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VOLUME 22
NUMBER 1
JANUARY 2014
EDITORIAL
Group Editor/Editor: Russ Case
Managing Editor: Stephanie Starr
BY RUSS CASE Managing Web Editor: John Virata
Senior Graphic Designer: Edred Rivera
Editorial/Corporate/Production/Sales Offices
3 Burroughs, Irvine, CA 92618
949-855-8822; Fax 949-855-3045
ANOTHER YEAR PRODUCTION

Multimedia Production Coordinator: Heather Kane
of REPTILES, coming up! Multimedia Production Manager: Jessica Jaensch

ADVERTISING
Publisher: Desireé Lynch
A
Advertising Director: Sandy Quinn
MIDWEST SALES OFFICE LOS ANGELES SALES
lthough I’m writing this editorial in the 477 Butterfield, Ste. 200, 500 N. Brand Blvd., Suite 600
Lombard, IL 60148 Glendale, CA 91203
middle of October 2013, because this 630-515-9493 213-385-2222
Fax 630-515-9784 Fax 213-385-0335
is the January 2014 issue I will take this Advertising Director: Sandy Quinn
opportunity to say I will not be sorry to kick the squinn@i5publishing.com
year 2013 into the past and slam the door shut behind it. It will never be a DIRECT SALES
year I look back on with fondness. It was the year my father passed away, Director of Sales: Susan Roark
and for a time, I wondered whether REPTILES might vanish, too. Direct Sales Operations Manager: Michael Pavia
Senior Advertising Sales Manager: Bo Ros
Classified Advertising Consultant: Tony McIntosh
As you may know, the print magazine and newspaper businesses have seen Classified Sales Support Coordinator: Bill Partnoff
Classified Designer: Terri Wazny
some tough times over the past decade or so. Despite this, the publisher of
REPTILES, Bowtie Inc., sailed along, rising above such worries—for awhile. PUBLISHING
Chief Executive Officer: Mark Harris
Sadly, the times caught up and Bowtie closed down in early 2013. It was a Chief Financial Officer: Nicole Fabian
nerve-wracking time for me and my fellow employees, but fate was on our Chief Sales Officer: Jeff Scharf
Chief Content Officer: June Kikuchi
side when a new publisher, i-5 Publishing, came to the rescue to continue Vice President of Consumer Marketing:
publishing Bowtie’s magazines, including REPTILES. With the support of i-5, I Beth Freeman Reynolds
have high hopes for the future, for both the magazine as well as its website. Digital General Manager: Melissa Kauffman
Marketing Director: Lisa MacDonald
Even as I write this, ReptileChannel.com is undergoing a complete revamp, Marketing Coordinator: Christina Froehlich
soon to be reborn as Reptilesmagazine.com. It’s an exciting time! Multimedia Production Manager: Laurie Panaggio
Book Division General Manager: Christopher Reggio
Controller: Craig Wisda
The staff of REPTILES looks IT Director: Charles Lee
forward to bringing you every Human Resources Director: Cherri Buchanan
Administration & Facility Director: Pam Thomas
one of your upcoming 2014
issues. Great things are in store!
Be sure to visit ReptileChannel.com for all

the latest news in the world of reptiles! REPTILES magazine (ISSN 1068-1965) is published monthly by I-5 Publishing,
3 Burroughs, Irvine, CA 92618-2804. Corporate headquarters is located at
3 Burroughs, Irvine, CA 92618-2804. Periodicals Postage Paid at Irvine, CA
92619-9998 and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Please send
address changes to REPTILES, P.O. Box 37185, Boone, IA 50037-0185. © 2013
REPTILES Magazine
by I-5 Publishing. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material from this
issue in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.
Subscription rate is $24.00 for 12 issues,
$40 for 24 issues. Canadian and foreign For subscription inquiries
surface, add $12 extra per year payable or change of address:
in U.S. funds. Single issue price is $4.99. REPTILES magazine, P.O. Box 37185,
Please allow 6 to 8 weeks for new Boone, IA 50037-0185
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address, give six weeks’ notice and Visit us online: www.custmag.com/REP
Contest Winner address label from latest copy as well

as new address with zip code. Occasionally, we make our subscriber list available to
carefully screened companies that offer products and services that we believe would
interest our readers. If you do not want to receive these offers and/or information,
please write us at Privacy Policy, 3 Burroughs, Irvine, CA 92618 or send us an e-mail
Congratulations to Katie Zezulka at privacy@i5publishing.com. Please view our Privacy Policy at i5publishing.com.
Unsolicited manuscripts and photographs are welcome on an exclusive basis, but
of Trimont, Minn., who won a none can be acknowledged or returned unless accompanied by self-addressed,
free REPTILES subscription. Each stamped envelopes.
Reasonable care will be taken in handling manuscripts and photographs, but
month, Editor Russ Case gives a free REPTILES magazine cannot be held responsible for lost or damaged materials.
subscription to a REPTILES Facebook Views and opinions authors express are their own and do not necessarily
represent the views and opinions of REPTILES magazine or I-5 Publishing.
fan. Become a fan at Facebook.com/ Publications Mail Agreement No. 40612608 Registration No. R126851765
ReptilesMagazine
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4 REPTILES | January 2014 | ReptilesMagazine.com

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FEATURES
JANUARY 14 VOLUME 22 NUMBER 1
18 MAP QUEST 28
Look no further than the map BLOOD
turtle for an amazing pet, but be prepared ON THE COVER PYTHON
to go the extra mile. BARBOUR’S MAP TURTLE
>By
By Paul Vander Schouw (Graptemys barbouri)
>By Shutterstock/Fivespots
28 THE REDDER THE BETTER BLOOD PYTHON

(Python brongersmai)
Captive husbandry of the >Courtesy Chris McAra
blood python.
>By
By Ryan and Kara Norris
38 A MONITOR FOURSOME
It takes a determined person to keep a
monitor—are you that person?
>By
By Phil Purser
46 2013 ARTICLE INDEX

Your guide to everything
REPTILES in 2013.
50 BUYER’S
GUIDE
The newest
products for
caging and
décor.
38 MONITORS
DEPARTMENTS 58 REPTILE
BREEDER
4 FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK DIRECTORY
8 MAILBAG 60 CLASSIFIEDS
12 REPTILECHANNEL.COM 64 HERPERS’
MOST
14 HERP QUERIES WANTED
16 THE VET REPORT

20 RAINBOW
BREEDER’S CHOICE:
BOA
54 HERP HAPPENINGS
18 MAP TURTLE 56 ADVERTISER INDEX 20 BREEDER’S
CHOICE

uMixing Lizards
Where in the world is Is it safe to put a blue-tailed skink in the same
REPTILES ? tank with geckos? I found one today outside of

my office, and we already own five geckos.
Dave Eddy, Parksburg, W.V.
SPONSORED BY
Depending on the size and gender, this can

cause problems. They might compete with one
another for territory, resulting in one getting
injured or killed, or they might just get stressed
out and have health problems as a result. You
also need to look at the kind of gecko you have
and if their environmental needs are the same as
the skink. You didn’t mention if your geckos were
day geckos or leopard geckos or a different kind.
Sometimes, if animals inhabit different niches
within the same sort of habitat, mixing species can
work. For REPTILES Editor Russ Case’s opinion on
this, go to www.ReptileChannel.com/mix. —Eds.
uOn the Ball

Great I really enjoyed the article “Have a Ball” by
Prize! Brian Barczyk in the February 2013 issue of

REPTILES. I have my own ball python and a
crested gecko. They are both great pets. My
Are you reading REPTILES on the go? Send us a photo mom said when I get older, I can add to my
of you and REPTILES in an interesting locale. If we publish it, reptile collection. I look forward to getting your
YOU’LL GET A $50 GIFT CERTIFICATE FROM ZOO magazine every month, and I hope to see more
MED LABORATORIES! articles on crested geckos in upcoming issues.
Visit ReptileChannel.com/Contact for instructions. Photos sent Gabe Jones, via ReptileChannel.com
become the property of REPTILES magazine and cannot be returned.
Gabe, we’re glad you enjoyed Brian Barczyk’s
MANOLI PILATOS of Las Vegas, Nev., reads his article on ball pythons, and you’ll be able to read
REPTILES magazines while taking a break from a great crested gecko article coming up in our
working on the lighting for the Hard Rock Hotel. February 2014 issue. —Eds.
SHARE YOUR thoughts

“Coin Stack” Contest! We know reptile
people have strong
Are there specific
animals you would
opinions about their like to see featured
hobby, and they often in REPTILES? Can you
SPONSORED BY have great stories,
suggestions and
offer any useful tips or
suggestions to other
Check out the stack of coins in the RodentPro ad on page 5. creative ideas to boot. reptile fans/keepers?
Maybe you’ve got some
Think you can count up those coins and tell us what the total stories, fond memories
dollar amount comes to? or jokes involving herps
Guess correctly, and you might be one of 10 winners who will to share.
receive a free $50 gift certificate from RodentPro! Use it to It’s easy to share. Just visit ReptileChannel.com/
Contact, or write to REPTILES, “Mailbag,”
feed your favorite hungry herps! 3 Burroughs, Irvine, CA 92618.
Visit www.ReptileChannel.com/coinstack for more details. We want to hear from you!
Letters subject to editing by REPTILES staff.

READER
reward
A Exo Terra light bracket and dome (exo-terra.com) will go to one
Great
winner who correctly answers this question: What reptile in this issue Prizes!
derives its name from the tendency of adult females to develop
large heads as they mature? The answer appears elsewhere in this uChameleon Encounter
issue. The deadline to enter is January15, 2014 Good luck! I was in Jordan doing musical mission
HOW TO ENTER: work when touring Petra, a 2,000-year-old
site that was used as a location for Indiana
E-mail reptiles@i5publishing.com. With “Reader Reward January 2014” in the subject line.
E-mails must include the correct answer written as it appears in the magazine; the page on which
Jones and the Temple of Doom. The temple
it’s found; and your full name, mailing address and phone number. Winners will be randomly in the movie is not a Hollywood set. It is an
chosen soon after the deadline and then notified. actual site, featuring buildings carved into
the sandstone. It was a major trade route
2,000 years ago, and some believe it was
uFor the Love of Tegus very likely traveled by the three wise men
Only a few months, I purchased my during their famous pilgrimage.
first tegu. He is an Argentine black-and- I had noticed many fast lizards
white tegu, and he will get about 5 feet scampering across the sand, but didn’t
long. When I first bought him, I worried bother to even try and catch one. But then
that I wouldn’t be able to tame him I noticed another lizard in one of the small,
down, thus giving me a mean, 5-foot scraggly bushes among the rocks and sand.
lizard. But I was able to tame him down Closer inspection revealed it to be a small
to a sweet heart within a month. The chameleon. I easily captured it and showed
tegu is an awesome breed of lizard, and it to the Jordanian students who were with
I think people would find it interesting if me. They had never seen one and didn’t
you devoted an article toward them. know what it was. One of the locals told
Douglas Souke, Bridgeport, W.V. us, in Arabic, that it would spit at us and
blind us, but I discounted that information.
Tegus are awesome, and you can find I showed the students the prehensile tail
an article all about the Argentine tegu by and the eyes that moved independently
uFabulous Dart Frogs Cindy Troost-Massolin in the December of each other. I also pointed out that, when
I keep a few species of dart frogs, 2013 issue. —Eds. captured, the chameleon was light colored
including the Dendrobates tinctorius to match the sand, but he quickly changed
(azureus) pictured in the photo I’ve uPrint vs. Digital to a darker shade of brown. One of the kids
included with my letter. Although I If I sign up to receive my magazine asked,“What do you think he’s thinking?” I
have always been interested in them, I digitally, will I still get a hard copy in the said,“Probably, ‘Please don’t eat me.’” After
did not have the experience and know mail? I don’t have a mobile device, so I a few minutes of photo ops, the lizard was
how to keep them. I read many of the would only be able to read the digital released. He quickly resumed his pale-
articles available on your website and edition when I am home. tan color to match the desert sand and
in magazines, and have learned a lot Patricia McClancy, Daytona Beach, Fla. waddled off.
from them. I would, however, love more It was interesting that the kids were
information on breeding them and Any time you subscribe to REPTILES, unfamiliar with the chameleon, but they
tadpole care. I think this topic would be you are subscribing to the print edition. were city kids from Amaan. I also thought
a neat article. The digital edition is included at no extra it was cool that even though I’m primarily
Joe Jiminez, Bronx, N.Y. charge, for people who prefer to read a tropical fish hobbyist, my 59-year-old
their magazine on computers and mobile eyes still managed to spot the chameleon
Perhaps you would enjoy the article devices, but don’t worry, you will still get a despite its effective camouflage, providing
about breeding and rearing strawberry printed copy of REPTILES delivered to your an interesting experience for us all
dart frogs found at www.ReptileChannel. home no matter what. At this time, we do (especially the chameleon, I bet).
com/strawbreed. —Eds. not offer digital-only subs. —Eds. Bill Allen, via ReptileChannel.com
www.PetSmart.com
www.PetSmart.com
{
Look for REPTILES
magazine on
BY JOHN VIRATA
Online Poll
What did you buy at the last
reptile show you attended?
ENCLOSURE Six Frog

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rescuing them from a snake,
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Corn snakes are beautiful
snakes that come in a
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herpers. Learn how to care
for them at ReptileChannel.
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Subscribe to REPTILES
Go online to order a one-year REPTILES
subscription and save 75 percent off
the cover price! Order North American Turtles Losing Their
online right now by
using your smart phone Habitats to Climate Change
to scan this QR code. If A study by the National Institute for Mathematical and Biological
needed, download the Synthesis says that climate change and geographical barriers have
i-Nigma code reader at hindered turtles ability to migrate. Read more at ReptileChannel.
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Question?
Please send it, along with your name and address, to
“Herp Queries,” c/o REPTILES, P.O. Box 6050, Mission
Viejo, CA 92690; or visit ReptileChannel.com/Contact. Bill
also welcomes comments and suggestions. Not all letters
Bill Love can be answered personally or will appear in this column.
A Career
in Herp
Photography
lQl What’s the best way to
get noticed as a herp
photographer?
Ed Zimmerman, Columbus, Ohio
lAl Take lots of photos and post

them where they’ll be seen
Bill love
widely, like on Internet forums. Prolific

photographers who constantly display
new work stay in peoples’ minds and Cute as they are, horned lizards, such as this Phrynosoma hernandesi, are very difficult to
memories, while also proving they’re maintain in captivity due to their dietary preference for ants.
actively taking new images. Potential
buyers, in particular, value that because a-like pictures that you didn’t bother to because of its exotic looks.
once they’ve found someone who cull yourself, and editors also don’t want The diet of all species of horned
consistently and frequently takes to do your homework for you by having lizards consists largely, if not entirely,
quality shots, it makes their lives easier to sort through piles of images to see if of live ants—a tough thing to provide
than constantly having to hunt down any are worthy of use. in captivity for most people. I bought
new sources. one in a pet shop as a kid growing up
Incorporate a signature of some
sort onto all your images that end up
Horney Toads in New Jersey, and I watched it slowly
starve to death. By the time I figured
in cyberspace, so interested parties can
track you down if they wish to use or
in Hiding? out that it wanted ants, it was too weak
to eat. There’s also a fair likelihood that
buy the high-resolution versions. Only
post low-resolution examples that
aren’t of high enough quality to print
lQl Are horny toads still available?
I used to see them all the
time in pet shops when I was a kid,
it wouldn’t take my local types of ants
anyway because these lizards tend to
specialize in only certain kinds of ants in
on paper, so your work isn’t as likely to and I had one as a pet. I was thinking their native region.
be appropriated with no compensation about one for my own son if I can find The many species of Phrynosoma are
to you. People will steal your shots for one. Have other lizards replaced them certainly physically appealing, but they
online use, but for printed matter like completely? If so, why is that? should be enjoyed in nature only so my
books and magazines, most publishers Eric Upson, Newport, R.I. own childhood experience isn’t sadly
must stand behind their products repeated needlessly. Bearded dragons
and recognize, if not compensate, the
authors of the images they use.
Most importantly, cull your images
lAl Horny toads (a.k.a. horned
lizards, genus Phrynosoma)
have virtually vanished from the
sport a somewhat similar spiky look and
make far better pets. Think back to the
fate of your own pet of yesteryear and
ruthlessly so only your very best shots popular pet trade, and that’s a good whether it thrived for you. While I can’t
are ever seen in public. Too often these thing. Occasional specimens show up say for sure, I’d be surprised if you had it
days, I see series of similar images posted on specialty dealers’ lists for those up very long. REPTILES
that are virtually alike. This is extremely to the challenge of keeping them in
silly and unhelpful to a hopeful career in captivity. But these herps are definitely Bill Love photographs herps in nature, writes and lectures. He
photography. The public doesn’t have not appropriate as offerings to amateurs assists his wife, Kathy, with her business, CornUtopia, and via his
company, Blue Chameleon Ventures, leads nature tours to view herps
time to wade through dozens of look- who may acquire one as a first pet only in Madagascar.
14 REPTILES |January 2014 | ReptilesMagazine.com

