Reptiles - Intro Flashcards
How many orders are within the class Reptilian?
4: Chelonia, Crocodylia, Squamata, and Rhynchocephalia
What’s the difference between a turtle, a tortoise, and a terrapin?
(Order: Chelonia) Tortoises are on land, turtles are aquatic (marine or fresh water), and terrapins live in brackish/marsh environments
What order do snakes and lizards fall under?
Squamata
Snakes shed _________, where as lizards shed in _______, and turtles/tortoises/terrapins shed _____.
Completely (including spectacles that cover eyes), Patches, Individual scutes (you’ll see them coming off the carapace)
What stimulates ecdysis?
Age, thyroid, health status
How long should newly acquired reptiles be quarantined for?
At least 90 days;
Boids—>6 months
How do insectivorous and carnivorous lizards differ with respect to supplementation/nutrition?
- *Insectivorous** lizards need a nutrient-gut-loading diet (PRIOR to feeding 1-2days) so they are nutritionally complete;
- *Carnivorous** lizards do not usually need supplementation
What is the appropriate Calcium:phosphorus ratio for herbivorous lizards?
1.5-2 : 1
Some leafy greens and nonleafy greens are rich in what substance that binds calcium and reduces absorption?
Oxalic acid, so avoid things like: parsley, spinach, chives, alfalfa
Why would we want to avoid feeding brussel sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, radish, and watercress to herbivorous tortoises?
They contain glucosinolates! These bind iodine and result in goiter :(
How many insects do we feed to insectivorous tortoises?
As many as will be eaten in an hour
*dust insects with calcium rich reptile supplement and chill in fridge*
Why should we avoid feeding excess shellfish to carnivorous turtles and terrapins?
Because shellfish have poor calcium:phosphorus ratio *should also avoid excesses of fish that contain thiaminase*
