, bare stressful boxes, and wet dirty substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Tight warm hide, tight cool hide, water bowl, branches or cover as appropriate
Rough but safe surfaces for shedding
Visual barriers so the snake can move without constant exposure

💡 Lighting

UVB is beneficial for many snakes and strongly useful in naturalistic setups
Use a clear day-night cycle with overhead heat where possible
Replace UVB lamps on schedule if used
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 31-33 °C

African Fat-Tailed Gecko — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Hemitheconyx caudicinctus · African Fat-Tailed Gecko

📋 At a glance


Adult size	20-25 cm
Lifespan	10-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	The species occurs in West Africa, from Senegal through countries around the Gulf of Guinea and toward northern Cameroon.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure vivarium matched to lifestyle: terrestrial for ground geckos, vertical for arboreal species
Adult size ranges from compact setups to large vertical enclosures depending on species
Use safe substrate: soil/clay/sand mixes for terrestrial species, planted or cork-heavy setups for arboreal species
Avoid loose unsafe particles for tiny juveniles, sticky tape, and escape gaps

🪨 Enclosure furniture

At least two hides or retreats, including a humid hide for terrestrial shedding species
Branches/cork/tubes for arboreal geckos; stones and low hides for terrestrial geckos
Water dish and/or misted drinking surfaces according to species

💡 Lighting

Low to moderate UVB is beneficial for most geckos; stronger UVB for diurnal day geckos
Use visible day-night rhythm even for nocturnal species
Separate heat source if the room is too cool
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 32-34 °C

Algerian Hedgehog — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Atelerix algirus · Algerian Hedgehog

📋 At a glance


Adult size	20-25 cm
Lifespan	5-10 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	The species is distributed in North Africa, including Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure with solid floor, ventilation, and room for night activity
Adult minimum should allow exercise, hiding, feeding, and toileting areas
Substrate: dust-free bedding or washable liners kept dry and clean
Avoid wire floors, unsafe wheels, damp bedding, and cold rooms

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Sleeping hide, solid exercise wheel where appropriate, tunnels, feeding area, and water dish/bottle
Soft nesting material and enrichment that cannot trap feet
Easy-clean layout for frequent hygiene

💡 Lighting

No UVB required for normal keeping
Stable room day-night rhythm with darkness at night
Avoid bright night lighting
Photoperiod: normal household cycle

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 23-27 °C

Ambystoma maculatum — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Ambystoma maculatum · Ambystoma maculatum

📋 At a glance


Adult size	11-25 cm
Lifespan	10-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Eastern North American deciduous and mixed forests with vernal pools used for breeding.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Aquarium, paludarium, or terrarium matched to aquatic, semi-aquatic, terrestrial, or arboreal lifestyle
Adult size must allow normal movement, stable water/soil conditions, and multiple hides
Substrate: safe aquatic sand/bare bottom for aquatic species, drainage and leaf litter for terrestrial frogs
Avoid sharp decor, contaminated water, soap residue, and mixed-species setups

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Hides, plants, leaf litter, cork, water area, and climbing/resting surfaces as appropriate
Easy access between land and water for semi-aquatic species
No rough decor that damages delicate skin

💡 Lighting

Strong lighting is usually unnecessary; planted setups may use moderate LEDs
Low-level UVB can be useful for some species but must be paired with shade
Keep a stable day-night rhythm
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no constant night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: not used

Ambystoma mavortium — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Ambystoma mavortium · Ambystoma mavortium

📋 At a glance


Adult size	20-35 cm
Lifespan	10-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Central and western North America, especially grassland, prairie, semi-arid basins, and seasonal breeding
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Aquarium, paludarium, or terrarium matched to aquatic, semi-aquatic, terrestrial, or arboreal lifestyle
Adult size must allow normal movement, stable water/soil conditions, and multiple hides
Substrate: safe aquatic sand/bare bottom for aquatic species, drainage and leaf litter for terrestrial frogs
Avoid sharp decor, contaminated water, soap residue, and mixed-species setups

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Hides, plants, leaf litter, cork, water area, and climbing/resting surfaces as appropriate
Easy access between land and water for semi-aquatic species
No rough decor that damages delicate skin

💡 Lighting

Strong lighting is usually unnecessary; planted setups may use moderate LEDs
Low-level UVB can be useful for some species but must be paired with shade
Keep a stable day-night rhythm
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no constant night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: not used

Ambystoma tigrinum — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Ambystoma tigrinum · Ambystoma tigrinum

📋 At a glance


Adult size	17-33 cm
Lifespan	10-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Ambystoma tigrinum is native to parts of the United States and southern Canada, with regional limits depending on the current species-complex treatment.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Aquarium, paludarium, or terrarium matched to aquatic, semi-aquatic, terrestrial, or arboreal lifestyle
Adult size must allow normal movement, stable water/soil conditions, and multiple hides
Substrate: safe aquatic sand/bare bottom for aquatic species, drainage and leaf litter for terrestrial frogs
Avoid sharp decor, contaminated water, soap residue, and mixed-species setups

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Hides, plants, leaf litter, cork, water area, and climbing/resting surfaces as appropriate
Easy access between land and water for semi-aquatic species
No rough decor that damages delicate skin

💡 Lighting

Strong lighting is usually unnecessary; planted setups may use moderate LEDs
Low-level UVB can be useful for some species but must be paired with shade
Keep a stable day-night rhythm
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no constant night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 18-22 °C

Argus Monitor — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Varanus panoptes · Argus Monitor

📋 At a glance


Adult size	100-150 cm
Lifespan	12-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Varanus panoptes occurs across northern Australia and southern New Guinea, with named forms including the New Guinea/Torres Strait *V.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Large secure vivarium; monitors need space, heat, and strong construction
Adult enclosure should prioritize floor area, deep substrate, climbing, and basking access
Substrate: deep packed soil/sand/clay mix that supports digging
Avoid small tanks, weak lids, loose unstable rock piles, and underpowered heat

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Large basking platform, deep diggable substrate, secure hides, climbing branches or rock ledges
Humid retreat below the dry surface
Heavy decor must be supported from the floor, not resting on loose substrate

💡 Lighting

Strong UVB and intense visible light are essential
Best: linear high-output UVB plus bright LED/halide-style visible lighting and separate basking lamps
Measure basking UVI and replace lamps on schedule
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no visible light at night

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 55-65 °C

Asian Water Monitor — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Varanus salvator · Asian Water Monitor

📋 At a glance


Adult size	150-300 cm
Lifespan	15-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Varanus salvator is native to South and South-east Asia, from Sri Lanka and eastern India through mainland South-east Asia to Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and nearby islands.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Large secure vivarium; monitors need space, heat, and strong construction
Adult enclosure should prioritize floor area, deep substrate, climbing, and basking access
Substrate: deep packed soil/sand/clay mix that supports digging
Avoid small tanks, weak lids, loose unstable rock piles, and underpowered heat

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Large basking platform, deep diggable substrate, secure hides, climbing branches or rock ledges
Humid retreat below the dry surface
Heavy decor must be supported from the floor, not resting on loose substrate

💡 Lighting

Strong UVB and intense visible light are essential
Best: linear high-output UVB plus bright LED/halide-style visible lighting and separate basking lamps
Measure basking UVI and replace lamps on schedule
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no visible light at night

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 45-55 °C

Axolotl — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Ambystoma mexicanum · Axolotl

📋 At a glance


Adult size	23-30 cm
Lifespan	10-15 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Ambystoma mexicanum is native to the Xochimilco lake and canal system around Mexico City, with the wild range now extremely restricted.
Activity	Cathemeral
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Aquarium, paludarium, or terrarium matched to aquatic, semi-aquatic, terrestrial, or arboreal lifestyle
Adult size must allow normal movement, stable water/soil conditions, and multiple hides
Substrate: safe aquatic sand/bare bottom for aquatic species, drainage and leaf litter for terrestrial frogs
Avoid sharp decor, contaminated water, soap residue, and mixed-species setups

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Hides, plants, leaf litter, cork, water area, and climbing/resting surfaces as appropriate
Easy access between land and water for semi-aquatic species
No rough decor that damages delicate skin

💡 Lighting

Strong lighting is usually unnecessary; planted setups may use moderate LEDs
Low-level UVB can be useful for some species but must be paired with shade
Keep a stable day-night rhythm
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no constant night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 16-18 °C

Ball Python — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Python regius · Ball Python

📋 At a glance


Adult size	90-150 cm
Lifespan	20-30 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Python regius is native to West and Central Africa, especially the savanna and forest-edge belt from Senegal and Ghana east toward Nigeria and Cameroon.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure escape-proof vivarium with more length than height for most species
Adult minimum depends strongly on species; provide enough room to stretch, explore, and thermoregulate
Substrate: species-appropriate bedding that allows hygiene and humidity control
Avoid loose lids, heat rocks, bare stressful boxes, and wet dirty substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Tight warm hide, tight cool hide, water bowl, branches or cover as appropriate
Rough but safe surfaces for shedding
Visual barriers so the snake can move without constant exposure

💡 Lighting

UVB is beneficial for many snakes and strongly useful in naturalistic setups
Use a clear day-night cycle with overhead heat where possible
Replace UVB lamps on schedule if used
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 32-35 °C

Bauer’s Chameleon Gecko — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Eurydactylodes agricolae · Bauer’s Chameleon Gecko

📋 At a glance


Adult size	10-13 cm
Lifespan	8-15 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Eurydactylodes agricolae is associated with New Caledonia.
Activity	Crepuscular
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure vivarium matched to lifestyle: terrestrial for ground geckos, vertical for arboreal species
Adult size ranges from compact setups to large vertical enclosures depending on species
Use safe substrate: soil/clay/sand mixes for terrestrial species, planted or cork-heavy setups for arboreal species
Avoid loose unsafe particles for tiny juveniles, sticky tape, and escape gaps

🪨 Enclosure furniture

At least two hides or retreats, including a humid hide for terrestrial shedding species
Branches/cork/tubes for arboreal geckos; stones and low hides for terrestrial geckos
Water dish and/or misted drinking surfaces according to species

💡 Lighting

Low to moderate UVB is beneficial for most geckos; stronger UVB for diurnal day geckos
Use visible day-night rhythm even for nocturnal species
Separate heat source if the room is too cool
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 22-26 °C

Bearded Dragon — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Pogona vitticeps · Bearded Dragon

📋 At a glance


Adult size	45-60 cm
Lifespan	10-15 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	The species originates from eastern and central Australia.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor vivarium with secure ventilation; outdoor sun only in safe supervised weather
Adult enclosure must provide usable floor space, climbing or digging structure as appropriate
Substrate should match the species: dry soil/sand/clay for arid animals, planted/drainage layers for humid arboreal animals
Avoid loose unsafe particles for juveniles, slippery floors, and cramped glass boxes

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Warm basking zone, cooler retreat, humid hide or humid zone where appropriate
Stable rocks, branches, cork, hides, and visual barriers
Water dish or misting/drinking system matched to the species

💡 Lighting

UVB required or strongly recommended for most diurnal lizards
Best: T5 HO UVB tube plus bright visible lighting and separate heat lamp
Replace UVB lamps on schedule and measure UVI when possible
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no visible light at night

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 38-45 °C

Black Tree Monitor — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Varanus beccarii · Black Tree Monitor

📋 At a glance


Adult size	90-120 cm
Lifespan	10-15 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Varanus beccarii is native to the Aru Islands of Indonesia and nearby New Guinea-region trade context.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Large secure vivarium; monitors need space, heat, and strong construction
Adult enclosure should prioritize floor area, deep substrate, climbing, and basking access
Substrate: deep packed soil/sand/clay mix that supports digging
Avoid small tanks, weak lids, loose unstable rock piles, and underpowered heat

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Large basking platform, deep diggable substrate, secure hides, climbing branches or rock ledges
Humid retreat below the dry surface
Heavy decor must be supported from the floor, not resting on loose substrate

💡 Lighting

Strong UVB and intense visible light are essential
Best: linear high-output UVB plus bright LED/halide-style visible lighting and separate basking lamps
Measure basking UVI and replace lamps on schedule
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no visible light at night

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 38-45 °C

Blue Tree Monitor — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Varanus macraei · Blue Tree Monitor

📋 At a glance


Adult size	90-110 cm
Lifespan	10-15 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Varanus macraei is native to Batanta Island in Indonesia, making it a narrow-range island species.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Large secure vivarium; monitors need space, heat, and strong construction
Adult enclosure should prioritize floor area, deep substrate, climbing, and basking access
Substrate: deep packed soil/sand/clay mix that supports digging
Avoid small tanks, weak lids, loose unstable rock piles, and underpowered heat

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Large basking platform, deep diggable substrate, secure hides, climbing branches or rock ledges
Humid retreat below the dry surface
Heavy decor must be supported from the floor, not resting on loose substrate

💡 Lighting

Strong UVB and intense visible light are essential
Best: linear high-output UVB plus bright LED/halide-style visible lighting and separate basking lamps
Measure basking UVI and replace lamps on schedule
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no visible light at night

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 38-45 °C

Boa Constrictor — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Boa constrictor · Boa Constrictor

📋 At a glance


Adult size	180-300 cm
Lifespan	20-30 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Boa constrictor is native to much of tropical South America, with exact limits depending on the subspecies or regional form being discussed.
Activity	Crepuscular
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure escape-proof vivarium with more length than height for most species
Adult minimum depends strongly on species; provide enough room to stretch, explore, and thermoregulate
Substrate: species-appropriate bedding that allows hygiene and humidity control
Avoid loose lids, heat rocks, bare stressful boxes, and wet dirty substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Tight warm hide, tight cool hide, water bowl, branches or cover as appropriate
Rough but safe surfaces for shedding
Visual barriers so the snake can move without constant exposure

💡 Lighting

UVB is beneficial for many snakes and strongly useful in naturalistic setups
Use a clear day-night cycle with overhead heat where possible
Replace UVB lamps on schedule if used
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 29-31 °C

Boa Imperator — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Boa imperator · Boa Imperator

📋 At a glance


Adult size	150-250 cm
Lifespan	20-30 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Boa imperator is native to Mexico, Central America and northwestern South America, with strong locality variation.
Activity	Crepuscular
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure escape-proof vivarium with more length than height for most species
Adult minimum depends strongly on species; provide enough room to stretch, explore, and thermoregulate
Substrate: species-appropriate bedding that allows hygiene and humidity control
Avoid loose lids, heat rocks, bare stressful boxes, and wet dirty substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Tight warm hide, tight cool hide, water bowl, branches or cover as appropriate
Rough but safe surfaces for shedding
Visual barriers so the snake can move without constant exposure

💡 Lighting

UVB is beneficial for many snakes and strongly useful in naturalistic setups
Use a clear day-night cycle with overhead heat where possible
Replace UVB lamps on schedule if used
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 29-31 °C

Boaedon fuliginosus — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Boaedon fuliginosus · Boaedon fuliginosus

📋 At a glance


Adult size	60-120 cm
Lifespan	10-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Broadly associated with sub-Saharan Africa, although the exact identity of many trade animals is complicated by the African house snake species
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure escape-proof vivarium with more length than height for most species
Adult minimum depends strongly on species; provide enough room to stretch, explore, and thermoregulate
Substrate: species-appropriate bedding that allows hygiene and humidity control
Avoid loose lids, heat rocks, bare stressful boxes, and wet dirty substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Tight warm hide, tight cool hide, water bowl, branches or cover as appropriate
Rough but safe surfaces for shedding
Visual barriers so the snake can move without constant exposure

💡 Lighting

UVB is beneficial for many snakes and strongly useful in naturalistic setups
Use a clear day-night cycle with overhead heat where possible
Replace UVB lamps on schedule if used
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 31-33 °C

Bombina orientalis — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Bombina orientalis · Bombina orientalis

📋 At a glance


Adult size	4-6 cm
Lifespan	10-15 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Bombina orientalis is native to northeastern China, the Korean Peninsula and nearby parts of Russia.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Aquarium, paludarium, or terrarium matched to aquatic, semi-aquatic, terrestrial, or arboreal lifestyle
Adult size must allow normal movement, stable water/soil conditions, and multiple hides
Substrate: safe aquatic sand/bare bottom for aquatic species, drainage and leaf litter for terrestrial frogs
Avoid sharp decor, contaminated water, soap residue, and mixed-species setups

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Hides, plants, leaf litter, cork, water area, and climbing/resting surfaces as appropriate
Easy access between land and water for semi-aquatic species
No rough decor that damages delicate skin

💡 Lighting

Strong lighting is usually unnecessary; planted setups may use moderate LEDs
Low-level UVB can be useful for some species but must be paired with shade
Keep a stable day-night rhythm
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no constant night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 20-24 °C

Brachypelma albiceps — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Brachypelma albiceps · Brachypelma albiceps

📋 At a glance


Adult size	12-15 cm
Lifespan	5-25 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	Mexico
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure only; outdoor keeping is not appropriate
Display species; routine handling not recommended
Keep singly; tarantulas are not social unless a species-specific breeding plan says otherwise
Low terrestrial enclosure with more floor space than height
Adult minimum: about 30 x 20 x 20 cm or larger
Substrate: compacted coco fiber, unfertilized soil, or soil/clay mix; 8-12 cm or deeper
Avoid tall climbing setups, mesh floors/lids, wet stagnant substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Secure cork bark hide
Deep diggable substrate and a slightly moister corner if needed
Shallow water dish
Stable sparse decor; no hard fall hazards

💡 Lighting

No special lighting required; normal room day-night cycle is enough
Avoid bright basking lamps; they dry small enclosures and increase stress
Photoperiod: roughly 10-12 h ambient room light; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Heat focus: 22-27 °C

Brachypelma auratum — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Brachypelma auratum · Brachypelma auratum

📋 At a glance


Adult size	13-16 cm
Lifespan	5-25 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	Mexico
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure only; outdoor keeping is not appropriate
Display species; routine handling not recommended
Keep singly; tarantulas are not social unless a species-specific breeding plan says otherwise
Low terrestrial enclosure with more floor space than height
Adult minimum: about 30 x 20 x 20 cm or larger
Substrate: compacted coco fiber, unfertilized soil, or soil/clay mix; 8-12 cm or deeper
Avoid tall climbing setups, mesh floors/lids, wet stagnant substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Secure cork bark hide
Deep diggable substrate and a slightly moister corner if needed
Shallow water dish
Stable sparse decor; no hard fall hazards

💡 Lighting

No special lighting required; normal room day-night cycle is enough
Avoid bright basking lamps; they dry small enclosures and increase stress
Photoperiod: roughly 10-12 h ambient room light; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Heat focus: 22-27 °C

Brachypelma boehmei — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Brachypelma boehmei · Brachypelma boehmei

📋 At a glance


Adult size	13-16 cm
Lifespan	5-25 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	Mexico
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure only; outdoor keeping is not appropriate
Display species; routine handling not recommended
Keep singly; tarantulas are not social unless a species-specific breeding plan says otherwise
Low terrestrial enclosure with more floor space than height
Adult minimum: about 30 x 20 x 20 cm or larger
Substrate: compacted coco fiber, unfertilized soil, or soil/clay mix; 8-12 cm or deeper
Avoid tall climbing setups, mesh floors/lids, wet stagnant substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Secure cork bark hide
Deep diggable substrate and a slightly moister corner if needed
Shallow water dish
Stable sparse decor; no hard fall hazards

💡 Lighting

No special lighting required; normal room day-night cycle is enough
Avoid bright basking lamps; they dry small enclosures and increase stress
Photoperiod: roughly 10-12 h ambient room light; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Heat focus: 22-27 °C

Brachypelma emilia — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Brachypelma emilia · Brachypelma emilia

📋 At a glance


Adult size	12-15 cm
Lifespan	5-25 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	Western Mexico
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure only; outdoor keeping is not appropriate
Display species; routine handling not recommended
Keep singly; tarantulas are not social unless a species-specific breeding plan says otherwise
Low terrestrial enclosure with more floor space than height
Adult minimum: about 30 x 20 x 20 cm or larger
Substrate: compacted coco fiber, unfertilized soil, or soil/clay mix; 8-12 cm or deeper
Avoid tall climbing setups, mesh floors/lids, wet stagnant substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Secure cork bark hide
Deep diggable substrate and a slightly moister corner if needed
Shallow water dish
Stable sparse decor; no hard fall hazards

💡 Lighting

No special lighting required; normal room day-night cycle is enough
Avoid bright basking lamps; they dry small enclosures and increase stress
Photoperiod: roughly 10-12 h ambient room light; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Heat focus: 22-27 °C

Brachypelma hamorii — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Brachypelma hamorii · Brachypelma hamorii

📋 At a glance


Adult size	13-16 cm
Lifespan	5-25 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	Mexico
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure only; outdoor keeping is not appropriate
Display species; routine handling not recommended
Keep singly; tarantulas are not social unless a species-specific breeding plan says otherwise
Low terrestrial enclosure with more floor space than height
Adult minimum: about 30 x 20 x 20 cm or larger
Substrate: compacted coco fiber, unfertilized soil, or soil/clay mix; 8-12 cm or deeper
Avoid tall climbing setups, mesh floors/lids, wet stagnant substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Secure cork bark hide
Deep diggable substrate and a slightly moister corner if needed
Shallow water dish
Stable sparse decor; no hard fall hazards

💡 Lighting

No special lighting required; normal room day-night cycle is enough
Avoid bright basking lamps; they dry small enclosures and increase stress
Photoperiod: roughly 10-12 h ambient room light; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Heat focus: 22-27 °C

Brachypelma klaasi — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Brachypelma klaasi · Brachypelma klaasi

📋 At a glance


Adult size	13-16 cm
Lifespan	5-25 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	Mexico
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure only; outdoor keeping is not appropriate
Display species; routine handling not recommended
Keep singly; tarantulas are not social unless a species-specific breeding plan says otherwise
Low terrestrial enclosure with more floor space than height
Adult minimum: about 30 x 20 x 20 cm or larger
Substrate: compacted coco fiber, unfertilized soil, or soil/clay mix; 8-12 cm or deeper
Avoid tall climbing setups, mesh floors/lids, wet stagnant substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Secure cork bark hide
Deep diggable substrate and a slightly moister corner if needed
Shallow water dish
Stable sparse decor; no hard fall hazards

💡 Lighting

No special lighting required; normal room day-night cycle is enough
Avoid bright basking lamps; they dry small enclosures and increase stress
Photoperiod: roughly 10-12 h ambient room light; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Heat focus: 22-27 °C

Brachypelma smithi — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Brachypelma smithi · Brachypelma smithi

📋 At a glance


Adult size	13-16 cm
Lifespan	5-25 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	Mexico
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure only; outdoor keeping is not appropriate
Display species; routine handling not recommended
Keep singly; tarantulas are not social unless a species-specific breeding plan says otherwise
Low terrestrial enclosure with more floor space than height
Adult minimum: about 30 x 20 x 20 cm or larger
Substrate: compacted coco fiber, unfertilized soil, or soil/clay mix; 8-12 cm or deeper
Avoid tall climbing setups, mesh floors/lids, wet stagnant substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Secure cork bark hide
Deep diggable substrate and a slightly moister corner if needed
Shallow water dish
Stable sparse decor; no hard fall hazards

💡 Lighting

No special lighting required; normal room day-night cycle is enough
Avoid bright basking lamps; they dry small enclosures and increase stress
Photoperiod: roughly 10-12 h ambient room light; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Heat focus: 22-27 °C

Brumation

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

📌 What brumation is

Brumation is a seasonal slowing of metabolism, appetite, activity, digestion, and reproductive physiology in many temperate reptiles. It is often compared with mammalian hibernation, but it is not exactly the same thing. Brumating reptiles are cold-dependent animals whose body temperature and metabolic rate follow the environment; they may remain inactive for long periods, but they can also shift position, drink, or respond weakly when conditions change.

