The genus Laticauda includes the Sea Kraits, which are amongst the most fascinating reptiles of the sea. Exceptional morphology, being amphibious, possessing powerful venom makes the Sea Kraits amongst the top subjects of interest in marine fauna. This paper examines morphology, habitat, behavior, and an ecological niche created by the Sea Kraits in the marine…
The Bothriechis schlegelii, or more commonly known as the Eyelash Viper, surely can be included in the rank of the most interesting and handsome reptiles worldwide. Due to its outstanding appearance alone, this snake already is an attraction for all herpetologists and other nature lovers, with those well-known “eyelash” scales above the eyes. Its beauty…
The Terrapin is an interesting group of reptiles in the family Emydidae, a family which also includes several freshwater turtles. The word “terrapin” primarily refers to several small to medium-sized species of turtle that are brackish water-inhabiting-a mixture of fresh and saltwater-common in estuaries, tidal rivers, and coastal marshes. However, there are a couple of…
The coral snake is one of those snakes that are very colorful but at the same time very dangerous to human beings through its venom. It begins with a pattern of red, yellow, and black bands. Part of the family Elapidae-that covers cobras, mambas, and sea snakes-the coral snakes have been found only in the…
The skinks are one of the most disparate assemblages in the family Scincidae, numbering about 1,500 species. These animals are represented in all continents, except Antarctica, in a wide range of environmental conditions, from deserts and forests to grasslands and tropical rainforests. The most striking features about the skinks are the smooth, shining scales that…
The Green Sea Turtle is one of the larger sea turtles, and full grown adults measure almost 5 feet and weigh in between 240 and 440 pounds. The species is known as such because there appears to be a greenish color to their body fat; this could propagate the false idea that this color is…
The Sidewinder rattlesnake, scientifically known as Crotalus cerastes, is a fascinating and distinctive species of rattlesnake native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Its unique adaptations and behaviors make it one of the most interesting and well-adapted serpents in the arid deserts it inhabits. Physical Characteristics One of the most striking features of…
By now, the bearded dragon is probably the most popular pet among reptiles. Actually, that is the result of a number of facts: this species is usually rather harmless, and its striking look and moderate, easy conditions of care won the hearts of a great number of herp enthusiasts all over the world. The paper…
There are only two lizards in this world that possess venom, one of which is the Gila Monster, and another one is the Mexican Beaded Lizard, Heloderma horridum. It was thus given the name of this lizard since it was first found within the basin of Gila River and had one of the strikingly beaded…
In the animal world, the chameleon must be one of the most amazing reptiles because it has this marvelous capability to change colors, move its eyes independently from each other, and that really elongated sticky tongue. Originally native to Africa, Madagascar, and parts of southern Europe and Asia, chameleons have formed part of human fascination…
