Written by Previous Editor: Christina Borders
C.B. or Captive Bred: This term is used to refer to reptiles and amphibians that were born or hatched in captivity. Captive bred animals are the ‘animal and environment friendly’ method of keeping herps.
W.C. or Wild Caught: Wild caught is used to describe animals that were just that, caught in the wild and brought into captivity.
Long Term Captive: A wild caught animal that has been in captivity for a number of years.
Substrate: What lines the bottom of an aquarium or enclosure use to hold herps. Some examples include: orchid bark, reptile carpet, sand, and newspaper.
Arboreal: Climber or tree dweller.
Insectivore: Feeds solely on insects.
Carnivore: Feeds on vertebrates.
Herbivore: Feeds on vegetable and plant matter.
Omnivore: Feeds on a combination of insects, plant matter, and vertebras.
Constricting: The method, which many snakes utilize to kill their prey by wrapping themselves around and tightening until the meal is dead.
Molting: Routine shedding of skin.
Pinkies: Newborn mice without fur.
Fuzzies: baby mice with fur.
Pinheads: Tiny crickets.
VD3: Vitamin D3, used in the absorption of calcium in reptile and amphibian diets.
Herpetology: The scientific study of reptiles and amphibians.
Herps: ‘Slang’ term for reptiles and amphibians
Do you have a question about what a certain herp word or term means? Would you like to see it listed? Then by all means be sure to contact me and let me know!
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