Caribena versicolor — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Caribena versicolor · Caribena versicolor

📋 At a glance


Adult size	11-15 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	Martinique, Lesser Antilles
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix III; EU: Annex C; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure only; outdoor keeping is not appropriate
Display species; routine handling not recommended
Keep singly; tarantulas are not social unless a species-specific breeding plan says otherwise
Tall arboreal enclosure with strong cross-ventilation
Adult minimum: about 20 x 20 x 30 cm or larger
Substrate: shallow soil/coco layer; not a deep wet box
Avoid stale humid air, loose doors, and layouts that force handling

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Vertical cork bark tube or slab
Branches and anchor points for webbing
Elevated and ground-level water access where practical
Dry upper retreat with airflow

💡 Lighting

No special lighting required; normal room day-night cycle is enough
Avoid bright basking lamps; they dry small enclosures and increase stress
Photoperiod: roughly 10-12 h ambient room light; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Heat focus: 24-28 °C

Ceratogyrus darlingi — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Ceratogyrus darlingi · Ceratogyrus darlingi

📋 At a glance


Adult size	12-18 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	Southern Africa
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure only; outdoor keeping is not appropriate
Display species; routine handling not recommended
Keep singly; tarantulas are not social unless a species-specific breeding plan says otherwise
Deep fossorial enclosure, secure and escape-proof
Adult minimum: floor around 25-30 cm with major substrate depth
Substrate: packed soil/coco mix that holds burrows; 15-20 cm or deeper
Avoid shallow display boxes and frequent burrow destruction

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Started burrow under cork bark
Deep stable substrate as the main furniture
Water dish at the surface
Minimal decor so maintenance stays controlled

💡 Lighting

No special lighting required; normal room day-night cycle is enough
Avoid bright basking lamps; they dry small enclosures and increase stress
Photoperiod: roughly 10-12 h ambient room light; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Heat focus: 24-28 °C

Chahoua Gecko — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Mniarogekko chahoua · Chahoua Gecko

📋 At a glance


Adult size	22-30 cm
Lifespan	15-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Mniarogekko chahoua is endemic to New Caledonia, including parts of Grande Terre and nearby islands such as Île des Pins.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure vivarium matched to lifestyle: terrestrial for ground geckos, vertical for arboreal species
Adult size ranges from compact setups to large vertical enclosures depending on species
Use safe substrate: soil/clay/sand mixes for terrestrial species, planted or cork-heavy setups for arboreal species
Avoid loose unsafe particles for tiny juveniles, sticky tape, and escape gaps

🪨 Enclosure furniture

At least two hides or retreats, including a humid hide for terrestrial shedding species
Branches/cork/tubes for arboreal geckos; stones and low hides for terrestrial geckos
Water dish and/or misted drinking surfaces according to species

💡 Lighting

Low to moderate UVB is beneficial for most geckos; stronger UVB for diurnal day geckos
Use visible day-night rhythm even for nocturnal species
Separate heat source if the room is too cool
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 26-28 °C

Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens · Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens

📋 At a glance


Adult size	10-15 cm
Lifespan	5-25 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	Paraguana Peninsula, Venezuela
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure only; outdoor keeping is not appropriate
Display species; routine handling not recommended
Keep singly; tarantulas are not social unless a species-specific breeding plan says otherwise
Secure terrestrial/semi-arboreal enclosure with many web anchors
Adult minimum: about 30 x 20 x 20 cm or larger
Substrate: dry-to-moderate soil/coco layer that supports anchor points
Avoid wet stagnant conditions and maintenance that tears all webbing out

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Cork bark, angled tubes, branches, and anchor points
Water dish
Moderate substrate depth
Leave established web tunnels intact where possible

💡 Lighting

No special lighting required; normal room day-night cycle is enough
Avoid bright basking lamps; they dry small enclosures and increase stress
Photoperiod: roughly 10-12 h ambient room light; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Heat focus: 24-28 °C

Coleonyx mitratus — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Coleonyx mitratus · Coleonyx mitratus

📋 At a glance


Adult size	10-15 cm
Lifespan	8-15 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Coleonyx mitratus is native to southern Mexico and parts of Central America, especially Pacific-slope dry forest and seasonal woodland.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure vivarium matched to lifestyle: terrestrial for ground geckos, vertical for arboreal species
Adult size ranges from compact setups to large vertical enclosures depending on species
Use safe substrate: soil/clay/sand mixes for terrestrial species, planted or cork-heavy setups for arboreal species
Avoid loose unsafe particles for tiny juveniles, sticky tape, and escape gaps

🪨 Enclosure furniture

At least two hides or retreats, including a humid hide for terrestrial shedding species
Branches/cork/tubes for arboreal geckos; stones and low hides for terrestrial geckos
Water dish and/or misted drinking surfaces according to species

💡 Lighting

Low to moderate UVB is beneficial for most geckos; stronger UVB for diurnal day geckos
Use visible day-night rhythm even for nocturnal species
Separate heat source if the room is too cool
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 31-34 °C

Coleonyx variegatus — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Coleonyx variegatus · Coleonyx variegatus

📋 At a glance


Adult size	10-15 cm
Lifespan	8-15 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Coleonyx variegatus is native to the south-western United States and north-western Mexico.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure vivarium matched to lifestyle: terrestrial for ground geckos, vertical for arboreal species
Adult size ranges from compact setups to large vertical enclosures depending on species
Use safe substrate: soil/clay/sand mixes for terrestrial species, planted or cork-heavy setups for arboreal species
Avoid loose unsafe particles for tiny juveniles, sticky tape, and escape gaps

🪨 Enclosure furniture

At least two hides or retreats, including a humid hide for terrestrial shedding species
Branches/cork/tubes for arboreal geckos; stones and low hides for terrestrial geckos
Water dish and/or misted drinking surfaces according to species

💡 Lighting

Low to moderate UVB is beneficial for most geckos; stronger UVB for diurnal day geckos
Use visible day-night rhythm even for nocturnal species
Separate heat source if the room is too cool
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 32-35 °C

Common Musk Turtle — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Sternotherus odoratus · Common Musk Turtle

📋 At a glance


Adult size	8-14 cm
Lifespan	30-50 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Sternotherus odoratus is native to eastern and central North America, including much of the eastern United States and a limited southern Canadian range.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Aquarium or pond-style setup with strong filtration and secure escape prevention
Adult tank length and water volume must match species; bigger water volume is safer
Provide a fully dry basking platform with easy access
Avoid small unfiltered tanks, slippery exits, and dirty water

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Swimming space, resting ledges, basking dock, visual cover, and safe plants/wood
Substrate optional; if used, keep it easy to clean and too large or too fine to swallow dangerously
Filter intake protected from trapping animals

💡 Lighting

UVB essential over the basking area
Use a heat lamp to warm the dry basking platform
Replace UVB lamps on schedule; glass blocks UVB
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 22-26 °C

Corallus hortulana — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Corallus hortulana · Corallus hortulana

📋 At a glance


Adult size	120-180 cm
Lifespan	15-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Amazon Basin and northern South America; forest, forest edge, flooded forest, and shrub
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure escape-proof vivarium with more length than height for most species
Adult minimum depends strongly on species; provide enough room to stretch, explore, and thermoregulate
Substrate: species-appropriate bedding that allows hygiene and humidity control
Avoid loose lids, heat rocks, bare stressful boxes, and wet dirty substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Tight warm hide, tight cool hide, water bowl, branches or cover as appropriate
Rough but safe surfaces for shedding
Visual barriers so the snake can move without constant exposure

💡 Lighting

UVB is beneficial for many snakes and strongly useful in naturalistic setups
Use a clear day-night cycle with overhead heat where possible
Replace UVB lamps on schedule if used
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 29-31 °C

Corn Snake — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Pantherophis guttatus · Corn Snake

📋 At a glance


Adult size	90-150 cm
Lifespan	15-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Pantherophis guttatus is native to the southeastern and eastern United States.
Activity	Crepuscular
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure escape-proof vivarium with more length than height for most species
Adult minimum depends strongly on species; provide enough room to stretch, explore, and thermoregulate
Substrate: species-appropriate bedding that allows hygiene and humidity control
Avoid loose lids, heat rocks, bare stressful boxes, and wet dirty substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Tight warm hide, tight cool hide, water bowl, branches or cover as appropriate
Rough but safe surfaces for shedding
Visual barriers so the snake can move without constant exposure

💡 Lighting

UVB is beneficial for many snakes and strongly useful in naturalistic setups
Use a clear day-night cycle with overhead heat where possible
Replace UVB lamps on schedule if used
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 30-32 °C

Correlophus sarasinorum — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Correlophus sarasinorum · Correlophus sarasinorum

📋 At a glance


Adult size	22-30 cm
Lifespan	15-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Correlophus sarasinorum is native to New Caledonia, where it occurs in humid forest habitats with plant cover, bark, branches, and regular night
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure vivarium matched to lifestyle: terrestrial for ground geckos, vertical for arboreal species
Adult size ranges from compact setups to large vertical enclosures depending on species
Use safe substrate: soil/clay/sand mixes for terrestrial species, planted or cork-heavy setups for arboreal species
Avoid loose unsafe particles for tiny juveniles, sticky tape, and escape gaps

🪨 Enclosure furniture

At least two hides or retreats, including a humid hide for terrestrial shedding species
Branches/cork/tubes for arboreal geckos; stones and low hides for terrestrial geckos
Water dish and/or misted drinking surfaces according to species

💡 Lighting

Low to moderate UVB is beneficial for most geckos; stronger UVB for diurnal day geckos
Use visible day-night rhythm even for nocturnal species
Separate heat source if the room is too cool
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 22-26 °C

Crested Gecko — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Correlophus ciliatus · Crested Gecko

📋 At a glance


Adult size	18-25 cm
Lifespan	15-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Crested geckos are endemic to New Caledonia, especially forested areas in the southern part of Grande Terre and nearby islands.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure vivarium matched to lifestyle: terrestrial for ground geckos, vertical for arboreal species
Adult size ranges from compact setups to large vertical enclosures depending on species
Use safe substrate: soil/clay/sand mixes for terrestrial species, planted or cork-heavy setups for arboreal species
Avoid loose unsafe particles for tiny juveniles, sticky tape, and escape gaps

🪨 Enclosure furniture

At least two hides or retreats, including a humid hide for terrestrial shedding species
Branches/cork/tubes for arboreal geckos; stones and low hides for terrestrial geckos
Water dish and/or misted drinking surfaces according to species

💡 Lighting

Low to moderate UVB is beneficial for most geckos; stronger UVB for diurnal day geckos
Use visible day-night rhythm even for nocturnal species
Separate heat source if the room is too cool
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 27-29 °C

Cynops orientalis — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Cynops orientalis · Cynops orientalis

📋 At a glance


Adult size	6-10 cm
Lifespan	10-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	China, using cool ponds, ditches, rice-field margins, and vegetated slow water.
Activity	Cathemeral
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Aquarium, paludarium, or terrarium matched to aquatic, semi-aquatic, terrestrial, or arboreal lifestyle
Adult size must allow normal movement, stable water/soil conditions, and multiple hides
Substrate: safe aquatic sand/bare bottom for aquatic species, drainage and leaf litter for terrestrial frogs
Avoid sharp decor, contaminated water, soap residue, and mixed-species setups

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Hides, plants, leaf litter, cork, water area, and climbing/resting surfaces as appropriate
Easy access between land and water for semi-aquatic species
No rough decor that damages delicate skin

💡 Lighting

Strong lighting is usually unnecessary; planted setups may use moderate LEDs
Low-level UVB can be useful for some species but must be paired with shade
Keep a stable day-night rhythm
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no constant night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: not used

Cynops pyrrhogaster — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Cynops pyrrhogaster · Cynops pyrrhogaster

📋 At a glance


Adult size	9-15 cm
Lifespan	15-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Japan, where regional forms use ponds, rice fields, ditches, and slow vegetated water.
Activity	Cathemeral
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Aquarium, paludarium, or terrarium matched to aquatic, semi-aquatic, terrestrial, or arboreal lifestyle
Adult size must allow normal movement, stable water/soil conditions, and multiple hides
Substrate: safe aquatic sand/bare bottom for aquatic species, drainage and leaf litter for terrestrial frogs
Avoid sharp decor, contaminated water, soap residue, and mixed-species setups

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Hides, plants, leaf litter, cork, water area, and climbing/resting surfaces as appropriate
Easy access between land and water for semi-aquatic species
No rough decor that damages delicate skin

💡 Lighting

Strong lighting is usually unnecessary; planted setups may use moderate LEDs
Low-level UVB can be useful for some species but must be paired with shade
Keep a stable day-night rhythm
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no constant night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: not used

Davus pentaloris — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Davus pentaloris · Davus pentaloris

📋 At a glance


Adult size	8-10 cm
Lifespan	5-25 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	Southern Mexico and Guatemala
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure only; outdoor keeping is not appropriate
Display species; routine handling not recommended
Keep singly; tarantulas are not social unless a species-specific breeding plan says otherwise
Low terrestrial enclosure with secure lid and good ventilation
Adult minimum: about 30 x 20 x 20 cm; large species need 35-40 cm length
Substrate: soil/coco mix that holds shape; 10 cm or deeper for large adults
Avoid excessive height, swampy substrate, and unstable rocks

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Cork bark hide and open feeding area
Deep substrate for shallow burrowing
Water dish large enough to find easily
Leaf litter or simple visual cover

💡 Lighting

No special lighting required; normal room day-night cycle is enough
Avoid bright basking lamps; they dry small enclosures and increase stress
Photoperiod: roughly 10-12 h ambient room light; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Heat focus: 23-27 °C

Dendrobates auratus — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Dendrobates auratus · Dendrobates auratus

📋 At a glance


Adult size	3-5 cm
Lifespan	8-15 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Dendrobates auratus is native to Central America from Nicaragua to Panama and nearby Colombia, with introduced populations in some islands and human-moved sites.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Aquarium, paludarium, or terrarium matched to aquatic, semi-aquatic, terrestrial, or arboreal lifestyle
Adult size must allow normal movement, stable water/soil conditions, and multiple hides
Substrate: safe aquatic sand/bare bottom for aquatic species, drainage and leaf litter for terrestrial frogs
Avoid sharp decor, contaminated water, soap residue, and mixed-species setups

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Hides, plants, leaf litter, cork, water area, and climbing/resting surfaces as appropriate
Easy access between land and water for semi-aquatic species
No rough decor that damages delicate skin

💡 Lighting

Strong lighting is usually unnecessary; planted setups may use moderate LEDs
Low-level UVB can be useful for some species but must be paired with shade
Keep a stable day-night rhythm
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no constant night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 22-26 °C

Dendrobates azureus — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Dendrobates azureus · Dendrobates azureus

📋 At a glance


Adult size	4-5 cm
Lifespan	8-15 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Dendrobates tinctorius ‘azureus’ is native to southern Suriname, especially the Sipaliwini region.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Aquarium, paludarium, or terrarium matched to aquatic, semi-aquatic, terrestrial, or arboreal lifestyle
Adult size must allow normal movement, stable water/soil conditions, and multiple hides
Substrate: safe aquatic sand/bare bottom for aquatic species, drainage and leaf litter for terrestrial frogs
Avoid sharp decor, contaminated water, soap residue, and mixed-species setups

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Hides, plants, leaf litter, cork, water area, and climbing/resting surfaces as appropriate
Easy access between land and water for semi-aquatic species
No rough decor that damages delicate skin

💡 Lighting

Strong lighting is usually unnecessary; planted setups may use moderate LEDs
Low-level UVB can be useful for some species but must be paired with shade
Keep a stable day-night rhythm
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no constant night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 22-26 °C

Dendrobates leucomelas — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Dendrobates leucomelas · Dendrobates leucomelas

📋 At a glance


Adult size	3-5 cm
Lifespan	8-15 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Dendrobates leucomelas is native to northern South America, especially Venezuela with nearby Guyana and Brazil.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Aquarium, paludarium, or terrarium matched to aquatic, semi-aquatic, terrestrial, or arboreal lifestyle
Adult size must allow normal movement, stable water/soil conditions, and multiple hides
Substrate: safe aquatic sand/bare bottom for aquatic species, drainage and leaf litter for terrestrial frogs
Avoid sharp decor, contaminated water, soap residue, and mixed-species setups

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Hides, plants, leaf litter, cork, water area, and climbing/resting surfaces as appropriate
Easy access between land and water for semi-aquatic species
No rough decor that damages delicate skin

💡 Lighting

Strong lighting is usually unnecessary; planted setups may use moderate LEDs
Low-level UVB can be useful for some species but must be paired with shade
Keep a stable day-night rhythm
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no constant night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 22-26 °C

Dyeing Poison Frog — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Dendrobates tinctorius · Dyeing Poison Frog

📋 At a glance


Adult size	4-6 cm
Lifespan	8-15 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Dendrobates tinctorius is native to the eastern Guiana Shield, including French Guiana, Suriname, Guyana and adjacent northern Brazil.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Aquarium, paludarium, or terrarium matched to aquatic, semi-aquatic, terrestrial, or arboreal lifestyle
Adult size must allow normal movement, stable water/soil conditions, and multiple hides
Substrate: safe aquatic sand/bare bottom for aquatic species, drainage and leaf litter for terrestrial frogs
Avoid sharp decor, contaminated water, soap residue, and mixed-species setups

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Hides, plants, leaf litter, cork, water area, and climbing/resting surfaces as appropriate
Easy access between land and water for semi-aquatic species
No rough decor that damages delicate skin

💡 Lighting

Strong lighting is usually unnecessary; planted setups may use moderate LEDs
Low-level UVB can be useful for some species but must be paired with shade
Keep a stable day-night rhythm
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no constant night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 22-26 °C

Eastern River Cooter — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Pseudemys concinna concinna · Eastern River Cooter

📋 At a glance


Adult size	25-40 cm
Lifespan	30-40 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Pseudemys concinna concinna is native to rivers and connected waters of the eastern and southeastern United States.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Aquarium or pond-style setup with strong filtration and secure escape prevention
Adult tank length and water volume must match species; bigger water volume is safer
Provide a fully dry basking platform with easy access
Avoid small unfiltered tanks, slippery exits, and dirty water

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Swimming space, resting ledges, basking dock, visual cover, and safe plants/wood
Substrate optional; if used, keep it easy to clean and too large or too fine to swallow dangerously
Filter intake protected from trapping animals

💡 Lighting

UVB essential over the basking area
Use a heat lamp to warm the dry basking platform
Replace UVB lamps on schedule; glass blocks UVB
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 22-26 °C

Elaphe climacophora — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Elaphe climacophora · Elaphe climacophora

📋 At a glance


Adult size	120-200 cm
Lifespan	12-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Japan, including main islands and nearby island populations; temperate forests, forest edge, farms, stone walls, river margins, and cool seasonal
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure escape-proof vivarium with more length than height for most species
Adult minimum depends strongly on species; provide enough room to stretch, explore, and thermoregulate
Substrate: species-appropriate bedding that allows hygiene and humidity control
Avoid loose lids, heat rocks, bare stressful boxes, and wet dirty substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Tight warm hide, tight cool hide, water bowl, branches or cover as appropriate
Rough but safe surfaces for shedding
Visual barriers so the snake can move without constant exposure

