Guest Author - Peyton Creadick

Newest Article: Captive Bred or Wild Caught?

URL: ://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art42681.asp/zzz

Synopsis: Help deciding whether to buy Captive Bred or Wild Caught.



Herp of the Week: Ringneck Snake

Scientific Name: Diadophis punctatus, Diadophis punctatus punctatus, Diadophis punctatus regalis, Diadophis punctatus acricus.

Informational Site: http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Diadophis_punctatus.html

Description: A solid grayish snake (varies from blue gray to light brown to greenish gray) with a yellowish ring at the base of the head. The ring may be intact or broken. The size ranges from 10 inches to 18 inches with acricus being the longest species. They strike me as wormlike because of the color and narrowish head. The diet consists of salamanders, earth worms, small lizards, frogs and small snakes of other species.

Note: This snake became a last minute candidate for herp of the week after passing by my dachshund and continuing on its way to the under side of my deck. It didn’t seem concerned about the dog looming over it. This seems consistent with what I have read regarding their lack of aggression. They are not known to bite if picked up, but please use your head if you encounter a snake. Do not approach it if you’re not sure what species it is!


Site of the Week: http://www.ahc.umn.edu/rar/MNAALAS/Snakes.html
Review: This is not the most reader-friendly snake care site, but it has some great information. One reason I chose to list it in this newsletter is its inclusion of quite a few potential health issues in snakes and other reptiles. The language is very straightforward and easy to follow. My only complaint is the layout (a lot of text on one page), but it does allow you to go right to a particular subject if you have a specific goal in mind.


Item of the Week: ZooMed Turtle Dock
Review: An interesting idea. It says it comes in three sizes for any size aquatic turtle. I question its ability to support medium to larger turtles. The largest size is 18 inches by 9 inches. The dock uses suction cups to hold itself in place. I would be inclined to use additional adhesive (silicon, perhaps). This item is available at Petsmart, DrsFosterandSmith.com, and Amazon.com. If you’ve tried one, I’d love to hear your thoughts.


Herp Shows this Week:

May 1st through May 7th

Orlando, FL
Repticon – May 6-7
http://www.repticon.com/

Kansas City, KS
Kansas City Pet Expo – May 6-7
http://www.patrihaproductions.com/PetExpo/

Overland Park, KS
Kansas City Reptile Show – May 7th
http://www.kcreptileshow.com/index.html

Havre De Grace, MD
All Maryland Reptile Show – May 6th
http://www.mdreptilefarm.com/shows/

Timonium, MD
International Amphibian Days – May 5-7
http://www.intlamphibday.org/Welcome.asp

Raleigh, NC
Carolina Reptile and Exotics Expo – May 6-7
http://www.gilaproductions.com/shows/showsmain.html

Eugene, OR
West Coast Captive Breeder’s Expo – May 7th
http://reptilesofra.com/html/wccbe.html