WEEK 16 This week I'm displaying a new acquisition the Abronia graminea

OK, so another week of the countdown and I needed to display this animal as it is a new captive for me, and I am just utterly impressed with these lizards. Hailing out of cloud forests at high elevations in Southern Mexico (Me` he~ co) and Northern Guatemala this animal is known as the alligator lizard. To thrive in captivity this beauty needs cooler temperatures, humidity, and ample air flow, and rather high UVB requirements. Characterized by shiny green scalation that does not overlap on top of black skin the unique look of this animal is unlike anything else I have witnessed to date. Next week will be the first amphibian of our countdown, so stay tuned...

WEEK 16This week is the Abronia Graminea for good reason.....

Alright so this week is the alligator lizard hailing from the cloud forests of southern Mexico (Me` he ~co) and northern Guatemala. This blazing beauty is new to me and my collection but has made a strong impact on me already.  This savage feeder needs rather cool temperatures, high humidity, and requires a great amount of UVB light in order to thrive. These animals come from higher elevations and feed on all types of insects, and can be rather quick if they want to be, and they do not have a problem holding their ground and biting if cornered. Characterized by some lovely shiny green scalation which does not overlap, this lizard has a black skin color which houses these scales and this gives it an authentic appearance. Here you go with some pictures, I hope you enjoy them... I think next week is going to be some quality amphibians as the countdown has none to date; check back soon for these ;) One

WEEK 15!!! 37 more reptiles and amphibians to countdown, this week is the Diplodactylus galeatus!!!

This gecko is a smaller, robust terrestrial gecko known for its' amazing pattern and look. Commonly known as the 'mesa gecko' this specie just wow'd me the first time I saw them! They truly are an impressive captive. They hail straight out of the deserts of Australia; this gecko has a fierce appetite, and lays eggs slightly larger than a tic-tac. A relatively simple and easy captive that can be kept in pairs or trio's, or even in larger groups without any problems as long as there is only one male present. The patterns on the Diplodactylus galeatus can vary greatly between individuals so no two are exactly alike; no different than a snowflake.

WEEK 14-.......Oedura Coggeri!!!

 Well, this week is the Oedura coggeri, known as the Australian velvet gecko for it's extremely small scales and very soft skin.  This gecko is arboreal in nature, and can vary a good amount in its' pattern. Generally this Oedura is a smaller example of the genus, but in my eyes it is the most beautiful as well. As of recently the Oedura species have almost fallen off as a captive species as interest has considerably reduced among enthusiasts. Oedura are an extremely hardy captive that is perfect for any newcomer.  They breed easily and all they require is a humid environment, food, corkbark, and some insects. Be forewarned though, they can be masters in the art of escape! But they almost always don't stray far at all from their enclosures....Here they are:

Lucky week No. 13, here we have the Nephrurus/Underwoodisaurus milli

One of the sweetest most personable geckos in my collection is this lovely captive Australian Barking Gecko. These cuties are known to inhabit the entire Australian continent with two specific locale populations, the eastern and southern forms. Ranging in color from brown to a light almost flourescent yellow(hypo) these geckos look like a combination of a knob-tail gecko, and a leaf tail with their head looking like a nephrurus and their tail almost like a plump leaf! They are easily cared for and like cooler temperatures than typical nephrurus, but in their classification they have altered from 'nephrurus' to a completely separate genus 'underwoodisaurus'. Now I believe they are classified as nephrurus again. Well here are the pics.