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Salmonellosis, the disease caused by zero to as high as 80 percent in some
the Salmonella bacterium, is perhaps populations. Interestingly, wild animals
the most infamous zoonosis (a disease are less frequent carriers of Salmonella
transmissible between animals and than captive animals. Why? Because,
people) associated with reptiles. The the shedding of Salmonella bacteria is
Salmonella epidemic started with the promoted by stress—more common in
red-eared slider turtle (Trachemys scripta captive animals than wild ones.
elegans), the reptile that received the Salmonellosis is not a disease to
majority of the negative publicity. At that be taken lightly. Once infected with
by douglas mader, time, the slider was the most common Salmonella, the symptoms of diarrhea,
m.s., d.v.m., dabvp reptile kept as a pet in the United States. fever and abdominal cramps usually start
These turtles that were so popular in the within 12 to 72 hours of infection and can
Reptile case histories, medical pet trade that they were actually raised last from four to seven days. The Center
news and health advice in human sewage ponds —hence the for Disease Control (CDC) estimates
Salmonella in source of the Salmonella.

In the early 1970s, it was estimated
that there are approximately 40,000
confirmed cases of human salmonellosis
Reptiles that about 280,000 cases of human

salmonellosis were contracted from
reported annually in the U.S., and of
these, an average of 400 deaths.
C
pet turtles. In 1975, the Food and Drug Young, old and immunocompromised
ertain topics seem to make Administration passed a law stating that individuals are the most susceptible to .
the rounds every few years. it was illegal to sell viable turtle eggs or However, that said, it is also not that easy
Artificial lighting, inclusion live turtles with a carapace or shell length to contract Salmonella if you practice
body disease, nutritional-metabolic of less than 4 inches in the U.S. This size simple hygiene when working with your
bone disease and antibiotics are just a was picked simply because it was felt herps. I have been working with iguanas
few. It seems that lately I’ve had several that anything larger than 4 inches could (and all other species of reptiles) for more
questions about Salmonella infection not be placed in a child’s mouth. than 35 years and have never once fallen
in reptiles. I checked my archives, and In people, Salmonella is transmitted ill to Salmonella.
it has been more than five years since I by fecal-oral contamination. That means To put this whole problem in
discussed it. So, here we go again—it is an infection occurs when a person places perspective, people are at a greater risk of
important topic and worth reviewing for objects or food in their mouth after contracting salmonellosis from uncooked
the old timers, and especially important handling Salmonella-contaminated chicken than they are reptile pets.
for those new to working with herps. material without utilizing proper hygiene. Never eat or drink when working with
Interestingly, pet stores still sell the little or handling reptiles. Never clean herp
turtles under the guise of “research, supplies (water and food bowls) or cages
teaching and display,” all caveats that in areas where human food is consumed
exempt them from the USDA regulations. or prepared. Always wash your hands
There are over 2,000 serotypes of when finished with your reptile chores.
Salmonella. All of these serotypes are If you think you may have contracted
potential threats to humans. Reptiles Salmonella, from your herps or otherwise,
douglas mader, DVM
are known to carry only about 200 of contact your physician immediately.
these. Salmonella bacteria are found The CDC have published a position
in many different animal species, not statement that “most, if not all, reptiles
just reptiles. Birds (eg. chickens and carry Salmonella.”That said, there are no
seagulls) fish, insects (eg. cockroaches reptiles that are less likely than others to be
and other bugs,) and hermit crabs - not potential carriers. An animal can be tested
The original Salmonella health scare to mention mammals, such as dogs, cats, for Salmonella, but be careful, as there are
started with the sales of baby red-eared
slider turtles back in the early 1970s. These ferrets, rats, mice, etc.—can all potentially potential false negatives. It is better to just
turtles were raised in human sewage carry Salmonalla. Humans can also assume that any reptile you have may be a
ponds and then sold in the pet trade. carry Salmonella and not show signs of carrier and use proper hygiene practices.
Need a Herp Vet?

disease—the most infamous case of this There is an excellent reference source
was Typhoid Mary, a person who worked that was co-written by the Association of
as a cook and infected more than 50 Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians and
If you’re looking for a herp-
knowledgeable veterinarian in your area, people, three of which eventually died. the CDC on Salmonella. Ask your Herp
visit ReptileChannel.com/VetList or the There have been many research veterinarian for a copy. REPTILES
Association of Reptilian and Amphibian studies looking at the prevalence of
Veterinarians website at arav.com. Look Salmonella in wild animals (birds, reptiles, Douglas R. MADER, MS, DVM, DABVP (REPTILE/AMPHIBIAN), is a
graduate of the University of California, Davis. He owns the Marathon
for DVMs who maintain actual veterinary
offices that you could contact. etc.). Studies looking at Salmonella report Veterinary Hospital in the Conch Republic, and is a world-renowned
lecturer, author and editor. He sits on the review boards of several
prevalence rates anywhere from near scientific and veterinary journals.

MapQuest
Look no further than a map turtle for an amazing
pet, but be prepared to go the extra mile.
T
BY PAUL VANDER SCHOUW
hey are perhaps one of the most specialized species bears a unique facial pattern. The keeled carapace allows
groups of turtles in North America. Their body map turtles to maintain stability in the flowing rivers where they
form is unique: a keeled, serrated carapace, and prefer to live, and their long, strong legs with broadly webbed feet
large, broad forelimbs and paddle-like rear feet. provide the power to swim against all but the swiftest currents.
Map and sawback turtles of the genus Graptemys There are 14 currently recognized species of map turtle
are distinctive and highly evolved, and because of their very native to North America, five of which are considered broad-
specialized adaptations, they have specific requirements in both headed species because of the massively enlarged heads
their natural environments and captive habitats. that females develop as they age, and four others that are
Map turtle coloration varies among species, subspecies, and commonly referred to as sawbacks due to the prominent
sometimes even localities. In general, they tend to be tan or light keels and strongly serrated marginals on the carapace. At the
brown. Sometimes they’re green or orange, even gray or almost time of writing, one map species and one sawback species
black. Some have blotches, others have speckles or reticulations. are each considered to have a single subspecies, bringing the
There are stripes on the head, neck, limbs and tail, and each total number of Graptemys species and subspecies to 16.
PAUL VANDER SCHOUW
The false map

turtle (Graptemys
pseudogeographica
pseudogeograph-
ica) is
False oneturtle
map of the
most familiar
(Graptemys pet
pseudogeographica
turtle species.
pseudogeographica)

Broad-Headed Maps
As mentioned, this group derives
its name from the tendency of adult
females to develop exaggeratedly large
heads as they reach advanced age, a
condition known as macrocephaly.
In size and shape, the broad-headed
species are all variations of a common
theme. Hatchlings begin life with a
prominent medial keel and strongly
serrated marginals. The shell deepens
and the keel elevates as the turtles
grow, although large adult females
develop something of a hump-backed
appearance. Sexual dimorphism (the
difference in physical appearance
between males and females) is
significant in the broad-headed map
turtle species. Females sometimes grow
quite large, up to around 12 inches.
Males normally reach only about half
that size, up to about 6 inches.
The broad-headed map species
occur exclusively in rivers that drain into
the northern Gulf of Mexico, from the
panhandle of Florida westward to the
eastern border of Louisiana. Because
they almost never travel on land (with
the exception of nesting females), they
are restricted to the main run of their
respective rivers, oxbow lakes and
flooded areas directly connected to
the main river. These rivers are typically
limestone- or clay-bottomed, with
many bends and twists that produce
expansive sandbars and sandy beaches.
Juvenile and male broad-headed maps
inhabit the shallows and tree-fall snags
near the shoreline, feeding primarily
on aquatic insects and occasionally
fish. Adult females prefer deeper water
and consume mostly mollusks and
crustaceans, a diet facilitated by their
characteristically enlarged heads. This
remarkable dichotomy allows these
species to inhabit the same waterways,
yet exist as essentially separate, non-
competing organisms.
The coloration of the broad-headed
maps is similar across all five species,
with unique coloration/patterns
described in the individual accounts
that follow. Soft parts are dark-brown
or black with light-green, yellow or
occasionally orange stripes, and the
head is adorned with a solid mask that
extends behind and between the eyes.
Base carapace color is tan to light olive
SakiHikariTurtle-REPTILESmagazine-ReptilesUSA-RUSA-4.65x9.687in -2_3pV-1401.indd 1 10/10/13 5:43 PM
the Choctawhatchee River. It, along with
the Escambia map turtle are the only
two broad-headed species that do not
have a sawback species occurring in
the same river systems. The interorbital
(between the eyes) blotch ends in a
single point at the nose, but the unique
and identifying marking for this species
consists of a transverse bar on the chin
that runs parallel to the lower jaw.
The Escambia map turtle (G.
ernsti) occurs in rivers draining into
Escambia Bay, including the Conecuh/
Escambia, Sepulga, Pea and Yellow
rivers of Alabama and the western
Florida panhandle. It also occurs in
the Choctawhatchee River, where it
hybridizes with G. barbouri. No other
broad-headed species are known to
naturally occur in the same waterway.
The interorbital blotch ends in a three-
pronged trident, and this species is
unique in that the large blotches that
make up the characteristic facial mask
are separate and unconnected.
The Alabama map turtle (G.
pulchra) is found in the Alabama, Black
Warrior, Coosa, Tallapoosa, Tensaw
and Tombigbee rivers in Alabama and
Georgia. The carapace sometimes bears
Keel-less but still tremendously streamlined, this adult female Graptemys ouachitensis a fine, net-like pattern of yellow or
displays the common tendency for large females to lose their vertebral keel as they grow. orange, the interorbital blotch is single-
pointed, and the facial mask comprised
of three completely connected blotches
green, with yellow or pale orange bars pigmentation along the scutes’ seams. is unique to this species.
or rings in the centers of the costal and The Barbour’s map turtle (G. barbouri) The Pascagoula map turtle (G.
marginal scutes of some individuals. occurs primarily in the Apalachicola gibbonsi) is found in the Chickasawhay
There is almost always a black or dark- and Chipola Rivers of southern Georgia and Leaf rivers, as well as the
brown dorsal stripe on the carapace, and northern Florida. Recently, there Pascagoula River, from which this
as well. The plastron is pale yellow to have been verified records of this species gets its common name. It is
cream with little or no plastral pattern, species occurring further east in the endemic to Mississippi. The identifying
although some individuals possess dark Ochlocknee River, and further west in characteristics of this species are the
PHOTOS: PAUL VANDER SCHOUW
Gregarious baskers across the genus, map turtles such as these Texas maps (Graptemys
versa) will crowd a favored basking log, seeking to soak up the warming rays of the sun.

complete facial mask and nasal trident,
and light bars on the last marginal scutes
that are at least half the scutes’ length.
The Pearl River map turtle (G.
pearlensis), as the common name
suggests, is found primarily in the Pearl
River in Louisiana and Mississippi, as
well as the Bogue Chitto River. Similar
to G. gibbonsi, this species also has a
complete facial mask and nasal trident,
but differs in that the light bars on the
last marginals are less than half the
length of the scute, if present at all.
The Sawbacks
Like the broad-headed map species,
the sawbacks are exclusive to specific
rivers along the northern coast of the
Gulf of Mexico, in Alabama, Mississippi
and Louisiana. Moreover, because only
females make forays onto land, and then
only for the purpose of nesting, these
turtles do not naturally occur outside
the flood zones of their respective clay-
bottomed rivers. The twists and turns of
these rivers result in the sandbanks and
beaches that the female sawbacks use
for nesting. It is interesting to note that
each species occurs in nearly exactly the
same river system as one of the broad-
headed map species.
Sawback hatchlings are rather flat,
although the prominent saw-toothed
keel for which they are named is present
from hatching. The marginals are flared
and strongly serrated. Sawbacks also
exhibit sexual dimorphism, though not
to the extreme degree of the broad-
headed maps. Females’ shells deepen
and the keel becomes reduced as the
turtles grow, to the extent that adults
lose nearly all evidence of the keel in
advanced age. Females grow to around
9 inches. Males generally maintain their
juvenile appearance throughout their
lives, although their elongated fore-
claws (used for courtship) and longer,
thicker tails denote sexual maturity.
Typically smaller than the females, males
normally grow to only about 5 inches.
Both sexes and all age groups show
a preference for the water’s periphery,
rarely straying far from tree-fall snags
that do not contact the shoreline.
Below the surface, sawbacks hunt and
feed on aquatic insects, fish, and small
crustaceans and mollusks in and around
the snags. At night, the turtles perch
common name suggests, the vertebral
Common map turtle keel is comprised of black, rounded,
(Graptemys geographica)
knob-like protuberances. The northern
black-knob (G. n. nigrinoda) has narrow
cream to yellow rings on an olive
carapace. The skin is gray with cream
and yellow stripes. The plastron is pink
to orange, with no pattern aside from
dark scute seams. The Delta sawback
(G. n. delticola) has thicker yellow rings
on the dark-olive carapace scutes. The
skin is dark gray to black, with thin
cream stripes. The plastron of the Delta
sawback is heavily patterned with black.
The ringed sawback turtle (G.
oculifera), with a range matching that
ZIG LESZCZYNSKI
of G. pearlensis, occurs in the Pearl
and Bogue Chitto rivers in Louisiana
and Mississippi. This species vaguely
resembles the Delta sawback, except
that the bright orange rings of G.
oculifera are much bolder and brighter
Some Barbour’s map turtles than those of G. n. delticola. The seam-
are rather plain, but this young
adult female’s carapace is following plastral pattern, too, is more
adorned with very attractive similar to that of G. flavimaculata.
orange crescents.
The Remaining Graptemys
The remaining species of map turtles
are considered neither broad-headed
nor sawbacked. Some literature refers to
them as narrow-headed, though this is a
bit of a misnomer because older females
of some of these species certainly
develop grossly enlarged heads.
Hatchlings of these maps all possess
keels to some extent, though they
are not nearly as pronounced as the
PAUL VANDER SCHOUW
keels of the broad-heads, or as spiky as

those of the sawbacks. The marginals
are moderately to strongly flared and
strongly serrated. Sexual dimorphism
is also evident to varying degrees
according to species. Females possess
the typical deeper shell profile, reduced
in the snags while sleeping. Above the yellow-blotched sawback is a Mississippi keel and larger size than males, but
surface, snags are used for basking endemic. The soft parts are black with maximum size varies from species to
during the day. yellow stripes, the carapace exhibits thin species. Males typically remain similar
The coloration of each species in gray or black rings on a bright yellow in appearance to juveniles. Only some
the sawback group is different and, in background, and the plastron is yellow develop elongated fore-claws for
some cases, breathtaking. The yellow- tinged with orange. The dark scute courtship displays, though a longer,
blotched sawback (G. flavimaculata), seams extend onto the scutes in semi- thicker tail is common to males of all
for example, is considered by some to geometric patterns. map species.
be the most beautiful species of turtle The black-knobbed sawback turtle While all species of Graptemys are
in the United States. It occurs in the (G. nigrinoda) is found in the Alabama, essentially riverine in nature, some tend
Pascagoula River system, which includes Black Warrior, Cahaba, Coosa, Tallapoosa, to traverse land more frequently than
the Chickasawhay and Leaf rivers. Like Tensaw and Tombigbee rivers in others, thereby expanding their range to
the Pascagoula map turtle, with which Alabama and Georgia, which closely include lakes and ponds. Coloration and
it shares its range almost exactly, the follows the range of G. pulchra. As the dietary preference also varies from one
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The Northern map turtle (G.
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Barbour’s map turtle
(Graptemys barbouri)
ZIG LESZCZYNSKI
This tank housing Pearl River map
turtles at the Tennessee Aquarium is
simple and elegant. It provides the
turtles with all of their basic needs, yet
is visually appealing.
has been recorded in rivers, streams, grow to more than 10 inches.

