What reptiles. Reptiles (reptiles) and their representatives. Groups of modern reptiles

Reptiles are true land animals that breed on land. They live in countries with a hot climate, and as they move away from the tropics, their number noticeably decreases. The limiting factor in their distribution is temperature, as these cold-blooded animals are active only in warm weather, in cold and hot weather they burrow, hide in shelters, or fall into a torpor.

In biocenoses, the number of reptiles is small and therefore their role is hardly noticeable, especially since they are not always active.

Reptiles feed on animal food: lizards - insects, molluscs, amphibians, snakes eat many rodents, insects, but at the same time they pose a danger to domestic animals and humans. Herbivorous land turtles cause damage to gardens and orchards, aquatic turtles feed on fish and invertebrates.

The meat of many reptiles is used as food (snakes, turtles, large lizards). Crocodiles, turtles and snakes are exterminated for the sake of the skin and horny shell, and therefore the number of these ancient animals has been greatly reduced. There are crocodile farms in the USA and Cuba.

The Red Book of the USSR includes 35 species of reptiles.

About 6300 species of reptiles are known, which are much more widespread on the globe than amphibians. Reptiles live mainly on land. Warm and moderately humid regions are most favorable for them, many species live in deserts and semi-deserts, but only a very few penetrate into high latitudes.

Reptiles (Reptilia) are the first terrestrial vertebrates, but there are some species that live in the water. These are secondary aquatic reptiles, i.e. their ancestors moved from a terrestrial way of life to an aquatic one. Of the reptiles, venomous snakes are of medical interest.

Reptiles, together with birds and mammals, make up the superclass of higher vertebrates - amniotes. All amniotes are true terrestrial vertebrates. Thanks to the embryonic membranes that have appeared, they are not associated with water in their development, and as a result of the progressive development of the lungs, adult forms can live on land in any conditions.

Reptile eggs are large, rich in yolk and protein, covered with a dense parchment-like shell, develop on land or in the mother's oviducts. The water larva is absent. A young animal hatched from an egg differs from adults only in size.

Class characteristic

Reptiles are included in the main trunk of the evolution of vertebrates, since they are the ancestors of birds and mammals. Reptiles appeared at the end of the Carboniferous period, approximately 200 million years BC, when the climate became dry, and in some places even hot. This created favorable conditions for the development of reptiles, which turned out to be more adapted to living on land than amphibians.

A number of features contributed to the advantage of reptiles in competition with amphibians and their biological progress. These should include:

• a shell around the embryo (including the amnion) and a strong shell (shell) around the egg, protecting it from drying out and damage, which made it possible to reproduce and develop on land;
• further development of the five-fingered limb;
• improvement of the structure of the circulatory system;
• progressive development of the respiratory system;
• appearance of the cerebral cortex.

The development of horny scales on the surface of the body, which protected against adverse environmental influences, primarily from the drying effect of air, was also important.

reptile body divided into head, neck, torso, tail and limbs (absent in snakes). Dry skin is covered with horny scales and scutes.

Skeleton. The spinal column is divided into five sections: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral and caudal. Skull bony, occipital condyle one. In the cervical spine there is an atlas and an epistrophy, due to which the head of the reptiles is very mobile. Limbs end with 5 fingers with claws.

musculature. It is much better developed than in amphibians.

Digestive system. The mouth leads to the oral cavity, equipped with a tongue and teeth, but the teeth are still primitive, of the same type, they serve only to capture and hold prey. The digestive tract consists of the esophagus, stomach and intestines. On the border of the large and small intestines is the rudiment of the caecum. The intestine ends with a cloaca. Developed digestive glands (pancreas and liver).

Respiratory system. In reptiles, the respiratory tract is differentiated. The long trachea branches into two bronchi. The bronchi enter the lungs, which look like cellular thin-walled bags with a large number of internal partitions. The increase in the respiratory surface of the lungs in reptiles is associated with the absence of skin respiration. Breathing is only lung. The breathing mechanism of the suction type (breathing occurs by changing the volume of the chest), more advanced than that of amphibians. Conductive airways (larynx, trachea, bronchi) are developed.

excretory system. Represented by secondary kidneys and ureters that flow into the cloaca. It also opens the bladder.

Circulatory system. There are two circles of blood circulation, but they are not completely separated from each other, due to which the blood is partially mixed. The heart is three-chambered (in crocodiles, the heart is four-chambered), but consists of two atria and one ventricle, the ventricle is divided by an incomplete septum. The large and small circles of blood circulation are not completely separated, but the venous and arterial flows are more strongly separated, so the body of reptiles is supplied with more oxygenated blood. Separation of flows occurs due to the septum at the time of contraction of the heart. When the ventricle contracts, its incomplete septum, attached to the abdominal wall, reaches the dorsal wall and separates the right and left halves. The right half of the ventricle is venous; the pulmonary artery departs from it, the left aortic arch begins above the septum, carrying mixed blood: the left part of the ventricle is arterial: the right aortic arch originates from it. Converging under the spine, they merge into an unpaired dorsal aorta.

