Oviraptor Facts & Pictures: Complete Guide To A Cretaceous Period Dinosaur

Oviraptor was a small theropod dinosaur that lived in Asia during the Late Cretaceous period. Discovered in the Gobi Desert around a century ago, Oviraptor was given the name “egg thief”, as it was found alongside some fossilized eggs. The dinosaur is now believed to have been brooding the eggs, rather than stealing them.

As well as its probable nesting behavior, Oviraptor had other bird-like features such as a toothless beak and a covering of feathers.

Read on to find out more about this distinctive Cretaceous dinosaur…

Oviraptor Facts

• Type of Dinosaur: Theropod
• Diet: Omnivore
• Continent(s) Found: Asia (specifically Mongolia)
• Length: Approximately 1.5 to 2 meters (5 to 6.5 feet)
• Weight: Around 33 kilograms (73 pounds)
• Period: Late Cretaceous (about 85 to 75 million years ago)

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What Did Oviraptor Look Like?

Computer-generated impression of Oviraptor.

Oviraptor was a small to medium-sized theropod dinosaur, typically measuring around 1.5 to 2 meters (5 to 6.5 feet) in length and weighing approximately 20 to 33 kilograms (44 to 73 pounds).

This small dinosaur had a distinctive appearance, with a short, toothless beak and probably a crest on its head, which likely varied in shape and size among different species.

The body was relatively lightweight and agile, supported by strong, slender legs, suggesting Oviraptor was a quick and nimble runner. Its forelimbs were well-developed, ending in three-fingered hands with sharp claws for grasping and manipulating objects. The tail was relatively short, and likely ended in a fan of feathers similar to that of a modern bird.

Evidence from fossilized remains and related species indicates that Oviraptor had a covering of feathers, adding to its bird-like appearance.

What Does The Name Oviraptor Mean?

The name "Oviraptor" means "egg thief." This name was given because the first fossilized remains of Oviraptor were found near a nest of eggs, leading paleontologists to initially believe that it was stealing and eating the eggs.

However, later evidence suggested that Oviraptor might have been brooding the eggs rather than preying on them. Despite this new understanding, the name "egg thief" has persisted.

What Type Of Dinosaur Was Oviraptor?

Oviraptor Head

Oviraptor was a theropod dinosaur belonging to the family Oviraptoridae. Theropods are typically characterized by their bipedal stance, hollow bones, and three-toed limbs.

Oviraptorids were a unique group within this larger classification, known for their distinctive, bird-like physical features and behaviors.

Oviraptorids, including Oviraptor, were generally small to medium-sized dinosaurs with a range of unique adaptations. They had short, beak-like jaws without teeth, though some species had a few teeth at the back of the jaw.

The skulls of oviraptorids often bore prominent crests of varying shapes and sizes, which may have been used for display or species recognition. Their limbs were well-developed, with strong, slender legs suggesting they were agile runners.

Fossil evidence indicates that Oviraptorids, including Oviraptor, were likely feathered, adding to their bird-like appearance. The presence of possible brooding behavior in Oviraptorid fossils suggests that they might have cared for their young similarly to modern birds.

The Discovery Of Oviraptor

In 1923, paleontologist Roy Chapman Andrews and his team uncovered the first Oviraptor fossil in the Gobi Desert in Mongolia. The fossil was discovered in the region’s Djadochta Formation.

The specimen was found on a nest of around 15 fossilized eggs, leading paleontologists to believe the dinosaur was stealing and eating the eggs. This assumption led to the naming of the genus "Oviraptor," which is derived from the Latin for "egg thief".

The type species, Oviraptor philoceratops, was formally described by Henry Fairfield Osborn in 1924. Subsequent findings and studies, including fossilized evidence suggesting that Oviraptor was likely brooding the eggs rather than preying on them, have challenged the initial interpretation, but the name "Oviraptor" has remained.

When Did Oviraptor Live?

Oviraptor lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 85 to 75 million years ago.

What Dinosaurs And Other Animals Did Oviraptor Live With?

Oviraptor likely lived alongside a variety of other dinosaur species during the Late Cretaceous period in what is now Mongolia, particularly in the Gobi Desert region. Some of the notable dinosaurs that shared its habitat include:

• Protoceratops: A small, herbivorous ceratopsian dinosaur. Fossils of Protoceratops have been found in close association with Oviraptor, suggesting they shared the same environment.
• Velociraptor: A small, agile, carnivorous theropod. Velociraptor is well-known for its role in popular culture and was a contemporary predator in the same region.
• Therizinosaurus: A large theropod with long, clawed forelimbs, known for its herbivorous diet.
• Saurolophus: A large, herbivorous hadrosaur (duck-billed dinosaur). These dinosaurs were common in the Late Cretaceous and would have been part of the same ecosystem.
• Tarbosaurus: A large, carnivorous theropod similar to Tyrannosaurus rex. Tarbosaurus was one of the apex predators in the region.

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Deinonychus Facts & Pictures – Complete Guide To The Cretaceous Predator

Deinonychus was a predatory dinosaur that lived during the Early Cretaceous Period. Its name, which means “terrible claw”, refers to the large, sickle-shaped claws on each hind foot.

The “Velociraptors” depicted in Jurassic Park were actually modelled on Deinonychus, rather than the true Velociraptor, which was significantly smaller.

Read on to find out more about the “true” hero of Jurassic Park…

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Deinonychus Facts

• Type of Dinosaur: Theropod
• Diet: Carnivore
• Continent(s) Found: North America (specifically in the United States, in states like Montana, Wyoming, and Oklahoma)
• Length: Approximately 3.4 meters (11 feet)
• Height: Approximately 0.9 meters (3 feet) at the hips
• Weight: Approximately 70 kilograms (154 pounds)
• Period: Early Cretaceous Period (about 115 to 108 million years ago)

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What Did Deinonychus Look Like?

