My Favorite Amphibians and Reptiles
by Andrew Ertl
African Dwarf Frog
African Dwarf Frogs live in tropical and subtropical rivers and streams in Africa. They eat insects and small worms. These frogs make good pets. In captivity they can live up to five years. They are about 1/2" to 2" long. They live in freshwater tanks with water 70-80 degrees F. These frogs shed their skin about once a month during the night and eat it. They like to dig in gravel or dirt.
Green Dumpy's Frog
The Green Dumpy's Frog lives in Australia and New Guinea. They are tree frogs. They eat only insects. These frogs are usually green in color but can be darker. They are not endangered but are protected by Australian law. They get their name because they gain weight easily and fat droops over their face. They can live 16 years. They would not make good pets because they are hard to keep warm.
Grey's Tree Frog
The Grey's Tree Frog lives in the eastern United States and southeastern Canada. They are not endangered. They live only in trees, except when they breed. They eat insects and moths. They are solitary frogs but sometimes sing together. They are grey to green in color and are nocturnal. These frogs could survive the freezing of their internal body fluids. These frogs would not make good pets.
Cuvier's Dwarf Caiman
The Cuvier's Dwarf Caiman can grow up to 5 feet in length. It lives in northern South America in rivers in forests. They eat fish, amphibians and large mollusks. The caiman's protective scales make up for its small size. They are nocturnal and not endangered. They are not good pets for the average person.
Hieroglyphic River Cooter Turtle
The Hieroglyphic River Cooter Turtle is found in the central and eastern United States. They live in moderate moving rivers, lakes and marshes. These turtles are omnivores and they will eat anything, dead or alive. They can live up to 40 years if they don't get eaten or run over. They are basking turtles. They make good pets, and in fact these turtles are often poached.
Ringneck Snake
The Ringneck Snake lives all throughout the United States. It is black with a yellow and red underbelly. It eats insects, worms, frogs and lizards. They like moist environments. They grow to be about 8 inches long. They show their red and yellow color for defense. Ring neck snakes bite their prey first and then kill it with constriction. These snakes are not endangered and would not make good pets.