Table of contents for November 2025 in Practical Reptile Keeping

The venom of an Amazonian scorpion species may contain a compound capable of helping treat breast cancers — a disease that remains one of the major causes of death amongst women. Researchers at the University of São Paulo's Ribeirão Preto School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (FCFRP-USP) in Brazil have pinpointed a molecule in the toxin of Brotheas amazonicus that appears to attack breast cancer cells in a way similar to a widely used chemotherapy medication. These early findings developed through a collaboration involving scientists from the National Institute for Amazonian Research (INPA) and the Amazonas State University (UEA). Offering hope “We were able to identify a molecule in this Amazonian scorpion that is similar to that found in the venoms of other scorpions and acts against breast cancer cells,” explains Eliane…

We have recently seen two unusual cases where invertebrates supplied as food have caused injury instead, to the lizards for which they were intended. Any live food should be removed if the reptile has not eaten it, especially crickets, as they can inflict wounds particularly when the lizard is inactive. This, however, was not the problem for these two unlucky lizards, where the issue occurred after the live food had been eaten. Case 1 Cosmo is an adult male panther chameleon who presented at the surgery because he was struggling to eat normally. His owner was very vigilant and had noticed a little yellow spot on the back of the tongue. It was impossible to examine the back of Cosmo's mouth clearly during the consultation, so he was admitted and…

I know of a small village in southwestern France where it is practically impossible to ignore the existence of the fire salamander. These amphibians exist at every turn. I see them in the local bar. It is hard to ignore them, as they clamber up the walls. I notice them climbing the sides of at least one vehicle that is often to be seen in the village, usually parked outside the one and only bar. When the locals take a pile of logs from their stack to fuel their wood burning stoves, these amphibians are often to be found hiding in or amongst the wood. Links to people Fire salamanders seem to be as much a part of this community as the villagers themselves. The place I am referring isn't…

I suspect that most people reading this article will be keeping some sort of ‘exotic’ pet but this is probably not going to include a colony of leaf cutting ants! Up until quite recently, finding a colony for sale or a supplier of good, escape-proof housing within the same budget as, say, a bearded dragon or a corn snake was not a straightforward proposition. However, times change. New, innovative housing which is both escape-proof and easy to maintain is now readily available, opening up the fascinating option of keeping these most remarkable of insects. In this article, I will show you how easy and rewarding it is to set up and observe these ants, and how you can have an unparalleled insight into the amazing activity of the most complex…

Chameleons’ wandering eyes have fascinated and puzzled scientists since the days of ancient Greece. Now, after millennia of study, modern imaging has revealed the secret of their nearly 360-degree view and uncanny ability to look in two different directions at once. Behind their bulging eyes lie two long, coiled optic nerves — a structure not seen in any other lizard. “Chameleon eyes are like security cameras, moving in all directions,” explains Juan Daza, associate professor at Texas’ Sam Houston State University. “They move their eyes independently while scanning their environment to find prey. And the moment they find their prey, their eyes coordinate and go in one direction so they can calculate where to shoot their tongues.” An anomaly is noted The chameleon's darting eyes are easy to observe, but…

Baby loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) use a touch-based magnetic sense to figure out where they are in the open ocean. Loggerhead turtles are equipped with two different means of sensing the Earth's magnetic field, yet scientists had not determined which one they rely on to interpret the magnetic map which they inherit at birth. New findings from researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, have now revealed that hatchlings use their ability to detect magnetic forces to determine their position along their long migration routes. As soon as they leave the beach where they hatch, young loggerheads begin journeys that span huge distances and can continue for decades. Even at this early stage of life, they are not travelling blindly. Hatchlings come equipped with a magnetic compass…