The right atrium receives venous blood from all organs of the body, and the left atrium receives arterial blood from the lungs. From the left half of the ventricle, arterial blood enters the vessels of the brain and anterior part of the body, from the right half of the venous blood goes to the pulmonary artery and then to the lungs. Mixed blood from both halves of the ventricle enters the trunk region.

Endocrine system. Reptiles have all the endocrine glands typical of higher vertebrates: the pituitary, adrenals, thyroid, etc.

Nervous system. The brain of reptiles differs from the brain of amphibians in the large development of the hemispheres. The medulla oblongata forms a sharp bend, characteristic of all amniotes. The parietal organ in some reptiles functions as a third eye. The rudiment of the cerebral cortex appears for the first time. There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves that emerge from the brain.

The sense organs are more complex. The lens in the eyes can not only mix, but also change its curvature. In lizards, the eyelids are movable; in snakes, the transparent eyelids are fused. In the organs of smell, part of the nasopharyngeal passage is divided into olfactory and respiratory sections. The internal nostrils open closer to the pharynx, so reptiles can breathe freely when they have food in their mouths.

reproduction. Reptiles have separate sexes. Sexual dimorphism is pronounced. Sex glands are paired. Like all amniotes, reptiles are characterized by internal insemination. Some of them are oviparous, others are ovoviviparous (that is, a cub immediately emerges from a laid egg). Body temperature is not constant and depends on the ambient temperature.

Systematics. Modern reptiles are divided into four subclasses:

1. lizards (Prosauria). The first lizards are represented by a single species - the hatteria (Sphenodon punctatus), which is one of the most primitive reptiles. The tuatara lives on the islands of New Zealand.
2. scaly (Squamata). This is the only relatively large group of reptiles (about 4000 species). The scaly ones are
   • lizards. Most species of lizards are found in the tropics. This order includes agamas, poisonous lizards, monitor lizards, real lizards, etc. Lizards are characterized by well-developed five-fingered limbs, movable eyelids and eardrums [show] .

     The structure and reproduction of the lizard

     quick lizard. The body is 15-20 cm long on the outside covered with dry skin with horny scales that form quadrangular scutes on the abdomen. The hard cover interferes with the uniform growth of the animal, the change of the horny cover occurs by molting. In this case, the animal sheds the upper stratum corneum of the scales and forms a new one. The lizard molts four to five times during the summer. At the ends of the fingers, the horny cover forms claws. The lizard lives mainly in dry sunny places in the steppes, sparse forests, shrubs, gardens, on the slopes of hills, railway and highway embankments. Lizards live in pairs in minks, where they hibernate. They feed on insects, spiders, mollusks, worms, eat many pests of agricultural crops.

     In May-June, the female lays 6 to 16 eggs in a shallow hole or burrow. The eggs are covered with a soft fibrous leathery shell that protects them from drying out. The eggs have a lot of yolk, the protein shell is poorly developed. All development of the embryo takes place in the egg; after 50-60 days, a young lizard hatches.

     In our latitudes, lizards are often found: agile, viviparous and green. All of them belong to the family of real lizards of the scaly order. The agama family belongs to the same order (steppe agama and roundheads - inhabitants of the deserts and semi-deserts of Kazakhstan and Central Asia). The scaly ones also include chameleons that live in the forests of Africa, Madagascar, India; one species lives in southern Spain.

   • chameleons
   • snakes [show]

     The structure of snakes

     Snakes also belong to the scaly order. These are legless reptiles (some retain only the rudiments of the pelvis and hind limbs), adapted to crawling on their belly. Their neck is not expressed, the body is divided into head, trunk and tail. The spine, which has up to 400 vertebrae, has great flexibility due to additional joints. It is not divided into departments; almost every vertebra bears a pair of ribs. In this case, the chest is not closed; the sternum of the girdle and limbs are atrophied. Only a few snakes have preserved a vestige of the pelvis.

     The bones of the facial part of the skull are movably connected, the right and left parts of the lower jaw are connected by very well stretchable elastic ligaments, just as the lower jaw is suspended from the skull by stretchable ligaments. Therefore, snakes can swallow large prey, even larger than a snake's head. Many snakes have two sharp, thin, poisonous teeth bent back, sitting on the upper jaws; they serve to bite, detain prey and push it into the esophagus. Poisonous snakes have a longitudinal groove or duct in the tooth, through which the poison flows into the wound when bitten. The poison is produced in altered salivary glands.

