Welcome

Putting this issue together, I seem to have been experiencing

Major revision of reptile evolution

Featuring stories this month about remarkable insights

What explains the bright colouration of tarantulas?

Just why are some tarantulas so vividly coloured? Scientists

Climate change threatens the Komodo dragon

The world’s largest lizard, the Komodo dragon (Varanus

Killer disease more widespread than previously thought

In a major collaborative effort between scientists

Early snake bonds in Egypt

Three mummified animals from ancient Egypt have been

Genetic data vital to save endangered species

In parts of southeast Asia, illegal wildlife trafficking

New butterfly found within the Arctic Circle

An isolated population of the rarest Palaearctic butterfly

Rattlesnakes relatively unaffected by the cold

Most reptiles move more slowly when temperatures drop

Korean wasp gives hope for new antibiotic treatments

A team led by scientists in the Perelman School of

Evidence of a megapredator

Some 240 million years ago, a dolphinlike ichthyosaur

Looking for smaller boas?

Please advise on smaller boas that we could keep, as

Breeding advice for small boas

Can you give me some advice on breeding smaller boas

AMPHIBIAN IN FLIGHT

When award-winning photographer Stephen Dalton began

The digestive system of snakes

Given their tube-like body shape, snakes have had to undergo some pretty radical adaptions to their anatomy in order for them to survive and thrive in this state. Unsurprisingly, their digestive system is no exception to this rule, as Paul Donovan explains.

Whatever happened to the migo? The monster of Lake Dakataua

In his column this month, Dr Karl Shuker investigates strange reports of an unidentified large creature from a remote lake on a Pacific island.

YOU & YOUR Reptiles

I f you have a favourite photograph of one of your

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NEW THOUGHTS ON LEOPARD GECKOS

John Courteney-Smith MRSB looks at recent advances

help fellow enthusiasts!

Just as the veterinary care of reptiles has advanced significantly over recent years, so have the diagnostic tools available, to prevent, identify and treat cases of illness. David Alderton investigates this vital yet often rather overlooked area, and acquires some useful practical tips.

Insights into the leopard gecko

John Courteney-Smith MRSB of Arcadia Reptile looks at what we know about the universally popular leopard gecko from the wild, and how this information can be best utilised to care for these lizards in vivarium surroundings.

How to keep turtles properly

In the past, pond sliders in the guise of the related yellow-bellied and red-eared (Trachemys scripta) were commonly kept, but other more suitable species are now available. Always check the likely adult size of any turtle that appeals to you, before acquiring it as this is a very important consideration.

Sticks on fire

Not all stick insects are muted shades of green or brown, but bright colours signal danger, as shown by the case of the Peruvian fern stick insect. Ed Baker reports.

A year in the life of a tortoise

Dr Joanna Hedley, BVM&S, DZooMed (Reptilian), DECZM (Herpetology), MRCVS outlines key issues to bear in mind as the seasons change.

Magnificent milksnakes

Their vivid natural colouration ensures these snakes have a beautiful appearance, of the type that breeders of colour morphs in other genera crave. Better still, milksnakes are relatively inexpensive and not difficult to look after, as enthusiast Holly Brigden explains.

Fruit beetles

These beautiful beetles make an ideal introduction to keeping invertebrates, particularly for children, and also have plenty to offer the specialist too, as Paul Donovan explains.