ReptilesReptiles

Reptile ClassificationReptile Classification

Lizards and SnakesLizards and Snakes Crocodiles and AlligatorsCrocodiles and Alligators Turtles and tortoisesTurtles and tortoises

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CharacteristicsCharacteristics

Dry scaly skinDry scaly skin Cold-blooded - EcothermicCold-blooded - Ecothermic Most lay eggsMost lay eggs Lungs to get oxygen from the airLungs to get oxygen from the air

HousingHousingTerrestrial habitats for reptiles that live on landTerrestrial habitats for reptiles that live on land

Semi aquatic habitats for reptiles that live on land Semi aquatic habitats for reptiles that live on land but spend part of their time in waterbut spend part of their time in water

Aquatic habitats for reptiles that live primarily in Aquatic habitats for reptiles that live primarily in the waterthe water

Arboreal habitats for reptiles that live in treesArboreal habitats for reptiles that live in trees pets.petsmart.com/guides/reptiles/terrarium-set-up.shtmlpets.petsmart.com/guides/reptiles/terrarium-set-up.shtml

EquipmentEquipment

Tank large enough for adult sizeTank large enough for adult size Basking area, cooling area (heat one area so Basking area, cooling area (heat one area so

reptiles body temp reaches optimum level and then reptiles body temp reaches optimum level and then they need to move to cooler area)they need to move to cooler area)

Rocks, plants, branchesRocks, plants, branches Heat lamp / heat rockHeat lamp / heat rock ThermometerThermometer UV light – to absorb UV rays that are needed in UV light – to absorb UV rays that are needed in

calcium metabolism and vitamin D synthesis.calcium metabolism and vitamin D synthesis.

FeedingFeeding TurtlesTurtles

Aquatic turtles – carnivore/omnivore – turtle Aquatic turtles – carnivore/omnivore – turtle food/feeder fish/meatfood/feeder fish/meat

Land tortoise – herbivore – grasses and plants Land tortoise – herbivore – grasses and plants – lettuce spinach, fruit– lettuce spinach, fruit

Snakes – carnivores, insects – small Snakes – carnivores, insects – small animalsanimals

Lizards – insects – lettuce, fruit and Lizards – insects – lettuce, fruit and vegetablesvegetables

HandlingHandling

a. Turtles/Tortoises – both hands (fingers on plastron a. Turtles/Tortoises – both hands (fingers on plastron and thumbs on top shell) picking up shell behind front legsand thumbs on top shell) picking up shell behind front legs

b. Snakes – behind the head, support the body, b. Snakes – behind the head, support the body, never put your hand in front of snakes face when going to never put your hand in front of snakes face when going to pick uppick up

c. Lizardsc. Lizards 1. Small – thumb and forefinger behind head, 1. Small – thumb and forefinger behind head,

rest of hand around bodyrest of hand around body 2. Large – Same as small, use other hand to 2. Large – Same as small, use other hand to

support bodysupport body 3. Large Iguanas – one hand to grasp around 3. Large Iguanas – one hand to grasp around

neck and other hand to support the mid and rear section of neck and other hand to support the mid and rear section of the animal. The tail can be held close to the body with the the animal. The tail can be held close to the body with the arm and elbow.arm and elbow.

DiseasesDiseases

Salmonella - bacteria that may appear normally in the Salmonella - bacteria that may appear normally in the digestive tract of a reptile. Can be transmitted to humansdigestive tract of a reptile. Can be transmitted to humans

Mouth rot – fungal infection associated with open wounds Mouth rot – fungal infection associated with open wounds or sores in the mouthor sores in the mouth

Shedding- snakes usually shed in one piece, lizards in Shedding- snakes usually shed in one piece, lizards in patches. A reptile that does not shed properly may have a patches. A reptile that does not shed properly may have a problemproblem

Parasites – Parasites – external – mites and ticksexternal – mites and ticks internal – roundworms and tapewormsinternal – roundworms and tapeworms

Vitamin deficienciesVitamin deficiencies

Reproduction Reproduction Turtles – Turtles –

lay eggslay eggs Male – tail thicker and longer then female, Male – tail thicker and longer then female,

cloacal opening is further down the tail on the cloacal opening is further down the tail on the malemale

Snakes – Snakes – Most lay eggs, some give birth to live youngMost lay eggs, some give birth to live young Females have shorter tails, Males have bigger Females have shorter tails, Males have bigger

spursspurs Lizards and IguanasLizards and Iguanas

Most lay eggsMost lay eggs Females have thinner tail base, males may Females have thinner tail base, males may

have femoral pores on inside of thighshave femoral pores on inside of thighs

Name: Name: __________________________________________1.1. List the 3 groups of reptiles: _________List the 3 groups of reptiles: _________

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2.2. What is Ecothermic -__________________What is Ecothermic -__________________

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3.3. How do you create a temperature gradient? How do you create a temperature gradient? ____________________________________________________________________

4.4. Why do reptiles need a UV light? _______Why do reptiles need a UV light? _______

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5. Name a disease that can be transmitted to 5. Name a disease that can be transmitted to humans by reptiles. humans by reptiles. ________________________________________