Retiles and Snakes Flashcards
When were snakes domesticaed?
We dont really know.
We are not 100% sure they have been domesticated at all.
If so, not more than 50 years or so.
What is the most important thing for frogs and toads?
water quality!
WHy is water quality so important for frogs and toads?
They have permeable skin.
How should water be?
Free as possible of chemicals.
What might you need to have a frog or toad?
an aquarium or terrarium
How do amphibians regulate temp? What term do we use?
Rely on heat from the environment.
Ectotherms.
When do most frogs sleep?
During the day. Most frogs are nocturnal.
When in captivity, how should you adjust lighting for frogs and toads?
Photoperiod should reflect normal day/night cycle.
What kind of environment is prefered by most frogs and toads?
A semi tropical environment.
more than 75 degrees. and 80% relative humidity.
How might you know if a frog or toad is dangerous?
Species with bright color markings usually produce toxins.
In frogs and toads, where are toxins normally produced?
Glands on the skin and behind the eyes.
Where does the old wives’ tale of toads giving warts come from?
Sometimes the toxins can cause rashes or bumps in humans.
Explain the diet of frogs and toads?
Adults are strict carnivores.
Tadpoles are strict herbivores.
For pet frogs and toads, what are some common feeds?
Crickets and mealworms.
How do we medicate frogs and toads?
Dust insects in the medications before feeding.
How do we give frogs and toads vitamins and minerals?
The same as medications. Dust the insects.
Where is the firebellied toad from?
Southern Asia.
Lifespan of the firebellied toad?
10-15 years.
Where is the posion dart frog from?
South America
What is the lifespan of the posion dart frog?
7-10 years
Where is the African clawed frog from?
Africa.
Whatr is the lifespan of the African clawed frog
10-15 years
Where is the bullfrog from?
Most countries.
What is the lifespan of the bullfrog?
more than 35 years.
Where are leopard frogs from?
U.S and Canada.
How long do leopard frogs live?
5-7 years.
Describe a lizard
Smooth dry skin covered with scales that shed.
Describe the antomy of a lizard.
3-chambered heart.
In the heart of a lizard how many atria? How many ventricles?
Remeber, 3-chambered heart.
2 atria and 1 ventricle.
What is unique about some species of lizards?
Some exhibut autotomy.
What is autotomy?
They can break off some of their limbs.
If a lizard with autotomy is grapped by the tail, what might happen?
The tail will likely break off so that the lizard can escape.
When keeping a lizard, what should you give them?
an aqarium or terrarium. Most like rocks or other places to hide.
What is similar between frogs and lizards?
They are both ectothermic.
Why might a lizard want lots of rocks?
They are secretive and like places to hide.
They are ectothems and like to bask on rocks.
Describe a lizards diet.
Most are omnivores.
Describe the diet of a monitor lizard.
Mostly carnivorous and have been known to eat whole mice.
What do some species require? Why?
Ultraviolet light to properly metabolize vitamin D.
What is an example of a species who needs ultraviolet light?
Iguanas!
WHat is unique about iguanas?
They often chnage color based on mood.
How should you handle a lizard?
The entire body should be supported.
Typically, one hand is placed behind the head or shoulders and the other is used to support the hind legs and tail.
What is very unique about the sex and gender of geckos?
Many reproduce asexually!
Most gecikos are female.
What is wrong with the geico gecko?
It should be female!
Remember, most are asexual and female is the dominate sex.
Origin of the Iguana?
Centeral and South Americas.
Origin of Dragons?
Australia and Oceania
Origin of skinks?
Forest floors of most countries.
Origin of Geckos?
Southern Asia, Indian, Oceania
Origin of Monitors?
Africa.
How do snakes experiance their enviroment
They use their tounge to explore the enviroment. (Heat and scents)
Anatomy of a snake?
Most only have 1 lung
If asnake only has 1 lung, which side is it likely to be on?
The left.
What do snakes do that is different than frogs but similar to lizards?
Shed their skin!
What happens to a snake about 2 weeks before sheding skin?
Pockets of lymph develop between the new and old skins.
What do you need to keep a snake?
An aquarium or a terrarium
A water bowl large enough for the snake to crawl in and soak.
How are snakes similar to frogs and lizards?
They are all ectothers.
What is a snakes prefered temperatire?
above 80 degrees.
What happens when a snake gets too cold?
Feeding activity will decrease.
What is a common strategy when medically treating snakes? Why?
Turn down the temperature! The cold calms them down and keeps them still.
Diet of most snakes?
Meat. Most are carnivores.
What will some snakes only eat?
Live prey.
What does the nutrition of a snake hinge on?
The nutition of the prey.
What is a strange phenominon seen in some captive snakes.
If a snake does not need to feed, it will not defend itself.
If a live rodent is present it may gnaw on the snake.
Origin of Boas?
Central and South Americas.
Origin of Pythons?
Southeast Asia, Africa, SOuth America
Origin of Garter Snakes?
North America.
Origin of Hognose snakes?
United States.
What is cool about the hognose snake?
It is found almost exclusively in the US!
