Owning a ball python can be an incredibly rewarding experience. These docile snakes make great pets due to their calm demeanor and relatively easy care requirements. However, ensuring your ball python’s health and happiness requires paying close attention to its behavior and signals. This guide will teach you how to interpret a ball python’s body … 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! Blue tongue skinks are unique reptiles that make great pets for intermediate and experienced reptile owners. However, some species like … Read more
Spiders and insects belong to the phylum Arthropoda and have similar characteristics, including segmented appendages (legs), segmented bodies that are divided into two or three fairly distinct regions, and hard exoskeletons. Although similarities exist, these arthropods are not in the same group or class. Insects are in the class Insecta, and spiders are in the … Read more
Have you ever seen a bright yellow and black spider in your garden and wondered if it’s good or bad? Yellow garden spiders are more than just eye-catching; they help keep harmful pests away. This article will explain how these spiders benefit your garden and when you might need to manage their numbers with pest … Read more
Missouri is home to a fascinating diversity of spider species These eight-legged creatures can be found in backyards, fields, forests, and even inside homes across the state While some spiders get a bad rap, most are harmless or even beneficial to humans. This article will provide an overview of some of the most notable spiders … Read more
Ant mimicry or myrmecomorphy is mimicry of ants by other species. Why would other organisms want to pretend to be an ant? This has to do with ants being either unpalatable or known to be aggressive towards certain species. The mimicking species might hide among ants, infiltrate their nests and steal or feed on their … Read more
Diamond patterns on snakes are quite rare and represent one of the most distinguishable snake markings. These patterns are specific to certain species, especially rattlesnakes which are known for their venomous bite In this complete guide we will cover everything you need to know about snakes with diamond markings including What are diamond snake patterns? … Read more
When I became a beekeeper, little did I know that so much of my time would be taken up by insects that are NOT honeybees. Like bumblebees, solitary bees, varroa mites, woodlice and wasps. I even encountered a very rare Death’s Head Hawk Moth at one stage! As beekeeper, I am often asked to remove … Read more
Chameleons are fascinating reptiles that are able to change colors and blend into their surroundings. Their unique appearance and behaviors make them a popular pet choice. However, chameleon owners may notice black spots appearing on their pet’s skin which can be alarming. Black spots can appear for various reasons. While some causes are harmless, others … Read more
Massachusetts is home to a diverse array of spiders, with around 39 different species documented in the state. While many people fear spiders, most of the species found in Massachusetts are harmless to humans. Only a couple of venomous spiders exist in the state, and bites are rare Understanding the most common spiders found around … Read more