lakes and even ponds. The false map exhibits a hockey-
The vertebral keel is weak, even stick-shaped bar behind each eye,
PAUL VANDER SCHOUW
in hatchlings. Carapace color is tan and the eye has a prominent dark bar
or brown, and some individuals have passing horizontally through the iris.
a fine network of orange or yellow Older females do not develop enlarged
irregular lines. The skin is brown, gray heads. The Mississippi map turtle (G.
or black, usually with yellow stripes, p. kohnii) possesses a crescent-shaped
although some specimens exhibit stripe along the posterior rim of the eye,
Caught in a typical pose basking on a log, striking gold striping. The head pattern and pure specimens have an unmarked
map turtles like this adult female Grap- is not consistent or distinct enough to iris. Females of this subspecies
temys sabinensis are wary and ready to be useful for identification purposes. occasionally develop enlarged heads.
drop back into the water at the slightest
hint of a threat. Though the pattern on the yellow The Ouachita map turtle (G.
plastron is not always limited to dark ouachitensis) ranges across the Ouachita
scute seams, most individuals are River Basin, and can be found primarily
relatively patternless. Adult males in associated flowing waterways and
may reach up to around 7 inches, and tributaries. This species is somewhat
females about 10 inches. Very large similar to, and frequently confused with,
PAUL VANDER SCHOUW
females develop enlarged heads, but G. pseudogeographica, and was once

males do not develop elongated fore- considered a subspecies of the false map.
claws for courtship. The moderate vertebral keel of
The false map turtle (G. hatchlings diminishes with growth,
pseudogeographica) occurs in the though it is rarely lost altogether
Missouri, Mississippi and Ohio rivers, as even in adult females. Females of this
Both the characteristic facial mask and well as associated streams and oxbow species can grow to just over 7 inches
the prominent keel are clearly visible in lakes. Escaped and released pets have and do not develop enlarged heads;
this photograph of the Pearl River map
turtle (Graptemys pearlensis). resulted in records of this species well males rarely reach 6 inches and do
outside its historical range. Hatchlings develop elongated fore-claws for use in
have a moderate vertebral keel, but courtship displays. Coloration is highly
this subsides with age in both sexes. variable in this species. The carapace
Carapace coloration is brown or gray, is brown, gray or black, though the
PAUL VANDER SCHOUW
with a black dorsal stripe and usually a vertebral keel and centers of the costal
black blotch or smudge on each costal scutes are usually darker than the base
scute. The plastron is cream or yellow coloration. Like G. pseudogeographica,
with dark scute seams and an extensive skin coloration is brown or black with
seam-following geometric pattern. Skin cream or yellow stripes. The head
coloration is brown or black with cream pattern is highly variable, as well; some
The bulbous vertebral keel projections or yellow stripes. Males can reach 8 localities have a square or rectangular
that give the black-knobbed sawback are inches and develop elongated fore- blotch behind the eye, while others
clearly evident in this juvenile turtle. claws, while females can sometimes have a complete facial mask reminiscent
paul vander schouw
of the broad-head map species. There

is some recent genetic evidence to
suggest that these local variations may
warrant taxonomic distinction.
The Sabine map turtle (G.
sabinensis) is found in the Sabine River
and associated flowing waterways
along the Texas/Louisiana border.
Overall coloration is similar to G.
pseudogeographica and G. ouachitensis,
both of which it has been considered a
subspecies in the past. Possibly the most
striking feature of the Sabine map turtle
is its almost absurdly small head, even
in females. Males rarely exceed 5 inches,
and develop elongated fore-claws.
Females rarely exceed 8 inches.
The Texas map turtle (G. versa)
occurs only in the Colorado River and its
tributary streams and peripheral lakes
in central Texas. This is a small, brown
species, with males barely reaching
5 inches and females growing to just
over 8 inches. The carapace is minimally
keeled and shows a network of irregular
golden-yellow lines, and the plastron is
patternless save for dark seams. Unlike
any other Graptemys, the vertebral stripe
of the Texas map is lighter than the base
color of the carapace. There is a J-shaped
marking behind each eye and three
round spots on the chin. Males have
elongated fore-claws, and although G.
versa is typically considered a narrow-
headed species, old females can develop
enlarged heads.
The Cagle’s map turtle (G. caglei) is
found in the Guadalupe, San Antonio
and San Marcos rivers and associated
flowing waterways in south-central
The disparity in size between adult males
(L) and adult females (R) is exemplified by
this pair of Cagle’s map turtles (Grapte-
mys caglei).
energetic, even large adult female map

It’s easy to see why many turtle enthu-
siasts consider Graptemys flavimac-
turtles can become stuck beneath a
ulata to be one of the most beautiful heavy object and drown.
species in the United States. Substrate is not necessary, but if
used should be easily cleaned. Sand,
crushed coral and river pebbles are
should be carefully supervised to ensure all acceptable materials, but rough,
that problems do not occur. abrasive stone objects should be
PHOTOS: PAUL VANDER SCHOUW
Despite being resilient and avoided. Scrapes and scratches on the

adaptable, wild map turtles can skin, or even shell scutes, can make a
frequently be difficult to adapt to turtle susceptible to infection.
captivity. A captive-bred map turtle Clean water is very important, and
is always preferred over one taken frequent water changes or a strong,
from the wild. Captive-bred turtles are oversized filter will be needed to
adapted to captive conditions from the prevent the buildup of waste and
moment they hatch. Their likelihood for toxins in the water. This also retards
Though similar to the nominate subspe- harboring parasites or being vectors for the proliferation of bacteria and fungi,
cies, the delta sawback (Graptemys ni-
grinoda delticola) has brighter light colors disease is virtually nil, and they tend to further enhancing a healthy captive
and darker dark pigmentation than its be more docile than their wild-caught environment. Live or plastic plants, or a
cousin, the black-knobbed sawback. counterparts. combination of both, can enhance the
Pet map turtles can be housed in aesthetics and environmental quality of
Texas. Carapace and skin coloration a variety of different ways, but some the tank. They will provide behavioral
is green with cream or yellow stripes. specific conditions are required if they enrichment as the turtle clambers
There is frequently a crescent-shaped are to remain healthy and active, and around and explores, and live plants will
stripe behind the eye, similar to G. p. husbandry requirements are basically consume waste which will help maintain
kohnii. The plastron is yellow, cream, the same at all stages of life. water quality.
or almost white with broad dark scute Hatchling and juvenile map turtles All species of Graptemys bask avidly,
seams, and there is a transverse bar can be set up with something as simple so suitable basking accommodations
under the chin. Males have elongated as a mortar tub, and glass aquariums, are essential if pet map turtles are to
fore-claws and grow to just over 5 plastic totes, and steel or plastic stock remain healthy and vigorous. Basking
inches. Females develop rather large tanks are suitable for turtles of any age, raises a turtle’s metabolism to facilitate
heads, despite this species being size or sex. The maximum tank size is digestion and bolster the immune
considered a narrow-headed species, unlimited because maps are excellent system. It also allows the skin to dry
and can reach almost 9 inches. swimmers, but at a minimum there completely, permitting dead skin
should be 5 to 10 gallons of water per and old scutes to shed properly. Skin
Housing for Pet Maps inch of carapace length. This means that infections, shell rot and ear abscesses
Although map turtles can normally the average adult Graptemys may need a are just a few potential health problems
cohabitate quite placidly with other tank up to 100 gallons or more. Keep this that can result from failure to provide
maps and other turtle species alike, in mind before you purchase a hatchling! sufficient basking accommodations.
there is always the potential for conflict. Any tank furnishings should be Secure and stable structures made
All species of Graptemys are active, securely fixed in place to prevent of natural and artificial materials,
vigorous turtles. They can intimidate the turtles from accidentally (or including driftwood and commercially
more passive or less energetic species if intentionally!) shifting or upending manufactured plastic basking docks, can
they are housed together. Introductions them. Although they are active and be arranged to be functional and also
contribute to the visual appeal of the about 5 degrees at night and another 5 in captivity they will readily accept
turtle tank. Providing a safe structure, degrees during the winter. Under natural commercially manufactured food
such as a tunnel or cave, below the conditions, wild map turtles can tolerate pellets. There are numerous brands
water’s surface will also afford a secure temperatures well beyond the range for on the market, and providing map
hiding spot, but be sure your turtle can their optimum activity, but subjecting turtles with a nutritious diet can be
maneuver easily through it in order to pet turtles to these extremes is neither accomplished by selecting one with
prevent drowning. necessary nor recommended. a 30- to 40-percent protein content,
Although there is no absolute low-fat content (less than 20 percent),
Heating and Lighting substitute for natural, unfiltered and a high calcium-to-phosphate ratio.
Heat lamps are effective for sunlight, creating a basking spot with Earthworms, crickets, crayfish, feeder fish,
regulating air and basking temperatures such exposure accessible to pet turtles is bloodworms, blackworms and various
within Graptemys enclosures, and not always feasible (and if it is, great care leafy greens including romaine, red leaf,
aquarium heaters will do the same should be taken to prevent accidental greenleaf, endive, escarole and kale can
for their water. Heat lamps should be overheating of the turtle in its housing). also occasionally be provided as treats.
placed no closer than 12 inches from the There is a plethora of light bulbs
height of the largest turtle to prevent available for purchase that will produce Map turtles are as remarkable in their
burns and general overheating. In the the range of UV suitable to facilitate diversity as they are in their behavior.
water, titanium heaters are strongly the synthesis of vitamin D3, the crucial Despite being demanding in certain
recommended for any turtle species; nutrient required to metabolize calcium respects, raising healthy, lively turtles
a protective guard will be required if a for healthy bone and shell growth. The by providing for their specific needs is
glass heater is used to prevent breakage. selected bulb must provide wavelengths highly rewarding. When their essential
Water temperatures should be in the UVB range (the bulb’s packaging needs and requirements are fulfilled,
between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. should indicate this), as UVA alone is these beautiful creatures make brilliant
Air temps should be kept a few degrees inadequate and in actual fact useless for pets for the dedicated keeper. REPTILES
warmer, around 75 to 85 degrees, and the vitamin D3 synthesis.
PAUL VANDER SCHOUW is an avid turtle hobbyist from west-central
basking spot should reach upwards of 90 Although some species of Graptemys Florida. A mechanical engineer by profession, he maintains about 1,000
to 100 degrees at its hottest point. These have a very specialized diet in nature individual turtles representing more than 100 species and subspecies.
He has successfully bred more than half. Chelid side-necked turtles are
temperatures can be allowed to drop (especially the broad-headed species), his primary interest.

The
Redder
the
Better
THE BLOOD CELL

Captive husbandry of the
blood python.
BY RYAN & KARA NORRIS
B
Manic Panic Line
lood pythons are these snakes a boost in terms of Manic Panic Line
among the most unique appearances. Stunning good
attractive snakes in looks combined with straightforward palm plantations. They are sedentary
herpetoculture today. husbandry makes the blood python ambush predators, and their muscular
In fact, we think a go-to animal for keepers seeking a build easily allows for a wait-and-
they’re the most attractive, hands- true living gem. spring approach to capturing prey.
down. Few serpents compete with the Wild blood pythons range from Hatchling blood pythons are typically
natural beauty of a vibrant, crimson southwest Thailand through Malaysia between 10 and 12 inches long. Older
red blood python boldly marked in to eastern Sumatra and some adults may measure 6 feet in length
gold, black and white. There are also surrounding islands. In their natural and weigh more than 25 pounds. Most
several color mutations of Python environment, blood pythons prefer to of the mature blood pythons in our
brongersmai available now that give hide beneath leaf litter in forests and collection are approximately 4 1/2 to 5
feet long, and weigh between 12 taking the T-Negative
and 16 pounds. opportunity to do so.
Many newer keepers
Reality Check find it helpful to see the
Blood pythons have routines in a seasoned keeper’s
gained a somewhat snake room. It is also beneficial
unfair reputation to spend time around these
COURTESY NICK BOTTINI

for being unruly amazing pythons, and to develop
animals with a relationship with someone who
strict care can serve as a mentor and answer
husbandry questions. already feeding well. New hatchlings
Another suggestion for starting off are irresistibly cute, but they can be
on the right foot is to select a blood shy feeders if your setup isn’t ideal.
python that is at least 3 months old and Hatchlings don’t allow much room for
• Made by snake
handlers for snake handlers.
Standard Tong
THE BLOOD CELL
• Used by professionals all over the world.