     Some snakes have developed special organs of thermal sense - thermoreceptors and thermolocators, which allows them to find warm-blooded animals in the dark and in burrows. The tympanic cavity and membrane are atrophied. Eyes without eyelids, hidden under transparent skin. The skin of the snake becomes keratinized from the surface and is periodically shed, i.e., molting occurs.

     Previously, up to 20-30% of victims died from their bites. Due to the use of special therapeutic sera, mortality has decreased to 1-2%.

3. Crocodiles (Crocodilia) are the most highly organized reptiles. They are adapted to an aquatic lifestyle, in connection with which they have swimming membranes between the fingers, valves that close the ears and nostrils, and a palatal curtain that closes the pharynx. Crocodiles live in fresh waters, come to land to sleep and lay eggs.
4. turtles (Chelonia). Turtles are covered above and below with a dense shell with horny shields. Their chest is motionless, so the limbs take part in the act of breathing. When they are drawn in, the air leaves the lungs, when they are pulled out, it enters again. Several species of turtles live in the USSR. Some species, including the Turkestan tortoise, are eaten.

The value of reptiles

Anti-snake sera are currently used for therapeutic purposes. The process of making them is as follows: horses are successively injected with small, but ever-increasing doses of snake venom. After the horse is sufficiently well immunized, blood is taken from it and a therapeutic serum is prepared. Recently, snake venom has been used for medicinal purposes. It is used for various bleeding as a hemostatic agent. It turned out that with hemophilia, it can increase blood clotting. The drug from snake venom - vipratox - reduces pain in rheumatism and neuralgia. To obtain snake venom and to study the biology of snakes, they are kept in special nurseries. Several serpentaries operate in Central Asia.

Over 2,000 species of snakes are non-venomous, many of them feed on harmful rodents and bring significant benefits to the national economy. Of the non-venomous snakes, snakes, copperheads, snakes, and steppe boas are common. Water snakes sometimes eat juvenile fish in pond farms.

Meat, eggs and tortoise shells are very valuable, they are export items. The meat of monitor lizards, snakes, and some crocodiles is used as food. The valuable skin of crocodiles and monitor lizards is used for the manufacture of haberdashery and other products. Crocodile breeding farms have been set up in Cuba, the United States and other countries.

Reptiles are what kind of animals? They belong to the class of vertebrates occupying a place between amphibians and mammals. We also call them reptiles. Reptiles is a list of names below:

- dinosaurs (fossil form);
- lizards;
- turtles;
- snakes;
- crocodiles.

Lifestyle

reptiles adapt to the ambient temperature, being cold-blooded. In order not to freeze during the cold season, some may fall into seasonal hibernation. When temperatures are too high, they are more active at night. The skin of reptiles is tough, covered with scales. The main task of the scales is to protect from drying out. Turtles have a strong shell, while crocodiles have hard plates on their backs and heads. The bone skeleton is well developed in these animals. The ribs of snakes are designed so that they crawl with ease. The tongue of most reptiles is short. Only lizards and snakes have a long, forked, protruding mouth. The reproductive organs are similar to those of birds. In some, the eggs remain inside until hatching.

Reptiles Examples: Lizards

Lizards are the largest group of reptiles. So sometimes they call all reptiles with legs, except for crocodiles, turtles. However, it is worth highlighting real lizards, related species.

Real lizards are small or slightly larger than average. In length, they reach a maximum of 80 cm, although mostly 20-40 cm. Their body, limbs, and color are adapted to their habitat. The desert representatives have long toes on their paws that have lateral teeth that do not allow them to fall into the sand. Interestingly, in case of danger, the lizard itself breaks its tail to distract the attacker. While the mistress is running away, the tail continues to writhe, distracting the predator. Males are larger than females, brighter colored. The color is dominated by green, gray, brown colors. Deserts are painted yellow. Most lizards do not make sounds. Only Stehlina and Simona, who live in the Canary Islands, squeak in case of danger.

area

They live mainly in Europe, Africa, Asia. They were brought to North America. You can see a lizard in the forest, in the meadow, in the desert, steppe, or even in the garden. These reptiles instantly climb low bushes, crawl along tree trunks, grass stalks. Nimble, maneuverable, they move with ease on a vertical surface.

Lizards are active early in the morning or at sunset. Less mobile during the day. Very cautious, immediately freeze, only sensing danger. When a suspicious object approaches, they run away. Interestingly, desert species instinctively raise their paws in turn, so as not to get burned from hot sand.