Deinonychus was an agile, small to mid-sized predator.

Deinonychus was a relatively small but formidable theropod dinosaur known for its agile build and fearsome appearance.

It measured approximately 3.4 meters (11 feet) in length, stood about 0.9 meters (3 feet) tall at the hips, and weighed around 70 kilograms (154 pounds).

Deinonychus had a sleek, bird-like body with a long, stiff tail that provided balance. Its most distinctive feature was the large, sickle-shaped claw on each hind foot, which was likely used for hunting and slashing prey.

This Cretaceous predator had a relatively large skull equipped with around 70 sharp teeth, and-like most other theropod dinosaurs–its forelimbs were adorned with three-fingered hands capable of grasping.

It is likely that Deinonychus had feathers, although there is no direct fossil evidence for this. The closely-related dinosaurs Velociraptor and Microraptor are both known to have feathers.

Deinonychus’s appearance suggests it was a swift and deadly predator, relying on speed and agility to catch its prey.

The description of Deinonychus as a fast-moving, agile animal by paleontologist John Ostrom led to a change in the public perception of dinosaurs, which had previously been regarded as slow, lumbering animals.

What Does The Name Deinonychus Mean?

The name "Deinonychus" comes from the Greek words "deinos," meaning "terrible," and "onyx," meaning "claw.", and translates to "terrible claw". The name is a reference to the dinosaur's most distinctive feature: the large, sickle-shaped claw on each of its hind feet.

What Type Of Dinosaur Was Deinonychus?

Deinonychus was a theropod dinosaur. Theropods are a group of bipedal saurischian dinosaurs that are primarily characterized by their hollow bones and three-toed limbs.

The majority of this group (including Deinonychus) are carnivorous, but some omnivorous and herbivorous theropods are known.

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Deinonychus In Jurassic Park

In the movie "Jurassic Park," the dinosaurs referred to as "Velociraptors" are actually modeled on Deinonychus. In real life, Velociraptor was significantly smaller and less robust than those depicted in the film.

Michael Crichton, the author of the novel on which the movie is based, is believed to have used the name Velociraptor for dramatic reasons, and the filmmakers followed suit.

The cinematic "Velociraptors" are depicted as being about 1.8 meters (6 feet) tall and 4.6 meters (15 feet) long, which is fact is substantially bigger than the estimated size of Deinonychus.

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Where Did Deinonychus Live?

Deinonychus lived in what is now the United States, with fossils having been found in Montana, Wyoming, and Oklahoma

Who Discovered Deinonychus?

The first Deinonychus fossils were discovered in Montana by Barnum Brown in 1931. Paleontologist John H. Ostrom used these and specimens he had found to describe and name Deinonychus in 1969.

Deinonychus was used to challenge the once-prevailing view of dinosaurs as sluggish, cold-blooded reptiles, instead suggesting that they were more dynamic and possibly warm-blooded creatures.

When Did Deinonychus Live?

Deinonychus lived during the Early Cretaceous Period, approximately 115 to 108 million years ago.

What Dinosaurs And Other Animals Did Deinonychus Live With?

Other dinosaurs Deinonychus may have lived alongside in the Early Cretaceous Period of what is now North America include:

• Tenontosaurus: A large herbivorous dinosaur that was likely one of the primary prey species for Deinonychus. Fossil evidence shows that Tenontosaurus bones often bear the marks of Deinonychus teeth and claws.
• Sauropelta: An armored dinosaur known for its body covered with bony plates and spikes, providing protection against predators like Deinonychus.
• Microvenator: A smaller theropod dinosaur that might have competed with Deinonychus for food or occupied different ecological niches.
• Acrocanthosaurus: A much larger theropod, which was a top predator in the same regions, potentially leading to occasional competition with Deinonychus.

Specimens of Deinonychus and all of the above dinosaurs have been found in rocks of the Cloverly Formation, which lies in the western United States.

In addition to dinosaurs, Deinonychus would have shared its environment with various other animals, including early mammals, lizards, turtles, and crocodilians.

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Huayangosaurus Facts & Pictures: Discover An Early Relative Of Stegosaurus

Huayangosaurus was a mid-sized stegosaurid dinosaur from the Middle Jurassic period. Discovered in the fossil beds of Sichuan Province, China, this herbivorous dinosaur roamed the Earth approximately 165 million years ago. With its distinctive bony plates and defensive tail and shoulder spikes, Huayangosaurus is one of the earliest known stegosaurids.

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Huayangosaurus Facts

• Type of Dinosaur: Stegosaurid
• Diet: Herbivore
• Continent(s) Found: Asia (specifically China)
• Length: Approximately 4 meters (13 feet)
• Weight: Estimated around 500 kilograms (1100 pounds)
• Period: Middle Jurassic (about 165 million years ago)

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What Did Huayangosaurus Look Like?

Huayangosaurus was an early Stegosaurid dinosaur.

Huayangosaurus was a relatively small but heavily built stegosaurid dinosaur, notable for its unique and somewhat primitive features compared to later members of its family. It measured approximately 4 meters (13 feet) in length and weighed around 500 kilograms (1100 pounds).

This mid-Jurassic dinosaur had a robust body with a series of bony plates along its back and two pairs of spikes on its tail, which likely served as defensive mechanisms against predators. Positioned on each shoulder was a long spike.

The plates of Huayangosaurus were smaller and less elaborate than those of its more famous relative, Stegosaurus.