• Don’t be fooled by cheap imitations.
Buy quality. Buy original Midwest Tongs
Mark O’Shea Hook

equipment.
• Made in the USA.
1-877-US-TONGS
requirements. TONGS.com
In the early years
of herpetoculture,
defensive, wild-caught
blood pythons and limited
availability of proper husbandry
resources made keeping them much
more challenging than it is today.
With this in mind, however, it is
important to note that the blood python
is an intermediate species, better suited to
a keeper who has successfully kept other
snakes for at least a year. It’s not that a
blood python requires a tedious, exacting
care routine, but this snake is less forgiving
of husbandry mistakes that many novice
keepers make. Blood pythons make great
second—or even third—snakes!
If you can visit with an experienced
blood python keeper, we recommend
courtesy nick bottini
mistakes, and it can be difficult to turn Golden Eye
one around once it starts going downhill.
It is better to begin with a slightly
older snake that has a track record of
good feeding and growth. A dedicated
breeder should be able to provide you
with husbandry records for your blood
python; ask if such records are available
when making your selections.
Captive Environment
Blood pythons thrive in simple,
straightforward setups. The more time
you must spend adjusting your blood
python’s enclosure, the less time you’ll
spend actually enjoying your snake.
Whether you are housing a juvenile or
an adult, the cage should make it easy
to establish correct temperatures and
provide proper ventilation, as well as
ambient light (blood pythons do not
Golden Eye
courtesy chris mcara
require supplemental light). It should be overall well-being of your blood python.

escape proof for the snake, yet easy for
you to clean and maintain. It should not Blood Python Caging,
be too big or too small for your snake. From Hatchling to Adult
Remember that the cage you choose is The size of your blood python’s
a tool that should make it easier to keep enclosure directly impacts everything in
your blood python healthy and happy. it. Just as a 5-foot blood python cannot
Choose wisely! fit into a hatchling-sized enclosure, a
An overview of how our blood hatchling isn’t likely to thrive in a cage
pythons are housed follows. While large enough for an adult. Appropriate
you don’t need to create an identical cage size is important throughout the
setup to ours, the suggested cage sizes, life of your blood python.
temperatures and humidity levels are We keep hatchling blood pythons in
important guidelines to follow for the rack systems, in individual plastic tubs
measuring 10 inches long, 6 inches wide throughout the reptile industry, and it’s
and 4 inches tall. This is the approximate easy to find racks that accommodate
size of a 6-quart, plastic, “shoebox” style these tubs (we prefer Animal Plastics).
tub that is widely available at home Our subadult bloods spend at least a year,
Metal Halide Fixture with
improvement stores. We raise babies in sometimes two, in these tubs.
Ballast & Bulb
these boxes for six months or so, until For adult blood pythons, we
they have grown to nearly 400 grams in recommend an enclosure with a
size and are ready for bigger enclosures. footprint of at least 6 square feet, and
Juvenile blood pythons grow quickly, 8 square feet is even better for larger
and it’s not long before we move them animals. A popular cage size that
into larger tubs that measure 18 inches accommodates the length and bulk of HIGHLY
long by 10 inches wide by 7 inches an adult blood python is 4 feet long by EFFICIENT
UV, LIGHT
tall. We have also started hatchlings in 2 feet wide, and either 12 or 15 inches
& HEAT
these larger tubs, and let them spend in height (based on keeper preference).
most of their first year in them, rather Because we favor rack systems, we use
than starting with the smaller hatchling tubs that measure 52 inches long by
box before moving them to the bigger 20 inches wide by 12 inches tall. These
juvenile box. The only drawback we have are very large tubs, with a footprint of
encountered when doing so is that the approximately 7 square feet. They give
hatchlings were sometimes reluctant to even our biggest bloods room to stretch
start feeding, or else fed inconsistently out nearly their entire body length, and
(an issue that is usually fairly easy to we feel this is a very important aspect of
resolve by adding hides, which we will caging for adult bloods.
address later). We discourage the use of glass
At 1 year of age, our blood pythons enclosures, such as aquariums, with a
are moved into Iris CB-70 boxes, in which screen top. The high visibility of these
they will remain until they are moved cages is enticing, but it is often stressful
into their adult enclosures. These tubs to the snake. Also, screen tops make it
are 33 inches long by 17 inches wide, very difficult to regulate temperature
by 5 inches tall. They are widely used and humidity without extra effort,
S:
GTH
Hypo REN
3 ST
ILA BLE
IN
/ 70W
AVA
/ 50W
35W
For more information on these or

other Exo Terra products
please call 1.800.724.2436 (US)
the blood cell
1.800.554.2436 (CA)
#1 in Natural
Terrariums !
Pale Gray natural particle bedding or the ease of
maintenance of sheet-style substrates,
there are a few key points to consider
when selecting the right bedding
for your blood python setup.
Newspaper (plain or
printed), kraft paper
and paper towels are
examples of sheet-
style substrates.
They are available
in rolls or sheets
and can be
cut, folded
COURTESY CHRIS MCARA

or layered
to cover the floor
especially if of any cage. The resourceful keeper can
you do not have a find newspaper very cheaply, or even get
climate-controlled snake it free from friends and family. Kraft paper,
room. There is a wide variety blank newsprint and paper towels may
of species-appropriate caging worthwhile to spend time researching be purchased in bulk from packaging
available throughout the reptile the many reptile cages available today. vendors and home improvement stores.
trade. Many enclosures can be Blood pythons will readily hide
ordered with options such as heat, Substrate and Hides beneath layers of a paper substrate,
custom ventilation and locking doors While substrate is simply the bedding and in addition to serving as a hide,
included. Whether your ideal is a in your blood python’s cage, it plays a this provides the snake with an area
bare-bones setup or a luxury cage role in creating the ideal environment. of slightly higher humidity within
with all the bells and whistles, it is Whether you prefer the look of the enclosure. When wet or soiled,
THE BLOOD CELL
Albino

Snake Breeding
Substrate
the blood cell

Pink Bangka
paper substrates must be changed dusty and the oils can be irritating to
completely. Paper substrate isn’t as snakes. Cedar shavings are toxic and
absorbent as some of the natural will cause neurological damage and S T- FREE T
even death-never use cedar! Astroturf is
DU LY SO
F
particle beddings, so take care to check
E M E R
and change it as needed. not absorbent, can be difficult to clean EXTR ES ODOU T
C EN
REDU ABSORB
Natural particle beddings include thoroughly, and often has sharp or rough
cypress mulch, shredded aspen, ground edges. Sand is heavy, dusty and may
LY
coco husk, and Sani-Chips. Particle cause impaction if ingested repeatedly. HIGH
beddings can create a more natural Avoiding these items is easy, given the
appearance in your snake’s enclosure. better options that are available.
They usually resist mold and hold up Blood pythons will make use of a
to misting or spraying better than hide when offered; as mentioned, they’ll
paper substrates. When layered deeply, even hide under paper substrate. Some
particle substrates also double as a hide, keepers prefer a more natural look to
as many blood pythons will burrow hides and use large cork-bark slabs
when given the chance. This may be or vining potted plants. We feel the
impractical for large bloods, but works simplest way to provide a hide is to offer
well for smaller specimens. several layers of newspaper, either flat
Another benefit of particle bedding or slightly crumpled, under which your
is that it can be spot-cleaned. Rather snake may hide. Paper is readily available
than change all of the substrate when and easily replaced when soiled.
a snake defecates or passes urates, the
soiled bedding can be removed and Heating Bloods
replaced with fresh substrate. Following We find that the “magic number”
this method, we recommend that you for keeping blood pythons is 80 to
change substrate completely every 82 degrees Fahrenheit, and our snake
90 to 120 days, or sooner if needed. rooms are calibrated to maintain this
Spot-cleaning is efficient for the range as the ambient temperature. Most
keeper with multiple blood pythons, of our snakes do not have basking spots;
but one must ensure that each snake’s those that do are provided radiant (side)
enclosure still smells clean, and is free of heat tape set at 86 to 87 degrees. To For more information on these
or other Exo Terra products
overwhelming ammonia or musty odors. that end, we only provide supplemental please call 1.800.724.2436 (US)
1.800.554.2436 (CA)
There are also a few substrates to heat to adult snakes as needed, because
avoid. Orchid bark is made of large hatchling and juvenile tubs are too small #1 in Natural
wood particles that may cause damage to allow a proper thermal gradient. Terrariums !
if ingested. Pine shavings are very Because it may be impractical to
the blood cell
Raspberry Line
maintain an 80-degree room in your

home, the cage you choose can help
or hinder you in maintaining correct
temperatures. This is a big reason why
we encourage keepers to use caging
built specifically for reptiles, and not
aquariums. It is much harder to create
proper temperatures in a screen-topped
tank kept in a 70-degree room than
in a dense plastic cage with custom
ventilation and heating, even if kept in
that same room.
No matter how you heat your blood
python’s enclosure, the heat source
should be controlled with a thermostat
or rheostat, and monitored with a
digital thermometer or temp gun. It is
impossible to know whether your blood
python is kept at the right temperature
unless you check it regularly with a
reliable gauge. T-Positive Matrix
Humidity
One of the oldest myths about tub/rack setup we use. Again, here we in that area.
blood pythons is that they need very stress that caging made for reptile use Cages should never be dripping wet
high humidity. For years keepers have can really make your job as a keeper or have heavy condensation forming
struggled, spraying enclosures and that much easier. Open water bowls on the sides. If this happens, try a
lugging around oversized water bowls. in plastic enclosures usually provide smaller water bowl or more ventilation.
Fortunately, the key to proper humidity adequate humidity. When a blood Conversely, if your python’s water
isn’t that difficult. Our bloods are kept python sits beneath layers of paper in evaporates quickly and the air inside
at humidity levels of 60 to 70 percent, its cage, the moisture from the snake’s the cage feels excessively dry, it may
which is easily regulated with the plastic respiration creates additional humidity be necessary to partially cover the
Desert Terrarium
Substrate
the blood cell

Red Bangka
T-Positive Ivory
cage vents, or mist the enclosure from of too dry than too wet when making
time to time. It is important to note adjustments to humidity.
that humidity that is chronically low The only time we raise humidity
(less than 40 percent) or high (75-plus beyond the 60- to 70-percent range is For more information on these or
other Exo Terra products
percent) can contribute to respiratory when our snakes go into shed, when please call 1.800.724.2436 (US)
1.800.554.2436 (CA)
irritation and eventually illness, a we mist them daily. We don’t simulate
condition that can be very difficult for a heavy rain and we don’t drench the #1 in Natural
blood pythons to overcome. With this cages. We continue gentle misting Terrariums !
in mind, it is better to err on the side until the snake sheds, and then allow
Pink Bangka dead prey, and feeding tongs make this
easy. Because these snakes rely on their
labial pits to detect heat, it is important
to ensure that frozen/thawed rats are
sufficiently warmed. Use a heating pad
or hair dryer on them prior to offering
to your snake, and check the surface
temperature of warmed prey items using
an infrared temp gun. In our experience,
105 degrees seems to be the ideal
temperature to trigger a feeding response
when feeding frozen/thawed rats.
Never leave live rodents unattended
with any snake for an extended period of
time. A frightened or hungry rodent can
seriously harm or kill a blood python.
the blood cell

Thirsty Snakes
Blood pythons drink lots of water,
and fresh water should always be
available. Some keepers provide tubs
or totes big enough for their snakes to
submerge completely, but we find this
unnecessary. Smaller water bowls are
less of a chore to maintain and easy to
change quickly. Keeping a spare water
bowl simplifies this task-a fresh bowl is
filled with fresh water, while the stale
bowl is washed, disinfected and dried
for future use.
For perspective, our adults are
provided with disposable, 24-ounce deli
cups held within 4-inch PVC coupling
holders. Juveniles receive 16-ounce cups,
and hatchlings are provided 8-ounce
cups that are 4 inches in diameter and
1½ inches deep. We check water daily
and top off or replace as necessary. Water
should be changed immediately when
fouled with substrate, shed skin or feces.
the blood cell
Handling Hints
If your new blood python is shy or
PE Stripe defensive at first, keep initial handling
sessions short, and lengthen them by
humidity levels to fall back into the first meals, they transition to rats easily a few minutes each time. Never grab
60-percent range. Incomplete or “stuck” within a few feedings. Rats are the ideal a blood python behind the head or
sheds indicate low humidity and are prey for even the very largest blood force handling in any way. Make sure
easily remedied by soaking the snake in pythons—our biggest bloods eat retired that you support your snake’s bulk
shallow, warm water (80 degrees) for a breeder rats, for example. These snakes using both hands, and rest the snake
few hours. When soaking, water should have slow metabolisms and don’t need on your forearms if necessary-bloods
be no deeper than halfway up the snake’s giant prey, despite their bulk and girth. do not like to be dangled or slung
sides. Never make your blood python It is easy to make blood pythons fat, about carelessly.
have to swim in excessively deep water. so take care to ensure that your snake Keep in mind that blood pythons are
is not overfed. While they are robust vocal snakes; short huffs and puffs and
Don’t Overfeed snakes, blood pythons should not quiet hisses are normal, and should be
While hatchling blood pythons resemble an overinflated inner tube. anticipated when handling. Strive to
usually prefer hopper mice for their Blood pythons can be taught to eat end each handling session on a positive
the blood cell
Ivory
the blood cell
Red
note, with the snake sitting calmly morphs, blood pythons are sure
and quietly. This gradual approach to to please the serious hobbyist and
handling should reward you in time advancing keeper alike. REPTILES
with a quiet, tractable snake.
The authors would like to thank Nick
Blood pythons are rewarding Bottini and Chris McAra for the photos of
snakes to keep. They are beautiful, their beautiful snakes used in this article.
alert, inquisitive animals that are Visit Nick at cold-bloodedearth.com and
easily maintained by following the Chris at giantkeeper.blogspot.com.
husbandry guidelines outlined in this
article. Whether you prefer the blazing Ryan anD KARA NORRIS have been active herpetoculturists for
nearly two decades. They have spent more than 10 years focused on
reds of a trophy normal red or the the selective breeding of blood and short-tailed pythons. Visit them
unique colors and patterns of popular online at BloodPythons.com and Facebook.com/The.Blood.Cell.
A Monitor
Foursome
O
It takes a f all the families long-lived reptiles (anywhere from 5 to
of lizards that nearly 25 years, depending on species)
determined a new keeper
could casually
require. I’ve personally kept a number of
monitor species throughout t the years,
person to keep and successfully
maintain without much preparation or
and I find these animals to be among
the most intelligent and cunning of all
a monitor— pre-planning, the family Varanidae, the lizard species.
are you that

monitor lizards, is not it. While keeping Monitors, as a family, present
monitors can be a rewarding and the keeper with a very wide range
person? successful long-term endeavor, it does

take a certain skill set to maintain the
of options. Some species are quite
inexpensive, such as the Nile monitor
largest of the world’s lizards, including a (Varanus niloticus), which may sell for
working knowledge of their biology and as little as $25, while others may cost
BY PHIL PURSER
habits, the proper equipment to house much more, such as the green tree
them, and a commitment that these monitor (V. prasinus), which sells for
lizards is to intimately know the exact
species that you are purchasing. Even
though they are close kin to one
another, different species of monitor can
have very different needs in captivity;
this may include diet, behavior, lighting,
habitat size, relative humidity, and a host
of other needs and conditions. With this
diversity in mind, let’s take a closer look
at four monitor species.
Black Tree Monitor

