Off Beat Pets
Off Beat Pets
Articles and Information on Exotic Pets and Reptiles
- Mexican Redknee Tarantula (Brachypelma smithi)
Origin Mexican redknee tarantula (Brachypelma smithi) is one of the most impressive tarantula species which is native to deciduous tropical forests in southwestern Mexico. Its enormous popularity worldwide has severely reduced its population in the wild and in 1985, the CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) proclaimed it an endangered species. All Mexican redknee tarantulas on the pet market today are obtained from breeding in captivity, however, excessive export is not the only threat to this impressive creature. There have been reports of some local populations nearly systematically killing these tarantulas, so the exact number of Mexican redknee tarantulas living in the wild remains unknown. Characteristics and Behavior Mexican redknee tarantula is probably best known for its colorful appearance which makes it one of the most popular tarantula pets. Its body which is about 5.5 inches long is nearly black, while the legs are marked by orange to reddish stripes. The colors become more pronounced after molting. Both males and females reach about the same size but the males tend to have longer legs and smaller mass. They grow slowly and become sexually mature relatively late, however, they are believed to be [...]
- Chaco Golden Knee (Grammostola pulchripes, formerly known as Grammostola aure...
Origin Chaco golden knee (Grammostola pulchripes, formerly known as Grammostola aureostriata) is a terrestrial tarantula that is native to tropical regions of South America. Characteristics and Behavior This tarantula is one of the largest, the most docile and the most popular tarantula species. It grows about 8.5 inches, while its entire body is covered with long light-colored hairs. It is distinguished for gold stripes on its legs, in the first place at the knees which is why it is called ?golden knee?. Its calm and docile nature makes it a popular spider pet, while its attractive appearance makes it a great display tarantula. It is also a great species for the beginners. Like other terrestrial tarantulas, Chaco golden knee spends most of the time on the ground but young tarantulas like to burrow deep. It is not poisonous, however, its bite is very painful. So, do not try to touch it if it raises its front legs in a threatening defensive position because it signals that it feels threatened or that it is not in the ?mood?. Diet Chaco golden knee is an opportunistic feeder and will eat whatever it can catch. In captivity, it should be provided a varied [...]
- Russian Tortoise (Testudo horsfieldii)
Origin Russian tortoise, also known as Central Asian tortoise and Horsfield’s tortoise (Testudo horsfieldii) is a land turtle of the family Testudinidae. It originates from Central Asia and can be found in the countries from the Caspian Sea to China and in Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan. Characteristics and Behavior Russian tortoises are sexually dimorphic which means that there are some differences between males and females. Adult females are about 8 to 10 inches long, while the males grow about 6 to 8 inches. The males, however, have a longer tail. The color of the shell tends to vary greatly from one tortoise to another but it is most often either brown or black and yellowish between the scutes. The head, legs and tail are yellow and brown. Russian tortoises live at least 50 years and it is not unusual for them to outlive their owners. They like to hide in caves and dig burrows to retreat during the heat and at night. They prefer temperatures between 68 and 90 °F. Diet Like most other land turtles, Russian tortoise is herbivores which means that it feeds almost exclusively on plant material. They tend to be opportunistic feeders and eat a variety [...]
- Red-Eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans)
Origin Red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) is a semiaquatic turtle of the family Emydidae and originates from the southern United States. However, it has established itself in other regions too due to pet releases. Characteristics and Behavior Read-eared slider grows about 10 to 13 inches in length. The males tend to be slightly smaller than females (they grow up to 10 inches) but they have longer tails and claws than females. Like their name suggests, they have a distinctive red stripe on both sides of the head which makes them unique among the North American turtle species. The shell consists of two parts ? the upper shell or carapace and the lower section or the plastron. The oval, green carapace is divided into plates known as scutes. The plastron is yellow, while the patterns vary greatly from one turtle to another. The head, legs and tail are green and feature yellow irregular lines. Despite the popular misbelief, red-eared slider does not have saliva and has to feed under water. These turtles spend most of the time in water and leave the water for sun basking and to lay eggs after mating. They are faster than they seem which is why [...]