A note on taxonomy It is worth pointing out at the start that in recent years, scientists have revised the classification of North American ratsnakes. What was once thought to be a single species with many subspecies is now often recognised as several distinct species. Today herpetologists have lumped these species together to form several full species including the western ratsnake (Pantherophis obsoletus), the central or eastern ratsnake (Pantherophis alleghaniensis), and the yellow ratsnake (Pantherophis quadrivittatus). These species often have overlapping ranges but are genetically distinct. However, in herpetoculture, breeders may still recognise the different subspecies of ratsnake and keep the lineage of these subspecies distinct from one another. Reptile keeping is not a scientific endeavour and breeders often prefer to pursue more traditional lines and retain existing subspecific variations.…

Snake lizards are so-called because their body shape resembles that of a snake, although they are actually lizards. They belong to the legless lizard family known as Pygopodidae. Although snake lizards have no forelimbs, they do have small, flattened flaps that represent the remnants of their hind legs. These may serve a purpose in courtship, rather similar to the spurs of boas, and they might help the lizards to move through undergrowth too. In common with snakes however, snake lizards actually have no eyelids, which makes them unusual among lizards. But their tongues are flat, and unforked and they also have external ear holes. In fact, snake lizards can vocalise, emitting high-pitched squeaks, which is something that snakes themselves are unable to do. This in turn may help to explain…

Possibly the most common tortoise you will encounter here in Botswana is the leopard tortoise. This species is the second largest tortoise found on the African mainland, after the African spurred or sulcata tortoise (Geochelone sulcata), and has a carapace length in excess of 70cm (28in) when fully grown. Those from northern areas of the species's range are reported to be larger than those from the south, and they can weigh in at an impressive 20kg (44lb). Throughout much of its range in Botswana, the leopard tortoise serves as an important source of bush meat for the indigenous San people who cook them over hot coals, although if the truth were known, most tribes with a subsistence lifestyle would not pass up the opportunity of eating these reptiles. The meat…

What was believed to be a newly-discovered carnivorous lizard has in fact turned out to be a precursor of the modern crocodile. Named Tainrakuasuchus bellator, this armour-plated reptile lived 240 million years ago just before the dinosaurs. As a member of the Pseudosuchia (the precursors of modern crocodiles and alligators), it was among a group of the most dominant predators of its time during the Triassic Period. This particular individual grew to approximately 2.4m (95in) long and weighed 60kg (132lb). Looks and lifestyle It would have used its long neck and agile mobility to target prey using quick and precise movements, before seizing its quarry in its slender jaws full of sharp, recurved teeth. These would have enabled it to hold on to its target, preventing the creature from escaping.…

When comparisons are made between the reproductive behaviour of snakes and lizards, it is clear that much more complex rituals involving some very intricate behavioural displays occur in lizards, which are not evident in snakes. As with other reptile groups, however, the mating period itself is determined by environmental changes, such as seasonal fluctuations in temperature and light levels. The relative impact of these factors varies, depending on the latitude. Breeding may occur towards the end of the rainy season for example, when there will be an abundance of food around in tropical areas. Having a set breeding season ensures that males and females are in prime breeding condition, and, by reproducing at a time when climatic factors are most favourable, so there should be a ready supply of food…

With their inquisitive personalities, simple but beautiful colouration and readiness to breed, green anoles make fascinating vivarium subjects that can be enjoyed by beginners and advanced hobbyists alike. Spend time comparing those in a group, so you can choose not only healthy but also hopefully younger individuals. Colouration is a good guide to a state of health, with those being housed in suitable surroundings being a vibrant shade of green, with bright eyes. They should show no signs of retained skin on any part of the body or faecal matter around the vent. The body should be smooth and plump – avoid animals in which the spine or pelvis is very prominent as this indicates low body weight and often a heavy worm infestation. Other points to take note of…

As reptiles continue to grow in popularity as pets, and with more species now being bred, so there is an increasing demand for veterinary services in the field of herpetological medicine. It is not just a case of new treatments either, but being able to establish what is wrong with patients in the first instance, as quickly and efficiently as possible, that can play a major part in terms of ensuring their recovery. Consequently, a wide variety of diagnostic techniques are now available to assist vets in this field, often having been adapted from those used in human medicine. But while a number of tests may be considered for a sick reptile patient, what benefits do all these new diagnostics really bring? Imaging Imaging is often one of the first…