The black tree monitor (V. beccarii)
is one of my personal favorites. Native
to the island chains surrounding Papua
New Guinea, the black tree monitor is a
lightweight species with a snout-to-vent
length of only one-third its total length;
the rest of this animal’s length occurs in
its semi-prehensile tail. Adapted for a life
in the forest canopy, this lizard has long,
sharp claws, semi-adhesive pads in the
center of its feet, and a semi-prehensile
tail that aids it in the treetops by
curling around branches and granting
stabilization as the monitor moves from
branch to branch.
As its name suggests, the black
tree monitor is completely black at
adulthood, but as a hatchling and sub-
adult, this species wears a gray mantle
speckled with yellow and cream-colored
spots, freckles and ocelli. The teeth of
ARNOUD QUANJER/SHUTTERSTOCK
the black tree monitor are long, sharp

and curve inward, allowing the animal
to better hang on to prey in the canopy
The Nile monitor has a reputation with reduced risk of dropping it to the
for being temperamental. This
large monitor should be kept only forest floor below. Its diet in the wild
by people who have a lot of includes all manner of invertebrates,
previous experience keeping rodents, birds, bird eggs, arboreal snakes
large lizards such as this.
and other lizard species. While it will
descend to the forest floor occasionally,
this lizard prefers to hunt, bask and even
anywhere from $500 to $700. Some sleep in the canopy.
species are slow and docile, while Although not as commonly kept
others are notoriously aggressive. as some other monitor species, the
And some are lightweight, arboreal black tree monitor makes an excellent
insectivores, such as the black tree pet for the serious herp enthusiast.
monitor (V. beccarii), while others are Growing to a maximum length of less
hefty, ground-dwelling carnivores, than 48 inches (most adults seldom
like the savannah monitor (V. exceed 36 to 42 inches, the males
exanthematicus). All in all, the family being the larger of the two sexes), this
Varanidae is a diverse group of large, small monitor species (compared to
powerful lizards, none of which should others) requires a very tall, elaborately
be purchased on a whim or housed in furnished enclosure if it is to thrive in
under-sized environs. the captive environment. I recommend
Perhaps the most important part either a custom-built enclosure of not
of getting involved with the monitor less than 6 feet in height, 5 feet in width
The black tree monitor lives up to its
name, both in color and because of
its highly arboreal tendencies.
Rebecca Anne/Shutterstock
and 3 feet in depth, or a similarly sized, place your lizard during the day. Make
all-glass terrarium fitted with a secure, sure it has a shady retreat, so that the
heavy-gauge screen lid. monitor may escape the heat of the sun
Furnish the enclosure with several if necessary. Never leave your monitor in
stable climbing branches (affixed to the direct sun without a shady retreat, as
the enclosure walls by screws or bolted any species of reptile can overheat and
into a stable wooden base) and plenty expire under such conditions.
of living or artificial plants and vines to Although they are very manageable
simulate the jungle canopy. Flooring in size, black tree monitors can be
is of minimal concern, as black tree nervous. While most high-strung or
monitors rarely descend to the ground. threatened monitors will hiss, puff their
If you have constructed a large, natural throats and lash with their tails, the
vivarium, then flooring may consist of black tree monitor almost always tries
soil, leaf-litter and/or similar materials to to flee by rapidly ascending higher into
accommodate your pet. the canopy. Cornered or rudely handled
As is true with all monitor species, the specimens may also release their cloacal
more room you can provide your pet, contents on their handlers. Although
the better. Large, screen-walled habitats gentle and regular handling can help to
with wooden framing and screen roofs partially tame these lizards, black tree
(to accommodate overhead lighting monitors make better observational
Have you bookmarked apparatus) are the most cost-effective pets than “petting” pets. Then again, few
ReptileChannel.com yet? way to house a black tree monitor, but
properly maintaining temperature and
monitor species are renowned for being
comfortable with frequent handling.
relative humidity in a screen-walled Feeding pre-killed rodents and
enclosure can be difficult. Lighting chicks may help to decrease a monitor’s
should consist of at least eight hours wildness and nervousness in captivity.
daily of full-spectrum ultraviolet lighting. In addition to such prey, the black tree
Many hobbyists build movable habitats monitor may be fed crickets, mealworms
and wheel them outside on sunny days and virtually any other type of cultivated
so that the monitor may benefit from insect. Processed foods manufactured
natural sunlight. Another option is to specifically for monitors can also
Tenebrio Obscurus
Very Mini Size! have a separate, smaller habitat outside comprise a viable part of your black tree
that is very securely built, where you can monitor’s diet. Feed your pet daily, and
supplement every other day’s meals $250, should be immediately inspected
with calcium dust or liquid. by a herp veterinarian and treated for
Maintain daily ambient temperatures internal parasites.
in the mid-80s Fahrenheit, with a With care and the proper husbandry,
basking spot reaching into the high the black tree monitor makes a unique
90s to low 100s. Nightly ambient and visually spectacular pet. While it is
temperature drops of 10 degrees or so not the most handle-friendly of lizards, it
in are acceptable. Maintain a relative is wonderful to observe and maintain in
humidity of 60 percent or higher at all its arboreal habitat.
times. Offer your black tree monitor
water by securing one or more small, Savannah Monitor
shallow dishes amid the climbing The next species on the docket is the
branches. Misting the habitat with a very popular, ground-going savannah
spray bottle multiple times daily is also monitor (V. exanthematicus). Native to
highly recommended. I also recommend the warm forests and grasslands of
placing a large, shallow pan of water tropical Africa, this lizard is a devout
on the floor of the enclosure, because carnivore. Its wild diet is comprised of
even though they may not descend primarily insects, small rodents, the eggs
often, black tree monitors will emerge and chicks of ground-nesting birds,
from the canopy to swim in pools and and virtually all other vertebrates small
streams. Like most monitors, V. beccarii enough to fit in the monitor’s mouth.
has a tendency to defecate in its water Rotting carrion has also been shown to
dish, so diligence in maintaining clean comprise a notable percentage of the
water supplies is paramount. Make sure wild savannah monitor’s diet.
to leave a branch or other haul-out This stocky lizard grows to 48 to 55
in the large water dish, so that your inches in length and may weigh more
monitor may easily climb out. than 30 pounds. It is substantially larger
Sadly, the black tree monitor has a than its black tree cousin discussed
shorter lifespan than most monitors. A previously. As is true with most monitor
healthy specimen may live for as few as species, male savannahs are the larger of
5 years, or in rarer cases, as many as 10. the two sexes.
Virtually all specimens available in the pet It is easy to see why the savannah
trade are imported from the wild, as this monitor has been a mainstay in the pet
species is very seldom bred in captivity. reptile industry for so long. Wearing
As such, newly acquired specimens, a basal coat of tan to sandy-tawny
which may cost anywhere from $200 to coloration that is freckled with cream to
zig leszczynski
The savannah monitor is

one of the more popular
pet monitors, due to its
easy-going nature.
hunger_games.pdf 1 7/19/13 3:34 PM
CM
MY
CY
CMY
The white-throated monitor somewhat

resembles the savannah monitor. It
grows considerably larger.
off-white spots and ocelli, and banded

about the tail with broken rings of the
same coloration, the savannah monitor
Always research an animal

is one of the more attractive monitors
available to the average hobbyist. Often
first before bringing sold in pet shops as hatchlings, these

monitors start out as demure, 5- to 8-inch
it home. babies. So, buyer beware; make sure you
will have adequate space and resources
to house a growing savannah monitor.
I recommend nothing smaller than a
30-gallon long tank for a small savannah
monitor, a 55 gallon for a larger
specimen of 18 inches or so, and a larger,
custom-made enclosure for subadult
and adult specimens. Many serious
keepers of any species of monitor have
dedicated entire rooms in their homes
to their scaly friends. All monitor species
need room to roam, and the savannah
monitor is no exception. Letting this
animal roam freely in a contained
environment, such as an inescapable
pen or closed-off room, is the best
option for the long-term welfare of
your pet. For information regarding the
construction of such a large enclosure, I
recommend reading Giant Lizards (TFH
Publication, 2009) by Robert Sprackland.
When building a terrarium
environment for the savannah monitor,
David Steele/shutterstock
keep in mind that this lizard is a forest- monitor’s substrate several times weekly
dwelling species. It thrives in warm, yet will help keep humidity levels near the
semi-humid, environments and enjoys recommended 60 to 65 percent.
high heat and plenty of ground cover. UV bulbs are absolutely necessary.
Hides are a must, with higher levels of I recommend eight to 12 hours of full-
humidity inside them. Achieve this by spectrum UVA and UVB lighting for your
heavily misting the substrate beneath savannah monitor daily.
any hides. These dark, humid retreats will Easily one of the most docile, handle-
simulate the burrows and tunnels where friendly monitors you could ever own,
savannah monitors live in the wild. the savannah monitor tames to gentle,
I find that the best substrate for regular handling and can be a pet in the
a savannah monitor is a mixture of truest sense of the word. Acquiring your
plain potting soil and cypress bark, monitor at a young age is crucial in it
mixed one part bark to two parts soil. becoming a tame pet. When it is small,
Eco Earth, made from coconut fiber, handle your savannah monitor by gently
also makes spectacular bedding for nudging it into your hand or allowing
this, and virtually all other, species of it to crawl along your hands and arms.
monitor lizard. Small savannah monitors Take care to handle it over a couch, bed
may have live plants anchored in their or low over a counter, such that it is not
terrariums; larger monitors will likely at risk of falling onto a hard floor and
trample or otherwise destroy plants. potentially injuring itself. Once it gets a
Succulents such as aloe vera may work little size on it, you may safely pick up
well for this species. your savannah monitor and hold it by
Maintain ambient temperatures in the midsection and back hips, taking
the mid-80s in your savannah monitor’s care to support its weight and not
enclosure; warmer basking spots up grab it by the tail. Unlike other lizards,
to 100 degrees are recommended, as varanids do not have regenerative
are slightly cooler (and more humid) properties in their tails. Once a monitor’s
hideaways. This temperature variety tail is lost, it’s lost forever.
allows your pet to thermoregulate as it Large, adult savannah monitors have
would in nature. Misting your savannah powerful limbs and sharp claws, so a
One major difference between the
Nile monitors, like this juvenile, are white-throated monitor and the savannah
attractive and cute when small, but monitor is the purchase price. At the time
they grow and will require a large, of this writing, my local pet store is selling
preferably room-sized, enclosure.
savannah monitors for $24.99 each. A
white-throated monitor on custom order
at that same shop will cost $150.
Aside from the size difference at
maturity, these two lizards may be housed
under the same conditions as previously
described for the savannah monitor.
Nile Monitor
The beautiful, but temperamental,
Nile monitor (V. niloticus) boasts the
zig leszczynski
title of the largest lizard in Africa. It
may grow to as long as 8 feet and may
weigh nearly 100 pounds. When sold as
a 10-inch long juvenile that weighs only
a few ounces, however, this animal can
special pair of gloves (made specifically available in bait shops (even large be very deceptive in the pet shop, and
for handling large reptiles or birds department stores often sell cups of many hobbyists have purchased a Nile
of prey) may be necessary to avoid night crawlers in their sporting goods monitor without knowing what they are
experiencing an unwitting injury from departments), these protein-rich getting themselves into.
your pet’s talons. After handling any invertebrates will make a great addition In appearance, the Nile monitor is
pet reptile, make sure you wash your to your savannah’s diet. very attractive. Its base coloration is slate
hands with antibacterial soap to avoid to gray to bluish, with bands comprised
any possible contamination. Like all White-Throated Monitor of yellow to whitish ocelli, spots and
animals, including humans, monitors A close cousin of the savannah freckles. These bands cover the dorsum
can carry bacteria on their skin. In the monitor is the white-throated monitor along the back and completely encircle
case of monitors, bacteria can hide in the (V. albigularis). This animal, which occurs the tail. The head is similarly dark with
interstitial spaces between their scales, as in a number of subspecies, grows to lighter speckling and is honed to a very
well, especially if the reptile is housed in considerably longer lengths (adult males sharp snout.
unsanitary conditions by a lax or careless may reach 6 feet) and wears a much While it has received something of
keeper. Such unsanitary conditions, more striking coat of colors. Juvenile an undue reputation as a truly evil lizard
coupled with unsafe handling practices, coloration between the white-throated of terrible disposition, the Nile monitor,
can lead to bacterial infection for both and the savannah monitor is hard to if properly housed and cared for, can
the keeper and the kept. distinguish, but as specimens mature, be much more enjoyable than urban
Feeding is another great aspect of the savannah will retain its tawny, earthy legend would have you believe. Housed
keeping the savannah monitor; these coloration, while the base color of the in adequately sized terraria as juveniles,
hardy reptiles are eating machines! white-throat will darken to a slate-gray these lizards, like the savannah and
Virtually everything that moves is on the hue. The lighter spots and bands on this white-throated monitors, will require
menu, so you will have to be diligent in animal, however, are much brighter and their own room or pen as adults.
ensuring that your pet doesn’t eat too more striking than similar markings on Juveniles require daily feedings
much. Obesity, and the complications the savannah monitor, and some white- of insects, as they have a very high
and disorders that accompany it, are throated monitors may take on a light, metabolic rate and need to consume
the leading causes of death among alabaster shade over the entire body. large amounts of food to grow properly.
savannah monitors. Diets that are too The morphology of the head is slightly Provide plenty of arboreal retreats to
fatty or too rich in meat proteins are different from the savannah’s, as well; the juveniles, as they are devout climbers.
dangerous for the long-term well-being sharp snout of the savannah monitor When small, these lizards may be housed
of your savannah monitor. is replaced by a bulbous snout in the exactly as described for the black tree
Feed your pet a varied diet of white-throated monitor. monitor. Larger adults, however, seldom
insects: crickets, mealworms, wax Hailing from the southern half of leave the ground, and larger basking
worms, grasshoppers and roaches Africa, the white-throated monitor spots and larger pools of water become
(farm-cultivated insects and those is usually gentle, but patience and necessary, as this riverine species likes to
sold through your pet shop or online). diligence is still required when trying to soak and swim. Basking hotspots should
Savannah monitors also love eating get them to tame down and adjust to reach 110 degrees, while cooler retreats
night crawlers (earthworms). Cheaply the human touch. are absolutely necessary, as well. After
your Nile monitor reaches 30 inches, but more if it is exceptionally striking.
provide it with amply sized environs (as Even though I believe its nasty
well as lighting, water, etc.) as described reputation may not be entirely deserved,
for the savannah monitor. the Nile monitor is still a very large
Nile monitors are aggressive if species that may exhibit an occasional
improperly conditioned to human temperamental outburst. This species
touch. Specimens that are not often should definitely be kept only by the
handled will puff their throats, give expert hobbyist.
a hissing exhalation of breath, lash
violently with their tails and, if further Do Your Research First
aggravated, will empty their cloacal If you’ve been thinking about
contents and bite repeatedly, often keeping a pet monitor lizard of any kind,
twisting and turning their heads to I salute your efforts, and I encourage
inflict deep, tearing wounds. Proper, you to read all you can on the animals
regular handling from the time the before taking the plunge. Make sure you
lizard is very young, coupled with a are able to meet the commitment that a
diet of exclusively pre-killed prey (to monitor of any type requires, including
dampen this species’ so-called “killer time, money, space, effort and quality
instinct”) can make all the difference in of life. Remember, it’s not enough that
the world in calming and conditioning your pet survives under your care—it
an otherwise hostile Nile monitor. must thrive. Know your chosen monitor
A subspecies of the Nile monitor is inside and out before you buy. The time
the ornate Nile monitor (V. n. ornatus). and money you’ll save, the amount of
Wearing a more extreme coat of freckles effort you’ll expend, and the time and
and ocelli than the nominate species, this quality of years you’ll share with your
ornate cousin is more mild mannered, reptilian pet will be as long and as
substantively more handsome and enriching as is possible with these, the
comes with an accordingly higher price largest and most intelligent lizards in
tag. At the time of this writing, an adult the world.
ornate Nile monitor retails for somewhere
Phil Purser, Ph.D., lives in Tampa, Florida, where he is a professor
in the neighborhood of $350 dollars, at Hillsborough Community College. An avid angler and naturalist,
while a juvenile might fetch half this Phil’s areas of reptile expertise include rosy boas, geckos, and all
manner of colubrid snake species. Phil’s greatest reptilian passion,
much if it is not particularly handsome, however, are the rattlesnakes.
Additional Reading
The following are books on monitors that I recommend to anyone
interested in housing these intelligent and gorgeous reptiles.
General Care and Maintenance of Popular Monitors and Tegus, by

Michael Balsai (1997, Advanced Vivarium Systems)
Giant Lizards: The Definitive Guide to the Natural History, Care, and
Breeding of Monitors, Iguanas, and Other Large Lizards, by Dr. Rob-
ert Sprackland (2009, TFH Publications)
Monitors and Tegus, by R.D. & Patricia Bartlett (2006, Barron’s)
Varanoid Lizards of the World, edited by Erick Pianka and Dennis King
(2004, Indiana University Press)
The Savannah Monitor Lizard: The Truth About Varanus Exanthemati-

cus, by Daniel Bennett and Ravi Thakoordyal (2003, Viper Press)
Savannah Monitors: A Complete Guide to Varanus Exanthematicus

and Others, by Mark K. Bayless (2006, TFH Publications)
2013
Article
Index
PHOTOS: CIOLI / I-5 STUIDIO
Breeder’s Choice
Your g
January: Stripe paradox albino sand boa
February: Albino knob-tailed gecko
uide to March: Lavender stripe corn snake
ever y April: Palmetto corn snake
thing May: Calico crested gecko

June: Nuclear stripe Kenyan sand boa
REPT July: Hypomelanistic rainbow Dunner
ILES bearded dragon

August: Hormonal-blue Kofiau chondro
in 201 September: Albino northern diamondback terrapin
3. October: Orange dream fire pinstripe yellow-belly
ball python
November: Zorro bandit leopard gecko
December: Diamondback leopard gecko
Buyer’s Guides
January: Caging and DÈcor
March: Lighting
May: Climate Control
July: Food and Supplement
September: Health Products
Herp Queries
January: Pro Shows; Search Images
February: Baby Boxes; Albino Blue-Tongues
March: Splitting Species; Snake Road
April: What’s the Skinny; Herp Health Assessment;
Splitting Costs
May: Separation Anxiety; Conservation Conundrum
June: Pattern Preference; ‘Ye ‘Ol Slides;
Crocs vs. Pythons

July: Blind Snakes; Science
Exploited
August: Breeding Western vs. April: Route 4 Aquarium
Tricolor Hognose Snakes; Photo Tip June: LLLReptile
September: Snake Hunting Efficiency November: Reptiles-N-Reefs
October: To Loan or Not to Loan;
Any Rattle on Round-Ups? Who’s Who in
November: Up Close and Personal; REPTILES
The Scoop on Poop January: John Clare
December: Night Cruising; Almost March: Robert Krause
Corny, But Not Quite May: Brian Potter
August: John Callaham
Herpers’ Most December: Michael Shrom
Wanted
January: American spadefoot toad Vet Report
February: Madagascan giant January: IBD Breaking News
hognose snake February: Second Opinions
March: Rankin’s or Lawson’s Dragon March: Do Herps Suffer?
April: Common snapping turtle April: Does My Herp Need a Fecal
May: Western banded gecko Parasite Test?
June: Southern alligator lizard May: News Flash: I’m a Reptile/
July: Home’s hingeback tortoise Amphibian Specialist!
August: Checkered garter snake June: Common Viral Diseases
September: Surinam toad July: Antibiotic Use in Herps
October: Prairie kingsnake August: Record It!
November: Burmese mountain September: Vomiting and
tortoises Regurgitation
December: Black-tailed cribo October: Advance Diagnostic
Imaging
Reptile Retailer November: Internet: Blessing
Spotlight and Curse
February: Reptile Rapture December: Mites in Reptiles
Features January: May:
• Blessed Beauty (blessed dart frog) • Unconventional Beauty (Reeve’s
• The Velvet Carpet (carpet python) turtle)
• An Oldie But a Goodie (green anole) • Darlings from Down Under
• Herping the Arid Zone (Australian barking gecko)
(Arizona herping) • Colorful Captives (rainbow boas)
• Wish You Were Here (herp
postcards)
February: June:
• Snap! (alligator snapping turtle) • Calling All Artists! (“Drawn to
• Have a Ball (ball python) Reptiles” contest reminder)
• Go Natural (build a natural • Got Milk (Amazon milk frogs)
enclosure) • Going Green (green tree python)
• Energetic Aussie (Australian • Herps of Yellowstone
water dragon) • The Wizard of Oz (John Cann)
• Enchanted Islands of Fire
& Reptiles (Galapagos Islands)
March: July:
• Enter the “Living Wit Reptiles” Contest! • An American Classic (spotted turtle)
• Large & Majestic • Perennial Favorites (leopard gecko)
(New Caledonian giant gecko) • Top 10 Hatching Tips
• Wonderful Warts (warty newts) • On the Vine (Asian vine snake)
• Spiny Secrets Revealed! • The Iberian Penninsula
(Asian spiny turtle)
• American Green (smooth green snake)
• Hew Hope for the Endangered
Tomistoma
April: August:
• Blessed be the Bearded Dragon • The Living With Reptiles Contest
• Top 10 Dart Frogs Winners
• Beginner Chameleons • Fire in the Belly (fire-bellied newts)
• The Charm of Rats (Pantherophis • A Cryptic Skink Unmasked
rat snakes) (prehensile-tailed skink)
• Vietnam Adventure • Straight Talk on Snake Ailments
• Madagascar Memories

September:
• A Great, Grand Turtle (red-eared slider)
• The Comeback Constrictor (boa
constrictor)
• Skink Secrets (red-eyed crocodile skink)
• Monkeying Around (tiger-legged
monkey tree frog)
October:
• The “Drawn to Reptiles” Art Contest
Results
• Mesmerizing Milks (milk snakes)
• So Long (elongated tortoise)
• New CITIES Herp Listings
• Plated Protection (plated lizard)
• Not Your Average Newts (Spanish
ribbed newt)
November:
• Ever-Popular Corn Snake
• Sand & Stone (create a desert
vivarium)
• Rare Red-Necks (Kwangung turtle)
• Water-Lovin Lizard (caiman lizard)
December:
• An Under-Appreciated Gem
(common musk turtle)
• Not Your Father’s Retic (reticulated
python)
• Is a Tegu Right For You?
• Your New Reptile Owner Check List
• When Disaster Strikes
buyer’sguide
THE NEWEST PRODUCTS FOR CAGING & DÉCOR
REPTILES magazine is not responsible for any product claims. Product
statements are provided by the manufacturers and are not the opinion of
REPTILES magazine or its parent company, I-5 Publishing.
Deluxe ReptoHabitats
The revolutionary Deluxe ReptoHabitat
from Tetrafauna makes keeping a reptile or
amphibian easier than ever. The one-of-a-kind
design features lockable sliding doors for easy
access, a locking screen hood for one-handed
operation, and a built-in bottom drain that
greatly simplifies water changes and reduces
disruption to the environment. Newest sizes
include two 24-inch-high arboreal habitats
for tree climbers (20x18 inches and 30x18
inches), and a new Deluxe ReptoHabitat for
multiple animals or larger reptiles, measuring
Repti Tree Terrarium Decor 48x18 inches. All three habitats feature a rear
Zoo Med’s New Repti Tree is made of natural Mopani wood and provides areas for reptiles and bulkhead for use with canister filters and
amphibians to climb and rest in the terrarium. Mopani wood is one of the hardest, densest woods custom water features. For more information,
available and is perfectly suited for use in terrariums. The multicolored wood adds beauty and call 800-526-0650; or visit tetrafauna.com.
interest in the terrarium while the textures and climbing structure provides enrichment for pets.
The Repti Tree can be used with plants to create a natural look or under a heat lamp to provide
an arboreal basking site. Repti Tree is available two different sizes: 12 inch and 20 inch. For more
information, call 888-496-6633 or visit zoomed.com.
Stepping Stone Infinity Tank

Feeding Dish The Infinity tank has a unique design in
San Francisco Bay Brand’s Stepping Stone terrarium construction. Its rounded viewing
Pleco Feeding Dish is a holder for use with area gives it an open look that is appealing
Tubes Healthy Herp Reptile Instant Meals. Peel and different from a rectangular or square
& Hide-Aways the top off an instant meal, add water and tank. Instead of glass, the Infinity Tank is
Python’s new Pleco Tubes and place the meal cup inside the Stepping constructed of polycarbonate and high-
Hide-Aways are good for Stone Feeding Dish. When your reptile is impact ABS plastic. Vents are molded into the
fish, reptiles and small animals. Made from done enjoying its nutritious meal, simply bottom and top of the tank so that the heat
durable, easy-to-clean, non-toxic, natural remove the cup and dispose. The Stepping generated by the light draws air out of the
clays, the Python Hide-Away and Pleco Tube Stone Feeding Dish looks natural and is an tank from the top vents while pulling new
won’t fade, bleed or rot. Each is individually appealing addition to your terrarium. Solid air inside the tank from the bottom. This air
hand crafted in the United States. There are construction prevents tipping. Non-porous exchange keeps the tank from developing
two sizes of the Pleco tube and four sizes of and dishwasher-safe. Available in small and a dead air space and reduces condensation
the Hide-Away. For more information, visit large. For more information, call 800-624- in highly humid vivariums. For more
pythonproducts.com. 7322; or visit sfbb.com. information, visit Infinityterrarium.com.

What’s With
the Crowd?
Come see why over
180,000
herpers
are uniting
in one place!
Reptilite Brites
An all-natural calcium substrate by Blue Iguana,
Join in the buzz at
Reptilite Brites is ideal for true chameleons
or any tortoise, snake, lizard, arachnid or
insect that comes from an arid or semi-arid
environment. The naturally spherical grains
won’t scratch your valuable animals inside or
out! There are no artificial dyes or chemicals
in Reptilite Brites. This low-impact substrate
also contains strontium and magnesium, while
being free of silica and phosphates. Though not
intended as a food source or supplement, it is
100-percent edible and easily digestible. In fact,
Reptilite Brites are made of aragonite, the most
soluble form of calcium carbonate available.
Trusted by professional reptile breeders and
hobbyists alike, they are available in 5-, 10- and
20-pound bags and in five jaw-dropping colors:
cactus-blossom pink, rainforest green, sunshine
yellow, big-sky blue (pictured) and desert plum.
For more information, visit caribsea.com. Where
you can...
Share Opinions
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Colored Aspen Bedding

Check Out Breeders’
Fluker Farm’s new colored aspen bedding
Latest Morphs and Stock
provides a safe, natural substrate that allows
snakes, lizards and small animals to form
Find Local Reptile Events
burrows and nests, as they would in the wild.
Fluker’s new aspen bedding is available in
blue, red, black, green and natural. Comes Over 17,000 Topics • Over 135,000 Posts.
in a 4-quart or an 8-quart size. For more W W W . R E P T I L E C H A N N E L . C O M
information, call 800-735-8537, or visit
flukerfarms.com.

Natural Terrariums
Exo Terra’s Natural Terrariums are an ideal
habitat for reptiles. Terrariums have front-
opening doors for easy access for feeding and
maintenance, and the specially designed lock
prevents reptiles from escaping. Additionally,
a full-screen top allows for adequate
ventilation while allowing for UVB and
infrared penetration. The Natural Terrariums
come in four different sizes, Large/Low, Large/
Wide, Large/Tall and Large/X-Tall. For more
information, contact the Rolf C. Hagen (USA)
Corp. at 1-800-225-2700 or visit exo-terra.com.
Slippery Feet
Slippery Feet creates a long-lasting, non-toxic,
vertical insect barrier. Easily painted on any
smooth surface, such as glass,
plastic, or metal
containers. Use Low-Water Level Filter
Slippery Feet to S.T. International introduces Low-Water
prevent insect Level Filter by Primecare, designed especially AKA Reptiles and
escapes! No for reptiles. This dependable and effective Caging
sticky mess from low-water filtration system functions in as Cages for reptiles and tarantulas.
petroleum-based little as 11⁄4 inches of water and fits seamlessly AKA Reptiles has a new tarantula cage offered
barriers, or wads into reptile habitats, removing waste and in the sizes of 6x6x10 inches configured for
of tape! Slippery keeping water fresh with activated carbon and terrestrial species and 10x6x6 inches config-
Feet works great bio housing. Offers dual-sided water inlets, a ured for arboreal species. They are made to or-
for repelling vented lid and double filtration. The activated der so each customer gets personal attention.
ant infestations, as well. Apply Slippery Feet carbon sponge cleanses harmful substances Enclosures use magnetic latches for a clean
with a small foam brush, cotton tip swab or while maintaining beneficial bacteria housing. look and secure locking with both front- and
cloth. Once dried, Slippery Feet forms a barrier This filter cultivates healthy bacteria that help top-opening doors. For more information, visit
that prevents insects from crossing. For more maintain ecological balance. Replacement pads facebook.com/AKAReptilez
information, visit stickytonguefarms.com. available for purchase. Extremely quiet. Easy to set
up and maintain. One year warranty. Also great as a
fish aquarium hang-on filter. For more information,
800-900-8288; email, info@
STinternational.com; or visit
STinternational.com.
NPI Cages
Offering safe, secure, sanitary cages Rep-Tiles
for more than 40 years. NPI cages are easily Stone Shelters
sanitized, made of durable ABS plastic, come Nature Zone’s modular technology makes it simple to create an endless variety of safe decorative
with the option of lighting, are lightweight shelters. The flat stone-replica pieces can be snapped together to make caves, rock ledges, multilayer
and affordable, and have a slanted face for condos, etc. The simulated rock creates a natural background and habitat. They are cast of durable
maximum viewing. For more information, email polyurethane and are dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning and sterilization. Available at herp stores, pet
mpeitz@npi-ks.com; or visit npicages.com. stores, major pet chains and online. For more information, visit naturezonepet.com.

NOW AVAILABLE
ON YOUR PHONE AND TABLET
FREE FOR PRINT SUBSCRIBERS

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herp
Nov. 9-10, Taylor, TX: Repticon Greater Austin, Taylor Dec. 7, Hamburg, PA: Northwestern Berks Reptile Show,
Columbus Club, aka K.C. Hall, 2201 East Fourth St., Info: Hamburg Field House, 127 S. 4th St. Info: Denise Readinger
Billy Healy 863.268.4273, info@repticon.com, repticon.com 484-651-2689; captivetr1@aol.com; hamburgreptileshow.com
Nov. 10, Cheswick, PA: Pittsburgh Reptile Show and Sale, Dec. 7, Bowling Green, KY: Kentucky Reptile Expo
Christmas, Knicely Conference Center. Info: 606-547-6643;
The Harmar House, 1321 Freeport Rd. Info: 724-516-0441;
kentuckyreptileexpo.com
Pghreptileshow@gmail.com; PghReptileShow.com
happenings
To list a show, please mail your information to
Nov. 9-10, Jacksonville, FL: Repticon Jacksonville,
UNF University Center, 12000 Alumni Dr. Info: Billy Healy,
863-268-4273; info@repticon.com; repticon.com
Dec. 7-8, Orlando, FL: Repticon Orlando, Central Florida
Faigrounds, 4603 W. Colonial Dr. Info: Billy Healy, 863-268-
4273; info@repticon.com; repticon.com
Reptile Events, REPTILES, 3 Burroughs, Irvine, Dec. 7-8, Lubbock, TX: Repticon Lubbock, Knights of
Nov. 10, Kitchener, Ontario, CA: Kitchener Reptile Expo, Columbus Hall, 4702 130th Str., Info: 863-268-4273;
CA 92618. Phone calls, faxes and e-mails
Bingemans Park, 425 Bingemans Centre Dr. Info: Grant Grossman, info@repticon.com; repticon.com
won’t be accepted. Listings must include 905-279-5550; reptileexpo@rogers.com; reptileexpo.ca
show dates, name and street address of show Dec. 8, Mason, OH: Cin City Reptile Show, Kings Island
venue, and contact phone number. Inclusion Nov. 10, Toronto, Ontario, CA: Toronto Reptile Expo, Downtown Resort and Conference Center, 5691 Kings Island Dr.
in this column is based on a first-come, Park, 35 Carl Hall Rd. Info: Grant Grossman, 905-279-5550; Info: 513-910-0900; cincityreptileshow@yahoo.com;
first-served, space-available basis and is not reptileexpo@rogers.com; reptileexpo.ca cincityreptileshow.com
guaranteed. Materials must be received at
Nov. 10, St. Louis, MO: St. Louis Reptile Show, Holiday Inn Dec. 8, Indianapolis, IN: Midwest Reptile Shows, Indiana
least four months in advance of the event. Southwest, Viking Conference Center, 10709 Watson Road. State Fairgrounds, Southwest Pavilion, 1202 E. 38th St. Info:
REPTILES magazine is not responsible for Info: Patrick 913-400-2876; info@stlreptileshow.com; 317-899-1599; midwestreptileshows.com
event changes or the number of reptile stlreptileshow.com
vendors present at any show. Call ahead to Dec. 8, Rexdale, Ontario, CA: Woodbine Reptile Expo,
verify information before attending. Nov. 15, Columbus, OH: All Ohio Reptile Sale and Show, Moose Woodbine Banquet & Convention Ctr., 30 Vic Regent Rd. Info:
list your event

