From the threatened and elusive Kirtland’s snake to the hardy and abundant DeKay’s brownsnake, this Midwestern state will surprise you with its snake diversity. There are 40 species of Illinois snakes in total. Let’s take a look at the state’s four venomous species, the most frequently seen harmless species, and its most iconic snakes. I’ll … Read more
This page contains paid links (details here) as well as links to the official ReptiFiles store. Purchases made from these links help fund my reptile welfare research and educational efforts. Thank you for your support! Good decorations make a reptile’s terrarium look cool, but they’re also important for exercise, mental stimulation, and keeping your skink … Read more
Imagine your curious feline friend roaming around the garden, eyes fixed on a darting creature with a captivating blue tail. As a vigilant pet parent, it’s natural to wonder, “Are blue tailed lizards poisonous to cats?” This article will quench your curiosity and shed light on the potential dangers these vibrant reptiles might pose to … Read more
Inside the dome, a magnificent neotropical rainforest stretches 90 feet above. Delight in the exploits of 1,600+ live plants and animals, including taxicab-like sun beetles, leafcutter ants hard at work, and a slithering Amazonian tree boa. From the canopy, plunge (via elevator) four stories down for a beneath-the-surface view of an Amazonian flooded forest. At … Read more
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Bearded Dragon Cage Selecting the perfect enclosure for your beloved bearded dragon is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a pet owner With so many options on the market, it can feel overwhelming trying to find the right one This definitive guide breaks down everything … Read more
The Exo Terra Coco Husk is a 100% natural, biodegradable terrarium bedding made from sustainable, ground coconut husk fiber grown on plantations in tropical Asia. The unique hygroscopic properties of this ecological substrate regulate the terrariums humidity in a natural way and is totally safe for frogs, salamanders and other burrowing or digging animals. Adequate … Read more
Red wasps are striking insects known for their colorful bodies and large papery nests. While they play an important role in controlling garden pests, their painful stings and aggressive nest defense can make them a nuisance for homeowners. This article will cover everything you need to know about identifying, understanding, and humanely managing these fascinating … Read more
Spiders in North Carolina – An Identification GuideNorth Carolina is home to a diverse range of spider species Learning to identify the most common spiders found in the state can help homeowners know what they may encounter around their property This identification guide covers some of the spiders you’re most likely to see if you … Read more
The desert may seem like an unlikely place for spiders to thrive, but many unique and fascinating species have adapted to survive in these harsh, arid environments With high temperatures, little water, and sparse vegetation, spiders in deserts have evolved special traits and behaviors to beat the heat and hunt for food Desert Spider Adaptations … Read more
Mushrooms come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. But some of the most visually striking and mysterious ones are those with black and white coloring. These fungi have an allure about them precisely because their dark and light contrasts make them stand out so vividly in the forest. In this article, we’ll explore the wonder … Read more