Nutrition

This species of reptiles feeds on invertebrates. Larger representatives can catch a small rodent, a snake or eat bird masonry. They love to feast on spiders, butterflies, grasshoppers. Snails, worms are rare but found in their diet. Some species do not disdain the fruits of plants.

Protection from enemies

These beauties are hunted by snakes, large birds. Lizards use several methods to protect themselves: fast running, freezing, disguise. Interestingly, it is almost impossible to throw a lizard that has been hiding from a bush. If caught, then instantly discards the tail or bites hard. It can grab its own leg, twist into a ring - an excellent defense against a snake, because in this form the latter will not be able to swallow prey.

Reptiles examples: turtles

We continue our acquaintance with reptiles, the list of names continues turtles - the most famous types of reptiles. There are land and sea. Distributed throughout the world. You can keep them as a pet.

Description of turtles

The shell has a bone structure. The respiratory organ is the lungs. Aquatic animals absorb air through the mucous membrane of the pharynx. The main difference from other reptiles is longevity. The largest representatives of this species are marine. The length of the shell of the largest is 2 m, and it weighs more than 900 kg. The smallest turtle is only 10 cm long.

reproduction

To lay eggs, the female makes a pitcher-shaped hole. Then the expectant mother falls asleep, carefully compacts the masonry. Depending on the variety, the number of eggs ranges from one to two hundred.

Character

These reptiles are solitary in nature. Communicate with their own kind only during the mating season. Land animals mainly use plants as food, but freshwater ones are predators. It happens that babies can lead a predatory lifestyle, and as adults, switch to plant foods.

Reptiles examples: snakes

The main difference from other reptiles is the shape of the body

In the torso of these reptiles we will find three elements: the head, the body itself, and the tail. They do not have limbs, eyelids, external auditory canal.

Differences from reptiles

Most snakes are venomous. The poison is in the teeth. The internal organs of these reptiles are very different. For example, there is no bladder. There is a cornea on the eyes. Nocturnal representatives have a transverse pupil, while nocturnal representatives have a vertical pupil. They can only hear loud sounds.

Separately, it is worth highlighting already

These snakes are not poisonous. The scales are painted in a bright color. They live near water bodies. They feed on fish, can catch small mammals. They swallow their prey whole. If he already sensed danger, he freezes, when the enemy approaches, he emits a smelly liquid from his mouth. Reptiles breed on plant soil.

Reptiles Examples: Crocodiles

The most dangerous kind reptiles. The size of the ancient representatives exceeded 15 meters in length. Remains have been found on all continents. Modern crocodile is much smaller, but they are still the largest reptiles.

Way of life

Most of the time they are in the water. On the surface, only the organs of vision, hearing, nose. The tail and paws are webbed, which allows them to swim well. However, crocodiles do not swim to great depths. These reptiles build their nests on land. They only come out of the water to warm up. They have a powerful tail, move quickly in water and on land. They attack unexpectedly. Therefore, they are extremely dangerous for humans.

Reptiles, list: to summarize

In total, more than six thousand reptiles are known to man, which are distributed throughout the globe. They mainly live on land. They are best suited for a warm climate with moderate humidity. However, among the reptiles there are desert dwellers. Most representatives of snakes, crocodiles are very dangerous for human life. However, there are benefits from these reptiles. For example, scientists have learned to use snake venom for medicinal purposes. It increases blood clotting, preparations based on it reduce pain in rheumatism, neuralgia. More than two thousand snakes are not poisonous at all, but they feed on harmful rodents, reducing their number in their habitat. Expensive haberdashery products are made from crocodile skin. Reptile meat is also used as food and is considered a delicacy. Eggs and turtle meat are valued in this sense.

Reptiles, like any other, can pose some danger to humans, only if they behave incorrectly. In the modern world, you can admire an alligator or a rattlesnake without fear for your own life. Meeting in real life practically does not threaten us with them.

Many parents of children who want to have a reptile as a pet are tormented by the choice: what kind of reptile (under parental supervision) can you get a child, and which one is not worth it? There are many misconceptions maintained by reptile marketers about the easiest species to keep.

What makes a reptile "good" for beginners?

There are several factors that make the sight of reptiles attractive for starting a hobby. The first is simplicity in content. All reptiles require careful attention and care, but keeping some species is worth less effort. The simpler species are adapted to live in a wide temperature and humidity range and, accordingly, are more hardy.

Another important factor is the size of the animal. It is easier to keep and care for reptiles of small or medium-sized species.
The docile nature of the animal is another important aspect if you want to occasionally pick up an animal. No reptile is happy with excessive human contact, but some species tolerate being carried more comfortably than others. This seems to be a determining factor for reptiles purchased for younger children, as they tend to "drag" pets if left unchecked.

