My name is Jack. I've worked with herps for 12 1/2 of my 14 years of life. I started at 2 years old catching toads in my backyard and then scaring my mom or dad with them, whichever one was closest. That used to be all I'd catch, the common Woodhouse Toad, and an occasional cricket frog. Then, when I was 6, my family bought a summerhouse Arkansas, and I nearly went bonkers!!! I could catch lizards, treefrogs, turtles, and snakes. So, from there, I learned where to find them, and, when we came back to my house, I was able to find some reptiles that I'd never be able to find otherwise. OK, enough about me, let's learn about herps!!!

                The first choice is...which one? Just because a colorful bearded dragon catches your eye, or a pretty chameleon is so cute you have to take it home, you may not know what you're getting into. There are so many herps out there, and there are probably only a few of them that will suite your needs, and you their needs. The first choice is, Do I want a reptile or amphibian? A green anole is a great pet for a beginner herpetologist who want to start with a reptile that's small and easy. They need a small, 10 gallon aquarium (even though the bigger the better), some bedding, vines and greenery, a water dish, and 2 crickets every other day, and you're set to get your first anole!!

Highlights for an anole cage 10-20 gallon cage Mist every day with water Feed small crickets Warm spot 95 degrees, overall 75 degrees Don't overheat UVB lighting if possible

             For someone who wants a lizard who is easy to take care of, allows handling, and has some color to it, the LongTail Grass Lizard could be for you. It requires much of the same accessories as the anole, but it needs a screen cage, as it needs the extra area to climb. It also needs a minimum of a 15 gallon cage. It likes dense cover, so pothos is a good bet for it. It feeds on small-medium crickets and mealworms. Here's a pic: