Reptiles

While some people shudder at the mere thought of reptiles, there are many of us who not only like reptiles, but appreciate the excellent work they do on our behalf! Their prey species include mice, rats, insects and other disease carrying, crop eating critters. To learn more about reptiles and their close relatives, the Amphibians, read below.

Plush Sea Turtle

Our Cuddlekins plush sea turtle is made of quality fabric and ultra plush stuffing. Unbelievably soft plush turtle is 8" long. Item RS02 $9.75 US  Add to Cart

Plush Mini Sea Turtle

Signature Series plush animals are designed by certified naturalists with great attention to detail. Lush fabrics combined with striking detail make any animal lover happy! 6.5" long. Item RS03 $5.25 US  Add to Cart

Fuzzy Crocodile

Fuzzy Fellas are made of ultra soft, fuzzy fabric, perfect for little hands to get a good grip! This little guy is 12" long. Item RS05 $9.75 US  Add to Cart

Plush Reticulated Python

We had to coil this big guy to get his picture, but he's actually a whopping 54" long. More than enough to drape around a youngster's shoulders! Item RS04 $12.00 US  Add to Cart

Plush Dinosaur Pillow

Kids love dinosaurs, and the T-rex is an all time favorite. Item XS04 $19.95 US  Add to Cart 

Our dino pillow is made of super soft fabric and stuffed with natural materials.This colorful plush pillow is sure to guarantee good dreams for your little one! Pillow is 12" x 12" and has a convenient handle for little fingers to carry their pillow with them.

   View CCNow Cart/Checkout

Reptiles & Amphibians

One big difference between reptiles and amphibians is their skin. Amphibians have porous skin, and must remain close to water at all times to rehydrate.

Reptiles do not breathe through their skin, so it has thick layers to protect the body and keep moisture in. Their outer skin is made of keratin, the same substance that makes up horns, antlers and hooves, and human hair and nails. The scales covering their body are connected by hinges and often overlap. Unlike fish scales, those of reptiles are not separate, but form one continuou sheet. They can be smooth, granular or keeled, which means they have ridges running lengthwise.

Just like amphibians, reptiles are always growing, and must shed their skin every so often. Some shed in pieces, but snakes usually shed their entire skin in one piece. They rub the scales free from the mouth area, then crawl forward so the skin comes off in one single inside-out piece. People used to think they shed once a year, but it really depends on how much they eat and how fast they grow.

Reptiles are not wet and slippery like amphibians. They have dry skin which is fairly warm to the touch. Their colour and pattern is determined by the type and arrangement of pigment cells. All colors except blue and green are formed on the inner layer of the skin, and not on the scales. The scales themselves are clear, and it is light hitting these scales that gives them their 'wet look.' Some species are irridescent, and have shimmering, changing colors like a rainbow.

Amphibians lay masses of jelly-like eggs in water, but reptiles have evolved to live in a variety of arid habitats. Their eggs are either hard-shelled like those of birds, or possess a leathery shell, both of which retain moisture. They lay their eggs in warm, moist areas such as mammal burrows, ocean beaches, thick vegetation, decaying logs or even the foundations of old buildings. The warmer they are, the faster they develop. Some lizards and snakes retain their eggs inside the body, and give birth to live young. This is common in the cooler, temperate climates of the world, as females are better able to regulate the incubation temperature this way.

Turtles and tortoises are generally well liked by man, snakes are universally feared or hated, and lizards are tolerated. It is a great pity that people do not realize how important these animals are to the health of any ecosystem.