The issue of feeding is also important for choosing a "starter" reptile. Most of the species that are considered easy to keep are not fussy eaters and have a good appetite.

Price is also a factor, however some of the cheapest species on the pet trade market are not very suitable for beginner hobbyists, a prime example of this is the green iguana.
As a result, you can draw a portrait of an ideal reptile to start a hobby. It is an animal of medium size and price, calm and tameable, with an excellent feeding instinct and, importantly for a beginner, not a serious terrariumist, easily breeds in captivity.

Corn snake (Elaphe guttata)

The corn snake is by far one of the most affordable snakes in the pet trade. Most of the animals of this species are bred in captivity, and this snake can rightfully be called one of the most popular in herpetoculture.
The maize snake is relatively small, rarely exceeding 1.5 m in length; not picky about food; does not feel bad in a wide range of temperatures and humidity; It has a dizzying amount of morphs and color variations and is very easy to breed. The combination of these factors makes this species an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced amateurs.

Corn snake (Elaphe guttata)

For a juvenile maize snake, a terrarium with a volume of approximately 40 liters is suitable, for an adult - a horizontal terrarium with a volume of 80 liters. The terrarium must be well locked, because. maize snakes are real masters of shoots. The temperature in the terrarium should be 21-24C in the cold corner and 28-30C in the warm corner. You need to put two shelters in the terrarium: one in a warm corner, the other in a cold corner.

Newspapers, paper towels, mulch (not cedar), and other special fillers are suitable as a substrate for the terrarium. Corn snakes have a good appetite and can eat an appropriately sized mouse once a week. The terrarium should always have a container with clean water.

These snakes usually have a calm nature and quickly get used to the hands. However, be careful not to overdo the question. After the snake has eaten, you should not take it in your hands for two or three days.

Spotted Eublefar (Eublepharis macularius)

The spotted eublefar is one of the most common lizards in herpetoculture today. There are many breeders who produce these animals by the thousands. This gecko is sold in almost every pet store in the US, and is always featured at reptile fairs.

Spotted Eublefar (Eublepharis macularius)

This lizard can be called an ideal reptile for several reasons. They are small, a couple can be kept in a 60l terrarium. They are easily tamed and this makes them a great first reptile for a child (of course with adult supervision).

The optimum temperatures for this species are 24-27C in a cold corner and 29-32C in a warm one. Spotted eublefaras are nocturnal, so they do not need ultraviolet radiation. As a substrate in a terrarium with these animals, you can use sand, newspapers, sphagnum or paper towels.

It is important to provide shelters for the terrarium in both cold and warm corners. In addition, there must be a place with high humidity in order to provide conditions for the gecko to molt. To do this, you can either wet the substrate under the shelters, or put a plastic box with a wet substrate inside (the size of the container should allow the animal to fit completely in it).

It is easy to make such a “chamber” of humidity yourself by cutting a hole in the side or top of an ordinary plastic box of the appropriate size.

Spotted Eublefar (Eublepharis macularius)

Spotted leopard geckos feed on insects and house crickets are the most suitable base food for them in captivity. In addition, cockroaches, mealworms, zophobas, grasshoppers (caught in pesticide-free environments) and newborn mice can be offered occasionally. Eublefar cubs need to be fed daily with 3-5 small crickets, adults should be given 10-15 insects 3-4 times a week. Every second insect feeding should be given with a calcium reptile feed to avoid metabolic disturbances.

There should always be a dish of clean water in the terrarium. Eublefaras are usually sold at a very reasonable price.

Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps)

The bearded dragon is a little more difficult to keep than the previous two species, but the docile nature and tameability more than compensate for the extra effort required.
A bearded agama will need more space than a spotted eublefar or corn snake, but at the same time, there is still a place for such a terrarium in any apartment. An adult agama will need a terrarium with a volume of approximately 170 liters.

Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps)

This species will require the installation of full spectrum UV lamps with sufficient UVB emission (290-315nm) necessary for the synthesis of vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 is essential for the body to absorb calcium from food. Animals that are kept without ultraviolet radiation and food additives, as a rule, suffer from calcium deficiency. The optimal temperatures for bearded dragons are 24-27C in a cold corner and 32-37C in a warm one. Incandescent lights are a great way to heat your bearded dragon terrarium, as they warm up local areas, and it is no longer hot nearby. To warm up under the lamps, you should install a branch or shelf.

Bearded dragons also sometimes use shelters, so they can also be placed in a terrarium.
In a terrarium with bearded dragons, newspapers, alfalfa granules, sand can be used as a substrate. These animals are omnivorous, feeding on both animal and plant foods.