Grant Grossman, 905-279-5550; reptileexpo@rogers.com;
Lodge 11, 1500 Demorest Rd. Info: Robbie Hamper, 614-457-
reptileexpo.ca
4433; rhgecko@aol.com; allohioreptileshows.webs.com
Dec. 14, Columbus, OH: All-Ohio Reptile Shows, Moose
Nov. 16, Kalamazoo, MI: Reptile & Exotic Animal Expo, Lodge 11, 1500 Demorest Rd. Info: 614-457-4433;
REPTILES magazine is not responsible Kalamazoo County Expo Center, 2900 Lake Street Info: allohioshows.com
for event changes, event cancellations 269-779-9851; info@kalamazooreptileshow.com;
or the number of reptile vendors kalamazooreptileshow.com Dec. 14, Taylor, MI: Michigan Reptile Show, 22525 Ecorse
present at any show. Call ahead to verify Rd. Info: Mike, 248-629-4304; michiganreptileshow.com
information before attending. Nov. 16-17, Aurora, CO: Repticon Greater Denver in Aurora,
the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds, 25690 East Quincy Ave. Info: Dec. 14, Manassas, VA: NVRE, Prince William County
November Billy Healy, 863-268-4273; info@repticon.com; repticon.com Fairgrounds. 10624 Dumfries Rd. Info: 717-432-5807;
mdreptilefarm.com
Nov. 16, Birmingham, AL: Dixie Reptile Show, BJCC, 2100
Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. Info: Terry Heuring, 256-776- Dec. 14, Birmingham, AL: Dixie Reptile Show, BJCC, 2100
Nov. 2, Lexington, KY: Kentucky Reptile Expo, Lexington 2125; dixiereptiles@hotmail.com Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. Info: Terry Heuring, 256-776-
Convention Center, Heritage Ball Room. Info: 606-547-6643; 2125; dixiereptiles@hotmail.com
kentuckyreptileexpo.com Nov. 16, Columbus, OH: All-Ohio Reptile Shows, Moose Lodge
11, 1500 Demorest Rd. Info: 614-457-4433; allohioshows.com Dec. 14-15, Gonzales, LA: Repticon Greater Baton
Nov. 2, White Plains, NY: Westchester County Center, Rouge in Gonzales, Lamar Dixon Exposition Center, 9039
198 Central Ave. Info: Bruce Lowder, 845-526-4845; S. Saint Landry Ave. Info: Billy Healy, 863-268-4273;
Nov. 16-17, Lawrenceville, GA: Repticon Greater Atlanta in
reptileexpo.com info@repticon.com; repticon.com
Lawrenceville, Gwinnett County Fairgrounds, 2405 Sugarloaf
Nov. 2-3, Columbia, SC: Repticon Columbia, Jamil Tem- Pkwy. Info: Billy Healy, 863-268-4273; info@repticon.com;
Dec. 14-15, Winston-Salem, NC: Repticon Piedmont Triad
ple, 206 Jamil Rd. Info: Billy Healy, 863-268-4273; info@ repticon.com
at Winston-Salem, Dixie Classic Fairgrounds, Bolton Home
repticon.com; repticon.com & Garden Building, Gate 9, 421 W. 27th St. Info: Billy Healy,
Nov. 16-17, Phoenix, AZ: Phoenix Reptile Expo, Mesa
863-268-4273; info@repticon.com; repticon.com
Nov. 2-3, Chalmette, LA: Repticon New Orleans, Sigur Civic Convention Center, 200 N Centennial Way. Info: James
Center, 8245 West Judge Perez Dr. Info: 863-268-4273; Badman, 480-985-3121; phxreptileexpo.com Dec. 20, Columbus, OH: All Ohio Reptile Sale and Show, Moose
info@repticon.com; repticon.com Lodge 11, 1500 Demorest Rd. Info: Robbie Hamper, 614-457-
Nov. 17, Troy, NY: Capital Region Reptile Expo, Hudson
Valley Community College. Info: Jen, 845-616-5838; Mark, 4433; rhgecko@aol.com; allohioreptileshows.webs.com
Nov. 2-3, San Antonio, TX: Texas Reptile Expo, Live Oak
Civic Center, 8101 Pat Booker Hwy. Info: Randal Berry, 501- 845-902-8952; herpnerds.com
Dec. 21, Kalamazoo, MI: Reptile & Exotic Animal
562-7311; info@texasreptiles.com; texasreptileexpos.com Expo, Kalamazoo County Expo Center, 2900 Lake St.
Nov. 23-24, El Paso, TX: Repticon El Paso, El Maida Shrine,
Info: 269-779-9851; info@kalamazooreptileshow.com;
Nov. 2-3, 2013 San Diego, CA: Reptile Super Show, San 6331 Alabama Str., Info: Billy Healy, 863-268-4273; info@
kalamazooreptileshow.com
Diego Concourse/ Civic Center, 202 C St. Info: Ramy, repticon.com; repticon.com
619-281-PETS (7387); ReptileSuperShow@gmail.com; Dec. 21, Harve de Grace, MD: All Maryland Reptile Show
ReptileSuperShow.com Nov. 23-24, Costa Mesa, CA: Repticon Los Angeles, Orange Community Center; 100 Largaret Lane; Info: 717-432-5807;
County Fair Grounds and Event Center, 88 Fair St. Info: Billy mdreptilefarm.com
Nov. 3, Mason, OH: Cin City Reptile Show, Kings Island
Healy, 863-268-4273; repticon.com
Resort and Conference Center, 5691 Kings Island Dr. Dec. 22, Cheswick, PA: Pittsburgh Reptile Show and Sale,
Info: 513-910-0900; cincityreptileshow@yahoo.com; The Harmar House, 1321 Freeport Rd. Info: 724-516-0441;
Nov. 23-24, Ft. Lauderdale, FL: Repticon Ft. Lauderdale,
cincityreptileshow.com Pghreptileshow@gmail.com; PghReptileShow.com
War Memorial Auditorium, 800 NE 8th St. Info: Billy Healy,
Nov. 9, Taylor, MI: Michigan Reptile Show, 22525 Ecorse 863-268-4273; info@repticon.com; repticon.com
Dec. 29, St. Louis, MO: St. Louis Reptile Show, Holiday
Rd. Info: Mike, 248-629-4304; michiganreptileshow.com Inn Southwest, Viking Conference Center, 10709 Watson
Nov. 23-24, Raleigh, NC: North Carolina Reptile Show, North
Road. Info: Patrick 913-400-2876; info@stlreptileshow.com;
Nov. 9, Harve de Grace, MD: All Maryland Reptile Show Carolina State Fairgrounds, Scott Building, 1025 Blue Ridge
stlreptileshow.com
Community Center; 100 Largaret Lane; Info: 717-432-5807; Rd. Info: Billy Healy, 863-268-4273; repticon.com
mdreptilefarm.com
Nov. 24, Pointe Claire, Quebec, CA: Montreal Reptile Expo,
January 2014
Nov. 9, Oaks, PA: East Coast Reptiles Super Expo, Greater Holiday Inn Pointe Claire, Quebec, 6700 Trans Canada Hwy.
Philadelphia Expo Center, 1601 Egypt Rd. Info: Marty Peidl, Info: Grant Grossman, 905-279-5550; reptileexpo@rogers.
610-529-3614; eastcoastreptilesuperexpos.com com; Reptileexpo.ca
Nov. 9, Denver, CO: Rocky Mountain Reptile Expo, Jan. 4-5, Pomona, CA: Reptile Super Show, Pomona Fairplex,
National Western Complex,4655 Humbolt St. Info: Lynn Los Angeles County Fairgrounds 1101 W. McKinley Ave. Info:
Kubic, 720-685-9557; lynn@rockymountainreptileexpo.
com; rockymountainreptileexpo.com December Ramy, 619-281-PETS (7387); ReptileSuperShow@gmail.com;
ReptileSuperShow.com

Sunday
January 5
198 Central Ave,

White Plains, NY
Now 2 rooms with 250+ vendor tables
$10
$5
Sunday
January 26
10:00 am- 4:00 pm
Radisson Hotel
Expo Center
700 Elm St
Manchester, NH
Now Even Bigger!
A New Larger Facility
150+ vendor tables
$9
$4
STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION (Required by 39 U.S.C. 3685) 1. Publication Title: Reptiles. 2. Publication No. 1068-1965.
3. Filing Date: 10/21/13. 4. Issue Frequency: Monthly. 5. No. of Issues Published Annually: 12. 6. Annual Subscription Price: $24.00. 7. Complete Mailing
Address of Known Office of Publication: i-5 Publishing LLC, 3 Burroughs, Irvine, Orange County, CA, 92618-2804. Contact Person: Jennifer Bullington,
Want to
Telephone (949) 855-8822. 8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher: i-5 Publishing LLC, 3 Burroughs, Irvine,
CA 92618-2804. 9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor: Publisher: Desiree Lynch, i-5 Publishing LLC,
3 Burroughs, Irvine, CA 92618-2804. Editor: Russ Case, i-5 Publishing LLC, 3 Burroughs, Irvine, CA 92618-2804. Managing Editor: Stephanie Starr, i-5
connect with
Publishing LLC, 3 Burroughs, Irvine, CA 92618-2804. 10. Owner: i-5 Publishing LLC, 3 Burroughs, Irvine, CA 92618-2804; Mark Harris, Same address.;
David Fry, Same address. 11. Known Bondholders, Mortgages, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of
Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities: None. 12. Tax Status: N/A. 13. Publication Title: Reptiles. 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: September
2012-August 2013. 15. Extent and Nature of Circulation: A. Total No. of Copies: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: 35,139.
other herpers?
No. of Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: 35,575. B. Paid Circulation: B1. Mailed Outside-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS
Form 3541. Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: 24,155. No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: 22,543.
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Nearest to Filing Date: 2,352. B4. Paid Distribution by Other Classes Mailed Through the USPS. Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12
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Outside-County Copies Included on PS Form 3541. Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: 320. No. Copies of Single Issue Published
Nearest to Filing Date: 775. 2. Free or Nominal Rate In-County Copies Include on PS Form 3541. Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12
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Attend
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Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: 25,770. G. Copies Not Distributed. Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: 8,252. No. Copies
an expo!
of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: 9,805. H. Total: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: 35,139. No. Copies of
Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: 35,575. I. Percent Paid. Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: 98.56%. No. Copies
of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: 96.60%. I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. Russ Case, Editor.

Advertiser
Jan. 5, White Plains, NY: Reptile Expo, 198 Central Ave. April 19, Manchester, NH: Radisson Hotel, Armory Room.
Info: Bruce Lowder, 845-526-4845; reptileexpo.com Info: Bruce Lowder, 845-526-4845; reptileexpo.com
Jan. 18, Portland, OR: Portland Metro Reptile Expo, Airport
Index March
Holiday Inn, 8439 NE Columbia Blvd. Info: Joel Ebarb, 503-
412-8181; NWReptileExpos.com
Jan. 24-26, 2014, Timonium, MD: 13th Annual World of

Armstrong’s Cricket Farm (LA)............ 27 Pets Expo, Maryland State Fairgrounds. Info: 800-882-9894; March 15-16, Tinley Park, IL: NARBC, Holiday Inn Select,
info@worldofpets.org; worldofpets.org 18501 S. Harlem. Info: Brian Potter, 708-932-8044; narbc.com
Artic Mice............................................ 11
Jan. 26, Manchester, NH: Radisson Hotel, Armory Room. March 15-16, San Antonio, TX: Texas Reptile Expo, Norris
Conference Center at Wonderland of the Americas, 4522
Backwoods Farm Inc.......................... 40 Info: Bruce Lowder, 845-526-4845; reptileexpo.com Fredericksburg Rd., Info: Randal Berry, 501-562-7311;
info@texasreptiles.com; texasreptileexpos.com
Captive Reptile Specialties................. 59
February
March 23, Melville, NY: Long Island Reptile Show, Hun-
Central Aquatics...................... 43, 45, 47 tington Hilton, 598 Broad Hollow Rd. (Rte. 110). Info: Bruce
Lowder, 845-526-4845 reptileexpo.com
Dubi Deli.............................................. 57
Feb. 9, White Plains, NY: Reptile Expo, 198 Central Ave.
April
Exo Terra.......................... C4, 31, 33, 35 Info: Bruce Lowder, 845-526-4845; reptileexpo.com
Feb. 15-16, Arlington, TX: NARBC, Arlington Convention

Fluker Farms....................................... 13
Center, 1200 Ballpark Way. Info: Brian Potter, 708-932-8044;
April 6, White Plains, NY: Reptile Expo, 198 Central Ave.
narbc.com
Ghann.com.......................................... 42 Info: Bruce Lowder, 845-526-4845; reptileexpo.com
Feb. 116, Poughkeepsie, NY: Hudson Valley Reptile Expo, April 19, Manchester, NH: Radisson Hotel, Armory Room.
Gourmet Rodent Inc, The................... 57
Mid-Hudson Civic Center. Info: nyreptileexpo.com Info: Bruce Lowder, 845-526-4845; reptileexpo.com
Hikari Sales USA Inc........................... 19
JurassiPet.com...................................... 9 SHOW BITZ

LLL Reptile and Supply Co Inc........... 23
MiceDirect.com................................... 42
MidwestTongs.com............................. 29
Millbrook Cricket Farm........................ 49
Nasco Farm & Ranch.......................... 57
Natural Chemistry............................... 40
courtesy reptile super show

Nature Zone.......................................... 3
Northwest Zoological.......................... 59
Northwestern Berks Reptiles Inc........ 17
NY Metro Reptile Expo....................... 55
Rep-Cal Research Labs......................C3
Repticon................................................ 2 Reptile Super Show — Bigger and Better!

