Profile: African Clawed Frog (Xenopus laevis)

The African clawed frog is also known as platanna and originates from South Africa, and along the Rift Valley south of the Sahara in southern and east Africa. In western Africa, they can be spotted in Angola and Namibia. That not withstanding, they can now be spotted all over the world, in fresh water areas such as Europe, South America and North America where they are found as an invasive pest. The species is aquatic, thus are mostly found in rivers and ponds in sub-Saharan Africa.

Profile: (Venomous) Death Stalker Scorpion (Leiurus quinquestriatus)

Photo © Furryscalyman
The death stalker Scorpion is also known as Israeli desert Scorpion and Omdurman Scorpion, Arabian Deathstalker Scorpion, Egyptian Scorpion, Yellow Scorpion, Israeli Yellow Scorpion and Five-keeled Gold Scorpion. Some general confusion tend to arise with other scorpions of the same family thus the death stalker scorpions are normally referred by their scientific name; Leiturus Quinquestriatus, which simply translated means ‘five-striped smooth-tail’.

Profile: Giant Prickly Stick Insect (Extatosoma tiaratum)

The Giant Prickly Stick Insect (Extatosoma tiaratum) is also known as Macleay’s Spectre Stick, Spiny Leaf Insect or Macleays Phasmid. This species is one among the over 2,500 stick insects whose behavior resembles that of leaves and twigs, thus the name. Giant prickly insect is native to Australia and New Guinea regions.

The insect, which features a large body, can make a very nice addition to your collection. Be advised though that although the insect does not sting and are known to be generally harmless, they should be handled with great care as they are fairly prickly.

Profile: Indian Star Tortoise (Geochelone elegans)

The Indian Star Tortoise, as the name suggests is found in India, the central and Southern parts of India, in West Pakistan and in Sri Lanka. It prefers semi-arid, grasslands and thorny habitats and can equally be spotted in areas with high precipitations level. The name Indian star tortoise is derived from the 12 yellow lines radiating yellowish star patterns from its shell in the centre of either pyramidal bump, to create beautiful golden brown patterns. When the tortoise is amongst tufts of grass, it breaks up the shape of the shell thus the coloration beautifully blends in with the environment.

Off Beat Pets “Top 5″ Competition - £75 Prize Pot

In conjunction with Geckos UK Forums we are running a “Top 5″ exotic pet related writing contest; with prizes of £40 for 1st place; £20 for 2nd place and a £15 bonus prize. This a great chance to showcase your passion for exotic pets, share your knowledge with the world whilst winning a little [...]