The mysterious disappearance of the eggs, baby birds, and even an adult from an active bird nest is relatively common. Studies of nesting birds found that predation by snakes is the leading cause of nest failure, and only half of all bird nests are successful. This article reviews the interactions between snakes and bird nests, … Read more
I get a lot of questions about insects when people learn that I’m an entomologist. These frequently sound something like, “I saw this little brown beetle in my house the other day – what is it?” Most of the time, I have a hard time identifying an insect based on a description like this. You … Read more
The broad-headed skink is the largest skink in the Chesapeake Bay region. It gets its name from the large, swollen jowls males develop as they mature. This section shows one large critter at a time. Use the thumbnails that follow to select a specific to display here. This gallery contains a grid of small thumbnails. … Read more
Humidity is incredibly important for many reptiles. Species like chameleons, tree frogs and day geckos need high humidity levels to thrive. However manually misting enclosures multiple times per day can be a hassle. That’s where automated misting systems like the Exo Terra Monsoon Solo come in handy. In this Exo Terra Monsoon Solo review we’ll … Read more
The Zoo Med ReptiTemp® 500R Thermostat/Remote Sensor is an economical way to make sure your box turtle’s habitat stays at the right temperature. It can be mounted on the habitat, out of the way. And the 6-foot cord on the remote sensor probe is long enough that you can monitor the temperature in any part … Read more
This mushroom is a big hit with chefs and market buyers thanks to its stunning pink color and delicious taste that is reminiscent of seafood! We grow this mushroom during the warmer months indoors under blue LED lights and the caps grow to be a brilliant RED! This mushroom should be picked young- as they … Read more
If you are looking to identify certain toads and frogs in Georgia and can’t figure it out from the page, you can check my Frog Identification and see how to contact me about helping you out. Georgia is home to a wide variety of frogs from a few different families. The True Frogs are your … Read more
Black fungus (Auricularia polytricha) is an edible wild mushroom sometimes known as tree ear or cloud ear fungus, given its dark, ear-like shape. While predominantly found in China, it also thrives in tropical climates like the Pacific Islands, Nigeria, Hawaii, and India. It grows on tree trunks and fallen logs in the wild but can … Read more
Mites are a common problem that ball python owners have to deal with. These tiny parasites can cause major health issues if left untreated. In this comprehensive guide we’ll cover everything you need to know about identifying, treating, and preventing mites in ball pythons. What are Mites? Mites are tiny arachnids that are parasitic and … Read more
As a nature lover living in California, I’m endlessly fascinated by the state’s incredible biodiversity. Over 20000 insect species call California home, including over 1,400 different types of beetles. From tiny fungus beetles just a few millimeters long to massive rhinoceros beetles over 6 cm, beetles come in a staggering array of shapes sizes and … Read more