SPECTACLED CAIMAN
This "small" crocodilian reaches only 7-8 feet in length. It is closely related to our American alligator and has a wide distribution throughout Central and South America.
They are sometimes bought as pets here in the US - a big mistake. After they are no longer a foot long, people start wondering what they can do to get rid of them. Releasing them is a very bad idea, and zoos don't want them.
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RADIATED RATSNAKE
The southeast Asian ratsnake is gorgeous but not particularly well-behaved. It can grow to around 5 feet in length, emits an audible hiss, and displays vertical neck-spreading.
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BURMESE PYTHON
This gentle giant can grow to almost 20 feet in length
and 200 pounds. These large constrictors come from
SE Asia, and mammals make up the bulk of their diet. Smaller mammals than people, that is.
For a video of our 14' Burm incubating her clutch
of over 30 eggs, check out Mama Burm laying eggs.
For a video of her twitching her muscles to raise her body temperature during incubation, check out Mama Burm a twitchin'.
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MADAGASCAN HISSING COCKROACH
Wingless and about three inches long, these cousins of our American cockroaches are truly large insects. They can make a loud hissing noise when disturbed, but they are otherwise harmless (unless you run into something while trying to get away from them).
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CHILEAN ROSEHAIR TARANTULA
This shy arachnid is not at all prone to bite. Its preferred method of defense (if simply strolling away doesn't work) is to dislodge irritating hairs from its abdomen with its hind legs. It has poor eyesight, does not make a web, and eats mostly ground-dwelling insects.
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LEOPARD TORTOISE
This tortoise has a wide distribution in Africa. Strictly herbivorous, it eats a lot and grows rapidly. One of the largest tortoises in the world, it can grow to about two feet in length and weigh up to 80 pounds.
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EASTERN BLUETONGUE SKINK
These thick-bodied, stubby-legged skinks are appropriately named. They are usually gentle but use their tongues as a display when threatened. They can live over 20 years.
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ROSY BOA
One of only two boas native to the U.S., this small, shy creature is from southern California. They eat birds and small mammals, but they are very dainty about it.
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CALIFORNIA KINGSNAKE
Kingsnakes are known for their ability to kill (by constriction) and eat other snakes, even venomous ones! However, they tend to be very docile when handled. They also eat birds and their eggs, lizards, and turtle eggs.
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SAVANNAH MONITOR
These African grassland-dwellers grow to about two feet in length. They are carnivores and like to eat insects, mice, and eggs.
For a video of our Eugene eating a guinea's egg, check out Eugene & the egg.
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