ReptiWorms........................................ 59 This January 4-5, 2014 in Pomona, Calif., the Reptile Super Show will be held
in the biggest building at the Pomona Fairplex/ Los Angeles County Fairgrounds.
Reptile Basics Inc................................ 25 More than 400 booths, filling 120,000 square feet of reptiles, amphibians, turtles
Reptile Super Show........................... 57
and more. Reptile talks, activities, seminars and auctions are just a few things
planned. All attendees are invited to come experience our educational seminar
Reptilefood.com.................................. 21 running throughout the day on Saturday. We have an all-star lineup of speakers,
comprised of world-renowned experts, in their respective areas of interest. These
Reptmart............................................. 58
talks are going to be very diverse and will have something for everyone no
RodentPro.com LLC............................. 5 matter what your particular focus may be. A terrarium building contest will be on
display and attendees will have a chance to vote for there favorite setup. USARK
Timberline Live Pet Food...................... 7
will have there popular auction on Saturday night. It is a great time to come
UPG Aquatic (Post Petition)................ 15 out, have fun and support USARK and all they have done to support our reptile
industry and hobbyist. Don’t miss this reptile action-packed weekend January
Zoo Med
4-5, 2014 at the Reptile Super Show. For more info, schedule and coupons check
Laboratories Inc......... C2-1, 37, 39, 41 out ReptileSuperShow.com

WORLD’S LARGEST REPTILE SHOW & BREEDERS EXPO
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ILGG W
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U I E
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IT
ISS
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M
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N’T
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NEXT SHOWS: JANUARY 4-5, 2014 Los Angeles, Ca.
JULY 12-13, 2014 San Diego, Ca.
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58 REPTILES | January 2014 | ReptilesMagazine.com reptile breeder directory
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breeders’
reptile
exchange
AMPHIBIANS CHAMELEONS SNAKES
ARROW FROGS — EcoFauna’s tremendous variety KAMMERFLAGE KREATIONS — Over three RALPH DAVIS REPTILES — “The King of Ball
of mature, captive-bred species ships-anywhere in the decades of reptile experience. Specialzing in beautiful Pythons.” Many double het and co-dom designers
U.S. Visit buypoisonfrogs.com for more info and to captive bred Panther Chameleons. 951-738-8388; available! The greatest ball python collection on the
view our animals. www.chameleonsonly.com planet! 410-984-5194; ralph@ralphdavisreptiles.com;
POISON DART FROGS! Complete one-stop shopping GECKOS www.ralphdavisreptiles.com; YouTube: youtube.com/
for all your needs. Seventeen years experience. Exten- ralphdavis
sive website with free care sheets, online videos, travel REPTILES FOREVER GECKOS — Premium captive-
photos from their natural habitat. www.dartfrog.com bred geckos raised with TLC. Nationwide shipping all TURTLES AND TORTOISES
year long. 651-335-9418; www.reptilesforever.com
ALBINO TURTLES WANTED — Turtle breeder is
BEARDED DRAGONS LEOPARD GECKOS, CRESTED GECKOS and fat-tail interested in obtaining albino specimen(s) of U.S.
FIRE AND ICE DRAGONS — Award-winning citrus geckos. We provide the highest level of quality, health turtles for potential breeding projects. Also albino
bearded dragons, high colors, designer morphs. Voted and beauty. Call Garrick at 715-845-5545; or see our
amphibians. Please call Clive Longden, 850-385-
Best of the Best. Call 717-359-8669; or visit www. huge selection of color and pattern morphs at www.
0684.
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WWW.BASKNDRAGONS.COM — Check out our DESIGNER GECKOS — Full-service leopard- ALBINO TURTLES AND TORTOISES WANTED —
website for awesome bearded dragons and great gecko store, high-quality morphs at great prices. Also interested in two-headed turtles and tortoises.
prices for overnight delivery! sales@baskndragons. one-hundred percent satisfaction guarantee. Top dollar paid. Call Duane Swaniec, 727-847-5955;
com; www.baskndragons.com Visit our gecko store in Colorado. 720-217-1472; email at dswaniec@verizon.net
WWW.INLANDBEARDEDDRAGONS.COM has beau- www.designergeckos.com ALLIGATOR SNAPPERS hatchlings through 130
tiful, quality-dragons at reasonable prices. High color LIZARDS pounds. Full selection of domestic hatchlings. Quality
red, orange, yellow, and hypos available. Check out exotics. Call John at 417-736-9114, day or night;
our website for more information. GILA MONSTERS BY PROFESSIONAL BREEDERS™
macrojon@ipa.net; www.turtleman.com
— The choice for extreme-quality Utah banded
BOAS AND PYTHONS Gila monsters and central Arizona reticulated Gila TURTLES AND TORTOISES INC. — The foremost
BOA BASEMENT — Where quality still matters. monsters. Selectively bred over multiple generations selection of turtles and tortoises available in the world,
Captive-produced boas, pythons and colubrids. for high-percentage salmon-pink, chalk-white or plus a wide selection of crocodilians. Top quality at
Douglas Matusak, 216-229-8336; bbasement@att. orange coloration: large size and calm behavior. great prices. Worldwide shipping. Contact us at 727-
net; pics and prices at www.boabasement.com International orders welcome with CITES permits 534-3004; or sales@turtlesandtortoises.com; check
available. Steve Osborne, phone/fax: 800-487-9658;
RALPH DAVIS REPTILES — “The King of Ball out our website at www.turtlesandtortoises.com
406-862-9220; probreeders@yahoo.com; www.
Pythons.” Many double het and co-dom designers probreeders.com WANTED: ALL SPECIES OF TORTOISES. Top prices
available! The greatest ball python collection on the paid. Call Duane Swaniec at 727-847-5955; or email
planet! 410-984-5194; ralph@ralphdavisreptiles.com; GILA MONSTERS — Outrageous quality, captive-
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www.ralphdavisreptiles.com; YouTube: youtube.com/
ralphdavis docseward.com and receive a free copy of the book
Animal Network’s
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BALL PYTHONS — Lots of morphs and combos: 7325; www.docseward.com (See display advertise-
bananas, clowns, bees, blasts, pieds, caramels, hypos
Gold Standard
ment in Gallery of Breeds.)
and dozens of others! Call Garrick DeMeyer at 715-
845-5545; or visit www.royalconstrictordesigns.com MULTIPLE SPECIES BREEDERS
(See display advertisement in Gallery of Breeds.)
WWW.RAINBOWS-R-US-REPTILES.COM —
WWW.BACKWATERREPTILES.COM has hundreds
of snakes, lizards, turtles, tortoises, frogs, toads,
Quality Content
Passionate breeder specializing in high-end, selec- newts, salamanders, tarantulas, scorpions and
tively bred Brazilian rainbow boas and boa constric- feeders, all delivered right to your doorstep! Visit our
tors. 408-224-0414; rainbowsrus@sbcglobal.net website today!
DAN’S BOAS — You’re one stop shop for fine, A+ SERPENTS — Specializing in top-quality
captive bred Boas, Reptiles and Rainbow Boas. 386- mutations of ball pythons, western hognose, Kenyan
517-3763; lorenzoceleste5@gmail.com sand boas and Sonoran gopher snakes. We also carry
the full line of Herpstat Thermostats and Flex Watt
Heat Tape! All major credit cards accepted. 978-697-
1008; www.aplusserpents.com
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products & services
reptile
complete list of show dates, times and directions. For satisfaction-guaranteed. VISA, MC, AmEx, Discover,
BOOKS AND PUBLICATIONS more information or to place an order, please call 812- money-orders, checks and PayPal accepted. 812-867-
HUGE BOOK SALE! www.eaglemountainpublishing. 867-7598. 7598; fax: 812-867-6058; info@rodentpro.com
com
WWW.RODENTPRO.COM OFFERS FREE RABBITS — Available for sale at wholesale prices.
EDUCATION DELIVERY to The All-Cleveland Reptile Show in Please visit our website at www.rodentpro.com for
Cleveland, OH. Please visit www.rodentpro.com/ huge savings! Secure online ordering available. Small
FLORIDA TEACHING ZOO — Real professional
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lectures. Hands-on primates, big cats, crocs, zoo
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Massachusetts. Herpline, 617-789-5800; visit: www. MO. Please visit www.rodentpro.com/events.asp for a
massreptileexpo.com for more details or to become a complete list of show dates, times and directions. For UNCLE JIM’S WORM FARM — Live red worms and
vendor. more information or to place an order, please call 812- mealworms. Give your pet a healthy treat. 800-373-
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THUMB REPTILE SHOWS — All legal exotics wel-
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website for details. We sell frozen mice, rats and
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chicks of all sizes. Small and large quantities avail-
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able. We can supply your needs year-round while THE GOURMET RODENT — Rats and mice. Pinkies,
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information or to place an order, please call 812-867-
specials and discounts available. We can also be found information, send SASE: P.O. Box 430, Newberry, FL
7598.
monthly at the Midwest Reptile Show in Indianapolis, 32669-0430; 352-472-9189; www.gourmetrodent.com
ALL CLEVELAND REPTILE SALE AND SWAP dates Indiana. MC, VISA, Discover and PayPal accepted.
2013: Nov. 16 and Dec. 14, 10 a.m. through 4 p.m. $4 MEALWORMS BY THE POUND — Live meal-
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LONE STAR REPTILE EXPOS, ARLINGTON, TX — huge savings! Secure online ordering available. Small
December 14-15, 2013. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Knights A BIGGERS & CALLAHAM COMPANY — Why do so
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DELIVERY to The All-Ohio Reptile Show in Columbus, GUINEA PIGS — Available for sale at wholesale AmEx, Discover, PayPal. 888-747-0736; visit us at
OH. Please visit www.rodentpro.com/events.asp for a prices. Please visit our website at www.rodentpro.com www.micedirect.com
for huge savings! Secure online ordering available. DUBIA ROACHES FOR SALE — Five percent off
Small and large orders welcome. One-hundred percent
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customer satisfaction-guaranteed. VISA, MC, AmEx, lizards, amphibians, fish, tarantulas. No smell. Don’t
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LAYNE LABORATORIES — Live and frozen mice and if we can meet your demands. We’re real rodent pros
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excellent nutrition equals excellent rodents! One-
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this symbol MAXEY RODENT COMPANY, in business since 1991
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MULBERRY FARMS — Widest variety of feeders.
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animals. We ship anywhere. 530-472-3294; cell: 530- worms, waxworms, superworms (several sizes), meal-
it means you can 227-3899; fax: 530-472-1149; rodents@frontiernet.net
MICE — Available for sale at wholesale prices. Please
worms, roaches, crickets, also silkworm food, eggs,
butterflies and more. Go to www.mulberryfarms.com
go to visit our website at www.rodentpro.com for huge
savings! Secure online ordering available. Small and
RAINBOW MEALWORMS — Attention vendors and
users of crickets and/or mealworms. Rainbow Meal-
ReptilesChannel.com/ads large-orders welcome. One-hundred percent customer
satisfaction guaranteed. VISA, MC, AmEx, Discover,
worms has a new policy: We will not be undersold by
our competitors! We have any amount of mealworms,
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thousands or millions available. Contact us; 800-777-
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THE CENTER FOR AVIAN and exotic medicine. The To ensure proper nutrition, be sure
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avianandexoticvets.com dietary needs!
Ken Foose
Jim Merli
Glossy
Snake
(Arizona elegans)
Size: Up to 36 inches.
Life Span: 20-plus years.
Range: South western United States,

from Southern California to west Texas,
and from southwest Nebraska south
into central Mexico.
Natural Habitat: From sea level to

7,000 feet in elevation. A large variety
of habitats, ranging from grasslands,
pinyon-juniper woodlands, sandy desert
areas and rocking areas. Often found
while road cruising in open habitat.
Captive Housing: An easily

maintained species. Glossy snakes thrive
Verdict
in simple, low-maintenance enclosures. A meek, mild snake that
An adult can be housed in a tank is shiny and attractive. It is
measuring 30 inches long, 12 inches An easily maintained species. a manageable size, easy
Glossy snakes thrive in simple, low-
wide and 12 inches tall, with a secure maintenance enclosures. to house and easy to feed.
screen top. Larger enclosures can be These are one of the best pet
used, as well as smaller enclosures for 50 percent for this desert species. Place snakes you can own.
smaller snakes. Bedding can be aspen, a water bowl at the cool end, just large
bark or cage carpet. Place a heat pad enough for the snake to drink from.
under one end of the tank to establish a Hides are important, as this species has been a surge of captive breeding,
hotspot of about 90 degrees Fahrenheit. spends most of its day hidden under and more hatchlings raised on pre-killed
The rest of the enclosure can be from 75 rocks and such in the wild. Multiple pinky mice are becoming available.
to 80 degrees. Humidity varies, but for hides are recommended. Place one at Glossy snakes have variable patterns,
the most part it can range from zero to the cool end and one at the hot end. depending on locality, but all have
Lighting is not necessary. about the same blotched pattern with
All Dressed Diet: Glossy snakes are powerful

glossy, high-sheen scales, hence the
snake’s name. You might find some
Up constrictors and thrive in captivity on

a diet of pre-killed adult mice. They
for sale at reptile shows, both field-
collected adults and captive-bred
will also eat lizards and small birds, but babies. They are rarely found in pet
The glossy snake has the rodents are the best diet for them. stores, and sometimes they offered
pattern and look of a gopher in specialty reptile stores and on the
snake, but all dressed up. What’s Available: Glossy snakes Internet. REPTILES
As a youngster, I recall them have been pretty much ignored in the
Ken Foose produced his first captive-bred snakes at age 11. With a
being referred to a gopher pet trade. Traditionally, they have been Master’s Degree in zoology, he has been both a zookeeper and curator.
snake in a tuxedo. field-collected and switched over to He opened Exotic Pets, which specializes in reptiles and amphibians,
in Las Vegas in 1991. He is currently president of the International
domestic mice for food. Recently, there Herpetological Symposium.

www.repcal.com
NO CORN
REPTILE DIETS

January 2014

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BLOOD PYTHON CARE CAGING & DÉCOR

AWESOME MORPHS PG 28 BUYER’S GUIDE PG 50

JANUARY 2014 THE WORLD’S LEADING REPTILE MAGAZINE

ANOTHER YEAR PRODUCTION

of REPTILES, coming up! Multimedia Production Manager: Jessica Jaensch

Be sure to visit ReptileChannel.com for all

Contest Winner address label from latest copy as well

PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.

4 REPTILES | January 2014 | ReptilesMagazine.com

Discover what tens of thousands of

RodentPro.com® offers only the

28 THE REDDER THE BETTER BLOOD PYTHON

46 2013 ARTICLE INDEX

16 THE VET REPORT

6 REPTILES | January 2014 | ReptilesMagazine.com

REPTILES ? tank with geckos? I found one today outside of

Depending on the size and gender, this can

uOn the Ball

Prize! Brian Barczyk in the February 2013 issue of

SHARE YOUR thoughts

8 REPTILES | January 2014 | ReptilesMagazine.com

ENCLOSURE Six Frog

PHOTO COURTESY TROND LARSEN

but you’re really rescuing the

Corn Snake Care

12 REPTILES ❙ January 2014 ❙ ReptilesMagazine.com

STOCK ITEM #51020*

*Item#51020 Fluker’s Bend-A-Branch.

lAl Take lots of photos and post

widely, like on Internet forums. Prolific

14 REPTILES |January 2014 | ReptilesMagazine.com

Salmonella in source of the Salmonella.

Reptiles that about 280,000 cases of human

Need a Herp Vet?

16 REPTILES | January 2014 | ReptilesMagazine.com

PAUL VANDER SCHOUW

The false map

18 REPTILES | January 2014 | ReptilesMagazine.com

20 REPTILES | January 2014 | ReptilesMagazine.com

keels of the broad-heads, or as spiky as

Your one stop herp shops

Canada, southward along the western

has been recorded in rivers, streams, grow to more than 10 inches.

females develop enlarged heads, but G. pseudogeographica, and was once

of the broad-head map species. There

energetic, even large adult female map

Despite being resilient and avoided. Scrapes and scratches on the

January 2014 | REPTILES 27

THE BLOOD CELL

COURTESY NICK BOTTINI

• Used by professionals all over the world.

Mark O’Shea Hook

courtesy chris mcara

require supplemental light). It should be overall well-being of your blood python.

For more information on these or

COURTESY CHRIS MCARA

THE BLOOD CELL

32 REPTILES | January 2014 | ReptilesMagazine.com

the blood cell

maintain an 80-degree room in your

u Easy care tips for USA at your local pet