Huayangosaurus also had a broad, low-slung body supported by sturdy legs, with its hind legs being longer and more powerful than its front legs. Its head was small relative to its body, equipped with leaf-shaped teeth suitable for its herbivorous diet, consisting mainly of low-lying plants.

What Does The Name Huayangosaurus Mean?

The name Huayangosaurus means "Huayang lizard." The name is derived from "Huayang," which is an ancient name for a region in Sichuan Province, China, where the dinosaur's fossils were discovered, and the Greek word "saurus," which means lizard.

What Type Of Dinosaur Was Huayangosaurus?

Huayangosaurus had rows of pointed plates running along its back, and spikes on its tail and shoulders.

Huayangosaurus was a type of stegosaurid dinosaur. Stegosaurids are characterized by the double row of bony plates running along their backs and spikes on their tails.

These herbivorous dinosaurs are part of the larger group known as thyreophorans, or armored dinosaurs, which is divided into two main branches: Stegosauria (home of Huayangosaurus, Stegosaurus, and related dinosaurs) and Ankylosauria, home of dinosaurs such as Ankylosaurus.

Where Did Huayangosaurus Live?

Huayangosaurus lived in what is now the Sichuan Province of China.

The first fossils were unearthed in the early 1980s in the Dashanpu Quarry near the city of Zigong, which is renowned for its rich deposits of Middle Jurassic dinosaur fossils.

A team of paleontologists, including Dong Zhiming, a prominent Chinese paleontologist, described and named the species in 1982.

When Did Huayangosaurus Live?

Huayangosaurus lived during the Middle Jurassic period, approximately 165 million years ago, within the Bajocian to Bathonian stages of the Jurassic Period.

What Dinosaurs Did Huayangosaurus Live With?

Other dinosaurs found in China’s Shaximiao Formation include the large sauropod Shunosaurus, the predatory theropod Gasosaurus, which likely posed a threat to herbivores like Huayangosaurus; and the smaller, more agile Ornithischian, Xiaosaurus.

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Compsognathus Facts & Pictures, A Small Jurassic Predatory Dinosaur

Compsognathus, a small but fascinating dinosaur from the Late Jurassic period, has captivated dinosaur enthusiasts since its discovery in the mid-19th century.

Compsognathus is primarily known for its small size; for many years it was the smallest-known dinosaur, and is often compared to a modern chicken in size (smaller dinosaurs, such as Microraptor and Parvicursor have subsequently been discovered).

All that is known about Compsognathus comes from two well-preserved fossils, one of which was found in the Solnhofen limestone of Germany; the other in the Portland limestone of France.

Read on to find out more facts about this diminutive dinosaur…

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Compsognathus Facts

• Type of Dinosaur: Theropod
• Diet: Carnivore
• Continent(s) Found: Europe (specifically in regions that are now Germany and France)
• Length: Approximately 1 meter (3.3 feet)
• Height: 20-30 cm (8-12 inches)
• Weight: Around 2.5 kilograms (5.5 pounds)
• Period: Late Jurassic, approximately 150 million years ago

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What Did Compsognathus Look Like?

For many years, Compsognathus was the smallest-known dinosaur.

Compsognathus was a small, nimble theropod dinosaur known for its slender build and relatively diminutive size compared to many of its contemporaries.

This Late Jurassic dinosaur measured approximately 1 meter (3.3 feet) in length. It is often described as being “chicken-sized”, but this comparison may be based on a juvenile specimen. It had a lightweight frame, with an estimated weight of around 2.5 kilograms (5.5 pounds).

Compsognathus was characterized by its elongated neck, small head with sharp, serrated teeth, and long, tapering tail, which helped it maintain balance while running.

The limbs of Compsognathus were well-suited for a carnivorous lifestyle, with strong, clawed hands that could grasp prey. Like most other theropods, it likely had three digits per hand, although fossil evidence suggests that the third digit may either have been very small or not present at all.

Did Compsognathus Have Feathers?

There is no evidence that Compsognathus itself had feathers, although some dinosaurs believed to have been related to Compsognathus did have feathers.

What Does The Name Compsognathus Mean?

The name Compsognathus refers to this dinosaur's delicate build.

The name Compsognathus comes from Greek and means "elegant jaw" or "delicate jaw." It is derived from the Greek words "kompsos" (κομψός), meaning "elegant" or "refined," and "gnathos" (γνάθος), meaning "jaw." This name reflects the dinosaur's relatively delicate and slender jaw structure, which distinguishes it from other theropods.

What Type Of Dinosaur Was Compsognathus?

Compsognathus was a small theropod dinosaur. Theropods are a group of bipedal saurischian dinosaurs characterized by hollow bones and three-toed limbs.

Compsognathus belonged to the family Compsognathidae, known for their small size and carnivorous diet. Other members of this family include Sinosauropteryx and Juravenator.

These dinosaurs were agile predators, relying on their speed and dexterity to hunt small vertebrates and insects.

Where Did Compsognathus Live?

To date, two specimens of Compsognathus have been found: one in Germany and one in France.

Compsognathus Discovery

Only two Compsognathus specimens have been discovered. Above, it is depicted in a pack.

The first specimen of Compsognathus was discovered in 1859 in the Solnhofen limestone of Bavaria, Germany. This specimen was acquired by Dr. Joseph Oberndorfer, a German physician and paleontologist.

A second, larger, specimen was discovered later in 1971 in the Portland limestone of southeastern France.

When Did Compsognathus Live?

Compsognathus lived during the Late Jurassic period, approximately 150 million years ago.

What Dinosaurs And Other Animals Did Compsognathus Live With?

The Solnhofen limestone in Bavaria, Germany, is renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved fossils from the Late Jurassic period. The best-known dinosaur to have been discovered in the formation is Archaeopteryx.