💡 Lighting

UVB is beneficial for many snakes and strongly useful in naturalistic setups
Use a clear day-night cycle with overhead heat where possible
Replace UVB lamps on schedule if used
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 28-30 °C

Elaphe schrenckii — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Elaphe schrenckii · Elaphe schrenckii

📋 At a glance


Adult size	140-200 cm
Lifespan	15-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Northeastern China, Korea, Mongolia, and the Russian Far East; forests, river valleys, farms, rocky areas, and cool temperate
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure escape-proof vivarium with more length than height for most species
Adult minimum depends strongly on species; provide enough room to stretch, explore, and thermoregulate
Substrate: species-appropriate bedding that allows hygiene and humidity control
Avoid loose lids, heat rocks, bare stressful boxes, and wet dirty substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Tight warm hide, tight cool hide, water bowl, branches or cover as appropriate
Rough but safe surfaces for shedding
Visual barriers so the snake can move without constant exposure

💡 Lighting

UVB is beneficial for many snakes and strongly useful in naturalistic setups
Use a clear day-night cycle with overhead heat where possible
Replace UVB lamps on schedule if used
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 29-31 °C

Electric Blue Day Gecko — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Lygodactylus williamsi · Electric Blue Day Gecko

📋 At a glance


Adult size	7-9 cm
Lifespan	5-10 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Lygodactylus williamsi is associated with a very small area of Tanzania, strongly associated with screw-pine vegetation.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: Appendix I; EU: Annex A; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure vivarium matched to lifestyle: terrestrial for ground geckos, vertical for arboreal species
Adult size ranges from compact setups to large vertical enclosures depending on species
Use safe substrate: soil/clay/sand mixes for terrestrial species, planted or cork-heavy setups for arboreal species
Avoid loose unsafe particles for tiny juveniles, sticky tape, and escape gaps

🪨 Enclosure furniture

At least two hides or retreats, including a humid hide for terrestrial shedding species
Branches/cork/tubes for arboreal geckos; stones and low hides for terrestrial geckos
Water dish and/or misted drinking surfaces according to species

💡 Lighting

Low to moderate UVB is beneficial for most geckos; stronger UVB for diurnal day geckos
Use visible day-night rhythm even for nocturnal species
Separate heat source if the room is too cool
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 24-28 °C

Emerald Tree Monitor — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Varanus prasinus · Emerald Tree Monitor

📋 At a glance


Adult size	75-100 cm
Lifespan	10-15 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Varanus prasinus is native to New Guinea and nearby islands, including Indonesian Papua and Papua New Guinea.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Large secure vivarium; monitors need space, heat, and strong construction
Adult enclosure should prioritize floor area, deep substrate, climbing, and basking access
Substrate: deep packed soil/sand/clay mix that supports digging
Avoid small tanks, weak lids, loose unstable rock piles, and underpowered heat

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Large basking platform, deep diggable substrate, secure hides, climbing branches or rock ledges
Humid retreat below the dry surface
Heavy decor must be supported from the floor, not resting on loose substrate

💡 Lighting

Strong UVB and intense visible light are essential
Best: linear high-output UVB plus bright LED/halide-style visible lighting and separate basking lamps
Measure basking UVI and replace lamps on schedule
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no visible light at night

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 38-45 °C

Epicrates cenchria — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Epicrates cenchria · Epicrates cenchria

📋 At a glance


Adult size	150-200 cm
Lifespan	20-30 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Amazon Basin and surrounding tropical South America; humid forests, forest edges, and areas near
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure escape-proof vivarium with more length than height for most species
Adult minimum depends strongly on species; provide enough room to stretch, explore, and thermoregulate
Substrate: species-appropriate bedding that allows hygiene and humidity control
Avoid loose lids, heat rocks, bare stressful boxes, and wet dirty substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Tight warm hide, tight cool hide, water bowl, branches or cover as appropriate
Rough but safe surfaces for shedding
Visual barriers so the snake can move without constant exposure

💡 Lighting

UVB is beneficial for many snakes and strongly useful in naturalistic setups
Use a clear day-night cycle with overhead heat where possible
Replace UVB lamps on schedule if used
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 30-31 °C

Eryx colubrinus — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Eryx colubrinus · Eryx colubrinus

📋 At a glance


Adult size	45-90 cm
Lifespan	15-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	East and northeast Africa; dry savanna, semi-desert, sandy soils, and rodent burrows.
Activity	Crepuscular
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure escape-proof vivarium with more length than height for most species
Adult minimum depends strongly on species; provide enough room to stretch, explore, and thermoregulate
Substrate: species-appropriate bedding that allows hygiene and humidity control
Avoid loose lids, heat rocks, bare stressful boxes, and wet dirty substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Tight warm hide, tight cool hide, water bowl, branches or cover as appropriate
Rough but safe surfaces for shedding
Visual barriers so the snake can move without constant exposure

💡 Lighting

UVB is beneficial for many snakes and strongly useful in naturalistic setups
Use a clear day-night cycle with overhead heat where possible
Replace UVB lamps on schedule if used
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 32-35 °C

Eunectes murinus — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Eunectes murinus · Eunectes murinus

📋 At a glance


Adult size	300-550 cm
Lifespan	20-30 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Northern and central South America, especially Amazon and Orinoco drainage wetlands, seasonally flooded forest, marshes, swamps, and slow water
Activity	Cathemeral
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure escape-proof vivarium with more length than height for most species
Adult minimum depends strongly on species; provide enough room to stretch, explore, and thermoregulate
Substrate: species-appropriate bedding that allows hygiene and humidity control
Avoid loose lids, heat rocks, bare stressful boxes, and wet dirty substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Tight warm hide, tight cool hide, water bowl, branches or cover as appropriate
Rough but safe surfaces for shedding
Visual barriers so the snake can move without constant exposure

💡 Lighting

UVB is beneficial for many snakes and strongly useful in naturalistic setups
Use a clear day-night cycle with overhead heat where possible
Replace UVB lamps on schedule if used
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 31-33 °C

Florida Red-Bellied Cooter — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Pseudemys nelsoni · Florida Red-Bellied Cooter

📋 At a glance


Adult size	25-35 cm
Lifespan	30-40 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Pseudemys nelsoni is native to Florida and adjacent parts of the southeastern United States.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Aquarium or pond-style setup with strong filtration and secure escape prevention
Adult tank length and water volume must match species; bigger water volume is safer
Provide a fully dry basking platform with easy access
Avoid small unfiltered tanks, slippery exits, and dirty water

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Swimming space, resting ledges, basking dock, visual cover, and safe plants/wood
Substrate optional; if used, keep it easy to clean and too large or too fine to swallow dangerously
Filter intake protected from trapping animals

💡 Lighting

UVB essential over the basking area
Use a heat lamp to warm the dry basking platform
Replace UVB lamps on schedule; glass blocks UVB
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 22-27 °C

Four-Toed Hedgehog — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Atelerix albiventris · Four-Toed Hedgehog

📋 At a glance


Adult size	18-23 cm
Lifespan	4-8 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Atelerix albiventris is native to parts of central and western Africa, where it occurs in warm habitats such as dry grassland, open scrub, and lightly wooded
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure with solid floor, ventilation, and room for night activity
Adult minimum should allow exercise, hiding, feeding, and toileting areas
Substrate: dust-free bedding or washable liners kept dry and clean
Avoid wire floors, unsafe wheels, damp bedding, and cold rooms

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Sleeping hide, solid exercise wheel where appropriate, tunnels, feeding area, and water dish/bottle
Soft nesting material and enrichment that cannot trap feet
Easy-clean layout for frequent hygiene

💡 Lighting

No UVB required for normal keeping
Stable room day-night rhythm with darkness at night
Avoid bright night lighting
Photoperiod: normal household cycle

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 23-27 °C

Furcifer lateralis — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Furcifer lateralis · Furcifer lateralis

📋 At a glance


Adult size	17-25 cm
Lifespan	2-5 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Furcifer lateralis is native to open, shrubby, and forest-edge habitats across much of Madagascar.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Tall, well-ventilated enclosure; screen or hybrid setups often work best
Adult enclosure should provide vertical movement, dense cover, and easy access to basking and UVB
Use live plants and branches; keep drainage under control
Avoid glass boxes with stagnant air, loose substrate ingestion risk, and constant handling

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Dense plant cover, horizontal basking branch, shaded retreat, and drinking surfaces
Branches of varied diameter secured firmly
Drainage layer or removable floor protection under misting

💡 Lighting

UVB essential with a linear T5 HO tube
Bright plant-safe visible lighting helps activity and plant growth
Separate basking lamp controlled by distance and measurement
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no light at night

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 28-31 °C

Gargoyle Gecko — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Rhacodactylus auriculatus · Gargoyle Gecko

📋 At a glance


Adult size	18-25 cm
Lifespan	15-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Rhacodactylus auriculatus is endemic to New Caledonia, mainly in the southern part of Grande Terre.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure vivarium matched to lifestyle: terrestrial for ground geckos, vertical for arboreal species
Adult size ranges from compact setups to large vertical enclosures depending on species
Use safe substrate: soil/clay/sand mixes for terrestrial species, planted or cork-heavy setups for arboreal species
Avoid loose unsafe particles for tiny juveniles, sticky tape, and escape gaps

🪨 Enclosure furniture

At least two hides or retreats, including a humid hide for terrestrial shedding species
Branches/cork/tubes for arboreal geckos; stones and low hides for terrestrial geckos
Water dish and/or misted drinking surfaces according to species

💡 Lighting

Low to moderate UVB is beneficial for most geckos; stronger UVB for diurnal day geckos
Use visible day-night rhythm even for nocturnal species
Separate heat source if the room is too cool
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 27-29 °C

Giant Day Gecko — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Phelsuma grandis · Giant Day Gecko

📋 At a glance


Adult size	25-30 cm
Lifespan	10-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Phelsuma grandis is native to Madagascar and is associated with warm, humid habitats with trees, vertical structure, and regular
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure vivarium matched to lifestyle: terrestrial for ground geckos, vertical for arboreal species
Adult size ranges from compact setups to large vertical enclosures depending on species
Use safe substrate: soil/clay/sand mixes for terrestrial species, planted or cork-heavy setups for arboreal species
Avoid loose unsafe particles for tiny juveniles, sticky tape, and escape gaps

🪨 Enclosure furniture

At least two hides or retreats, including a humid hide for terrestrial shedding species
Branches/cork/tubes for arboreal geckos; stones and low hides for terrestrial geckos
Water dish and/or misted drinking surfaces according to species

💡 Lighting

Low to moderate UVB is beneficial for most geckos; stronger UVB for diurnal day geckos
Use visible day-night rhythm even for nocturnal species
Separate heat source if the room is too cool
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 30-33 °C

Grammostola pulchripes — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Grammostola pulchripes · Grammostola pulchripes

📋 At a glance


Adult size	18-22 cm
Lifespan	5-25 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	Chaco region of Paraguay and Argentina
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure only; outdoor keeping is not appropriate
Display species; routine handling not recommended
Keep singly; tarantulas are not social unless a species-specific breeding plan says otherwise
Low terrestrial enclosure with more floor space than height
Adult minimum: about 30 x 20 x 20 cm or larger
Substrate: compacted coco fiber, unfertilized soil, or soil/clay mix; 8-12 cm or deeper
Avoid tall climbing setups, mesh floors/lids, wet stagnant substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Secure cork bark hide
Deep diggable substrate and a slightly moister corner if needed
Shallow water dish
Stable sparse decor; no hard fall hazards

💡 Lighting

No special lighting required; normal room day-night cycle is enough
Avoid bright basking lamps; they dry small enclosures and increase stress
Photoperiod: roughly 10-12 h ambient room light; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Heat focus: 22-27 °C

Grammostola rosea — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Grammostola rosea · Grammostola rosea

📋 At a glance


Adult size	12-15 cm
Lifespan	5-25 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	Chile and nearby dry regions
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure only; outdoor keeping is not appropriate
Display species; routine handling not recommended
Keep singly; tarantulas are not social unless a species-specific breeding plan says otherwise
Low terrestrial enclosure with more floor space than height
Adult minimum: about 30 x 20 x 20 cm or larger
Substrate: compacted coco fiber, unfertilized soil, or soil/clay mix; 8-12 cm or deeper
Avoid tall climbing setups, mesh floors/lids, wet stagnant substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Secure cork bark hide
Deep diggable substrate and a slightly moister corner if needed
Shallow water dish
Stable sparse decor; no hard fall hazards

💡 Lighting

No special lighting required; normal room day-night cycle is enough
Avoid bright basking lamps; they dry small enclosures and increase stress
Photoperiod: roughly 10-12 h ambient room light; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Heat focus: 20-26 °C

Greek Tortoise — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Testudo graeca · Greek Tortoise

📋 At a glance


Adult size	13-28 cm
Lifespan	50-100 years
Subspecies	Variable species complex; origin matters
Origin	Southern Europe, North Africa, Middle East
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex A; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Outdoors preferred during warm months; direct sun, space, shade, secure shelter
Outdoor minimum for one adult: several m²; more is always better
Indoor: open tortoise table for juveniles, quarantine, or cold periods
Substrate: soil, sand, and clay mix that allows digging without staying wet
Avoid: closed glass tanks, cedar/pine shavings, cat litter, slippery floors

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Sunny basking zone + cool shaded zone + dry shelter + slightly humid hide
Low shrubs, edible weeds, flat stones, roots, visual barriers
Dig-proof outdoor edges; no climbable corners or loose gaps

💡 Lighting

UVB essential indoors
Best: T5 HO UVB plus separate basking heat or a measured mercury vapor system
Outdoor direct sun is excellent; glass/plastic blocks UVB
Photoperiod: 10-12 h with seasonal adjustment; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 32-35 °C

Hainan Cave Gecko — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Goniurosaurus hainanensis · Hainan Cave Gecko

📋 At a glance


Adult size	15-20 cm
Lifespan	10-15 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Goniurosaurus hainanensis is endemic to Hainan Island in southern China.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure vivarium matched to lifestyle: terrestrial for ground geckos, vertical for arboreal species
Adult size ranges from compact setups to large vertical enclosures depending on species
Use safe substrate: soil/clay/sand mixes for terrestrial species, planted or cork-heavy setups for arboreal species
Avoid loose unsafe particles for tiny juveniles, sticky tape, and escape gaps

🪨 Enclosure furniture

At least two hides or retreats, including a humid hide for terrestrial shedding species
Branches/cork/tubes for arboreal geckos; stones and low hides for terrestrial geckos
Water dish and/or misted drinking surfaces according to species

💡 Lighting

Low to moderate UVB is beneficial for most geckos; stronger UVB for diurnal day geckos
Use visible day-night rhythm even for nocturnal species
Separate heat source if the room is too cool
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 27-28 °C

Harpactira pulchripes — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Harpactira pulchripes · Harpactira pulchripes

📋 At a glance


Adult size	12-15 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	Southern Africa
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure only; outdoor keeping is not appropriate
Display species; routine handling not recommended
Keep singly; tarantulas are not social unless a species-specific breeding plan says otherwise
Deep fossorial enclosure, secure and escape-proof
Adult minimum: floor around 25-30 cm with major substrate depth
Substrate: packed soil/coco mix that holds burrows; 15-20 cm or deeper
Avoid shallow display boxes and frequent burrow destruction

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Started burrow under cork bark
Deep stable substrate as the main furniture
Water dish at the surface
Minimal decor so maintenance stays controlled

💡 Lighting

No special lighting required; normal room day-night cycle is enough
Avoid bright basking lamps; they dry small enclosures and increase stress
Photoperiod: roughly 10-12 h ambient room light; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Heat focus: 24-28 °C

Hyla cinerea — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Hyla cinerea · Hyla cinerea

📋 At a glance


Adult size	4-7 cm
Lifespan	5-10 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Hyla cinerea is native to the southeastern United States.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Aquarium, paludarium, or terrarium matched to aquatic, semi-aquatic, terrestrial, or arboreal lifestyle
Adult size must allow normal movement, stable water/soil conditions, and multiple hides
Substrate: safe aquatic sand/bare bottom for aquatic species, drainage and leaf litter for terrestrial frogs
Avoid sharp decor, contaminated water, soap residue, and mixed-species setups

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Hides, plants, leaf litter, cork, water area, and climbing/resting surfaces as appropriate
Easy access between land and water for semi-aquatic species
No rough decor that damages delicate skin

💡 Lighting

Strong lighting is usually unnecessary; planted setups may use moderate LEDs
Low-level UVB can be useful for some species but must be paired with shade
Keep a stable day-night rhythm
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no constant night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 24-28 °C

Indian Star Tortoise — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Geochelone elegans · Indian Star Tortoise

📋 At a glance


Adult size	20-30 cm
Lifespan	40-80 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Geochelone elegans occurs in parts of India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, where it uses warm habitats that are seasonally dry but not cold and where shelter and grazing plants are
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix I; EU: Annex A; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Outdoor enclosure preferred for suitable weather; indoor tortoise table or large pen for juveniles/cold season
Adult space should be measured in square meters, not small terrariums
Substrate: soil/sand/clay mix that allows walking, digging, and moisture gradient
Avoid glass tanks for adults, slippery floors, cedar/pine, and cat litter

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Basking area, cool retreat, shaded hides, edible plants, and humid hide for juveniles
Flat stones, roots, and terrain variation without sharp edges
Shallow water dish easy to enter and exit

💡 Lighting

UVB essential indoors
Best: T5 HO UVB plus separate basking heat or a measured mercury vapor system
Outdoor direct sun is excellent; glass/plastic blocks UVB
Photoperiod: 10-12 h with seasonal adjustment; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 32-35 °C

King’s Rock Monitor — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Varanus kingorum · King’s Rock Monitor

📋 At a glance


Adult size	35-45 cm
Lifespan	10-15 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Varanus kingorum is a small rock monitor from northwestern Australia, especially the eastern Kimberley of Western Australia and adjacent northwestern Northern Territory.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Large secure vivarium; monitors need space, heat, and strong construction
Adult enclosure should prioritize floor area, deep substrate, climbing, and basking access
Substrate: deep packed soil/sand/clay mix that supports digging
Avoid small tanks, weak lids, loose unstable rock piles, and underpowered heat

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Large basking platform, deep diggable substrate, secure hides, climbing branches or rock ledges
Humid retreat below the dry surface
Heavy decor must be supported from the floor, not resting on loose substrate

💡 Lighting

Strong UVB and intense visible light are essential
Best: linear high-output UVB plus bright LED/halide-style visible lighting and separate basking lamps
Measure basking UVI and replace lamps on schedule
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no visible light at night

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 48-58 °C

Klemmer’s Day Gecko — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Phelsuma klemmeri · Klemmer’s Day Gecko

📋 At a glance


Adult size	8-10 cm
Lifespan	8-12 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Phelsuma klemmeri is associated with northwestern Madagascar, especially bamboo-rich humid forest fragments.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure vivarium matched to lifestyle: terrestrial for ground geckos, vertical for arboreal species
Adult size ranges from compact setups to large vertical enclosures depending on species
Use safe substrate: soil/clay/sand mixes for terrestrial species, planted or cork-heavy setups for arboreal species
Avoid loose unsafe particles for tiny juveniles, sticky tape, and escape gaps

🪨 Enclosure furniture

At least two hides or retreats, including a humid hide for terrestrial shedding species
Branches/cork/tubes for arboreal geckos; stones and low hides for terrestrial geckos
Water dish and/or misted drinking surfaces according to species

💡 Lighting

Low to moderate UVB is beneficial for most geckos; stronger UVB for diurnal day geckos
Use visible day-night rhythm even for nocturnal species
Separate heat source if the room is too cool
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 24-28 °C

Kuhl’s Flying Gecko — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Gekko kuhli · Kuhl’s Flying Gecko

📋 At a glance


Adult size	15-20 cm
Lifespan	8-12 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Gekko kuhli is associated with Southeast Asian tropical forests, including parts of Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and nearby islands.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure vivarium matched to lifestyle: terrestrial for ground geckos, vertical for arboreal species
Adult size ranges from compact setups to large vertical enclosures depending on species
Use safe substrate: soil/clay/sand mixes for terrestrial species, planted or cork-heavy setups for arboreal species
Avoid loose unsafe particles for tiny juveniles, sticky tape, and escape gaps

🪨 Enclosure furniture

At least two hides or retreats, including a humid hide for terrestrial shedding species
Branches/cork/tubes for arboreal geckos; stones and low hides for terrestrial geckos
Water dish and/or misted drinking surfaces according to species

💡 Lighting

Low to moderate UVB is beneficial for most geckos; stronger UVB for diurnal day geckos
Use visible day-night rhythm even for nocturnal species
Separate heat source if the room is too cool
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 24-28 °C

Lasiodora parahybana — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Lasiodora parahybana · Lasiodora parahybana

📋 At a glance


Adult size	22-28 cm
Lifespan	5-20 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	Brazil
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure only; outdoor keeping is not appropriate
Display species; routine handling not recommended
Keep singly; tarantulas are not social unless a species-specific breeding plan says otherwise
Low terrestrial enclosure with secure lid and good ventilation
Adult minimum: about 30 x 20 x 20 cm; large species need 35-40 cm length
Substrate: soil/coco mix that holds shape; 10 cm or deeper for large adults
Avoid excessive height, swampy substrate, and unstable rocks

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Cork bark hide and open feeding area
Deep substrate for shallow burrowing
Water dish large enough to find easily
Leaf litter or simple visual cover