Baby bearded dragons need to be fed small insects and finely chopped greens daily, because. they are fast growing and voracious. Adults can be fed every other day. As with spotted geckos, house crickets are the main food insects, but grasshoppers, mealworms, various cockroaches and earthworms can be offered for variety. Adult bearded dragons can also consume newborn mice, but not more than a few times a month.

Cubs should not be offered too large insects, the optimal size of food is slightly smaller than the head of a lizard. Feeding babies too large insects can lead to intestinal obstruction and paralysis of the hind limbs.

The diet must contain a vegetable component. High calcium greens such as mustard, dandelion, hibiscus leaves, watercress, endive can be mixed with chopped or grated fruits and vegetables (carrots, pumpkin, eggplant, squash and others) as a herbal supplement.

Bearded dragons get most of the fluid they need from plant foods, but a dish of clean water should always be kept in the terrarium. A light spray once or twice a day will also help quench their thirst, especially for toddlers. Bearded dragons have a strong presence in the reptile trade and, like spotted leopard geckos, are not expensive (although a terrarium with equipment will cost more than the animal itself).

California king snake (Lampropeltis getula californiae)

The California kingsnake has all the virtues of a beginner corn snake: they are calm in nature, hardy, easy to breed, medium in size and price, and come in a variety of color variations. The content in the terrarium of this species is almost identical to that described above for the maize snake. For an adult, a horizontal terrarium with a volume of 80 liters is suitable.

California king snake (Lampropeltis getula californiae)

The temperature in a cold corner should be 21-24C, in a warm one - 28-30C. As with the corn snake, shelters should be placed in both a warm and a cold corner of the terrarium.


California king snake (Lampropeltis getula californiae)

California kingsnakes are generally well fed and rarely refuse food. Because in nature, this species can feed on other snakes, these snakes should not be kept together with other species. Place a saucer with clean water in the terrarium.

Blue-tongued skink (Tiliqua scincoides)

Of the reptiles listed in this article, the blue-tongued skink is the most expensive. But he is worth his money. Blue-tongued skinks are a great reptile to start with and are no more difficult to keep than bearded dragons. The minimum size of a terrarium for an adult animal is 90*60*30 cm. A standard 110L terrarium is suitable for keeping one adult animal.

The blue-tongued skink is a terrestrial animal and loves to burrow, so they must be provided with a substrate that will allow them to build their own shelters. A mixture of pieces of bark for reptiles with sphagnum is an excellent substrate for them.
The optimal temperatures for keeping the species are 24-27C in a cold corner and 29-32C in a warm one. It is impossible for the temperature in the terrarium to fall below 18C even at night.

Blue-tongued skink (Tiliqua scincoides)

The terrarium must be equipped with a full spectrum UV lamp. The lizard should also have a large, flat dish of clean water at its disposal.
Blue-tongued skinks do not tolerate moisture well, so it is best to place the drinker in a cold corner of the terrarium to minimize water evaporation.

This type of lizard, like bearded dragons, is omnivorous. Many people feed blue-tongued skinks high-quality, low-fat cat or dog food mixed with green beans, pumpkin, mustard greens, carrots, peas, papaya, kiwi, melon, and zucchini.

The lizard's diet should be as varied as possible. Many blue-tongued skinks love mealworms and crickets. The pups should be fed four times a week, supplementing with a calcium supplement every second feeding.
Adults should be fed once or twice a week, with calcium supplemented every second feeding.
The natural phlegm of this animal makes it tolerant of humans and easily tamed. Some individuals may become "tame as a dog".

Blue-tongued skink (Tiliqua scincoides)

Blue-tongued skinks are medium-sized lizards, very peaceful and hardy. If you're willing to spend a little more money on the animal itself, then the blue-tongued skink might be a great choice.

Novice hobbyists are often faced with the problem of choosing a pet from among the most widespread and widely sold species. It is very important to study the needs of a reptile before you bring it home. Reptiles, due to their cold-bloodedness, are much more demanding on environmental conditions and nutrition than other domestic animals. Many people (especially parents of kids who love reptiles) don't fully understand what they're doing when they buy a $10 iguana or a $5 anole. In this case, their first experience with keeping reptiles is likely to be negative.
It is important to help beginner hobbyists make the right choice so that the first positive experience of keeping reptiles can turn into an exciting and educational hobby for a lifetime.

Reptiles are called such living creatures as snakes, lizards, hatterias, turtles and crocodiles. Reptiles are both without legs and with legs. They crawl and crawl. Therefore, these reptiles are called reptiles. Also, they have another name. Reptiles are cold-blooded. Cold-blooded, reptiles are called because they really have cold blood. The body temperature of reptiles is completely dependent on the ambient temperature,. Since the body of cold-blooded animals does not produce its own heat, therefore, absolutely all reptiles love external heat, and often bask by occupying some hills: stones, snags, bumps, stumps, etc. But if it gets very hot, then the reptiles try to hide in the shade. Thus, they regulate their body temperature.

