The scientific name is Pogona Vitticeps for this lizard of the Australian Outback, and Savannahs. One of the deserts in the Outback is the Gibson desert. One of my favorite old time cowboy of the movies is Hoot Gibson. Some names just have deeper meanings for their keepers than others. This great lizard is commonly called a Bearded Dragon. Ominous to say the least, but hardly depicts the real nature of this lizard. Readily available captive bred, this has become a popular choice for reptile enthusiast's. While having some special husbandry requirements, proper attention to details can result in successfully keeping of this great lizard.
Eublepharis macularisis the scientific name, but the common name of Leopard Gecko suites it to a tee. The markings on the normally colored animal will remind you of it's common name. This animal, that hails from the rocky, sandy areas of Pakistan, and India, has become the focus of breeders in recent years. They have been successfully in developing an incredible number of color variations that are truly amazing. Photos of some of these eye catching colorations can be found on several web sites.
Crotaphytus collaris, or commonly called Blue Collared Lizard is a wild caught specimen from the south west of the U.S. This is the male, who is housed with a Female in this desert Vivarium. Proper lighting, heat, and diet need strict attention to successfully keep these lizards in captivity.
Tiliqua scincoides intermedia; is commonly called the Blue Tongue Skink. They range through out Australia, and north into New Guinea. There are a number of subspecies that display different colors, and patterns. This is Stacey, and she is a captive bred female native to New Guinea. Built low to the ground, but capable of climbing trees if motivated (and of course, that would mean food ).
The subspecies below originates in central Australia. Her name is Louise, and she has a very blue tongue. Well, she does. "Come Louise, stick out your tongue, please." Maybe Stacey will.
Thanks, Stacy. I knew you could do it. I know it's not lady like, but when you stick your tongue out it is cute.
Snakes and lizards cover this page. Click the black italicizedwords to take you to that site.
The Royal, or Ball Python (Python regius) is perhaps the most recognized, and kept as a pet of all the Pythons, and Boas. Even with this snakes very docile personality, it is still an animal that requires some special needs, and care. It's popularity is not only due to its' nature, but also to the fact that they seldom reach lengths in excess of forty-eight inches. So as an adult when compared to many other Pythons, and Boas, you do not need to dedicate an entire room of your house to your pet!
Above is a close up shot, of the yet to be named, Female 100% Het for Albino Ball Python. She along with the Male below were acquired in a trade for the purposes of enjoying the breeding process of these terrific snakes. These pictures along with others that were taken at various stages of weighing them to see how they were growing towards maturity and eventually breeding weight. You can view all the photos and the actual Log Book for this pair in the Albino Ball Python Breeding Project page.
Below is another striking "high gold" color morph of the Ball Python. The gold coloring realy has the appearance of gold spray paint, and is quite striking. Yet another breeding project for nest fall and winter later this year.
The above photos were taken in December of 2005. The following photos were taken in January of 2006. I will soon add the most recent pictures for April of 2006. First the Female.
This one is the Male picture also taken in January 2006.
APRIL PHOTOS OF THE BALL PYTHONS WILL BE POSTED SOON.
Not often seen but the most readily available hognose snake from Madagascar is the (Leioheterodon geayi), or speckled hognose. This Female measures an even forty-eight inches in length. She would not eat anything but live rodents when I first acquired her. It took a little patients and she now eats frozen rodent's regularly. A copper brown and cream color speckled pattern makes her a real beauty. Coming from the dry southwestern part of Madagascar presents an easily duplicated environment for her to be comfortable and healthy.
What is that mass of black and white winding it's way toward the camera? A California Kingsnake. Arguably the most popular kingsnake and the species that lent itself to the breeding frennzy that has produced so many color morhs of kingsnakes