💡 Lighting

No special lighting required; normal room day-night cycle is enough
Avoid bright basking lamps; they dry small enclosures and increase stress
Photoperiod: roughly 10-12 h ambient room light; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Heat focus: 24-28 °C

Leachianus Gecko — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Rhacodactylus leachianus · Leachianus Gecko

📋 At a glance


Adult size	30-43 cm
Lifespan	20-30 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Rhacodactylus leachianus is endemic to New Caledonia, including Grande Terre and several surrounding islands.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure vivarium matched to lifestyle: terrestrial for ground geckos, vertical for arboreal species
Adult size ranges from compact setups to large vertical enclosures depending on species
Use safe substrate: soil/clay/sand mixes for terrestrial species, planted or cork-heavy setups for arboreal species
Avoid loose unsafe particles for tiny juveniles, sticky tape, and escape gaps

🪨 Enclosure furniture

At least two hides or retreats, including a humid hide for terrestrial shedding species
Branches/cork/tubes for arboreal geckos; stones and low hides for terrestrial geckos
Water dish and/or misted drinking surfaces according to species

💡 Lighting

Low to moderate UVB is beneficial for most geckos; stronger UVB for diurnal day geckos
Use visible day-night rhythm even for nocturnal species
Separate heat source if the room is too cool
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 25-28 °C

Leopard Gecko — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Eublepharis macularius · Leopard Gecko

📋 At a glance


Adult size	18-28 cm
Lifespan	15-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	The species occurs in Afghanistan, Pakistan, northwestern India, parts of Iran, and nearby regions.
Activity	Crepuscular
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure vivarium matched to lifestyle: terrestrial for ground geckos, vertical for arboreal species
Adult size ranges from compact setups to large vertical enclosures depending on species
Use safe substrate: soil/clay/sand mixes for terrestrial species, planted or cork-heavy setups for arboreal species
Avoid loose unsafe particles for tiny juveniles, sticky tape, and escape gaps

🪨 Enclosure furniture

At least two hides or retreats, including a humid hide for terrestrial shedding species
Branches/cork/tubes for arboreal geckos; stones and low hides for terrestrial geckos
Water dish and/or misted drinking surfaces according to species

💡 Lighting

Low to moderate UVB is beneficial for most geckos; stronger UVB for diurnal day geckos
Use visible day-night rhythm even for nocturnal species
Separate heat source if the room is too cool
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 34-36 °C

Leopard Tortoise — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Stigmochelys pardalis · Leopard Tortoise

📋 At a glance


Adult size	35-60 cm
Lifespan	50-100 years
Subspecies	Usually kept as one care species
Origin	Eastern and southern Africa
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Outdoor summer enclosure strongly recommended; adults need major floor space
Indoor adult minimum: very large heated pen; 200 x 100 cm is only a bare minimum
Juveniles: open tortoise table, upgraded as they grow
Substrate: dry soil/sand mix with some digging depth
Avoid: small glass tanks, damp substrate, weak UVB, slippery floors

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Hot basking zone + dry cool zone + hides + shade
Flat stones, dry grasses, edible weeds, visual barriers
Outdoor grass enclosure is ideal in warm weather

💡 Lighting

UVB essential indoors
Best: T5 HO UVB plus separate basking heat or a measured mercury vapor system
Outdoor direct sun is excellent; glass/plastic blocks UVB
Photoperiod: 10-12 h with seasonal adjustment; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 45-50 °C

Lepidodactylus lugubris — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Lepidodactylus lugubris · Lepidodactylus lugubris

📋 At a glance


Adult size	8-10 cm
Lifespan	5-10 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Lepidodactylus lugubris is associated with Indo-Pacific islands and many introduced tropical populations worldwide.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure vivarium matched to lifestyle: terrestrial for ground geckos, vertical for arboreal species
Adult size ranges from compact setups to large vertical enclosures depending on species
Use safe substrate: soil/clay/sand mixes for terrestrial species, planted or cork-heavy setups for arboreal species
Avoid loose unsafe particles for tiny juveniles, sticky tape, and escape gaps

🪨 Enclosure furniture

At least two hides or retreats, including a humid hide for terrestrial shedding species
Branches/cork/tubes for arboreal geckos; stones and low hides for terrestrial geckos
Water dish and/or misted drinking surfaces according to species

💡 Lighting

Low to moderate UVB is beneficial for most geckos; stronger UVB for diurnal day geckos
Use visible day-night rhythm even for nocturnal species
Separate heat source if the room is too cool
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 30-34 °C

Litoria caerulea — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Litoria caerulea · Litoria caerulea

📋 At a glance


Adult size	8-12 cm
Lifespan	10-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Northern and eastern Australia and southern New Guinea, using woodland, savanna edges, human structures, and seasonal
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Aquarium, paludarium, or terrarium matched to aquatic, semi-aquatic, terrestrial, or arboreal lifestyle
Adult size must allow normal movement, stable water/soil conditions, and multiple hides
Substrate: safe aquatic sand/bare bottom for aquatic species, drainage and leaf litter for terrestrial frogs
Avoid sharp decor, contaminated water, soap residue, and mixed-species setups

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Hides, plants, leaf litter, cork, water area, and climbing/resting surfaces as appropriate
Easy access between land and water for semi-aquatic species
No rough decor that damages delicate skin

💡 Lighting

Strong lighting is usually unnecessary; planted setups may use moderate LEDs
Low-level UVB can be useful for some species but must be paired with shade
Keep a stable day-night rhythm
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no constant night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: not used

Madagascar Ground Gecko — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Paroedura picta · Madagascar Ground Gecko

📋 At a glance


Adult size	12-16 cm
Lifespan	6-10 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Paroedura picta is associated with dry and seasonally humid regions of Madagascar.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure vivarium matched to lifestyle: terrestrial for ground geckos, vertical for arboreal species
Adult size ranges from compact setups to large vertical enclosures depending on species
Use safe substrate: soil/clay/sand mixes for terrestrial species, planted or cork-heavy setups for arboreal species
Avoid loose unsafe particles for tiny juveniles, sticky tape, and escape gaps

🪨 Enclosure furniture

At least two hides or retreats, including a humid hide for terrestrial shedding species
Branches/cork/tubes for arboreal geckos; stones and low hides for terrestrial geckos
Water dish and/or misted drinking surfaces according to species

💡 Lighting

Low to moderate UVB is beneficial for most geckos; stronger UVB for diurnal day geckos
Use visible day-night rhythm even for nocturnal species
Separate heat source if the room is too cool
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 24-28 °C

Malayopython reticulatus — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Malayopython reticulatus · Malayopython reticulatus

📋 At a glance


Adult size	300-600 cm
Lifespan	20-30 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Southeast Asia and parts of Indonesia and the Philippines; forests, river edges, plantations, villages, and wet
Activity	Crepuscular
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure escape-proof vivarium with more length than height for most species
Adult minimum depends strongly on species; provide enough room to stretch, explore, and thermoregulate
Substrate: species-appropriate bedding that allows hygiene and humidity control
Avoid loose lids, heat rocks, bare stressful boxes, and wet dirty substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Tight warm hide, tight cool hide, water bowl, branches or cover as appropriate
Rough but safe surfaces for shedding
Visual barriers so the snake can move without constant exposure

💡 Lighting

UVB is beneficial for many snakes and strongly useful in naturalistic setups
Use a clear day-night cycle with overhead heat where possible
Replace UVB lamps on schedule if used
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 32-34 °C

Mangrove Monitor — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Varanus indicus · Mangrove Monitor

📋 At a glance


Adult size	100-130 cm
Lifespan	12-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Varanus indicus belongs to a complicated western Pacific monitor group.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Large secure vivarium; monitors need space, heat, and strong construction
Adult enclosure should prioritize floor area, deep substrate, climbing, and basking access
Substrate: deep packed soil/sand/clay mix that supports digging
Avoid small tanks, weak lids, loose unstable rock piles, and underpowered heat

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Large basking platform, deep diggable substrate, secure hides, climbing branches or rock ledges
Humid retreat below the dry surface
Heavy decor must be supported from the floor, not resting on loose substrate

💡 Lighting

Strong UVB and intense visible light are essential
Best: linear high-output UVB plus bright LED/halide-style visible lighting and separate basking lamps
Measure basking UVI and replace lamps on schedule
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no visible light at night

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 45-55 °C

Marginated Tortoise — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Testudo marginata · Marginated Tortoise

📋 At a glance


Adult size	25-35 cm
Lifespan	50-100 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	The marginated tortoise is a Mediterranean species naturally found mainly in Greece and parts of the Balkans, as well as in some island populations.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex A; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Outdoor enclosure preferred for suitable weather; indoor tortoise table or large pen for juveniles/cold season
Adult space should be measured in square meters, not small terrariums
Substrate: soil/sand/clay mix that allows walking, digging, and moisture gradient
Avoid glass tanks for adults, slippery floors, cedar/pine, and cat litter

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Basking area, cool retreat, shaded hides, edible plants, and humid hide for juveniles
Flat stones, roots, and terrain variation without sharp edges
Shallow water dish easy to enter and exit

💡 Lighting

UVB essential indoors
Best: T5 HO UVB plus separate basking heat or a measured mercury vapor system
Outdoor direct sun is excellent; glass/plastic blocks UVB
Photoperiod: 10-12 h with seasonal adjustment; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 32-35 °C

Melopoeus lividus — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Melopoeus lividus · Melopoeus lividus

📋 At a glance


Adult size	12-15 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	Myanmar and Thailand
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure only; outdoor keeping is not appropriate
Display species; routine handling not recommended
Keep singly; tarantulas are not social unless a species-specific breeding plan says otherwise
Deep fossorial enclosure, secure and escape-proof
Adult minimum: floor around 25-30 cm with major substrate depth
Substrate: packed soil/coco mix that holds burrows; 15-20 cm or deeper
Avoid shallow display boxes and frequent burrow destruction

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Started burrow under cork bark
Deep stable substrate as the main furniture
Water dish at the surface
Minimal decor so maintenance stays controlled

💡 Lighting

No special lighting required; normal room day-night cycle is enough
Avoid bright basking lamps; they dry small enclosures and increase stress
Photoperiod: roughly 10-12 h ambient room light; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Heat focus: 24-28 °C

Milk Snake — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Lampropeltis triangulum · Milk Snake

📋 At a glance


Adult size	60-120 cm
Lifespan	15-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Lampropeltis triangulum is native to a broad part of North and Central America, with many regional forms and former subspecies names in older literature.
Activity	Crepuscular
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure escape-proof vivarium with more length than height for most species
Adult minimum depends strongly on species; provide enough room to stretch, explore, and thermoregulate
Substrate: species-appropriate bedding that allows hygiene and humidity control
Avoid loose lids, heat rocks, bare stressful boxes, and wet dirty substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Tight warm hide, tight cool hide, water bowl, branches or cover as appropriate
Rough but safe surfaces for shedding
Visual barriers so the snake can move without constant exposure

💡 Lighting

UVB is beneficial for many snakes and strongly useful in naturalistic setups
Use a clear day-night cycle with overhead heat where possible
Replace UVB lamps on schedule if used
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 29-31 °C

Mississippi Map Turtle — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Graptemys kohnii · Mississippi Map Turtle

📋 At a glance


Adult size	9-25 cm
Lifespan	20-30 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Graptemys kohnii is native to the Mississippi River system and associated large rivers in the central United States.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix III; EU: Annex C; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Aquarium or pond-style setup with strong filtration and secure escape prevention
Adult tank length and water volume must match species; bigger water volume is safer
Provide a fully dry basking platform with easy access
Avoid small unfiltered tanks, slippery exits, and dirty water

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Swimming space, resting ledges, basking dock, visual cover, and safe plants/wood
Substrate optional; if used, keep it easy to clean and too large or too fine to swallow dangerously
Filter intake protected from trapping animals

💡 Lighting

UVB essential over the basking area
Use a heat lamp to warm the dry basking platform
Replace UVB lamps on schedule; glass blocks UVB
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 22-26 °C

Morelia bredli — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Morelia bredli · Morelia bredli

📋 At a glance


Adult size	180-250 cm
Lifespan	15-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Central Australia, especially rocky ranges and arid woodland around the MacDonnell
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure escape-proof vivarium with more length than height for most species
Adult minimum depends strongly on species; provide enough room to stretch, explore, and thermoregulate
Substrate: species-appropriate bedding that allows hygiene and humidity control
Avoid loose lids, heat rocks, bare stressful boxes, and wet dirty substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Tight warm hide, tight cool hide, water bowl, branches or cover as appropriate
Rough but safe surfaces for shedding
Visual barriers so the snake can move without constant exposure

💡 Lighting

UVB is beneficial for many snakes and strongly useful in naturalistic setups
Use a clear day-night cycle with overhead heat where possible
Replace UVB lamps on schedule if used
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 32-34 °C

Morelia spilota — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Morelia spilota · Morelia spilota

📋 At a glance


Adult size	180-250 cm
Lifespan	15-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Australia, New Guinea, and nearby islands; forest edges, woodland, rocky areas, buildings, and arboreal retreats depending on
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure escape-proof vivarium with more length than height for most species
Adult minimum depends strongly on species; provide enough room to stretch, explore, and thermoregulate
Substrate: species-appropriate bedding that allows hygiene and humidity control
Avoid loose lids, heat rocks, bare stressful boxes, and wet dirty substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Tight warm hide, tight cool hide, water bowl, branches or cover as appropriate
Rough but safe surfaces for shedding
Visual barriers so the snake can move without constant exposure

💡 Lighting

UVB is beneficial for many snakes and strongly useful in naturalistic setups
Use a clear day-night cycle with overhead heat where possible
Replace UVB lamps on schedule if used
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 31-33 °C

Morelia spilota cheynei — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Morelia spilota cheynei · Morelia spilota cheynei

📋 At a glance


Adult size	150-210 cm
Lifespan	15-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Morelia spilota cheynei is native to the rainforests and wet forest edges of northeastern Queensland, Australia.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure escape-proof vivarium with more length than height for most species
Adult minimum depends strongly on species; provide enough room to stretch, explore, and thermoregulate
Substrate: species-appropriate bedding that allows hygiene and humidity control
Avoid loose lids, heat rocks, bare stressful boxes, and wet dirty substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Tight warm hide, tight cool hide, water bowl, branches or cover as appropriate
Rough but safe surfaces for shedding
Visual barriers so the snake can move without constant exposure

💡 Lighting

UVB is beneficial for many snakes and strongly useful in naturalistic setups
Use a clear day-night cycle with overhead heat where possible
Replace UVB lamps on schedule if used
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 31-33 °C

Morelia viridis — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Morelia viridis · Morelia viridis

📋 At a glance


Adult size	120-180 cm
Lifespan	15-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	New Guinea, nearby Indonesian islands, and Cape York Peninsula; humid forests and edge habitats with strong arboreal
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure escape-proof vivarium with more length than height for most species
Adult minimum depends strongly on species; provide enough room to stretch, explore, and thermoregulate
Substrate: species-appropriate bedding that allows hygiene and humidity control
Avoid loose lids, heat rocks, bare stressful boxes, and wet dirty substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Tight warm hide, tight cool hide, water bowl, branches or cover as appropriate
Rough but safe surfaces for shedding
Visual barriers so the snake can move without constant exposure

💡 Lighting

UVB is beneficial for many snakes and strongly useful in naturalistic setups
Use a clear day-night cycle with overhead heat where possible
Replace UVB lamps on schedule if used
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 30-31 °C

Nhandu chromatus — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Nhandu chromatus · Nhandu chromatus

📋 At a glance


Adult size	16-20 cm
Lifespan	5-20 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	Brazil
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure only; outdoor keeping is not appropriate
Display species; routine handling not recommended
Keep singly; tarantulas are not social unless a species-specific breeding plan says otherwise
Low terrestrial enclosure with secure lid and good ventilation
Adult minimum: about 30 x 20 x 20 cm; large species need 35-40 cm length
Substrate: soil/coco mix that holds shape; 10 cm or deeper for large adults
Avoid excessive height, swampy substrate, and unstable rocks

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Cork bark hide and open feeding area
Deep substrate for shallow burrowing
Water dish large enough to find easily
Leaf litter or simple visual cover

💡 Lighting

No special lighting required; normal room day-night cycle is enough
Avoid bright basking lamps; they dry small enclosures and increase stress
Photoperiod: roughly 10-12 h ambient room light; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Heat focus: 22-27 °C

Nile Monitor — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Varanus niloticus · Nile Monitor

📋 At a glance


Adult size	150-220 cm
Lifespan	15-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Varanus niloticus is widespread through much of sub-Saharan Africa and reaches the Nile system, but it is absent from the driest desert regions.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Large secure vivarium; monitors need space, heat, and strong construction
Adult enclosure should prioritize floor area, deep substrate, climbing, and basking access
Substrate: deep packed soil/sand/clay mix that supports digging
Avoid small tanks, weak lids, loose unstable rock piles, and underpowered heat

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Large basking platform, deep diggable substrate, secure hides, climbing branches or rock ledges
Humid retreat below the dry surface
Heavy decor must be supported from the floor, not resting on loose substrate

💡 Lighting

Strong UVB and intense visible light are essential
Best: linear high-output UVB plus bright LED/halide-style visible lighting and separate basking lamps
Measure basking UVI and replace lamps on schedule
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no visible light at night

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 50-60 °C

Octodon degus — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Octodon degus · Octodon degus

📋 At a glance


Adult size	25-31 cm
Lifespan	5-9 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Octodon degus is native to dry scrub, matorral, rocky slopes, and agricultural edges in central Chile.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure with solid floor, ventilation, and room for night activity
Adult minimum should allow exercise, hiding, feeding, and toileting areas
Substrate: dust-free bedding or washable liners kept dry and clean
Avoid wire floors, unsafe wheels, damp bedding, and cold rooms

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Sleeping hide, solid exercise wheel where appropriate, tunnels, feeding area, and water dish/bottle
Soft nesting material and enrichment that cannot trap feet
Easy-clean layout for frequent hygiene

💡 Lighting

No UVB required for normal keeping
Stable room day-night rhythm with darkness at night
Avoid bright night lighting
Photoperiod: normal household cycle

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 23-27 °C

Oophaga pumilio — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Oophaga pumilio · Oophaga pumilio

📋 At a glance


Adult size	2-3 cm
Lifespan	8-15 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Oophaga pumilio is native to eastern Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama, with many highly localized colour forms.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Aquarium, paludarium, or terrarium matched to aquatic, semi-aquatic, terrestrial, or arboreal lifestyle
Adult size must allow normal movement, stable water/soil conditions, and multiple hides
Substrate: safe aquatic sand/bare bottom for aquatic species, drainage and leaf litter for terrestrial frogs
Avoid sharp decor, contaminated water, soap residue, and mixed-species setups

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Hides, plants, leaf litter, cork, water area, and climbing/resting surfaces as appropriate
Easy access between land and water for semi-aquatic species
No rough decor that damages delicate skin

💡 Lighting

Strong lighting is usually unnecessary; planted setups may use moderate LEDs
Low-level UVB can be useful for some species but must be paired with shade
Keep a stable day-night rhythm
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no constant night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 22-26 °C

Orthriophis taeniurus — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Orthriophis taeniurus · Orthriophis taeniurus

📋 At a glance


Adult size	180-270 cm
Lifespan	15-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	East and Southeast Asia from southern China and Taiwan through parts of mainland Southeast Asia; forest edge, rocky slopes, agricultural margins, and human-modified
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure escape-proof vivarium with more length than height for most species
Adult minimum depends strongly on species; provide enough room to stretch, explore, and thermoregulate
Substrate: species-appropriate bedding that allows hygiene and humidity control
Avoid loose lids, heat rocks, bare stressful boxes, and wet dirty substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Tight warm hide, tight cool hide, water bowl, branches or cover as appropriate
Rough but safe surfaces for shedding
Visual barriers so the snake can move without constant exposure

💡 Lighting

UVB is beneficial for many snakes and strongly useful in naturalistic setups
Use a clear day-night cycle with overhead heat where possible
Replace UVB lamps on schedule if used
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 29-31 °C

Pacman Frog — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Ceratophrys cranwelli · Pacman Frog

📋 At a glance


Adult size	10-15 cm
Lifespan	8-15 years
Lifestyle	Solitary, fossorial ambush frog
Minimum adult enclosure	60 x 45 x 45 cm
Temperature	24-28°C day, 20-24°C night; avoid >30°C
Humidity	60-80%, with moist lower substrate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Setup

Keep singly; cohabitation risks injury and cannibalism.
Use 8-10+ cm of moist, diggable substrate with a hide and leaf cover.
Avoid pure sand, gravel, bark chunks and sticky moss as feeding surfaces.
Quarantine new frogs 60-90 days with separate tools and easy-clean substrate.

💧 Water and humidity

Provide a shallow dechlorinated water dish with easy exit.
Change water daily or immediately after soiling.
Keep substrate moist below the surface, not swampy or sour.

🪱 Feeding and supplements

Feed gut-loaded earthworms, roaches, crickets and locusts sized no wider than the head.
Juveniles eat small meals every 1-2 days; adults usually one moderate meal every 5-7 days.
Dust juveniles with calcium at most insect meals; adults need calcium 1-2 times weekly and multivitamin every 2-4 weeks.
Use D3 more deliberately if no UVB is provided; do not overuse high-D3 products.

🩺 Watch for

Metabolic bone disease: tremors, soft jaw, swollen limbs.
Impaction: bloating, straining, no stool after substrate or oversized prey ingestion.
Obesity from frequent large meals or rodents.
Red belly, sores, swelling, foul skin or prolonged refusal to eat: seek an amphibian vet.

