Commonly Kept Tarantulas
The following is a list of genera of the most commonly collected tarantulas in the private owner community. Knowing at least one species from each genus will help you identify the different species that you encounter among private keepers. I encourage you to focus on learning genera and not species because you will cover a […]
What is Venom?
Venom is a toxic secretion produced by an animal. It is observed in an extensive array of species, from insects to even mammals. Venom is produced by specialized glands associated with fangs, spines, and other piercing devices. Venom can include many different chemical structures like toxins, enzymes, proteins, steroids, and other compounds, which can cause […]
Argiope aurantia
Scientific Name: Argiope aurantia Common Name: Black and Yellow Garden Spider Family: Araneidae Subspecies: Max Size: “Adult female body length ranges from 19 to 28 mm (3/4 to 1 1/8 in.), while males reach only 5 to 9 mm (1/4 – 3/8 in.).”(2) Antivenom: Not Applicable Geographical Range: From Canada to Costa Rica. (2, 3) […]
Trichonephila clavipes
Scientific Name: Trichonephila clavipes, previously Nephila clavipes Common Name: Golden Silk Orbweaver Family: Araneidae Subspecies: T. clavipes fasciculata , T. clavipes vespucea Max Size: Antivenom: Not Applicable Conservation Status: Stable Keeper Experience (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced): Beginner Introduction These are some the large true spiders. They are beautiful and not dangerous. They are called Golden Silk […]
The Texas Reptiles Expo
The Texas Reptie Expo was a pretty good show. We need to get more people out there and grow it. It’s just on the verge of becoming a very large show. Was even able to get some super great peaches from some local farms before the show. Ill let the pictures talk for themselves:
The San Antonio Zoo
The San Antonio Zoo has a good reptile section and was defianitly worth it. I was impressed with many things, but one draw back is it is covered with vultures. They are everywhere! However, still worth going, plus they got hippos! Bring water, its hot with lots of walking, be prepared. Overall, good zoo. The […]
The San Antonio Aquarium
The San Antonio Aquarium is an interesting place. One of my favorite things was the animal interactions. People can pay extra to interact with different species of animals, like lemurs, large birds, and even a sloth! However, sadly most animal facilities nowadays need other forms of entertainment to sustain them. This is no fault of […]
The HERPS Conroe Show
HERPS Conroe Show is one of the bigger shows in Texas, and they have a great variety of venomous animals. According to the website, the Herps Conroe show is “the largest reptile show in the Houston area” and “the largest venomous show in Texas!” (ref). Here are some pictures: Gallery
Venomous Snakes: Snakes in the Terrarium by Ludwig Trutnau Review
If you know this book, you know the venomous community highly praises it. To veterinary clinics, zookeepers, and horticulturists, this is a classic read for venomous snake husbandry. The author was a practicing herpetologist for over 30 years. The book was initially published in Germany and is considered a classic work in venomous husbandry in […]
What is the Difference Between True Vipers and Pit Vipers?
All vipers fall under the family Viperidae. However, it contains two sub-families that distinguish between what we call “True Vipers” and “Pit Vipers.” The distinction is whether or not a viper has heat-sensing organs, which we call “pits.” Pit Vipers have these heat-sensing organs and belong to the subfamily Crotalinae. True Vipers, on the other hand, lack these […]