A pivotal species in the study of the evolution of birds from theropod dinosaurs, Archaeopteryx had feathers and bird-like characteristics, but also retained many dinosaurian traits.

The Solnhofen limestone has yielded a wealth of other prehistoric life forms, including pterosaurs like Rhamphorhynchus and Pterodactylus, various marine reptiles, and numerous invertebrates and fish, offering a detailed glimpse into the ecosystem of the Late Jurassic period.

Camptosaurus Facts & Pictures: Meet A Jurassic Ornithopod Dinosaur

Camptosaurus was an ornithopod dinosaur that roamed North America during the Late Jurassic period, approximately 157 to 145 million years ago.

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Table of Contents

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• Camptosaurus Facts
• What Did Camptosaurus Look Like?
• What Does The Name Camptosaurus Mean?
• What Type Of Dinosaur Was Camptosaurus?
• Where Did Camptosaurus Live?
• What Dinosaurs Lived At The Same Time As Camptosaurus?
• Discover More About Dinosaurs With Active Wild

Camptosaurus Facts

• Type of Dinosaur: Ornithopod
• Diet: herbivore.
• Continent(s) Found: North America, (possibly) Europe.
• Length: Approximately 5 to 7 meters (16 to 23 feet)
• Height: Around 2 meters (6.5 feet) at the hips
• Weight: Estimated to be between 500 to 1,000 kilograms (1,100 to 2,200 pounds)
• Period: Camptosaurus lived during the Late Jurassic period, approximately 157 to 145 million years ago.

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What Did Camptosaurus Look Like?

Camptosaurus was a medium-sized ornithopod dinosaur, characterized by its bipedal (two-legged) and possibly occasional quadrupedal (four-legged) stance. It measured approximately 5 to 7 meters / 16 to 23 feet in length, or around one and a half times the length of a mid-sized family car.

Standing at around 2 meters / 6.5 feet tall at the hips, Camptosaurus had a robust build. Its estimated weight ranged between 500 to 1,000 kilograms / 1,100 to 2,200 pounds.

Camptosaurus had a long, flexible tail and strong hind limbs, which likely supported both walking and running. Its forelimbs were shorter but still capable of supporting its weight when it moved on all fours.

The head was relatively small with a beak-like structure, well-suited for its herbivorous diet, allowing it to clip and chew plant material effectively.

What Does The Name Camptosaurus Mean?

The name Camptosaurus means "flexible lizard." The name is derived from the Greek words "kamptos," meaning bent or flexible, and "sauros," meaning lizard.

Paleontologist Professor Othniel Charles Marsh, who named Camptosaurus, believed that the dinosaur’s bone structure suggested flexibility.

What Type Of Dinosaur Was Camptosaurus?

Camptosaurus was an ornithopod dinosaur. Ornithopods are a group of herbivorous dinosaurs characterized by their bipedal and sometimes quadrupedal locomotion.

Ornithopods are part of the larger group of dinosaurs, the Ornithischia.

Other examples of ornithopod dinosaurs include Iguanodon, Edmontosaurus and Tenontosaurus.

Where Did Camptosaurus Live?

Camptosaurus lived in what is now North America and Europe.

The ornithopod’s remains were first discovered in Wyoming, USA, in the Morrison Formation. The discovery was made by William Harlow Reed in 1879, and shortly after the fossils were described by the famous paleontologist Othniel Charles Marsh.

Since then, additional Camptosaurus fossils have been found in various locations in North America and Europe.

What Dinosaurs Lived At The Same Time As Camptosaurus?

Other dinosaurs that lived at the same time as Camptosaurus include:

Allosaurus: A large, carnivorous theropod known for being one of the top predators of its time.

Stegosaurus: An herbivorous dinosaur distinguished by its plated back and spiked tail, known as a thagomizer.

Apatosaurus: One of the large sauropods, characterized by its massive size and long neck.

Diplodocus: Another giant sauropod, recognized for its incredibly long neck and tail.

The top 10 most dangerous snakes (Close contact with one of these reptiles might result in death).

        They hiss, slither, and, regrettably for people and unwary victims, bite. According to the World Health Organization, snakes bite around 5.4 million people each year, resulting in 81,000 to 138,000 fatalities.

Toxins created in a modified salivary gland that the animal subsequently injects into food using its teeth are used by venomous snakes to kill their victims. Researchers stated in the journal Frontiers of Ecology and Evolution in 2019 that such venom has developed over millions of years to trigger severe responses in victims ranging from immobility and bleeding to tissue death and inflammation. Here are 10 snakes whose venom not only kills tiny prey but may also kill people.

 

1. Inland taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus)

             According to the International Journal of Neuropharmacology, the inland taipan is one of the most poisonous snakes, with only a trace of its venom killing prey (or human victims). They reside in the clay fissures of the floodplains of Queensland and South Australia, typically inside the pre-dug burrows of other animals. The inland taipan, which lives in more distant areas than the coastal taipan, seldom comes into touch with people, according to the Australian Museum. When attacked, the taipan curls its body into a tight S-shape before shooting out in a single rapid bite or many bites. The hyaluronidase enzyme is a key component of its venom that distinguishes it from other species. This enzyme, according to a 2020 edition of Poisons magazine (Novel Strategies for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Snakebites), enhances the rate of toxins absorption throughout the victim's body.

 

2. Coastal taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus)

(Image © - dreamstime.com)

      According to the Australian Museum, you might be bitten numerous times before becoming aware of the coastal taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus). When attacked, this snake, which lives in temperate and tropical coastal wet woods, would raise its whole body off the ground before leaping fangs-first and injecting poison into its prey. According to Australian Geographic, until 1956, when an effective antivenom was developed, this snake's bite was virtually invariably lethal.