Where do reptiles live

The habitats of reptiles are very diverse. They live in deserts, steppes and. They can be found both on land and underground, both on water and under water. In general, cold-blooded live almost everywhere, except in places where it is very cold. On the Extreme, you are unlikely to find reptiles.

How do reptiles hibernate

In winter, reptiles hide underground, occupying abandoned burrows, or under driftwood. Then they fall into a kind of hibernation. Their internal processes slow down so much that these cold-blooded creatures can go for several months without any food.

How reptiles reproduce

Reptiles reproduce in exactly the same way, that is, they lay eggs. The only difference is that they do not incubate eggs. They try to bury them in secluded places, covering them with sand, earth, foliage, etc. And after they hatch, the reptiles do not feed the cubs, leaving them to themselves. Whoever survives will survive.

What features do reptiles have

The bodies of reptiles, like fish, are covered with scales. But, again, unlike those who wear their scales throughout their lives, cold-blooded ones change it several times during their existence. Reptiles shed their scales along with their skin. True, not all reptiles do this. For example, turtles and do not shed their skin. Yes, turtles and crocodiles also have parental affection.

The class of vertebrates that occupy an intermediate position between amphibians and mammals is called reptiles (reptiles). They have a greater resemblance to birds. This class includes the following animals on the list:

• crocodiles;
• turtles;
• snakes;
• lizards;
• dinosaurs (fossil form of animals of the Mesozoic era).

General characteristics of reptiles

Like amphibians, reptiles are cold-blooded creatures. In other words, their body temperature is determined by the surrounding space. To some extent, reptiles are able to regulate their temperature by covering themselves from hypothermia. For example, in the winter season, animals hibernate, and during periods of intense heat, they begin to hunt at night.

Reptiles have hard skin covered with scales. The main task of which is to protect the body from drying out. For example, in turtles the upper protection is provided by a strong shell, crocodiles have hard plates of bone origin on their heads and backs.

Reptiles breathe only through the lungs. In some animal species, the lungs are the same size and equally developed, while in others, such as snakes and lizards, the right lung is larger and is located throughout the body cavity. Turtles have fixed ribs due to the shell, so the ventilation of the body is organized in a different way. Air enters the lungs with the swinging movements of the front legs or with intensive swallowing.

The bone skeleton of reptiles is well developed. The number and shape of the ribs depends on the specific species, but all representatives of the class have them. Almost all turtles have fused bone plates of the shell and spine. snakes have ribs designed for active crawling. In lizards, the ribs serve to support fan-shaped membranes for planning in the air.

Most reptiles have a short tongue that cannot protrude. Snakes and lizards have a long tongue, divided in two, which is able to protrude far from the mouth. For this animal species, these are the most important sense organs.

To protect against the environment, small reptiles have an original coloration. Turtles are protected by a dense shell. Some snakes are venomous.

In terms of reproductive organs, reptiles have similarities with birds. As a rule, reptiles are egg-laying animals. But in some species, until hatching, the eggs remain inside at the site of the oviduct. This type includes some species of lizards and vipers.

Classification of reptiles and their distribution

Modern reptiles are divided into four divisions:

• turtles (about 300 species);
• crocodiles (25 species);
• scaly (about 5500 species of lizards and snakes);
• tuatara (tuatara).

The last detachment belongs to the only representative of beak-winged animals among reptiles.

reptiles distributed throughout the world. The largest number is seen in warm areas. In regions with a cold climate and a lack of woody vegetation, reptiles are practically not found. Representatives of this class live on land, in water (fresh and salty) and in the air.

ancient fossil reptiles

Reptiles have been known since the Carboniferous. They reached their largest sizes in the Permian and Triassic periods. At the same time, an increased multiplication of animals was observed, which populated all new territories. In the Mesozoic era, the dominance of reptiles was overwhelming, both on land and in water. This period is not in vain called the age of reptiles.

Turtles

Turtles are one of the most famous types of reptiles. There are both marine and land representatives of animals. The species is distributed throughout the world. Animals can also keep at home. The oldest representatives of turtles were discovered 200 million years ago. Scientists believe that they originated from a primitive species of cotilosaurs. Turtles are practically harmless animals, they are not dangerous to humans.