Panther Chameleon — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Furcifer pardalis · Panther Chameleon

📋 At a glance


Adult size	30-55 cm
Lifespan	4-8 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Furcifer pardalis is native to Madagascar, especially warm humid and subhumid lowland and coastal regions, with well-known localities such as Ambilobe, Nosy Be, Sambava and Tamatave.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Tall, well-ventilated enclosure; screen or hybrid setups often work best
Adult enclosure should provide vertical movement, dense cover, and easy access to basking and UVB
Use live plants and branches; keep drainage under control
Avoid glass boxes with stagnant air, loose substrate ingestion risk, and constant handling

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Dense plant cover, horizontal basking branch, shaded retreat, and drinking surfaces
Branches of varied diameter secured firmly
Drainage layer or removable floor protection under misting

💡 Lighting

UVB essential with a linear T5 HO tube
Bright plant-safe visible lighting helps activity and plant growth
Separate basking lamp controlled by distance and measurement
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no light at night

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 29-32 °C

Phelsuma laticauda — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Phelsuma laticauda · Phelsuma laticauda

📋 At a glance


Adult size	10-13 cm
Lifespan	8-15 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Phelsuma laticauda is associated with northern Madagascar and nearby islands, with introduced populations in several tropical regions.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure vivarium matched to lifestyle: terrestrial for ground geckos, vertical for arboreal species
Adult size ranges from compact setups to large vertical enclosures depending on species
Use safe substrate: soil/clay/sand mixes for terrestrial species, planted or cork-heavy setups for arboreal species
Avoid loose unsafe particles for tiny juveniles, sticky tape, and escape gaps

🪨 Enclosure furniture

At least two hides or retreats, including a humid hide for terrestrial shedding species
Branches/cork/tubes for arboreal geckos; stones and low hides for terrestrial geckos
Water dish and/or misted drinking surfaces according to species

💡 Lighting

Low to moderate UVB is beneficial for most geckos; stronger UVB for diurnal day geckos
Use visible day-night rhythm even for nocturnal species
Separate heat source if the room is too cool
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 24-29 °C

Physignathus cocincinus — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Physignathus cocincinus · Physignathus cocincinus

📋 At a glance


Adult size	60-90 cm
Lifespan	10-15 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Physignathus cocincinus is native to tropical forests and stream margins in southern China and mainland Southeast Asia.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor vivarium with secure ventilation; outdoor sun only in safe supervised weather
Adult enclosure must provide usable floor space, climbing or digging structure as appropriate
Substrate should match the species: dry soil/sand/clay for arid animals, planted/drainage layers for humid arboreal animals
Avoid loose unsafe particles for juveniles, slippery floors, and cramped glass boxes

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Warm basking zone, cooler retreat, humid hide or humid zone where appropriate
Stable rocks, branches, cork, hides, and visual barriers
Water dish or misting/drinking system matched to the species

💡 Lighting

UVB required or strongly recommended for most diurnal lizards
Best: T5 HO UVB tube plus bright visible lighting and separate heat lamp
Replace UVB lamps on schedule and measure UVI when possible
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no visible light at night

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 32-35 °C

Pleurodeles waltl — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Pleurodeles waltl · Pleurodeles waltl

📋 At a glance


Adult size	20-30 cm
Lifespan	10-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Iberian Peninsula and northwestern Morocco, using ponds, reservoirs, slow water, and temporary
Activity	Cathemeral
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Aquarium, paludarium, or terrarium matched to aquatic, semi-aquatic, terrestrial, or arboreal lifestyle
Adult size must allow normal movement, stable water/soil conditions, and multiple hides
Substrate: safe aquatic sand/bare bottom for aquatic species, drainage and leaf litter for terrestrial frogs
Avoid sharp decor, contaminated water, soap residue, and mixed-species setups

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Hides, plants, leaf litter, cork, water area, and climbing/resting surfaces as appropriate
Easy access between land and water for semi-aquatic species
No rough decor that damages delicate skin

💡 Lighting

Strong lighting is usually unnecessary; planted setups may use moderate LEDs
Low-level UVB can be useful for some species but must be paired with shade
Keep a stable day-night rhythm
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no constant night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: not used

Poecilotheria fasciata — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Poecilotheria fasciata · Poecilotheria fasciata

📋 At a glance


Adult size	15-22 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	Sri Lanka
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure only; outdoor keeping is not appropriate
Display species; routine handling not recommended
Keep singly; tarantulas are not social unless a species-specific breeding plan says otherwise
Tall arboreal enclosure with strong cross-ventilation
Adult minimum: about 20 x 20 x 30 cm or larger
Substrate: shallow soil/coco layer; not a deep wet box
Avoid stale humid air, loose doors, and layouts that force handling

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Vertical cork bark tube or slab
Branches and anchor points for webbing
Elevated and ground-level water access where practical
Dry upper retreat with airflow

💡 Lighting

No special lighting required; normal room day-night cycle is enough
Avoid bright basking lamps; they dry small enclosures and increase stress
Photoperiod: roughly 10-12 h ambient room light; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Heat focus: 24-28 °C

Poecilotheria formosa — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Poecilotheria formosa · Poecilotheria formosa

📋 At a glance


Adult size	15-22 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	India
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure only; outdoor keeping is not appropriate
Display species; routine handling not recommended
Keep singly; tarantulas are not social unless a species-specific breeding plan says otherwise
Tall arboreal enclosure with strong cross-ventilation
Adult minimum: about 20 x 20 x 30 cm or larger
Substrate: shallow soil/coco layer; not a deep wet box
Avoid stale humid air, loose doors, and layouts that force handling

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Vertical cork bark tube or slab
Branches and anchor points for webbing
Elevated and ground-level water access where practical
Dry upper retreat with airflow

💡 Lighting

No special lighting required; normal room day-night cycle is enough
Avoid bright basking lamps; they dry small enclosures and increase stress
Photoperiod: roughly 10-12 h ambient room light; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Heat focus: 24-28 °C

Poecilotheria hanumavilasumica — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Poecilotheria hanumavilasumica · Poecilotheria hanumavilasumica

📋 At a glance


Adult size	15-22 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	India
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure only; outdoor keeping is not appropriate
Display species; routine handling not recommended
Keep singly; tarantulas are not social unless a species-specific breeding plan says otherwise
Tall arboreal enclosure with strong cross-ventilation
Adult minimum: about 20 x 20 x 30 cm or larger
Substrate: shallow soil/coco layer; not a deep wet box
Avoid stale humid air, loose doors, and layouts that force handling

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Vertical cork bark tube or slab
Branches and anchor points for webbing
Elevated and ground-level water access where practical
Dry upper retreat with airflow

💡 Lighting

No special lighting required; normal room day-night cycle is enough
Avoid bright basking lamps; they dry small enclosures and increase stress
Photoperiod: roughly 10-12 h ambient room light; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Heat focus: 24-28 °C

Poecilotheria metallica — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Poecilotheria metallica · Poecilotheria metallica

📋 At a glance


Adult size	15-22 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	India
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure only; outdoor keeping is not appropriate
Display species; routine handling not recommended
Keep singly; tarantulas are not social unless a species-specific breeding plan says otherwise
Tall arboreal enclosure with strong cross-ventilation
Adult minimum: about 20 x 20 x 30 cm or larger
Substrate: shallow soil/coco layer; not a deep wet box
Avoid stale humid air, loose doors, and layouts that force handling

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Vertical cork bark tube or slab
Branches and anchor points for webbing
Elevated and ground-level water access where practical
Dry upper retreat with airflow

💡 Lighting

No special lighting required; normal room day-night cycle is enough
Avoid bright basking lamps; they dry small enclosures and increase stress
Photoperiod: roughly 10-12 h ambient room light; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Heat focus: 24-28 °C

Poecilotheria miranda — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Poecilotheria miranda · Poecilotheria miranda

📋 At a glance


Adult size	15-22 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	India
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure only; outdoor keeping is not appropriate
Display species; routine handling not recommended
Keep singly; tarantulas are not social unless a species-specific breeding plan says otherwise
Tall arboreal enclosure with strong cross-ventilation
Adult minimum: about 20 x 20 x 30 cm or larger
Substrate: shallow soil/coco layer; not a deep wet box
Avoid stale humid air, loose doors, and layouts that force handling

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Vertical cork bark tube or slab
Branches and anchor points for webbing
Elevated and ground-level water access where practical
Dry upper retreat with airflow

💡 Lighting

No special lighting required; normal room day-night cycle is enough
Avoid bright basking lamps; they dry small enclosures and increase stress
Photoperiod: roughly 10-12 h ambient room light; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Heat focus: 24-28 °C

Psalmopoeus irminia — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Psalmopoeus irminia · Psalmopoeus irminia

📋 At a glance


Adult size	12-15 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	Venezuela
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure only; outdoor keeping is not appropriate
Display species; routine handling not recommended
Keep singly; tarantulas are not social unless a species-specific breeding plan says otherwise
Tall arboreal enclosure with strong cross-ventilation
Adult minimum: about 20 x 20 x 30 cm or larger
Substrate: shallow soil/coco layer; not a deep wet box
Avoid stale humid air, loose doors, and layouts that force handling

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Vertical cork bark tube or slab
Branches and anchor points for webbing
Elevated and ground-level water access where practical
Dry upper retreat with airflow

💡 Lighting

No special lighting required; normal room day-night cycle is enough
Avoid bright basking lamps; they dry small enclosures and increase stress
Photoperiod: roughly 10-12 h ambient room light; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Heat focus: 24-28 °C

Pterinochilus murinus — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Pterinochilus murinus · Pterinochilus murinus

📋 At a glance


Adult size	10-15 cm
Lifespan	8-25 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	East Africa
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure only; outdoor keeping is not appropriate
Display species; routine handling not recommended
Keep singly; tarantulas are not social unless a species-specific breeding plan says otherwise
Secure terrestrial/semi-arboreal enclosure with many web anchors
Adult minimum: about 30 x 20 x 20 cm or larger
Substrate: dry-to-moderate soil/coco layer that supports anchor points
Avoid wet stagnant conditions and maintenance that tears all webbing out

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Cork bark, angled tubes, branches, and anchor points
Water dish
Moderate substrate depth
Leave established web tunnels intact where possible

💡 Lighting

No special lighting required; normal room day-night cycle is enough
Avoid bright basking lamps; they dry small enclosures and increase stress
Photoperiod: roughly 10-12 h ambient room light; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Heat focus: 24-28 °C

Python bivittatus — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Python bivittatus · Python bivittatus

📋 At a glance


Adult size	300-500 cm
Lifespan	20-30 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Mainland Southeast Asia; wetlands, grasslands, forest edges, farms, and areas near
Activity	Cathemeral
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure escape-proof vivarium with more length than height for most species
Adult minimum depends strongly on species; provide enough room to stretch, explore, and thermoregulate
Substrate: species-appropriate bedding that allows hygiene and humidity control
Avoid loose lids, heat rocks, bare stressful boxes, and wet dirty substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Tight warm hide, tight cool hide, water bowl, branches or cover as appropriate
Rough but safe surfaces for shedding
Visual barriers so the snake can move without constant exposure

💡 Lighting

UVB is beneficial for many snakes and strongly useful in naturalistic setups
Use a clear day-night cycle with overhead heat where possible
Replace UVB lamps on schedule if used
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 32-34 °C

Python brongersmai — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Python brongersmai · Python brongersmai

📋 At a glance


Adult size	120-180 cm
Lifespan	20-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Python brongersmai is native to lowland rainforest, swamp forest, and plantations in parts of Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, and nearby areas.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure escape-proof vivarium with more length than height for most species
Adult minimum depends strongly on species; provide enough room to stretch, explore, and thermoregulate
Substrate: species-appropriate bedding that allows hygiene and humidity control
Avoid loose lids, heat rocks, bare stressful boxes, and wet dirty substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Tight warm hide, tight cool hide, water bowl, branches or cover as appropriate
Rough but safe surfaces for shedding
Visual barriers so the snake can move without constant exposure

💡 Lighting

UVB is beneficial for many snakes and strongly useful in naturalistic setups
Use a clear day-night cycle with overhead heat where possible
Replace UVB lamps on schedule if used
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 29-31 °C

Python curtus — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Python curtus · Python curtus

📋 At a glance


Adult size	120-180 cm
Lifespan	20-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Python curtus is native to lowland rainforest, swamp forest, and disturbed wet habitats on Sumatra.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure escape-proof vivarium with more length than height for most species
Adult minimum depends strongly on species; provide enough room to stretch, explore, and thermoregulate
Substrate: species-appropriate bedding that allows hygiene and humidity control
Avoid loose lids, heat rocks, bare stressful boxes, and wet dirty substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Tight warm hide, tight cool hide, water bowl, branches or cover as appropriate
Rough but safe surfaces for shedding
Visual barriers so the snake can move without constant exposure

💡 Lighting

UVB is beneficial for many snakes and strongly useful in naturalistic setups
Use a clear day-night cycle with overhead heat where possible
Replace UVB lamps on schedule if used
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 29-31 °C

Pyxicephalus adspersus — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Pyxicephalus adspersus · Pyxicephalus adspersus

📋 At a glance


Adult size	12-24 cm
Lifespan	15-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Pyxicephalus adspersus is native to southern and eastern Africa in seasonal grassland, savanna and scrub regions.
Activity	Crepuscular
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Aquarium, paludarium, or terrarium matched to aquatic, semi-aquatic, terrestrial, or arboreal lifestyle
Adult size must allow normal movement, stable water/soil conditions, and multiple hides
Substrate: safe aquatic sand/bare bottom for aquatic species, drainage and leaf litter for terrestrial frogs
Avoid sharp decor, contaminated water, soap residue, and mixed-species setups

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Hides, plants, leaf litter, cork, water area, and climbing/resting surfaces as appropriate
Easy access between land and water for semi-aquatic species
No rough decor that damages delicate skin

💡 Lighting

Strong lighting is usually unnecessary; planted setups may use moderate LEDs
Low-level UVB can be useful for some species but must be paired with shade
Keep a stable day-night rhythm
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no constant night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 24-30 °C

Red-Bellied Short-Necked Turtle — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Emydura subglobosa · Red-Bellied Short-Necked Turtle

📋 At a glance


Adult size	20-26 cm
Lifespan	20-30 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Emydura subglobosa is native to southern New Guinea and northern Australia.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Aquarium or pond-style setup with strong filtration and secure escape prevention
Adult tank length and water volume must match species; bigger water volume is safer
Provide a fully dry basking platform with easy access
Avoid small unfiltered tanks, slippery exits, and dirty water

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Swimming space, resting ledges, basking dock, visual cover, and safe plants/wood
Substrate optional; if used, keep it easy to clean and too large or too fine to swallow dangerously
Filter intake protected from trapping animals

💡 Lighting

UVB essential over the basking area
Use a heat lamp to warm the dry basking platform
Replace UVB lamps on schedule; glass blocks UVB
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 24-28 °C

Red-Eyed Tree Frog — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Agalychnis callidryas · Red-Eyed Tree Frog

📋 At a glance


Adult size	5-8 cm
Lifespan	5-10 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Agalychnis callidryas is native to lowland and premontane Central America from southern Mexico through Panama, with populations extending into northwestern Colombia.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Aquarium, paludarium, or terrarium matched to aquatic, semi-aquatic, terrestrial, or arboreal lifestyle
Adult size must allow normal movement, stable water/soil conditions, and multiple hides
Substrate: safe aquatic sand/bare bottom for aquatic species, drainage and leaf litter for terrestrial frogs
Avoid sharp decor, contaminated water, soap residue, and mixed-species setups

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Hides, plants, leaf litter, cork, water area, and climbing/resting surfaces as appropriate
Easy access between land and water for semi-aquatic species
No rough decor that damages delicate skin

💡 Lighting

Strong lighting is usually unnecessary; planted setups may use moderate LEDs
Low-level UVB can be useful for some species but must be paired with shade
Keep a stable day-night rhythm
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no constant night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 24-28 °C

Red-Footed Tortoise — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Chelonoidis carbonarius · Red-Footed Tortoise

📋 At a glance


Adult size	28-36 cm
Lifespan	40-60 years
Subspecies	Local forms; no simple care split
Origin	Central and northern South America
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Warm, spacious enclosure with cover, humidity, and dry walking areas
Outdoor use only in warm safe weather; heated indoor space often needed
Adult minimum: several m² or a very roomy indoor pen
Substrate: soil-rich mix that holds some moisture without becoming swampy
Avoid: cold rooms, arid boxes, dirty wet substrate, slippery floors

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Humid hide + shaded retreats + basking area + water tray
Leaf litter, cork bark, plants, visual cover, stable walking paths
Dry surface choices as well as humid retreats

💡 Lighting

UVB essential indoors
Best: T5 HO UVB plus separate basking heat or a measured mercury vapor system
Outdoor direct sun is excellent; glass/plastic blocks UVB
Photoperiod: 10-12 h with seasonal adjustment; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 32-35 °C

Reeves's Turtle — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Mauremys reevesii · Reeves’s Turtle

📋 At a glance


Adult size	12-23 cm
Lifespan	20-30 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Mauremys reevesii is native to eastern Asia, including China, Korea, Taiwan, and Japan.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix III; EU: Annex C; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Aquarium or pond-style setup with strong filtration and secure escape prevention
Adult tank length and water volume must match species; bigger water volume is safer
Provide a fully dry basking platform with easy access
Avoid small unfiltered tanks, slippery exits, and dirty water

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Swimming space, resting ledges, basking dock, visual cover, and safe plants/wood
Substrate optional; if used, keep it easy to clean and too large or too fine to swallow dangerously
Filter intake protected from trapping animals

💡 Lighting

UVB essential over the basking area
Use a heat lamp to warm the dry basking platform
Replace UVB lamps on schedule; glass blocks UVB
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 22-26 °C

Russian Tortoise — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Testudo horsfieldii · Russian Tortoise

📋 At a glance


Adult size	13-25 cm
Lifespan	40-80 years
Subspecies	Regional forms; often sold by locality poorly
Origin	Central Asia
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Outdoors preferred in warm, dry weather; this species needs space and digging depth
Outdoor minimum for one adult: several m² with buried or dig-proof edges
Indoor: wide open tortoise table or large pen, not a tall glass terrarium
Substrate: dry mineral soil, sand, and clay mix suitable for burrowing
Avoid: damp closed tanks, cedar/pine, cat litter, smooth floors, weak barriers

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Deep digging zone + basking area + shaded retreat + dry shelter
Uneven ground, low mounds, flat stones, roots, edible weeds
Outdoor walls must stop climbing, squeezing, and digging under

💡 Lighting

UVB essential indoors
Best: T5 HO UVB plus separate basking heat or a measured mercury vapor system
Outdoor direct sun is excellent; glass/plastic blocks UVB
Photoperiod: 10-12 h with seasonal adjustment; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 32-35 °C

Salamandra salamandra — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Salamandra salamandra · Salamandra salamandra

📋 At a glance


Adult size	15-25 cm
Lifespan	15-25 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Central and southern Europe, with regional forms tied to cool forests, springs, streams, and damp
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Aquarium, paludarium, or terrarium matched to aquatic, semi-aquatic, terrestrial, or arboreal lifestyle
Adult size must allow normal movement, stable water/soil conditions, and multiple hides
Substrate: safe aquatic sand/bare bottom for aquatic species, drainage and leaf litter for terrestrial frogs
Avoid sharp decor, contaminated water, soap residue, and mixed-species setups

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Hides, plants, leaf litter, cork, water area, and climbing/resting surfaces as appropriate
Easy access between land and water for semi-aquatic species
No rough decor that damages delicate skin

💡 Lighting

Strong lighting is usually unnecessary; planted setups may use moderate LEDs
Low-level UVB can be useful for some species but must be paired with shade
Keep a stable day-night rhythm
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no constant night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: not used

Savannah Monitor — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Varanus exanthematicus · Savannah Monitor

📋 At a glance


Adult size	90-120 cm
Lifespan	10-15 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Varanus exanthematicus occurs across the savanna belt of West and Central Africa.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Large secure vivarium; monitors need space, heat, and strong construction
Adult enclosure should prioritize floor area, deep substrate, climbing, and basking access
Substrate: deep packed soil/sand/clay mix that supports digging
Avoid small tanks, weak lids, loose unstable rock piles, and underpowered heat

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Large basking platform, deep diggable substrate, secure hides, climbing branches or rock ledges
Humid retreat below the dry surface
Heavy decor must be supported from the floor, not resting on loose substrate

💡 Lighting

Strong UVB and intense visible light are essential
Best: linear high-output UVB plus bright LED/halide-style visible lighting and separate basking lamps
Measure basking UVI and replace lamps on schedule
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no visible light at night

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 50-60 °C

Sulcata Tortoise — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Centrochelys sulcata · Sulcata Tortoise

📋 At a glance


Adult size	60-90 cm
Lifespan	50-100 years
Subspecies	None commonly used in care
Origin	Sahel region of Africa
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Large outdoor space essential in warm weather; adults need many m²
Indoor adults need a heated room or very large pen, not a standard terrarium
Juvenile starting enclosure: open table around 120 x 60 cm, upgraded quickly
Substrate: dry soil, sand, and clay mix with digging areas
Avoid: weak barriers, damp floors, slippery surfaces, cedar/pine, cat litter

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Large shelter + basking zone + shaded areas + dry walking space
Heavy water dish, flat basking stones, edible grasses, digging soil
Strong dig-proof and push-resistant fencing outdoors

💡 Lighting

UVB essential indoors
Best: T5 HO UVB plus separate basking heat or a measured mercury vapor system
Outdoor direct sun is excellent; glass/plastic blocks UVB
Photoperiod: 10-12 h with seasonal adjustment; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 40-45 °C

Tliltocatl albopilosus — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Tliltocatl albopilosus · Tliltocatl albopilosus

📋 At a glance


Adult size	12-16 cm
Lifespan	5-25 years
Subspecies	No recognized captive-care subspecies
Origin	Central America
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Indoor secure enclosure only; outdoor keeping is not appropriate
Display species; routine handling not recommended
Keep singly; tarantulas are not social unless a species-specific breeding plan says otherwise
Low terrestrial enclosure with secure lid and good ventilation
Adult minimum: about 30 x 20 x 20 cm; large species need 35-40 cm length
Substrate: soil/coco mix that holds shape; 10 cm or deeper for large adults
Avoid excessive height, swampy substrate, and unstable rocks

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Cork bark hide and open feeding area
Deep substrate for shallow burrowing
Water dish large enough to find easily
Leaf litter or simple visual cover

💡 Lighting

No special lighting required; normal room day-night cycle is enough
Avoid bright basking lamps; they dry small enclosures and increase stress
Photoperiod: roughly 10-12 h ambient room light; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Heat focus: 22-27 °C

Tokay Gecko — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Gekko gecko · Tokay Gecko

📋 At a glance


Adult size	25-35 cm
Lifespan	10-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Tokay geckos are widespread across parts of India, Bangladesh, Nepal, southern China, mainland Southeast Asia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and nearby regions.
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure vivarium matched to lifestyle: terrestrial for ground geckos, vertical for arboreal species
Adult size ranges from compact setups to large vertical enclosures depending on species
Use safe substrate: soil/clay/sand mixes for terrestrial species, planted or cork-heavy setups for arboreal species
Avoid loose unsafe particles for tiny juveniles, sticky tape, and escape gaps

🪨 Enclosure furniture

At least two hides or retreats, including a humid hide for terrestrial shedding species
Branches/cork/tubes for arboreal geckos; stones and low hides for terrestrial geckos
Water dish and/or misted drinking surfaces according to species

💡 Lighting

Low to moderate UVB is beneficial for most geckos; stronger UVB for diurnal day geckos
Use visible day-night rhythm even for nocturnal species
Separate heat source if the room is too cool
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 32-38 °C

Tortoise Feeding

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

📌 What tortoise feeding should achieve

Good tortoise feeding is not about finding one perfect salad. It is about building a repeatable system that gives the animal fiber, calcium, water, trace nutrients, exercise, and normal browsing behavior without excess sugar, excess protein, or fast growth.