 

3. King cobra (Ophiophagus hannah)

(Image © - thoughtco.com)

      According to the Natural History Museum in London, the king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) is the world's longest poisonous snake, reaching up to 18 feet (5.4 m). According to the Smithsonian Institution, the snake's keen vision enables it to detect a moving human from approximately 330 feet (100 meters). When attacked, a king cobra will flare out its "hood," or the skin over its head, using specific ribs and muscles in its neck; these snakes can also raise their heads off the ground nearly a third of their total length, according to the San Diego Zoo.

The snake's claim to fame is not so much the power of its venom as it is the volume injected into victims: each bite delivers roughly 7 milliliters (about 0.24 fluid ounces) of venom, and the snake attacks with three or four bites in fast succession, according to the Fresno Zoo. According to Sean Carroll, a molecular researcher at the University of Maryland, a single bite may kill a person in 15 minutes and an adult elephant in only a few hours.

 

4. Banded krait (Bungarus fasciatus)

       The banded krait (Bungarus fasciatus) moves slowly throughout the day and bites significantly more often after nightfall. According to 2016 research published in the journal PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, snake venom may paralyze muscles and prevent the diaphragm from moving. This prevents air from entering the lungs, resulting in asphyxia.

 

5. Saw-scaled viper (Echis carinatus)

(Image © - flickr.com/Deben Delhay)

          The saw-scaled viper (Echis carinatus) is the smallest of India's "Big Four," along with Russell's viper, common krait (Bungarus caeruleus), and Indian cobra (Naja naja), which are regarded to be responsible for the majority of bites and fatalities.

When threatened, this viper begins "sizzling" by rubbing together specific serrated scales, rather than the usual "hissing" sound associated with snakes, according to a journal statement. When bitten by this viper, a human will experience regional swelling and agony, as well as probable bleeding. According to the educational association Understanding Animal Research, since the venom interferes with a person's capacity to coagulate blood, it may cause internal bleeding and, eventually, severe renal failure. Hydration and antivenom (this snake has nine forms of antivenom) should be delivered within hours after the bite for a human to survive, according to Understanding Animal Research.

 

6. Russell's viper (Daboia russelii)

(Image © - rahulalvares.com)

       According to a study published on March 25, 2021, in the journal PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, snake bites cause around 58,000 deaths in India each year, with Russell's viper (Daboia russelii) accounting for the bulk of these fatalities. Researchers stated in the journal Toxins in 2021 that this species is one of the most lethal of the real vipers.

In Sri Lanka, where this nocturnal viper prefers to slumber in rice fields, they are responsible for a high rate of fatality among paddy farmers during harvest season. Researchers noted in the Handbook of Clinical Neurology in 2014 that the snake's venom may cause a terrible buffet of symptoms, including abrupt renal failure, severe bleeding, and multi-organ damage. Some of the venom's coagulation components may cause acute strokes and, in rare circumstances, symptoms akin to Sheehan's syndrome, in which the pituitary gland ceases releasing specific hormones. According to the manual, victims often die from renal failure.

 

7. Eastern tiger snake (Notechis scutatus)

(Image © - news.curtin.edu.au)

       The eastern tiger snake (Notechis scutatus), which is native to southeast Australia's highlands and grasslands, is called for the yellow and black stripes on its body, however not all populations have that pattern, according to the Australian Museum. Its strong venom may kill people within 15 minutes of a bite and is responsible for at least one fatality each year on average, according to the University of Adelaide.

 

8. Boomslang (Dispholidus typus)

(Image © - Wikipedia.org)

       Herpetologist Karl Patterson Schmidt died around 24 hours after being bitten on the thumb by a juvenile boomslang (also known as a South African green tree snake), researchers reported in the journal Biochimica et Biophysica Acta in 2017. Schmidt at The Field Museum in Chicago had been tasked with identifying the snake. Schmidt, like others in the field at the time (1890), felt that rear-fanged snakes like the boomslang (Dispholidus typus) couldn't generate a venom dosage lethal to humans. They were mistaken.

According to the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology, the boomslang, which may be found across Africa but is most common in Swaziland, Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe, is one of the most poisonous of the so-called rear-fanged snakes. When not in use, these snakes may fold their fangs back into their mouths. According to the Museum, this snake, like other dangerous snakes, produces hemotoxic venom that causes victims to bleed inside and externally.

The boomslang has an egg-shaped head, huge eyes, and a bright-green striped body. According to the South African National Biodiversity Institute, when threatened, the snake may balloon its neck to double its size and show a brilliantly colored flap of skin between its scales. A boomslang bite might result in a horrific death. According to Scientific American: "Victims have significant muscle and brain hemorrhaging, and blood will begin to pour out of every conceivable outlet, including the gums and nostrils, as well as the smallest of incisions. Blood will also begin to travel through the victim's body via their feces, urine, saliva, and vomit until they die." If a victim can acquire it in time, there is an antivenom for the boomslang.

 

9. Fer-de-lance (Bothrops asper)

(Image © - pinimg.com)

       According to 1984 research published in the journal Toxicon, a bite from a fer-de-lance (Bothrops asper) may color a person's bodily tissue black as it starts to die. According to 2001 research published in the journal Toxicon, these pit vipers, which occur in Central and South America and are between 3.9 and 8.2 feet (1.2 and 2.5 m) long and weigh up to 13 pounds (6 kg), are responsible for over half of all snakebite venom poisonings in Central America. A bite from this snake may induce bleeding because its venom includes an anticoagulant (a chemical that prevents blood clotting).