- Carolina Wolf Spider (Hogna carolinensis)
Origin Carolina wolf spider (Hogna carolinensis), also known as the Giant Carolina wolf spider is the largest of the wolf spider species in North America. It is found all over the United States and southern Canada. Characteristics and Behavior Like other wolf spider species, Carolina wolf spider is marked by three rows of eyes which distinguish the genus from the resembling Nursery web spider. The bottom row consists of four small eyes, the middle row is notable for two large eyes, while the upper row has two medium-sized eyes. Their eyes will reflect light in the dark if you hold a flashlight at the level of their eyes. They are nocturnal predators and rely on their excellent sight to catch prey. Another thing that makes the wolf spiders unique is the way the females carry their eggs and spiderlings. The eggs and later spiderlings are always carried around by the females on the abdomen and the back, respectively. Carolina wolf spider grows about 3 to 4 inches. Its body is brown-grey and has a dark stripe in the center of the abdomen. Long legs are covered with hair. Unlike other popular spider pets, Carolina wolf spider is not as colorful [...]
- Rainbow Crab (Cardisoma armatum)
Origin Rainbow crab (Cardisoma armatum) also referred to as the African rainbow crab, moon crab, patriot crab and soapdish crab is an amazing creature that originates from the coastal regions of western Africa. It is also found inland along the delta of the Volta river and some islands, most notably Cape Verde. Species and Characteristics Like its name suggests, rainbow crab is a colorful species of terrestrial crab. It has a bluish purple carapace, red to orange legs and whitish claws which make it a fascinating exotic pet. It can grow up to 8 inches across the carapace but most specimens reach only 4 inches if held in captivity. The males tend to be more colorful than females but their coloration fades over the years regardless if male or female. Males have a narrower carapace than females and larger claws of different sizes. Females, on the other hand, have claws of the same size. The name soapdish crab that is used by some pet store owners is derived from their aggressive nature. Adult rainbow crabs are very aggressive to each other and will fight (often to death) if kept together. In order to prevent them from killing each other, [...]
- Veiled Chameleon
Origin Veiled chameleon, also known as Yemen chameleon originates ? like its name suggests – from Yemen but it can be also found throughout the southern Arabian Peninsula including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Characteristics Veiled chameleon is one of the most popular chameleon species because it is easy to care for and breed in compare to other chameleons. Their physical appearance depends on gender. The males are significantly larger than females and can be easily recognized by a crest on their head which can reach up to 3 inches in height. They are normally green and have three yellow strips on their sides. Females lack the distinctive crest and generally have a uniform color with some white markings. However, the color of both males and females primarily depends on their emotional state. The more upset they are the brighter the color which can be blue, red, orange, dark green,… Female and male veiled chameleons can be distinguished already when babies and juvenile because the crest is there already at birth. Another thing that gives away the chameleon’s sex are the spurs at the heel of the feet. If there is a spur, it is most likely a [...]
- Green Iguana (Iguana iguana)
Origin Green iguana (Iguana iguana) also called common iguana is a large lizard of the genus Iguana and is found in a large part of Central and South America. The natural habitat of this majestic lizard extends from Mexico in the north to Brazil and Paraguay in the south. However, it has been also introduced to the southern United States, Hawaii and the Caribbean islands. Characteristics and Behavior Although its name suggests that the species is green it comes in a variety of colors including bluish, pink, lavender and blackish. It can grow to 5 feet in length (from head to tail) and weight more than 20 pounds. Along the back and tail, they have a row of spines that protects them from predators. Like other lizards, they will allow the tail to break when in danger and regenerate new one eventually. The dewlaps under their neck helps them regulate body temperature but it is also used in courting and scarring off predators. Green iguanas will flee when feeling threatened but if cornered, they will display their dewlaps, hiss and bop their head against the threat. If the threat persists, they may bite, lash with their tail or [...]