Most commonly kept tortoises are herbivores, but they are not all the same kind of herbivore. A Hermann’s tortoise browsing Mediterranean weeds, a sulcata grazing coarse grasses, and a red-footed tortoise eating fallen fruit, fungi, leaves, and occasional animal matter in humid forest-edge habitats have different feeding priorities. The first rule is always species identity.

Trachycephalus resinifictrix — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Trachycephalus resinifictrix · Trachycephalus resinifictrix

📋 At a glance


Adult size	8-12 cm
Lifespan	8-15 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Amazon Basin forests of northern South America, where it uses tree holes and water-filled
Activity	Nocturnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Aquarium, paludarium, or terrarium matched to aquatic, semi-aquatic, terrestrial, or arboreal lifestyle
Adult size must allow normal movement, stable water/soil conditions, and multiple hides
Substrate: safe aquatic sand/bare bottom for aquatic species, drainage and leaf litter for terrestrial frogs
Avoid sharp decor, contaminated water, soap residue, and mixed-species setups

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Hides, plants, leaf litter, cork, water area, and climbing/resting surfaces as appropriate
Easy access between land and water for semi-aquatic species
No rough decor that damages delicate skin

💡 Lighting

Strong lighting is usually unnecessary; planted setups may use moderate LEDs
Low-level UVB can be useful for some species but must be paired with shade
Keep a stable day-night rhythm
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no constant night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: not used

Trioceros jacksonii — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Trioceros jacksonii · Trioceros jacksonii

📋 At a glance


Adult size	18-35 cm
Lifespan	5-10 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Trioceros jacksonii is native to montane and foothill habitats in East Africa, especially Kenya and northern Tanzania.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Tall, well-ventilated enclosure; screen or hybrid setups often work best
Adult enclosure should provide vertical movement, dense cover, and easy access to basking and UVB
Use live plants and branches; keep drainage under control
Avoid glass boxes with stagnant air, loose substrate ingestion risk, and constant handling

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Dense plant cover, horizontal basking branch, shaded retreat, and drinking surfaces
Branches of varied diameter secured firmly
Drainage layer or removable floor protection under misting

💡 Lighting

UVB essential with a linear T5 HO tube
Bright plant-safe visible lighting helps activity and plant growth
Separate basking lamp controlled by distance and measurement
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no light at night

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 26-29 °C

UVB Lighting for Reptiles

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

📌 Why UVB matters

UVB is part of natural sunlight. In many reptiles, UVB exposure allows the skin to produce vitamin D3, which then helps the animal absorb and use calcium. Without enough usable UVB, and without enough dietary calcium, reptiles can develop metabolic bone disease, weak bones, soft or deformed shells, poor muscle function, egg-laying problems, and long-term growth issues.

UVB is not the whole story. A reptile also needs correct heat, visible light, diet, hydration, and space. An animal cannot use calcium properly if it is too cold to digest. A strong lamp over a barren enclosure is also not good care. The goal is not “as much UVB as possible”; the goal is a safe light gradient that lets the reptile choose exposure.

Varanus glauerti — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Varanus glauerti · Varanus glauerti

📋 At a glance


Adult size	70-100 cm
Lifespan	10-15 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Varanus glauerti is endemic to the Kimberley region of northwestern Australia and nearby parts of the Northern Territory, including rocky escarpments, gorges and sandstone outcrops.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Large secure vivarium; monitors need space, heat, and strong construction
Adult enclosure should prioritize floor area, deep substrate, climbing, and basking access
Substrate: deep packed soil/sand/clay mix that supports digging
Avoid small tanks, weak lids, loose unstable rock piles, and underpowered heat

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Large basking platform, deep diggable substrate, secure hides, climbing branches or rock ledges
Humid retreat below the dry surface
Heavy decor must be supported from the floor, not resting on loose substrate

💡 Lighting

Strong UVB and intense visible light are essential
Best: linear high-output UVB plus bright LED/halide-style visible lighting and separate basking lamps
Measure basking UVI and replace lamps on schedule
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no visible light at night

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 50-60 °C

Varanus kordensis — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Varanus kordensis · Varanus kordensis

📋 At a glance


Adult size	80-100 cm
Lifespan	10-15 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Varanus kordensis is an island tree monitor from Biak and nearby islands off northwestern New Guinea, Indonesia.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Large secure vivarium; monitors need space, heat, and strong construction
Adult enclosure should prioritize floor area, deep substrate, climbing, and basking access
Substrate: deep packed soil/sand/clay mix that supports digging
Avoid small tanks, weak lids, loose unstable rock piles, and underpowered heat

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Large basking platform, deep diggable substrate, secure hides, climbing branches or rock ledges
Humid retreat below the dry surface
Heavy decor must be supported from the floor, not resting on loose substrate

💡 Lighting

Strong UVB and intense visible light are essential
Best: linear high-output UVB plus bright LED/halide-style visible lighting and separate basking lamps
Measure basking UVI and replace lamps on schedule
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no visible light at night

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 38-45 °C

Varanus ornatus — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Varanus ornatus · Varanus ornatus

📋 At a glance


Adult size	140-200 cm
Lifespan	15-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Varanus ornatus is associated with humid forests, swamp forest, river systems and wetland margins in West and Central Africa.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Expert
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Large secure vivarium; monitors need space, heat, and strong construction
Adult enclosure should prioritize floor area, deep substrate, climbing, and basking access
Substrate: deep packed soil/sand/clay mix that supports digging
Avoid small tanks, weak lids, loose unstable rock piles, and underpowered heat

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Large basking platform, deep diggable substrate, secure hides, climbing branches or rock ledges
Humid retreat below the dry surface
Heavy decor must be supported from the floor, not resting on loose substrate

💡 Lighting

Strong UVB and intense visible light are essential
Best: linear high-output UVB plus bright LED/halide-style visible lighting and separate basking lamps
Measure basking UVI and replace lamps on schedule
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no visible light at night

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 50-60 °C

Varanus pilbarensis — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Varanus pilbarensis · Varanus pilbarensis

📋 At a glance


Adult size	40-50 cm
Lifespan	10-15 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Varanus pilbarensis is restricted to the Pilbara region of Western Australia, especially rocky ranges, boulder fields, gorges and eroded plateaus.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Advanced
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Large secure vivarium; monitors need space, heat, and strong construction
Adult enclosure should prioritize floor area, deep substrate, climbing, and basking access
Substrate: deep packed soil/sand/clay mix that supports digging
Avoid small tanks, weak lids, loose unstable rock piles, and underpowered heat

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Large basking platform, deep diggable substrate, secure hides, climbing branches or rock ledges
Humid retreat below the dry surface
Heavy decor must be supported from the floor, not resting on loose substrate

💡 Lighting

Strong UVB and intense visible light are essential
Best: linear high-output UVB plus bright LED/halide-style visible lighting and separate basking lamps
Measure basking UVI and replace lamps on schedule
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no visible light at night

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 50-60 °C

Western Hognose Snake — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Heterodon nasicus · Western Hognose Snake

📋 At a glance


Adult size	45-90 cm
Lifespan	15-20 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Heterodon nasicus is native to central North America, from southern Canada through the central United States into northern Mexico.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Secure escape-proof vivarium with more length than height for most species
Adult minimum depends strongly on species; provide enough room to stretch, explore, and thermoregulate
Substrate: species-appropriate bedding that allows hygiene and humidity control
Avoid loose lids, heat rocks, bare stressful boxes, and wet dirty substrate

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Tight warm hide, tight cool hide, water bowl, branches or cover as appropriate
Rough but safe surfaces for shedding
Visual barriers so the snake can move without constant exposure

💡 Lighting

UVB is beneficial for many snakes and strongly useful in naturalistic setups
Use a clear day-night cycle with overhead heat where possible
Replace UVB lamps on schedule if used
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no bright night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 30-32 °C

Yemen Chameleon — Fact Sheet

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Chamaeleo calyptratus · Yemen Chameleon

📋 At a glance


Adult size	30-60 cm
Lifespan	4-8 years
Subspecies	No captive-care subspecies split
Origin	Chamaeleo calyptratus is native to Yemen and southwestern Saudi Arabia on the Arabian Peninsula.
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Intermediate
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Tall, well-ventilated enclosure; screen or hybrid setups often work best
Adult enclosure should provide vertical movement, dense cover, and easy access to basking and UVB
Use live plants and branches; keep drainage under control
Avoid glass boxes with stagnant air, loose substrate ingestion risk, and constant handling

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Dense plant cover, horizontal basking branch, shaded retreat, and drinking surfaces
Branches of varied diameter secured firmly
Drainage layer or removable floor protection under misting

💡 Lighting

UVB essential with a linear T5 HO tube
Bright plant-safe visible lighting helps activity and plant growth
Separate basking lamp controlled by distance and measurement
Photoperiod: 10-12 h; no light at night

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 29-32 °C

Common Musk Turtle

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Sternotherus odoratus is the common musk turtle. The older combination Kinosternon odoratum may appear in older references.

English common names used in the hobby:

Common musk turtle
Stinkpot turtle

German common names used in the hobby:

Gewöhnliche Moschusschildkröte
Stinktopf-Moschusschildkröte

📌 Description

The common musk turtle (Sternotherus odoratus) is a small bottom-walking turtle that often prefers cover over constant open swimming. Adults reach about 10-14 cm and may live 30 years or more with good long-term care.

Eastern River Cooter

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Pseudemys concinna concinna is the nominate subspecies of Pseudemys concinna. Many sources discuss it simply as Pseudemys concinna.

English common names used in the hobby:

Eastern river cooter
River cooter

German common names used in the hobby:

Flussschmuckschildkröte
Hieroglyphen-Schmuckschildkröte

📌 Description

The eastern river cooter (Pseudemys concinna concinna) is a large, active river turtle that needs powerful filtration and much more space than a beginner aquarium. Adults reach about 25-40 cm, with females usually larger and may live 30 years or more with good long-term care.

Florida Red-Bellied Cooter

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Pseudemys nelsoni is the Florida red-bellied cooter. It is often traded under broad cooter or red-bellied turtle names, so Latin-name identification matters.

English common names used in the hobby:

Florida red-bellied cooter
Florida redbelly turtle

German common names used in the hobby:

Florida-Rotbauch-Schmuckschildkröte

📌 Description

The florida red-bellied cooter (Pseudemys nelsoni) is a large, strong basking turtle that quickly outgrows small aquariums. Adults reach about 25-37 cm, with females usually larger and may live 30 years or more with good long-term care.

Mississippi Map Turtle

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Graptemys kohnii is treated here as the Mississippi map turtle. Many references discuss it as Graptemys pseudogeographica kohnii rather than a full species.

English common names used in the hobby:

Mississippi map turtle
False map turtle (Mississippi form)

German common names used in the hobby:

Mississippi-Höckerschildkröte
Mississippi-Landkarten-Höckerschildkröte

📌 Description

The mississippi map turtle (Graptemys kohnii) is an active basking turtle that is sensitive to poor water quality and cramped aquariums. Adults reach about males about 9-13 cm, females often 15-25 cm and may live 25 years or more with good long-term care.

Red-Bellied Short-Necked Turtle

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Emydura subglobosa is the accepted spelling for the red-bellied short-necked turtle. The misspelling Emydura sublobosa is sometimes seen in trade.

English common names used in the hobby:

Red-bellied short-necked turtle
Pink-bellied side-necked turtle

German common names used in the hobby:

Rotbauch-Spitzkopfschildkröte
Rotbauch-Kurzhalsschildkröte

📌 Description

The red-bellied short-necked turtle (Emydura subglobosa) is a tropical aquatic side-necked turtle that needs warm clean water all year. Adults reach about 20-26 cm and may live 25 years or more with good long-term care.

Reeves's Turtle

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Mauremys reevesii is the current name for Reeves’s turtle. Chinemys reevesii is a common older combination in books and trade lists.

English common names used in the hobby:

Reeves’s turtle
Chinese three-keeled pond turtle

German common names used in the hobby:

Chinesische Dreikielschildkröte
Reeves-Schildkröte

📌 Description

The reeves’s turtle (Mauremys reevesii) is a hardy but messy semi-aquatic turtle that needs clean water and a secure basking site. Adults reach about 15-23 cm and may live 20-30 years or more with good long-term care.

Argus Monitor

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Varanus panoptes is the currently accepted scientific name. Monitor taxonomy and common names can be confusing in trade, so use the Latin name when comparing animals or paperwork.

English common names used in the hobby:

Argus monitor
Yellow-spotted monitor

German common names used in the hobby:

Arguswaran
Gelbfleckenwaran

📌 Description

Varanus panoptes is a monitor lizard that reaches about 120-160 cm. It is intelligent, powerful for its size, and far more demanding than a typical pet lizard. This is a display and advanced husbandry species, not a casual handling animal.

Arugula

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Arugula is a familiar leafy plant from shops and gardens and can be a useful supplement in the diet of herbivorous reptiles. It is not a complete staple on its own, but it is practical when wild plants are limited.

🌿 Description and Distribution

Eruca vesicaria is an annual plant in the Brassicaceae family, also known as rocket or salad rocket.

Bauer’s Chameleon Gecko

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Eurydactylodes agricolae is the currently accepted scientific name.

English common names used in the hobby:

Bauer’s chameleon gecko
Chameleon gecko

German common names used in the hobby:

Bauers Chamäleongecko
Chamäleongecko

📌 Description

Eurydactylodes agricolae is a small gecko reaching about 10-13 cm. It is valued as a display species, not a handling pet: the body is delicate, the animal is fast, and stress is reduced when the enclosure is designed around natural movement.

Calendula

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Calendula is a familiar garden plant with bright orange or yellow flowers and is a useful edible-flower supplement for herbivorous reptiles. It is best used for variety rather than as a main food plant.

🌿 Description and Distribution

Calendula officinalis is an annual herb in the Asteraceae family, commonly grown in gardens.

Identified by:

Orange or yellow daisy-like flower heads
Soft slightly sticky leaves
Aromatic green stems and foliage

It is mainly cultivated but may self-seed in gardens and mild climates.

Chickweed

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Chickweed is a soft, moisture-rich wild plant that many reptiles accept readily. It is useful in mixed feeding, especially for adding variety and palatability, but it should not replace tougher high-fiber weeds as the main base of the diet.

🌿 Description and Distribution

Stellaria media is a low-growing annual in the Caryophyllaceae family.

Identified by:

Small opposite leaves
Thin creeping or sprawling stems
Tiny white star-like flowers
A single line of fine hairs running along the stem

It grows in gardens, cultivated ground, pots, lawns, and disturbed damp places, especially in cooler weather.

Chicory

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Chicory is one of Europe’s most widespread wild plants, recognized by its distinctive bright blue flowers. Its leaves and flowers are suitable for regular use in the diet of herbivorous reptiles; the characteristic bitterness of the Cichorium genus is entirely natural and safe.

🌿 Description and Distribution

Cichorium intybus is a biennial or perennial herbaceous plant in the Asteraceae family.

Clover

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Clover is one of the most widespread plants in temperate grasslands and a natural component of the environment of many herbivorous reptiles. It is rich in vitamins and minerals but should be fed in moderation due to its higher protein content.

🌿 Description and Distribution

The genus Trifolium includes many species, the most common in Europe being:

Trifolium repens — white clover; with white to pale pink spherical flower heads
Trifolium pratense — red clover; with larger, pink-red flower heads
Trifolium dubium — lesser trefoil; with small yellow flowers

All three species are safe for reptile feeding. Found in meadows, pastures, gardens, and verges. Flowers from spring through autumn.

Dandelion

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Dandelion is one of the most recognizable wild plants in temperate climates and one of the most valuable food sources for herbivorous reptiles. Its leaves, flowers, and buds are rich in calcium, vitamin A, and fiber, with a favorable calcium-to-phosphorus ratio.

🌿 Description and Distribution

Taraxacum officinale agg. is a widely distributed herbaceous plant in the Asteraceae family. It represents a group of closely related species grouped under a collective name, with practically indistinguishable nutritional characteristics.

Electric Blue Day Gecko

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Lygodactylus williamsi is the currently accepted scientific name.

English common names used in the hobby:

Electric blue day gecko
Turquoise dwarf gecko
William’s dwarf gecko

German common names used in the hobby:

Himmelblauer Zwergtaggecko
Williams-Zwerggecko

📌 Description

Lygodactylus williamsi is a small gecko reaching about 6-8 cm. It is valued as a display species, not a handling pet: the body is delicate, the animal is fast, and stress is reduced when the enclosure is designed around natural movement.

Endive

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Endive is a cultivated plant from the Cichorium genus, closely related to wild chicory. Available year-round from shops, it is particularly valuable as a winter food for herbivorous reptiles when wild plants are not accessible.

🌿 Description and Varieties

Cichorium endivia comes in two main types:

Curly endive / Frisée (var. crispum) — with densely frilled, deeply cut leaves; more bitter; stronger flavour
Broad-leaf endive / Escarole (var. latifolium) — with wider, softer leaves; less bitter; more readily accepted by reptiles

Both types are suitable for feeding. Leaves are light green with paler, nearly white midribs; inner leaves are more blanched due to shading during cultivation.

Field Bindweed

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Field bindweed is a common climbing or trailing wild plant that can be used in moderate amounts for herbivorous reptiles. The key issue is identification: it should only be collected when the plant is confidently recognized.

🌿 Description and Distribution

Convolvulus arvensis is a perennial vine-like plant in the Convolvulaceae family.

Identified by:

Slender twining or creeping stems
Arrow-shaped leaves
Funnel-shaped white to pale pink flowers
Strong spreading root system

It occurs in field margins, gardens, dry grassland, disturbed ground, and agricultural land.

Hermann's Tortoise — Fact Sheet

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Testudo hermanni · Hermann’s Tortoise

📋 At a glance


Adult size	15-25 cm
Lifespan	50-100 years
Subspecies	T. h. hermanni (west), T. h. boettgeri (east)
Origin	Southern Europe, Balkans
Activity	Diurnal
Difficulty	Beginner
Legal	CITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex A; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

Outdoors preferred — best option during the warm season; direct sun, space, natural plants
Outdoor minimum for one adult: several m², fully escape-proof (dig-proof base, no climbable corners)
Indoor (juveniles, quarantine, cold season): open tortoise table, not a closed glass terrarium
Substrate: mix of soil, sand, and clay — must allow digging, must not hold excessive moisture
Avoid: cedar/pine shavings, cat litter, smooth/slippery surfaces

🪨 Enclosure furniture

Dry grassy area + digging soil + shaded retreats + edible wild plants
Flat stones and roots (no sharp edges)
Humid hide or slightly moist corner (especially for juveniles)

💡 Lighting

UVB essential indoors
Best: T5 HO UVB plus separate basking heat or a measured mercury vapor system
Outdoor direct sun is excellent; glass/plastic blocks UVB
Photoperiod: 10-12 h with seasonal adjustment; no night light

🌡️ Temperature

Basking spot: 32–35 °C

King’s Rock Monitor

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Varanus kingorum is the currently accepted scientific name. Monitor taxonomy and common names can be confusing in trade, so use the Latin name when comparing animals or paperwork.