If that isn't enough to put you off, consider this: according to the University of Costa Rica, a female may give birth to 90 ferocious offspring.

 

10. Black mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis)

(Image © - sanbi.org)

          The black mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis), Africa's deadliest snake, can kill a human with only two droplets of venom. Black mambas are brownish in hue and were named from the dark, inky tint within their jaws. They are around 8 feet (2.5 meters) long and can go at a speed of 12 mph (19 km/h).

The long snakes are born with two to three droplets of venom in each fang, making them fatal biters from the start. According to Kruger National Park, by maturity, they may store up to 20 drips in each of their teeth. A bite from this African snake is almost usually fatal if not treated.

The venom of a black mamba interferes with activity at a junction where nerves and muscles link, resulting in paralysis, according to Ryan Blumenthal of the University of Pretoria in The Conversation. Because the venom is also cardiotoxic, it has the potential to induce cardiac arrest. According to Blumenthal, this was the situation with a South African man who was bitten by a black mamba on his index finger. Within 20 minutes of arriving at the hospital, he was already in cardiac arrest. Despite being treated with antivenom, the guy died days later, according to Blumenthal.

Scientists are unsure how many people are killed by black mambas each year, but Blumenthal believes they are responsible for the majority of snake-related fatalities in southern Africa.

Source: www.livescience.com

Tortoises ( Testudinidae ) - Are These The Longest-Living Land Animals..?

Kingdom - Animalia
Phylum - Chordata
Class - Reptilia
Order - Testudines
Family - Testudinidae 

       

           The family Testudinidae of the order Testudines includes turtles as reptiles (Latin: tortoise). Tortoises, like other turtles, have a shell to shield them from predators and other dangers. Since tortoises often have strong shells, they defend themselves by straightening their heads and necks into the shell, like other members of the suborder Cryptodira.

          All continents, with the exception of Australia and Antarctica, are home to turtles, which are only terrestrial in nature. They live on many islands as well, but because of human habitation, many island populations and species are now extinct. Living tortoises belong to at least 15 different genera, with one of them, Geochelone, having a range that extends from South America to Africa and Asia. There are roughly 49 different species of tortoises, ranging in size from the southern African padlopers (Homopus), with shells that are 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 inches) long, to the giant tortoises (Geochelone), which have shells that are over 1 meter (3.3 feet) long on the Aldabra and Galapagos islands. Tortoises may be found in a range of environments, including dry tropical forests and deserts. Some tortoise species from damp forest settings are more opportunistic and devour animal stuff. However, the majority of tortoises are vegetarians and eat leaves, flowers, and fruits. They are mostly nocturnal creatures with a tendency to become crepuscular when the temperature changes. They are often solitary creatures. The longest-living species of tortoise is up for discussion, however, they are the world's longest-living terrestrial animals. Although it is known that gal pagos tortoises may live for more than 150 years, Adwaita, an Aldabra giant tortoise, is said to have lived for as long as 255 years. The majority of tortoise species may live 80 to 150 years on average.

Biology

Tortoises have high-domed shells or carapaces, and they are cold-blooded, or ectothermic creatures. Malachochersus thornier, a kind of pancake tortoise, is the only species with a flat shell. They can withdraw their heads and necks within their shells for safety, like the majority of turtles can. They are the only vertebrates with shells, as well as the only vertebrates whose pectoral and pelvic girdles are placed within their ribcages.

Hide inside the shells - (Copyright © - crazycrittersinc.com)

    The 59–61 bones that make up their shells are protected by plates known as scutes. The words "scute" and "scoot" have the same sound. Scutes can also divide into segments, which gives tortoise shells their distinctive patterns. The plastron is the shell's underside, and a bridge connects the two parts. Since keratin makes up the majority of a tortoise's shell, it is similar to how humans may feel pain via their fingernails.

Skeleton of a tortoise - (Copyright © - Wikipedia)

A skeleton of Aldabra giant tortoise - (Copyright © - Wikipedia)

Its jaw is devoid of teeth. Despite having no teeth, this animal can break apart food and other objects with the help of its horny beak. Elephantine, or cylindrical, hind limbs and hind feet are unique features of the hind limb anatomy that are shared by all tortoises. There are two or fewer phalanges on each of the animal's forefeet and rear feet.

Anatomy - (Copyright © - crazycrittersinc.com)

Sexual dimorphism

Even though the differences between males and females vary from species to species, many species of tortoises are sexually dimorphic. In certain species, the males' neck plates are longer and more pronounced than those of the females, whereas, in others, the females' claws are longer.

  To help in reproduction, the male plastron is bent inward. Analyzing a tortoise's tail will reveal its gender most easily. The males often have considerably longer tails that are drawn up and to the side of the rear shell, whilst the females typically have smaller, dropped-down tails.

Behavior

The majority of tortoises are diurnal, which means they are up during the day and asleep at night. However, many species have a tendency to be crepuscular, which means that they are most active around dusk. All species of tortoises are solitary, peaceful animals. The average pace of a tortoise is said to be between 0.2 and 0.5 kilometers per hour, which is why they are notorious for moving so slowly. Tortoises don't have ears, thus they rely more on eyesight and smell than on hearing.

Tortoises sunbathe for one to two hours after sunrise to take in heat during the day because they are cold-blooded creatures. They then scavenge for food for several hours. They often migrate in the early morning and late afternoon, and they take dust baths to ward off bugs. The only times that turtles vocalize are when they are mating or when they are being hostile.

Habitat

With the exception of Australia and Antarctica, the tortoise may be found on every continent. Species can be found in sub-Saharan Africa, the Mediterranean basin, Madagascar, southern North America, southern South America, several Pacific Islands, southeast Asia, Eurasia, and Madagascar. They may survive at sea level or in higher hilly terrain, and they normally favor semi-arid temperatures, however, they can be found anywhere from deserts to tropical rainforests.