Animals of this species have a shell of a bone structure. Outside, it is formed by numerous individual elements of horny tissue, which are connected using plates. Lungs function perfectly for breathing of land turtles. Aquatic representatives of the class breathe with the help of the mucous membrane of the pharynx. The main feature of these animals is longevity. The average age of turtles exceeds the lifespan of any other reptile.

crocodiles

Animals are one of the most dangerous types of reptiles. The origin of crocodiles is associated with ancient reptiles, the size of which exceeded 15 meters in length. Scientists have been able to find the remains of ancient crocodiles on all continents of the globe. Modern representatives of this class have more familiar sizes. But among reptiles, they still remain the largest species.

Almost all the time crocodiles are in the water. Only the ears, nose and eyes of the animal appear on the surface. Crocodiles swim with webbed tails and paws. But at great depths, only single representatives of the class can exist - a combed species. Crocodile nests are located on land. In some cases, they also crawl out of the water to bask.

Reptiles have a strong powerful tail, and are also characterized by a high speed of movement on land. Therefore, crocodiles are extremely dangerous to humans. A sharp, unexpected throw can take people by surprise. Alligators are considered the most dangerous representatives of crocodiles.

Chameleons

This type of lizard is known to almost everyone. Reptiles are known for their unique coloration, which acts as a camouflage. The skin of an animal can change its color depending on environmental conditions. Chameleons live in trees. Some people keep these cute creatures at home.

Reptiles are quite whimsical in care. They need a spacious terrarium, which is equipped with special lamps. You will need a tree, a small pond, floor heating and excellent ventilation. Chameleons feed on insects. Therefore, the owners will also have to take care of their presence.

iguanas

Currently, there are more and more lovers of pets - iguanas. This representative of the lizards also requires special care. Iguanas must be kept in a special terrarium that can maintain a certain temperature regime. From food, domestic iguanas prefer fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as greens. With good care and the creation of optimal living conditions, lizards at home can grow quite large. Maximum iguana weight - 5 kg. Keeping such a pet at home is difficult, it will require a large financial injection, as well as significant labor costs.

Iguanas are among those rare reptile species that molt. Most reptiles experience this period in two days, while in iguanas it stretches for several weeks.

monitor lizards

There are about 70 species of monitor lizards. They live in different areas. The size of the animals is very impressive. In short-tailed monitor lizards, the length is about 20 cm, while in other representatives it is much longer (about 1 meter). Komodo species are considered the largest monitor lizards. Their dimensions reach three meters in length, and their weight is 1500 kg. No wonder these animals are called modern dinosaurs.

Monitor lizards are covered with large scales. They have strong paws with a tenacious grip and powerful long tail. The tongue of the animal is also large in size, at the end it is divided in half. Lizards can only smell with their tongues. The color of animals is dominated by gray and brown shades. Young representatives of the class are often found with spotted or striped scales. Monitor lizards live in regions with a warm climate. They are most commonly found in Australia, Africa and southern Asia. Depending on the habitat, monitor lizards are divided into two types. The first of them lives in a desert area with dry trees and shrubs. And the second is located closer to tropical forests and reservoirs. Some representatives of monitor lizards live on tree branches.

geckos

Unique representatives of reptiles that are able to stick to any surface, even the smoothest. Geckos can climb smooth glass walls, hang from ceilings, and many other interesting things. The lizard is able to stay on the surface with just one paw.

snakes

These are well-known representatives of reptiles. The main difference from other species is the shape of the body. Snakes have a long body, but do not have paired limbs, eyelids, and an external auditory meatus. Some of these characteristics are present in individual species of lizards, but collectively such characteristics are observed only in snakes.

Serpentine The body is made up of three elements:

• head;
• body;
• tail.

Some representatives have retained rudimentary forms of limbs. A large number of snake species are venomous. They have furrowed or canalized teeth that contain venom. This dangerous liquid comes from the salivary glands of the animal. All internal organs of the snake differ from standard indicators. They have an oblong shape. Animals do not have a bladder. There is in front of the eyes cornea, which was formed from fused eyelids. Diurnal snakes have transverse pupils, while nocturnal snakes have vertical pupils. Because Animals do not have an auditory canal, so only loud sounds are heard for them.

snakes

These are representatives of one of the varieties of snakes. Their main feature is that they are not poisonous. Snakes have bright scales with a large ribbed surface. Animals are common near water bodies. They feed on amphibians and fish. Sometimes snakes manage to catch a bird or a small mammal. Such snakes do not kill their prey, they swallow it whole.

If the snake sensed danger, then it pretending to be dead. And when attacked, a liquid with an extremely unpleasant odor is released from the mouth. Snakes breed on vegetable soils covered with wet moss or natural debris.

The list of modern reptiles can be continued for a very long time. All representatives of the class have certain similarities characteristic of this type of animal, as well as clear differences. Such animals are of great interest to scientists and hobbyists from all over the world. Their unique features can tell a lot.