English common names used in the hobby:

King’s rock monitor
Kingorum monitor

German common names used in the hobby:

Kings Felsenwaran

📌 Description

Varanus kingorum is a monitor lizard that reaches about 35-45 cm. It is intelligent, powerful for its size, and far more demanding than a typical pet lizard. This is a display and advanced husbandry species, not a casual handling animal.

Klemmer’s Day Gecko

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Phelsuma klemmeri is the currently accepted scientific name.

English common names used in the hobby:

Klemmer’s day gecko
Neon day gecko

German common names used in the hobby:

Klemmer-Taggecko
Neon-Taggecko

📌 Description

Phelsuma klemmeri is a small gecko reaching about 8-10 cm. It is valued as a display species, not a handling pet: the body is delicate, the animal is fast, and stress is reduced when the enclosure is designed around natural movement.

Kuhl’s Flying Gecko

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Gekko kuhli is the currently accepted scientific name. Older hobby material may list it as Ptychozoon kuhli.

English common names used in the hobby:

Kuhl’s flying gecko
Kuhl’s parachute gecko

German common names used in the hobby:

Kuhls Faltengecko
Fluggecko

📌 Description

Gekko kuhli is a small gecko reaching about 15-20 cm. It is valued as a display species, not a handling pet: the body is delicate, the animal is fast, and stress is reduced when the enclosure is designed around natural movement.

Lepidodactylus lugubris

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Lepidodactylus lugubris is the currently accepted scientific name.

English common names used in the hobby:

Mourning gecko
Common smooth-scaled gecko

German common names used in the hobby:

Jungferngecko
Trauergecko

📌 Description

Lepidodactylus lugubris is a small gecko reaching about 8-10 cm. It is valued as a display species, not a handling pet: the body is delicate, the animal is fast, and stress is reduced when the enclosure is designed around natural movement.

Madagascar Ground Gecko

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Paroedura picta is the currently accepted scientific name. Older hobby material may list it as Paroedura pictus.

English common names used in the hobby:

Madagascar ground gecko
Ocelot gecko
Panther gecko

German common names used in the hobby:

Madagaskar-Großkopfgecko
Panthergecko

📌 Description

Paroedura picta is a small gecko reaching about 12-15 cm. It is valued as a display species, not a handling pet: the body is delicate, the animal is fast, and stress is reduced when the enclosure is designed around natural movement.

Mallow

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Mallow is a widely distributed herbaceous plant with palatable leaves and flowers, rich in mucilage, calcium, and fiber. It is suitable for regular inclusion in the diet of herbivorous reptiles and particularly beneficial for the digestive tract.

🌿 Description and Distribution

The genus Malva includes several common species:

Malva sylvestris — common mallow; the largest species, with pink-purple flowers with dark veins
Malva neglecta — dwarf mallow; smaller, with pale pink to white flowers
Malva moschata — musk mallow; with more deeply cut leaves and pink flowers

All species are suitable for reptile feeding. They grow in gardens, roadsides, waste ground, and disturbed areas. Leaves are available from spring through autumn.

Mangrove Monitor

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Varanus indicus is the currently accepted scientific name. Monitor taxonomy and common names can be confusing in trade, so use the Latin name when comparing animals or paperwork.

English common names used in the hobby:

Mangrove monitor
Pacific monitor

German common names used in the hobby:

Mangrovenwaran

📌 Description

Varanus indicus is a monitor lizard that reaches about 90-120 cm. It is intelligent, powerful for its size, and far more demanding than a typical pet lizard. This is a display and advanced husbandry species, not a casual handling animal.

Nasturtium

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Nasturtium is a well-known garden plant with edible leaves and flowers. It can be a useful supplementary food for herbivorous reptiles, especially as a home-grown source of safe flowers and tender greens.

🌿 Description and Distribution

Tropaeolum majus is a trailing or climbing annual commonly grown in gardens and containers.

Identified by:

Round shield-like leaves
Bright orange, red, or yellow flowers with a spur
Creeping or climbing growth habit

It is mainly cultivated rather than truly wild, though it may self-seed in suitable conditions.

Nile Monitor

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Varanus niloticus is the currently accepted scientific name. Monitor taxonomy and common names can be confusing in trade, so use the Latin name when comparing animals or paperwork.

English common names used in the hobby:

Nile monitor

German common names used in the hobby:

Nilwaran

📌 Description

Varanus niloticus is a monitor lizard that reaches about 150-220 cm. It is intelligent, powerful for its size, and far more demanding than a typical pet lizard. This is a display and advanced husbandry species, not a casual handling animal.

Phelsuma laticauda

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Phelsuma laticauda is the currently accepted scientific name.

English common names used in the hobby:

Gold dust day gecko
Gold dust gecko

German common names used in the hobby:

Goldstaub-Taggecko

📌 Description

Phelsuma laticauda is a small gecko reaching about 11-13 cm. It is valued as a display species, not a handling pet: the body is delicate, the animal is fast, and stress is reduced when the enclosure is designed around natural movement.

Plantain

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Plantain is one of the most widespread and easily recognized wild plants in temperate climates. Its leaves are rich in fiber, calcium, and vitamins, making it a valuable dietary addition for herbivorous reptiles.

🌿 Description and Distribution

The genus Plantago includes many species, the most common in Europe being:

Plantago major — broadleaf plantain, with wide, oval leaves and prominent veins
Plantago lanceolata — ribwort plantain, with elongated, lance-shaped leaves
Plantago media — hoary plantain

All are suitable for reptile feeding and occur in meadows, roadsides, lawns, and disturbed ground. They flower from spring to autumn; leaves are available almost year-round.

Savannah Monitor

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Varanus exanthematicus is the currently accepted scientific name. Monitor taxonomy and common names can be confusing in trade, so use the Latin name when comparing animals or paperwork.

English common names used in the hobby:

Savannah monitor
Bosc’s monitor

German common names used in the hobby:

Steppenwaran
Savannenwaran

📌 Description

Varanus exanthematicus is a monitor lizard that reaches about 90-120 cm. It is intelligent, powerful for its size, and far more demanding than a typical pet lizard. This is a display and advanced husbandry species, not a casual handling animal.

Shepherd's Purse

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Shepherd’s purse is a widespread wild weed and a familiar food item in the natural environment of many herbivorous reptiles. It is best used as part of a varied diet rather than as a single major staple.

🌿 Description and Distribution

Capsella bursa-pastoris is an annual or short-lived biennial plant in the Brassicaceae family.

Identified by:

Basal rosette of toothed leaves
Slender upright stems with small white flowers
Distinctive heart-shaped seed pods

It grows in gardens, disturbed ground, field margins, paths, and waste places, often from autumn to spring and again in cooler parts of the year.

Varanus glauerti

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Varanus glauerti is the currently accepted scientific name. Monitor taxonomy and common names can be confusing in trade, so use the Latin name when comparing animals or paperwork.

English common names used in the hobby:

Kimberley rock monitor
Glauert’s monitor

German common names used in the hobby:

Kimberley-Felsenwaran
Glauerts Waran

📌 Description

Varanus glauerti is a monitor lizard that reaches about 60-80 cm. It is intelligent, powerful for its size, and far more demanding than a typical pet lizard. This is a display and advanced husbandry species, not a casual handling animal.

Varanus kordensis

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Varanus kordensis is the currently accepted scientific name. Monitor taxonomy and common names can be confusing in trade, so use the Latin name when comparing animals or paperwork.

English common names used in the hobby:

Biak tree monitor
Kordo tree monitor

German common names used in the hobby:

Biak-Baumwaran

📌 Description

Varanus kordensis is a monitor lizard that reaches about 70-90 cm. It is intelligent, powerful for its size, and far more demanding than a typical pet lizard. This is a display and advanced husbandry species, not a casual handling animal.

Varanus ornatus

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Varanus ornatus is the currently accepted scientific name. Monitor taxonomy and common names can be confusing in trade, so use the Latin name when comparing animals or paperwork.

English common names used in the hobby:

Ornate monitor

German common names used in the hobby:

Bindenwaran
Ornatenwaran

📌 Description

Varanus ornatus is a monitor lizard that reaches about 120-180 cm. It is intelligent, powerful for its size, and far more demanding than a typical pet lizard. This is a display and advanced husbandry species, not a casual handling animal.

Varanus pilbarensis

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Varanus pilbarensis is the currently accepted scientific name. Monitor taxonomy and common names can be confusing in trade, so use the Latin name when comparing animals or paperwork.

English common names used in the hobby:

Pilbara rock monitor

German common names used in the hobby:

Pilbara-Felsenwaran

📌 Description

Varanus pilbarensis is a monitor lizard that reaches about 40-55 cm. It is intelligent, powerful for its size, and far more demanding than a typical pet lizard. This is a display and advanced husbandry species, not a casual handling animal.

Ackie Monitor

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Varanus acanthurus is the currently accepted scientific name. The species is well established under this name in modern keeping, though hobby listings often distinguish regional forms and subspecies.

English common names used in the hobby:

Ackie monitor
Spiny-tailed monitor
Ridge-tailed monitor

German common names used in the hobby:

Stachelwaran
Ackie-Waran

📌 Description

Varanus acanthurus is a small but highly active Australian monitor lizard. Adults commonly reach around 50-70 cm total length, remain much more manageable than giant monitors, and are valued for intelligence, bold feeding behavior, and heavy use of the enclosure.

Ambystoma tigrinum

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Ambystoma tigrinum is the accepted scientific name for the eastern tiger salamander. In older hobby material and older literature, keepers may also encounter a broader tiger salamander complex that included forms now treated separately, especially Ambystoma mavortium.

English common names used in the hobby:

Tiger salamander
Eastern tiger salamander

German common names used in the hobby:

Bombina orientalis

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Bombina orientalis is the currently accepted scientific name and is stable in current hobby use.

English common names used in the hobby:

Oriental fire-bellied toad
Fire-bellied toad

German common names used in the hobby:

Chinesische Rotbauchunke

📌 Description

Bombina orientalis is a small semi-aquatic amphibian recognized by its green-and-black dorsal pattern and vivid orange to red belly. Adults usually reach around 4-6 cm and are active, alert, and often visible by day, which is one reason the species has long been popular in the hobby.

Caribena versicolor

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Caribena versicolor is the currently accepted scientific name. In older literature and much of the hobby, the species was widely known as Avicularia versicolor.

The latest renames that hobbyists most often encounter are:

Avicularia versicolor -> Caribena versicolor (genus transfer, Mendoza & Francke 2017)

Older names and combinations associated with the species include:

Avicularia versicolor (Walckenaer, 1837)

This is a genus-level transfer rather than a change in the species identity; old Avicularia versicolor labels in captive-bred records usually refer to the same Martinique species.

Ceratogyrus darlingi

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Ceratogyrus darlingi is the currently accepted scientific name. GBIF lists older synonymy that still matters in older books, import lists, and keeper records.

Older names and combinations associated with the species include:

Ceratogyrus bechuanicus Purcell, 1902
Ceratogyrus schultzei Purcell, 1908

English common names used in the hobby:

Darling’s horned baboon tarantula
Rear-horned baboon tarantula
African horned baboon tarantula

German common names used in the hobby:

Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens is the currently accepted scientific name. In the hobby, the species is usually sold under the same scientific name rather than under a recently changed older combination.

English common names used in the hobby:

Green bottle blue tarantula
GBB tarantula

German common names used in the hobby:

Gruene Blaue Schmuckvogelspinne
Green-Bottle-Blue-Vogelspinne

📌 Description

Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens is a vividly colored New World tarantula known for its metallic blue legs, green carapace, and orange abdomen. It is one of the most visually striking species in the hobby and is also famous for heavy web production.

Corn Snake Care Guide

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Pantherophis guttatus is the currently accepted scientific name. In older literature and in parts of the hobby, the species was often listed under older Elaphe-based combinations.

English common names used in the hobby:

Corn snake
Red rat snake

German common names used in the hobby:

Kornnatter
Rote Rattenschlange

📌 Description

The corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) is one of the most common pet snakes in the world. It is popular because it is usually manageable in size, typically calm when regularly acclimated to captivity, and available in many selectively bred color and pattern lines.

Correlophus sarasinorum

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Correlophus sarasinorum is the currently accepted scientific name. In older literature and in older hobby material, the species is often encountered as Rhacodactylus sarasinorum.

English common names used in the hobby:

Sarasin’s giant gecko
Sarasin giant gecko

German common names used in the hobby:

Sarasin-Riesengecko

📌 Description

Correlophus sarasinorum is a large New Caledonian gecko kept mainly as a display species. It has a sturdy body, large adhesive toe pads, and a prehensile tail, and adults commonly reach about 22-27 cm total length.

Dendrobates auratus

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Dendrobates auratus is the currently accepted scientific name and is stable in hobby and scientific use.

English common names used in the hobby:

Green and black poison frog
Green poison frog

German common names used in the hobby:

Grün-Schwarzer Pfeilgiftfrosch

📌 Description

Dendrobates auratus is a medium-sized day-active poison frog with green, mint, blue, or bronze markings on a dark background. Many captive lines are beautiful but somewhat more reserved than the boldest Dendrobates tinctorius forms, so enclosure structure has a strong effect on how visible the frogs are.

Dendrobates azureus

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Dendrobates azureus remains a very common hobby name. In modern taxonomy, keepers will often see it treated within Dendrobates tinctorius as the blue Suriname form.

English common names used in the hobby:

Blue poison frog
Azureus poison frog

German common names used in the hobby:

Blauer Pfeilgiftfrosch

📌 Description

The frog traditionally known as Dendrobates azureus is one of the most recognizable dart frogs in captivity thanks to its intense blue ground color and contrasting dark spotting. It is a medium-sized poison frog that is often visible in well-structured planted terrariums.

Dendrobates leucomelas

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Dendrobates leucomelas is the currently accepted scientific name and is stable in current use.

English common names used in the hobby:

Yellow-banded poison frog
Bumblebee poison frog

German common names used in the hobby:

Gelbgebänderter Pfeilgiftfrosch

📌 Description

Dendrobates leucomelas is a lively yellow-and-black poison frog that is often recommended to keepers who want a visible daytime species for a planted display terrarium. It is active, vocal, and often somewhat more outgoing than many other dart frogs when the enclosure is set up well.

Dyeing Poison Frog

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Dendrobates tinctorius is the currently accepted scientific name. In older literature and in parts of the hobby, hobbyists may also encounter locality-based names or older references that treated closely related forms separately.

English common names used in the hobby:

Dyeing poison frog
Dyeing dart frog

German common names used in the hobby:

Färberfrosch
Färberpfeilgiftfrosch

📌 Description

Dendrobates tinctorius is a medium-sized poison frog from the Guiana Shield, known for bold black patterning combined with yellow, white, blue, or orange depending on locality. It is one of the sturdier and more visible dart frogs in captivity and often spends time out in the open when the enclosure is well planted and secure.

Four-Toed Hedgehog

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Atelerix albiventris is the currently accepted scientific name. In older literature, the species may be encountered under older hedgehog combinations such as Erinaceus albiventris.

English common names used in the hobby:

Four-toed hedgehog
White-bellied hedgehog

German common names used in the hobby:

Weissbauchigel
Vierzehenigel

📌 Description

Atelerix albiventris is a small nocturnal African hedgehog species known for a compact body, pale underside, and short defensive spines. Adults commonly weigh around 250-600 g depending on sex, condition, and bloodline.

Giant Day Gecko

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Phelsuma grandis is the currently accepted scientific name. Older literature and older hobby material often listed the species as Phelsuma madagascariensis grandis.

English common names used in the hobby:

Giant day gecko
Madagascar giant day gecko

German common names used in the hobby:

Madagaskar-Taggecko
Riesentaggecko

📌 Description

Phelsuma grandis is a large, bright green diurnal gecko known for red markings, adhesive toe pads, and constant daytime activity. Adults commonly reach around 25-30 cm total length.

Grammostola pulchripes

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Grammostola pulchripes is the currently accepted scientific name. In older hobby use and older care material, the species was very widely listed as Grammostola aureostriata.

The latest rename that hobbyists most often encounter is:

Grammostola aureostriata -> Grammostola pulchripes (current accepted name in modern catalogs)

English common names used in the hobby:

Chaco golden knee tarantula
Golden knee tarantula

German common names used in the hobby:

Grammostola rosea

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Grammostola rosea is the currently accepted scientific name. In hobby use, the species has long been mixed up with Grammostola porteri, and older listings often do not clearly separate the two.

Older names and combinations associated with the species include:

Eurypelma rosea

English common names used in the hobby:

Chilean rose tarantula
Chile rose tarantula
Chilean rose hair tarantula

German common names used in the hobby:

Harpactira pulchripes

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Harpactira pulchripes is the currently accepted scientific name. GBIF places it in the South African genus Harpactira and lists Pocock’s 1901 description as the source name.

English common names used in the hobby:

Golden blue-legged baboon tarantula
Golden blue leg baboon spider
Golden blue leg tarantula

German common names used in the hobby:

Goldblaue Baboon-Vogelspinne

The common names are useful for trade recognition, but the Latin name is safer for records. Similar “baboon” tarantulas in African genera can look superficially alike as slings.

Hyla cinerea

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Hyla cinerea is the currently accepted scientific name. In modern North American references and in parts of the hobby, keepers may also encounter the combination Dryophytes cinereus.

English common names used in the hobby:

Green tree frog
American green tree frog

German common names used in the hobby:

Amerikanischer Laubfrosch
Grüner Laubfrosch

📌 Description

Hyla cinerea is a small, slim arboreal frog from the warm and humid southeastern United States. It is best known for its clear green body color, pale underside, and light stripe that often runs along the side of the body.

Indian Star Tortoise

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Geochelone elegans is the currently accepted scientific name. In hobby and conservation material, the species is widely known as the Indian star tortoise.

English common names used in the hobby:

Indian star tortoise
Star tortoise

German common names used in the hobby:

Indische Sternschildkrote

📌 Description

Geochelone elegans is a medium-sized Asian tortoise famous for the radiating star pattern on the shell. Adults commonly reach around 20-30 cm depending on sex and origin, and females often become larger than males.

Melopoeus lividus

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Melopoeus lividus is the currently accepted scientific name. In older hobby material, the species was very widely encountered as Haplopelma lividum.

The latest rename that hobbyists most often encounter is:

Haplopelma lividum -> Melopoeus lividus (current accepted placement)
Cyriopagopus lividus -> Melopoeus lividus (World Spider Catalog, 2026)

English common names used in the hobby:

Cobalt blue tarantula

German common names used in the hobby:

Milk Snake Care Guide

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Lampropeltis triangulum is the currently accepted scientific name for the milk snake. Older hobby material may treat some regional forms differently because milk snakes and kingsnakes have a complex taxonomic history.

English common names used in the hobby:

Milk snake

German common names used in the hobby:

Milchschlange

📌 Description

Lampropeltis triangulum is a slender New World colubrid known for bold banding or blotching, active behavior, and generally manageable adult size. Depending on the form, adults commonly range from under 1 meter to around 1.5 meters.

Nhandu chromatus

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Nhandu chromatus is the currently accepted scientific name in the World Spider Catalog. The name has been unstable in recent hobby discussion because the species was transferred to Vitalius in 2023 and then transferred back to Nhandu in 2026.

The rename history that keepers are most likely to encounter is:

Nhandu chromatus Schmidt, 2004 (original description)
Nhandu chromatus -> Vitalius chromatus (temporary genus transfer, Bertani 2023)
Vitalius chromatus -> Nhandu chromatus (returned to Nhandu, Sherwood et al. 2026)

Older catalog entries also list earlier material as misidentified Vitalius cristatus before Schmidt described Nhandu chromatus. For care and buying records, treat labels such as “Vitalius chromatus” as recent synonyms for the same animal, but be cautious with vague trade names because Nhandu and related Brazilian theraphosids are often confused.

Oophaga pumilio

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Oophaga pumilio is the currently accepted scientific name. In older literature and in parts of the hobby, keepers may still encounter the older combination Dendrobates pumilio.

English common names used in the hobby:

Strawberry poison frog
Strawberry dart frog

German common names used in the hobby:

Erdbeerfröschchen
Erdbeerpfeilgiftfrosch

📌 Description

Oophaga pumilio is a very small poison frog from Central America and one of the best-known dart frogs in the hobby. It is famous for extreme color variation, with different island and mainland populations showing red, blue, orange, green, spotted, or nearly uniform forms.

Panther Chameleon

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Furcifer pardalis is the currently accepted scientific name. In older literature and some older trade material, the species is often encountered as Chamaeleo pardalis.

English common names used in the hobby:

Panther chameleon

German common names used in the hobby:

Pantherchamaeleon

📌 Description

The panther chameleon is one of the most famous chameleon species in captivity and is especially valued for the intense colors shown by adult males. Depending on locality and lineage, males may develop combinations of blue, red, orange, yellow, green, and turquoise, while females are usually more muted.

Psalmopoeus irminia

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Psalmopoeus irminia is the currently accepted scientific name. In the hobby, the species is usually sold under the same name rather than under a recently changed older combination.

English common names used in the hobby:

Venezuelan sun tiger
Sun tiger tarantula

German common names used in the hobby:

Venezuela-Sonnentiger
Sonnentiger-Vogelspinne

📌 Description

Psalmopoeus irminia is a fast, striking arboreal New World tarantula known for its dark body, orange leg markings, and bold webbed retreats. It is one of the most popular display species for keepers who want a more dramatic arboreal tarantula without moving into Old World genera.

Pyxicephalus adspersus

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Pyxicephalus adspersus is the currently accepted scientific name and is stable in modern hobby use.