(Copyright © - a-z-animals.com)

Food and Diet

As strict herbivores, tortoises often eat grasses, weeds, leafy greens, flowers, and certain fruits. But occasionally, bird hunting and birds eating have been noted. Pet tortoises often need diets made up of weeds, leafy greens, natural grasses, and some types of flowers. In their natural environments, several species eat carrion, worms, or insects. In herbivorous organisms, too much protein is harmful and has been linked to shell malformations and other health issues. The dietary needs of various tortoise species differ substantially.

Reproduction, Babies, and Lifespan

The majority of tortoise species mate all year long. The male tortoise slams the female tortoise's shell with his shell to start the mating process. He may also bite at her legs. The convex shells at play make copulation challenging, yet the male positions himself precariously to make it happen.

To dig their nests, female tortoises utilize their hind limbs. The clutch is covered with earth, sand, and organic substances after the eggs are laid at night. The eggs are left unattended for the 100–160 day-long typical incubation period. The ping-pong-ball-sized eggs are cracked open by fully developed hatchlings using their egg teeth, who then burrow their way to the surface. Their embryonic egg sac, which gives sustenance for the first three to seven days after hatching, is present. Baby tortoises travel to their mother's burrow, where she shelters them until they are independent, which takes around 80 days.

Baby Testudo marginata emerges from its egg - © - Wikipedia

A Baby Tortoise - © - Wikipedia

22-year-old leopard tortoise - © - Wikipedia

The world's longest-living land animal is a tortoise. They live between 80 and 150 years on average. There are several instances of long-living tortoises in historical records. One of the most famous, Tui Malila, was given to the Tongan people in 1777 as a gift by explorer James Cook. Tui Malila passed away in 1965 at the age of 188.

Relations with Human 

♦ Kurma (Sanskrit: कुर्म ) was regarded as Vishnu's second Avatar in Hinduism. Kurma is a Satya Yuga being, just as the Matsya Avatara. Vishnu adopted the shape of a creature with a tortoise-like lower half and a human upper half. Typically, he is shown as having four arms. After the Great Flood, he reclined on the ocean floor. The other gods put a mountain on his shoulders so they might churn the waters and discover the ancient treasures of the Vedic people.

♦ In early Christianity and Judaism, tortoises were regarded as filthy creatures.

♦ The ancient Chinese utilized tortoise shells as oracle bones to make predictions.

♦ The Greek deity Hermes is represented by the tortoise.

(Source: Wikipedia / a-z-animals.com)

Geckos ( Gekkonidae ) - Are geckos bad for your house?

Phylum - Chordata
Class - Reptilia
Order - Squamata
Clade - Gekkonomorpha
Infraorder - Gekkota

        Geckos are little carnivorous lizards found on every continent except Antarctica. Geckos are found in warm areas all over the world and belong to the infraorder Gekkota. They are 1.6 to 60 cm in length (0.64 to 24 inches).

Geckos are distinguished from other lizards by their vocalizations, which vary by species. In their social interactions, most geckos in the Gekkonidae family make chirping or clicking noises. When scared or threatened, Tokay geckos (Gekko geckos) are famed for their loud mating cries, and certain other species can make hissing noises. With over 1,850 distinct species worldwide, they are the most diverse group of lizards.

Except for members of the Eublepharidae family, all geckos lack eyelids; instead, the cornea, a transparent membrane, covers the outer surface of the eyeball. Each iris has a fixed lens that enlarges in darkness to let in more light. Because they can't blink, creatures without eyelids lick their own corneas to keep them clean and moist when they need to cleanse them of dust and debris.

Licking cornea to clear it of dust.

    Nocturnal animals have superb night vision, with 350 times the sensitivity of human color vision in low light. Diurnal geckos that had lost their eye rods developed into night geckos. Geckos, like most lizards, can lose their tails in defense, so the predator will attack the tail first, allowing the gecko to flee before the predator notices, a process known as autotomy. Many species are noted for their specialized toe pads, which allow them to easily climb smooth and vertical surfaces, as well as span interior ceilings. People who live in warm climates are familiar with geckos, as some species build their homes within human dwellings. These (such as the house gecko) form part of the indoor menagerie and are frequently appreciated since they eat insects such as moths and mosquitoes. Geckos, unlike other lizards, are nocturnal.

The kawekaweau (Hoplodactylus delcourti), the biggest species, is only known from a single stuffed specimen discovered in the basement of a Marseille museum. This 60-centimeter (24-inch) long gecko was most likely unique to New Zealand, where it lived in native woods. It was likely wiped off, along with much of the natural fauna of these islands, in the late 19th century, when new invasive species like rats and stoats were introduced during European colonization. The Jaragua sphaero, the world's tiniest gecko, is about 1.6 cm (about half an inch) long and was discovered on a tiny island off the coast of Hispaniola in 2001.

The kawekaweau (Hoplodactylus delcourti) Largest species Copyright ©- inaturalist.ca

The Jaragua sphaero, the world's tiniest gecko

Common Details 

Geckos, like other reptiles, are ectothermic, meaning they produce relatively little metabolic heat. The body temperature of a gecko is largely determined by its surroundings. Furthermore, geckos require a somewhat high temperature to perform their primary tasks, such as movement, eating, breeding, and so on.

Shedding/molting

All geckos shed their skin at around the same time each year, however, the timing and technique vary by species. Leopard geckos lose their skin every two to four weeks. Moisture contributes to the process of shedding. When shedding begins, the gecko accelerates the process by removing and devouring the loose skin of its body. Geckos shed once a week when they are young, but after they are fully grown, they shed once every one to two months.

