An Article on the Keeping of Larger Turtle Species in Captivity By Cat Hendry, HSI Science Officer. The keeping of reptiles and amphibians in captivity is a rewarding and fulfilling hobby for thousands of people, and indeed a profession for many. Unfortunately, from time to time issues arise regarding the keeping of animals that due … More Captive Turtle Care and Caution
Scientific Name: Bombina orientalis The fire bellied toad is an amphibian native to Korea, China and Eastern Russia. They are an attractive species, typically lime green with mottled black markings, though they have the ability to change colouration. The name Fire Belly refers to the orange-red colouration on their underside. They make excellent pets and … More Fire Bellied Toad Care
Scientific Name: Brachypelma albospilosum (Valerio 1980) Characteristics: A species from rainforests of Costa Rica and Hondorus that is somewhat different to others in the genus. The Curly Hair Tarantula is a long-lived and relatiuvely peaceful tarantula that poses no particular problems if a few golden rules are followed. This an ideal starter tarantula. B. albospilosum is a reasonably large … More Honduran Curly-Haired Tarantula Care
Scientifc Name: Brachypelma smithi (F.O.P-Cambridge 1897) Characteristics: The Mexican Red Knee Tarantula is a long-lived and very showy tarantula that poses no particular problems if a few golden rules are followed. The beauty, ease of keeping and showiness make this an ideal starter tarantula. This species has been confused with similar species; the common name has not … More Mexican Red-Knee Tarantula Care
Scientific name: Tupinambis meriane Sexing and characteristics: The Argentinian black and white tegu is a large and robust terrestrial lizard. The body is muscular, offset by powerful long nailed limbs designed for digging. The neck is quite short, and the tail accounts for more than 65% of the total body length. These tegus have a forked tongue … More Tegu Care
Scientifc Name: Pogona vitticep (Ahl, 1926) Characteristics: Often recommend as a starter-species. The Bearded Dragon is a relatively peaceful species. Most specimens in captivity do not object to handling. If the minimum requirements are offered, this species presents few problems in captivity. The basic colouration is brown and grey with some subtle reds or light colouration … More Bearded Dragon Care
Scientific Name: Gekko gecko Sexing and Characteristics: Tokay Geckos can be accurately sexed by looking for the pre-anal pores just above their cloaca. Males should have a prominent V-Shape of pre-anal pores, this will be accompanied by a hemipenal bulge as well. Please note that females can also show the V-shape of pre-anal pores but … More Tokay Gecko Care
Scientific Name: Rhacodactylus auriculatus Sexing and Characteristics: Sexing Gargoyle Geckos can be quite tricky in juvenile animals. Most are sexed from macro shots when sold as juveniles. It can be done by visual differences found between the two different sexes prevalent only in mature adults. Males have femoral pores on the underside of their thighs in … More Gargoyle Gecko Care
Scientific Name: Chlamydosaurus kingii Sexing and Characteristics: The frilled dragon is a medium sized arboreal lizard. Most are of grey to brown colouration, with various tones of rusty red/orange/brown present in the frill, which is said to vary depending on the locality and sex of a particular lizard. The majority of the lizard’s length is … More Frilled Dragon Care
Scientific Name: Eublepharis macularius Sexing and Characteristics: Sexing Leopard Geckos can be quite easily and accurately done by visual differences found between the two different sexes. This however is mostly prevalent in mature adult or sub-adult animals. Males have femoral pores or bumps on the underside of their thighs in a V shape. Females generally lack … More Leopard gecko Care
The Herpetological Society of Ireland 