English common names used in the hobby:

African bullfrog
Pixie frog

German common names used in the hobby:

Afrikanischer Ochsenfrosch

📌 Description

Pyxicephalus adspersus is one of the largest frogs kept in captivity. It is a heavy-bodied, ground-dwelling ambush predator from sub-Saharan Africa, recognized by its enormous head, broad mouth, thick limbs, and powerful feeding response.

Red-Eyed Tree Frog

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Agalychnis callidryas is the currently accepted scientific name. The species was formerly placed in the large family Hylidae, but molecular studies have moved it to Phyllomedusidae, a separate family of waxy monkey frogs and their relatives. It is one of the most recognized amphibians in the world.

English common names used in the hobby:

Red-eyed tree frog
Red-eyed leaf frog

German common names used in the hobby:

Red-Footed Tortoise

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Chelonoidis carbonarius is the currently accepted scientific name. In older literature and in parts of the hobby, the species is still often seen as Chelonoidis carbonaria.

English common names used in the hobby:

Red-footed tortoise
Red-foot tortoise

German common names used in the hobby:

Rotfuss-Schildkrote
Rotfussschildkrote

📌 Description

The red-footed tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonarius) is a medium-sized South American tortoise known for the red, orange, or yellow scales on the legs and head. It is a popular captive species because it stays more manageable than giant tortoises and usually adapts well to warm, humid captive setups when kept correctly.

Russian Tortoise

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Testudo horsfieldii is the currently accepted scientific name. In older literature and in parts of the pet trade, the species is still often listed as Agrionemys horsfieldii.

English common names used in the hobby:

Russian tortoise
Horsfield’s tortoise
Central Asian tortoise
Afghan tortoise

German common names used in the hobby:

Vierzehenschildkrote
Steppenschildkrote

📌 Description

The Russian tortoise (Testudo horsfieldii) is a small, active, and highly terrestrial tortoise from Central Asia. It is one of the most commonly kept tortoise species because adults stay more manageable in size than many Mediterranean or African tortoises, but it is still a long-lived animal that can live for decades with correct care.

Western Hognose Snake Care Guide

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Heterodon nasicus is the currently accepted scientific name.

English common names used in the hobby:

Western hognose snake
Plains hognose snake

German common names used in the hobby:

Westliche Hakennasennatter
Hakennasennatter

📌 Description

The western hognose snake (Heterodon nasicus) is a small, stout-bodied North American colubrid that has become very popular in captivity. It is best known for its upturned snout, bluffing behavior, and relatively manageable size.

Acanthoscurria geniculata

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Acanthoscurria geniculata is the currently accepted scientific name. Older combinations associated with the species include:

Mygale geniculata
Scurria geniculata

English common names used in the hobby:

Brazilian whiteknee tarantula
Giant white knee tarantula

📌 Description

Acanthoscurria geniculata is a large terrestrial New World tarantula from Brazil, recognized by its dark body and bold white banding on the legs. It is one of the most popular large display tarantulas because it grows to an impressive size, feeds strongly, and is usually visible more often than many burrowing species.

Boa Constrictor Care Guide

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

📌 Description

The boa constrictor (Boa constrictor) is a large, heavy-bodied, non-venomous snake from South America. It is famous for its muscular build, saddle pattern, heat-sensing ability, and calm but powerful presence.

Adults vary by sex, locality, and bloodline. Many males stay smaller and slimmer, while large females can become impressive animals that require substantial housing and careful handling. In captivity, boas commonly live 20-30 years or more.

Boa Imperator Care Guide

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

📌 Description

The boa imperator (Boa imperator) is a large, muscular, non-venomous constrictor from Central America and nearby regions. It is one of the most common large snakes in captivity and is often sold under hobby names such as common boa or Colombian boa, even though those labels are not always taxonomically precise.

Adults vary by sex and locality. Many males remain more moderate in size, while large females can become substantial snakes that require serious space and handling awareness. Boa imperators are usually somewhat smaller and lighter than the largest Boa constrictor animals, but they are still powerful, long-lived snakes.

Brachypelma albiceps

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Brachypelma albiceps is the currently accepted scientific name. Older combinations associated with the species include:

Brachypelmides ruhnaui
Aphonopelma albiceps

English common names used in the hobby:

Mexican golden red rump tarantula
Golden redrump tarantula

📌 Description

Brachypelma albiceps is a terrestrial New World tarantula from Mexico, known for its pale golden carapace and contrasting reddish abdomen. It is a sturdy display species that appeals to keepers who like classic Mexican tarantulas with calm, deliberate movement and a dry terrestrial setup.

Brachypelma auratum

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Brachypelma auratum is the currently accepted scientific name. In the hobby, the species is best known by its striking flame-like knee markings.

English common names used in the hobby:

Mexican flame knee tarantula
Flame knee tarantula

📌 Description

Brachypelma auratum is a terrestrial New World tarantula from Mexico, valued for its dark body and bright orange-red markings around the leg joints. It is one of the more elegant Mexican tarantulas and is often chosen by keepers who want a species with classic Brachypelma care but especially vivid contrast.

Brachypelma boehmei

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Brachypelma boehmei is the currently accepted scientific name.

English common names used in the hobby:

Mexican fireleg tarantula
Mexican rustleg tarantula

📌 Description

Brachypelma boehmei is a terrestrial New World tarantula from Mexico, famous for its dark body and vivid orange-red leg coloration. It is one of the most striking Brachypelma species in the hobby and is often chosen for display value alone.

Brachypelma emilia

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Older names and combinations associated with Brachypelma emilia include:

Mygale emilia (White, 1856)
Eurypelma emilia (White, 1856)
Brachypelma aemilia (White, 1856)
Euathlus emilia (White, 1856)

English common names used in the hobby:

Mexican redleg tarantula
Mexican painted redleg

English common names:

Mexican redleg
Mexican redleg tarantula
Mexican painted redleg

German common names used in the hobby:

Brachypelma hamorii

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Brachypelma hamorii is the currently accepted scientific name. In the hobby, this species was long confused with or sold as Brachypelma smithi, so accurate identification is still important.

English common names used in the hobby:

Mexican orange knee tarantula
Mexican red knee tarantula

📌 Description

Brachypelma hamorii is a terrestrial New World tarantula from Mexico and one of the best-known beginner-friendly display species in the hobby. It is admired for its dark body, warm orange markings on the knees, and generally calm presence.

Brachypelma klaasi

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Brachypelma klaasi is the currently accepted scientific name. Older combinations associated with the species include:

Brachypelmides klaasi

English common names used in the hobby:

Mexican pink tarantula
Pink beauty tarantula

📌 Description

Brachypelma klaasi is a terrestrial New World tarantula from Mexico, recognized for its dark body and soft pinkish tones on the carapace and leg setae. It is a large, handsome display species for keepers who appreciate heavier terrestrial tarantulas.

Brachypelma smithi

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Brachypelma smithi is the currently accepted scientific name. In older hobby use, this species was often known as Brachypelma annitha, and it has also often been confused with Brachypelma hamorii, so exact identification still matters.

Older names associated with the species include:

Brachypelma annitha

English common names used in the hobby:

Mexican red knee tarantula
Smith’s red knee tarantula

📌 Description

Brachypelma smithi is a terrestrial New World tarantula from Mexico and one of the most famous tarantulas in the hobby. It is known for its dark body and bright reddish-orange knee markings.

Davus pentaloris

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Davus pentaloris is the currently accepted scientific name. GBIF lists the species under the original 1888 description by Simon and records older combinations and synonymy that still appear in hobby searches.

Older names and combinations associated with the species include:

Cyclosternum pentalore (Simon, 1888)
Davus mozinno Estrada-Alvarez, 2014

English common names used in the hobby:

Guatemalan tiger rump tarantula
Tiger rump tarantula

Trade animals sold as “tiger rump” are not always locality-clean. When breeding or buying groups, keep labels such as Mexico, Guatemala, or El Salvador separate unless the breeder can document the line.

Lasiodora parahybana

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Lasiodora parahybana is the currently accepted scientific name. Modern revisions treat the name as valid for the large northeastern Brazilian species traditionally known in the hobby as the Brazilian salmon pink birdeater.

Taxonomic and locality notes useful to keepers:

The type locality is associated with Campina Grande, Paraiba, Brazil.
Lasiodora acanthognatha Mello-Leitao, 1921 is treated as a junior synonym in modern revisionary work.
Some old or casual trade labels may confuse L. parahybana with other large Lasiodora species, so breeding records should include source and locality information where known.

English common names used in the hobby:

Leachianus Gecko

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

📌 Description

The leachianus gecko (Rhacodactylus leachianus), often called a leachie or New Caledonian giant gecko, is the largest living gecko species. It is a nocturnal, arboreal gecko from New Caledonia with a heavy body, broad head, powerful jaws, and a loud defensive voice.

Adults vary greatly by locality. Small island forms can stay much more compact, while large Grande Terre animals may become extremely robust. Many adults reach roughly 28-36 cm, and the largest animals are impressively heavy compared with other New Caledonian geckos.

Pacman Frog

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Ceratophrys cranwelli is the accepted scientific name for Cranwell’s horned frog, usually sold in the hobby as the Pacman frog.

Common names used in care literature and trade:

Pacman frog
Cranwell’s horned frog
Cranwell’s horned toad

📌 Description

This is a heavy-bodied South American ambush frog with a very large mouth, short limbs, and a strong feeding response. It spends much of the day partly buried with only the head exposed, waiting for prey to come within striking distance.

Poecilotheria fasciata

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Poecilotheria fasciata is the currently accepted scientific name. The species was described by Latreille in 1804, and Tarantupedia lists the type locality simply as Ceylon.

English common names used in the hobby:

Sri Lankan ornamental tarantula

German common names used in the hobby:

Sri-Lanka-Schmuckvogelspinne

📌 Description

Poecilotheria fasciata is an arboreal Old World tarantula from Sri Lanka, recognized for its slender build, banded pattern, and quick movement. It is one of the classic ornamental tarantulas and is kept mainly for its striking appearance and elegant arboreal behavior.

Poecilotheria formosa

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Poecilotheria formosa is the currently accepted scientific name. The species was described by Pocock in 1899, and Tarantupedia lists the type locality as Kadiampatti and Mullapuram in the Salem District Sheveroy Hills.

English common names used in the hobby:

Salem ornamental tarantula

German common names used in the hobby:

Schmuckvogelspinne aus Salem

📌 Description

Poecilotheria formosa is an arboreal Old World tarantula from India, known for its dark body, high-contrast patterning, and elegant posture. It is a sought-after ornamental species for keepers who appreciate slender arboreal spiders with bold markings.

Poecilotheria hanumavilasumica

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Poecilotheria hanumavilasumica is the currently accepted scientific name. Smith described the species in 2004, and later literature lists Rameshwaram Island, India, as the type locality.

English common names used in the hobby:

Rameshwaram ornamental tarantula

German common names used in the hobby:

Rameshwaram-Schmuckvogelspinne

📌 Description

Poecilotheria hanumavilasumica is an arboreal Old World tarantula from India, known for its striking ornamental pattern and localized distribution. It is one of the more specialized Poecilotheria species in collections and is valued for both beauty and rarity.

Poecilotheria metallica

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Poecilotheria metallica is the currently accepted scientific name. The species was described by Pocock in 1899, and Tarantupedia lists the type locality as near Gooty, 257 miles from Madras.

English common names used in the hobby:

Gooty sapphire ornamental tarantula

German common names used in the hobby:

Gooty-Saphir-Schmuckvogelspinne

📌 Description

Poecilotheria metallica is an arboreal Old World tarantula from India and one of the most famous tarantulas in the hobby because of its vivid electric blue coloration. It is a highly sought-after ornamental species with very strong display appeal.

Poecilotheria miranda

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Poecilotheria miranda is the currently accepted scientific name. The species was described by Pocock in 1900, and Tarantupedia lists the type locality as Bengal: Chota Nagpur.

English common names used in the hobby:

Bengal spotted ornamental tarantula

German common names used in the hobby:

Bengalische Schmuckvogelspinne

📌 Description

Poecilotheria miranda is an arboreal Old World tarantula from India, known for its bold contrasting pattern and impressive adult appearance. It is a striking ornamental species that combines large visual impact with typical fast arboreal behavior.

Pterinochilus murinus

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Pterinochilus murinus is the currently accepted scientific name. GBIF lists the original Pocock 1897 name and several synonyms that still appear in older care sheets, import labels, and image captions.

Older names associated with the species include:

Pterinochilus hindei Hirst, 1907
Pterinochilus leetzi Schmidt, 2002
Pterinochilus mamillatus Strand, 1906

English common names used in the hobby:

Tliltocatl albopilosus

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Tliltocatl albopilosus is the currently accepted scientific name. In older literature and in much of the pet trade, the species was widely known as Brachypelma albopilosum.

The latest renames that hobbyists most often encounter are:

Brachypelma albopilosum -> Tliltocatl albopilosum (genus transfer, Mendoza & Francke 2019)
Tliltocatl albopilosum -> Tliltocatl albopilosus (current accepted spelling in modern catalogs)

Older names and combinations associated with the species include:

African Fat-Tailed Gecko

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Hemitheconyx caudicinctus is the currently accepted scientific name. In the hobby and in trade, the species is usually sold under the same name or under its common-name equivalents.

English common names used in the hobby:

African fat-tailed gecko
Fat-tail gecko

German common names used in the hobby:

Afrikanischer Fettschwanzgecko

📌 Description

The African fat-tailed gecko (Hemitheconyx caudicinctus) is a ground-dwelling eyelid gecko from West Africa. It is often compared with the leopard gecko, but it is not simply a darker, more humid version of the same animal. It tends to be more secretive, slower-moving, and more dependent on secure hides and moisture gradients.

Chahoua Gecko

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

📌 Description

The chahoua gecko (Mniarogekko chahoua) is a nocturnal, arboreal gecko from New Caledonia. It is also called the mossy New Caledonian gecko because its mottled pattern can blend beautifully with bark, moss, and lichen.

Adults usually reach 23-28 cm and are heavier than crested geckos. They have a broad head, strong grip, prehensile tail, soft-looking camouflage, and a slower, deliberate way of moving. They can jump, but they often rely on climbing and gripping rather than frantic movement.

Crested Gecko

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

📌 Description

The crested gecko (Correlophus ciliatus) is a nocturnal, semi-arboreal gecko from New Caledonia. It is known for the soft crest of scales above the eyes and along the body, which gives it the “eyelash” appearance that made the species so popular.

Adults usually reach 18-25 cm including the tail. Many captive adults are tailless because crested geckos can drop the tail when frightened, and unlike leopard geckos, they do not regrow it. A tailless gecko can still live normally if the wound heals cleanly.

Gargoyle Gecko

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

📌 Description

The gargoyle gecko (Rhacodactylus auriculatus) is a nocturnal, semi-arboreal gecko from New Caledonia. It is named for the bony-looking bumps on the head, which give many animals a horned or gargoyle-like profile.

Adults usually reach 18-25 cm and are stockier than crested geckos. They have strong jaws, a prehensile tail, and good climbing ability, but they do not climb glass as effortlessly as day geckos. Unlike crested geckos, gargoyle geckos can regenerate the tail, although the regrown tail often looks different.

Greek Tortoise

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Testudo graeca is the currently accepted scientific name.

This name is used for a broad and variable species complex, so older locality labels and trade names may refer to regional forms rather than to a different accepted species name.

English common names used in the hobby:

Greek tortoise
Spur-thighed tortoise

German common names used in the hobby:

Hainan Cave Gecko

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Goniurosaurus hainanensis is the currently accepted scientific name. In the hobby and in trade, the species is usually sold under the same name or under its common-name equivalents.

English common names used in the hobby:

Hainan cave gecko
Hainan eyelid gecko

German common names used in the hobby:

Hainan-Höhlengecko

📌 Description

The Hainan cave gecko (Goniurosaurus hainanensis) is a nocturnal eyelid gecko from Hainan Island, China. It is also sold as a Chinese cave gecko, although that name is used for several related Goniurosaurus species.

Leopard Gecko

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Eublepharis macularius is the currently accepted scientific name. In the hobby and in trade, the species is usually sold under the same name or under its common-name equivalents.

English common names used in the hobby:

Leopard gecko

German common names used in the hobby:

Leopardgecko

📌 Description

The leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius) is a terrestrial gecko from arid and semi-arid parts of South Asia. It is one of the most common pet lizards because it stays a manageable size, feeds readily, and usually becomes calm with gentle handling.

Tokay Gecko

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Gekko gecko is the currently accepted scientific name. In the hobby and in trade, the species is usually sold under the same name or under its common-name equivalents.

English common names used in the hobby:

Tokay gecko

German common names used in the hobby:

Tokeh
Tokee

📌 Description

The tokay gecko (Gekko gecko) is a large, nocturnal, arboreal gecko from South and Southeast Asia. It is famous for its loud call, bright blue-gray body with orange or red spots, strong jaws, and bold defensive behavior.

Marginated Tortoise

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Testudo marginata is the currently accepted scientific name.

In care literature and in trade, this species is usually treated as a distinct Mediterranean Testudo without a major recent genus change.

English common names used in the hobby:

Marginated tortoise

German common names used in the hobby:

Breitrandschildkröte

📌 Description

The marginated tortoise (Testudo marginata) is the largest European member of the genus Testudo. It is a diurnal, active, and long-lived Mediterranean species that can live for decades when kept properly.

Sulcata Tortoise

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Centrochelys sulcata is the currently accepted scientific name. In older literature and in parts of the pet trade, the species was often listed as Geochelone sulcata.

The latest renames that hobbyists most often encounter are:

Geochelone sulcata -> Centrochelys sulcata (modern tortoise taxonomy places the species in Centrochelys)

Older names and combinations associated with the species include:

Axolotl

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Ambystoma mexicanum is the currently accepted scientific name. In the hobby and in trade, the species is usually sold under the same name or under its common-name equivalents.

English common names used in the hobby:

Axolotl
Mexican walking fish

German common names used in the hobby:

Axolotl

📌 Description

The axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) is an aquatic salamander known for its external gills and its ability to retain larval features throughout life. Unlike most amphibians, it does not normally undergo metamorphosis and remains fully aquatic.

Ball Python Care Guide

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Python regius is the currently accepted scientific name. In the hobby and in trade, the species is usually sold under the same name or under its common-name equivalents.

English common names used in the hobby:

Ball python
Royal python

German common names used in the hobby:

Königspython
Ballpython

📌 Description

The ball python (Python regius), also known as the royal python, is one of the most popular pet snakes in the world. The name “ball python” comes from its characteristic defensive behavior — when stressed, it curls into a tight ball and tucks its head into the center. The species is well known for its docile temperament and exceptional longevity in captivity.

Hermann's Tortoise

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Testudo hermanni is the currently accepted scientific name.

In husbandry and conservation literature, the two subspecies most often mentioned are T. h. hermanni and T. h. boettgeri.

English common names used in the hobby:

Hermann’s tortoise

German common names used in the hobby:

Griechische Landschildkröte

📌 Description

Hermann’s tortoise (Testudo hermanni) is one of the most recognizable land tortoises in Europe. It is a diurnal, active, and long-lived species that can live for decades when kept properly.

Leopard Tortoise

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Stigmochelys pardalis is the currently accepted scientific name. In older literature and in parts of the pet trade, the species was often listed as Geochelone pardalis.

The latest renames that hobbyists most often encounter are:

Geochelone pardalis -> Stigmochelys pardalis (modern tortoise taxonomy separates the species from Geochelone)

Older names and combinations associated with the species include:

Algerian Hedgehog

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Atelerix algirus is the currently accepted scientific name. In older literature and in parts of the pet trade, the species was often listed as Erinaceus algirus.

The latest renames that hobbyists most often encounter are:

Erinaceus algirus -> Atelerix algirus (modern hedgehog taxonomy places the species in Atelerix)

Older names and combinations associated with the species include:

Bearded Dragon

Sun, 22 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Pogona vitticeps is the currently accepted scientific name. In the hobby and in trade, the species is usually sold under the same name or under its common-name equivalents.

English common names used in the hobby:

Bearded dragon
Central bearded dragon

German common names used in the hobby:

Bartagame
Zentralbartagame

📌 Description

The Bearded Dragon ( Pogona vitticeps ) is a dry-country Australian agamid that suits keepers who can provide strong light, high basking heat, and a varied diet from the first day. Its name comes from the expandable spiny throat pouch, which darkens under stress or dominant behavior and resembles a beard.

Terrarium Plants

Sun, 22 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Live plants are both a structural and biological element in a terrarium. They stabilize the microclimate, support humidity, provide hiding places, and encourage natural behavior. Plant choice must match the type of environment: dry, tropical, or paludarium.

🌵 Plants for dry terrariums

Suitable for desert lizards, dry-adapted snakes, and invertebrates. These plants require strong light, and the soil should be sandy and very well drained.

Recommended species:

Yemen Chameleon

Sat, 21 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🔤 Taxonomy

Chamaeleo calyptratus is the currently accepted scientific name. In the hobby and in trade, the species is usually sold under the same name or under its common-name equivalents.

English common names used in the hobby:

Veiled chameleon
Yemen chameleon

German common names used in the hobby:

Jemenchamäleon

📌 Description

The Yemen chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus), also known as the “Veiled chameleon” in English, is the most common chameleon species in the pet trade. It is characterized by a high bony growth on its head, called a casque, which is particularly developed in males. Its eyes move independently of each other, allowing it to observe its surroundings in almost 360 degrees. The tail is prehensile and serves as a fifth limb for climbing.