- Golden Apple Snail (Pomacea bridgesii)
Golden apple snail (Pomacea bridgesii or Pomacea diffusa), also known as mystery snail and spike-topped apple snail is a species of freshwater snail in the family of Ampullariidae. It is native to Brazil, Bolivia, Peru and Paraguay.
- Camel Spiders (Solifugae)
Camel Spider – Solifugae Camel spiders, also known as sun spiders and wind scorpions are neither spiders nor scorpions. They belong to Solifugae, an order of Arachnida and encompass more than 150 genera and over 1,000 species. They can be found in virtually all desert worldwide except in Australia although some species also live in forests and grassland Species and Characteristics Camel spiders are a subject of many urban legends which tend to exaggerate about their size, speed and behavior. The most famous are the giant species living in the Middle East and North Africa that can reach up to 8 inches in length. They prefer hot and arid habitats and can be very aggressive, especially if feeling threatened. Camel spiders are not as fast as the urban legends have it but the fastest species can run up to 10 mph. Due to their aggressive temper they are not appropriate as a first exotic pet. Prior experience with scorpions and large spider species is virtually a must if considering getting a camel spider. Its abdomen, four pair of legs and pedipalps are grey to light brown but the abdomen is slightly darker. The most striking feature of camel spiders are [...]
- Tarentola Mauritanica Caresheet (Moorish/Crocodile Gecko)
Also know as the Moorish Gecko or Crocodile gecko these lizards can make excellent pets. They are quite well built for their size (around 6.5") and relatively strong. They range in colour from a light gray to brown mottled look. We hope you find this Tarentola Mauritanica (Moorish/Crocodile Gecko) Caresheet useful.
- Profile: Cane Toad (Bufo marinus)
The Cane Toad can also be referred to as the Marine Toad, South American Cane Toad, the Giant Neotropical Toad, Giant Marine Toad and Dominican Toad. The common name ?Cane Toad? was adapted from the main reasons of using the animal to eradicate pests that are usually found in sugar cane plantations.
- Profile: African Clawed Frog (Xenopus laevis)
The African clawed frog is also known as platanna and originates from South Africa, and along the Rift Valley south of the Sahara in southern and east Africa. In western Africa, they can be spotted in Angola and Namibia. That not withstanding, they can now be spotted all over the world, in fresh water areas such as Europe, South America and North America where they are found as an invasive pest. The species is aquatic, thus are mostly found in rivers and ponds in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Profile: Fire Salamander (Salamandra salamandra)
The term salamander originates from an Arab term meaning ?lives in fire?. Traditionally, the species was seen crawling and coming out of logs that were put in campfires while cooking. Myths have it that the fire salamander could endure in fire, but you don?t want to find out the hard way if they can, because their skin does not offer any such protection against fire. The fire salamander can trace its origin in southern and central Europe as well as the Middle East and Northern Africa. The species prefer deciduous forests as they will be found in the hilly parts of Central and Southern Europe hiding in fallen leaves. They also can be found in tree trunks. Basically, the species is unnoticeable because they spend a lot of their time hiding under woods, stones, regardless of where they are, be it in water or in terrestrial areas.
- Profile: (Venomous) Death Stalker Scorpion (Leiurus quinquestriatus)
Photo © Furryscalyman
The death stalker Scorpion is also known as Israeli desert Scorpion and Omdurman Scorpion, Arabian Deathstalker Scorpion, Egyptian Scorpion, Yellow Scorpion, Israeli Yellow Scorpion and Five-keeled Gold Scorpion. Some general confusion tend to arise with other scorpions of the same family thus the death stalker scorpions are normally referred by their scientific name; Leiturus Quinquestriatus, which simply translated means ?five-striped smooth-tail?.
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