Reptiles are a type of vertebrates that may be found on every continent with the exception of Antarctica. This class of vertebrates is comprised of such animals as crocodiles, alligators, lizards, snakes, turtles, and tortoises. Reptiles are the only animals that have a chilly body temperature, and their body is coated with scales rather of feathers or hair as other animals have. The majority of reptile species are oviparous, which means they lay eggs. The embryo grows within the egg and outside of the mother's body; there is no period of development called the larval stage.
Some species of reptiles are kept as pet but the question is why reptiles are kept as pet animals? There is a solid reason why reptiles are becoming increasingly popular as household pets. These conscious beings areas a joy to see and engage in conversation with. If you're thinking about purchasing a reptile, you have a wide variety of options to choose from, ranging from lizards and snakes to chameleons and everything in between. Without further ado, here is a rundown of the top ten most common species of reptiles kept as pets in the United States.
Bearded dragon
Bearded dragons have the potential to be quite gregarious animals if they are raised in the right environment. Bearded dragons are active throughout the day and get their common name from the skin that wraps around their neck and puffs out when they sense danger. They are a wonderful addition to any household, even one that already has young children, and they may live for almost ten years. Bearded dragons can't move around very well unless they have a lot of room to roam. They consume both plants and insects in their diet, making them omnivores. These are common pet reptiles in United States.
Leopard gecko
The leopard gecko appears like it is continually grinning. The skin of these lizards is yellow-brown in color and rough, and it is spotted with black. They are easy to get along with and may be handled without difficulty. Geckos with leopard spots are nocturnal and feed on a variety of insects. The length of an adult is between 8 and 12 inches, and their weight ranges from a minuscule 45 to 90 grams. They do not require a really large enclosure at all. The lifespan of a leopard gecko ranges from seven to ten years on average.
African sulcata tortoise
These tortoises belong to one of the turtle species that can grow to be quite huge. Since African sulcata tortoises have the potential to reach weights of more than 85 pounds over their lifetimes, it is recommended that they be housed outside, where they will have ample room to roam. When they are young, they are quite little and may easily be handled. These tortoises are herbivores, and their diet in captivity consists of grasses, leafy greens, and fruit. They have a lifetime that ranges anywhere from 55 to 140 years on average, so they may outlast you! These are also common pet reptile in most of the American states.
Red-eared slider
Watching these turtles navigate the water is a fun and interesting activity. The red spots that are found on either side of the head of red-eared sliders are whence they get their name. Their bodies are dark and are striped with a golden color. They consume both plant and animal matter when they are in the water. Even after they have reached adulthood, red-eared sliders are not particularly large reptiles; their greatest length is roughly 12 inches. Since of their sharp claws and the fact that they are naturally territorial, these reptiles should not be kept as pets because they are difficult to manage.
Ball python
The ball python is a peaceful and relatively tiny species of snake. They may grow to a length of between 3 and 5 feet when they are fully mature. They do not require enclosures that are highly complex or very vast. Ball pythons may be found in a broad variety of colors, each of which is both intriguing and appealing. They often live for anything between 25 and 30 years. Because of the way they roll up into a ball when they feel threatened, they got their name from that behavior. When kept in captivity, ball pythons consume either mice or rats for food.
Corn snake
These harmless snakes do not produce poison and come in a variety of hues. They consume either live mice that have been kept in captivity or freshly dead mice. Because of its calm nature and easy-to-provide feed, corn snakes are frequently suggested as a good first pet reptile for beginners. Corn snakes are best kept in a terrarium that contains branches since they like to climb them. In addition, corn snakes have a reputation for being clever escapists, which is another reason why its enclosure has to have strong locks. When they are fully mature, their length ranges between 5 and 6 feet.
Chameleon
Chameleons are interesting, attractive creatures. They require a big habitat that is well-kept and maintained, as well as a specific degree of humidity and temperature in the environment. This is because chameleons are susceptible to mental strain. Because of their susceptibility to anxiety, they should not be touched too frequently too. Chameleons feed on live insects, which they capture with their extremely long tongues. Their beautiful hue varies with the conditions of their environment. These lizards are best suited for more experienced owners of other types of reptiles.
Crested gecko
These lizards have a lifestyle that is referred to be arboreal, which means they live in and among trees. As a result of this, crested geckos require a habitat that consists of a tank with branches and leaves for them to investigate. The height of this tank ought to be greater than its width. Crested geckos, like its close relative the leopard gecko, are tolerant with, if not even fond of, having their bodies touched. They got their name from the crests that run along their bodies and behind their eyes.
Eastern box turtle
Despite the fact that Eastern box turtle will only reach a maximum size of around 7 inches in its lifetime, it is still best for them to live outside where they will have access to a huge amount of space to explore. In captivity, these omnivores will consume both vegetables and insects in addition to readily adapting to the majority of warm climates. They are remarkable in that they are one of the few kinds of turtles that can totally retract into their shells when they feel threatened. This gives them a distinct advantage over other turtles.
Blue-tongued skink
These lizard-like reptiles have tongues that are blue, just as their name suggests they should. In comparison to other species of reptiles, blue-tongued skinks possess a higher level of intelligence and are more sociable. They have a strong capacity for recall. When kept in captivity, these herbivores and omnivores consume a variety of foods, including fruits, leaves, and insects. They have the potential to reach a length of more than 17 inches when fully grown. When it comes to starter reptiles, blue-tongued skinks are an excellent choice. Blue-tongued skinks have a blue tongue. Their cages can be far less complicated than those of other animals since they do not need to climb.