Ability of Adhesions 

Around 60% of gecko species have sticky toe pads, which enable them to stick to most surfaces without the need for liquids or surface tension. Over the history of gecko development, such pads have been obtained and lost several times. Adhesive toepads developed separately in around 11 gecko lineages and were lost in at least 9 of them.

The underside of a gecko's foot 

The attractive van der Waals' forces (the weakest of the weak chemical interactions) between the β-keratin lamellae/setae/spatulae structures and the surface are enabled by the spatula-shaped setae grouped in lamellae on gecko footpads. There are no fluids involved in these van der Waals interactions; in principle, a boot constructed of synthetic setae might attach to the International Space Station's surface as readily as a living-room wall, however, adherence varies with humidity.

Skin

Gecko skin does not have scales and instead appears as a papillose surface made up of hair-like protuberances that grow throughout the entire body on a macro scale. Superhydrophobicity is conferred, and the hair's unique pattern gives a powerful antibacterial effect. These protuberances are extremely minute, measuring up to 4 microns in length and ending in a point. The skin of geckos has been found to have antibacterial properties, killing gram-negative bacteria that come into contact with it.

Gekko gecko skin

The coloring of Madagascar's Mossy Leaf-tailed Gecko, U. Sikora, has been created for camouflage, with the majority of the animals being grayish brown to black or greenish-brown with varied patterns meant to simulate tree bark, even down to the lichens and moss found on the bark. It also possesses dermal flaps, which span the length of its body, head, and limbs and may be laid against the tree during the day to disperse shadows and make its form virtually undetectable.

Teeth

Geckos are polyphyodonts, meaning they may replace all 100 of their teeth every three to four months. A little replacement tooth is growing next to the fully developed tooth in the dental lamina, thanks to an odontogenic stem cell. The teeth are formed in a pleurodont manner, with their sides bonded (ankylosed) to the inner surface of the jawbones. All species in the Squamata order have this structure. 

Leopard gecko teeth

Distribution

Geckos are mostly found in the tropics and subtropics, however, certain species have been found as far north as the southwestern United States, southern Europe, and southern Siberia. Geckos in the southern hemisphere reach Stewart Island in New Zealand and the southernmost point of South America. Geckos may be found up to 12,000 feet (3,700 meters) in the Himalayas, however, they are more abundant at lower levels. Most tropical and subtropical islands host geckos, and geckos, along with skinks, are sometimes the sole terrestrial reptiles on distant oceanic islands.

Some gecko species, such as the house gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus) and the mourning gecko (Lepidodactylus lugubris), have large geographic ranges, although most are limited to small areas. Many geckos have specific substrate preferences, preferring just certain types of rocks, trees, or soils. Gecko diversity is particularly great in Africa and Australia's dry and semiarid environments, as well as in Southeast Asia and Madagascar's wooded areas. North America, Europe, and temperate Asia are home to a small number of species. Some geckos coexist with people and are easily transferred.

Common house gecko ( Hemidactylus frenatus ) Copyright ©- flickr.com

Classification

The Gekkota infraorder is organized into seven families, with roughly 125 geckos genera, including the snake-like (legless) pygopods.

1. Carphodactylidae
2. Diplodactylidae
3. Eublepharidae
4. Gekkonidae
5. Phyllodactylidae
6. Pygopodidae
7. Sphaerodactylidae

Cretaceogekko and Yanatarogecko are two extinct geckos that cannot be classified into any of these seven families. Legless lizards of the Dibamidae family, popularly known as blind lizards, have been mistakenly classified as gekkotans in the past, but current molecular phylogenies show otherwise.

Feeding ecology/diet

Leopard geckos ( Eublepharis macularius ) eat insects. Copyright © - azreptiles.org

Insectivorous diets are consumed by nearly all geckos. The majority of tiny species solely feed arthropods, however, some larger species also eat small vertebrates. Ex:- Tokay geckos (Gekko geckos).

tiny snakes, lizards, and mammals, as well as nestling birds, are overpowered and eaten. Rhacodactylus auriculatus, a New Caledonian gecko species, with specialized fanglike teeth for penetrating the bodies of other lizards. Burton's snake lizard (Lialis burtonis) possesses hinged teeth that allow it to eat hard-bodied food like tiny skinks, which have osteoderms to strengthen their skins (bony plates embedded in the skin).

Both diurnal and nocturnal geckos in New Zealand and neighboring islands frequently augment their diet with plant fruits, nectar, or pollen. These lizards may serve a significant function as both pollinators and seed dispersers in some circumstances.

Geckos use a mix of visual and chemical signals to find food. Eublepharines, like other geckos, forage widely and rely on chemical signals to find food. The majority of other species, on the other hand, are ambush predators that move slowly and rely on eyesight to recognize arthropod prey that approach within striking distance.

Reproduction

Males of several species call to attract females. The bell geckos (Ptenopus) of southern Africa take this to an extreme, with males participating in choruses. Males try to attract mates by shouting from the entrances of their burrows, which act as resonating chambers to magnify the sound. Chemical signals can be used by less vocal geckos, such as leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius), to recognize individuals of the opposing sex, while many others can visually distinguish mates at close range. Before mating, male geckos massage or kiss females and restrain them during copulation by biting them on the nape of the neck or back. Males are absent in the mourning gecko (Lepidodactylus lugubris) and a few other species. These unisexual species are the result of the hybridization of two bisexual parental species and reproduce clonally by parthenogenesis once established.

 Leopard Geckos Breeding Copyright ©- geckotime.com

The majority of geckos lay eggs. The eggs of gekkonine geckos have a hard shell, but the eggs of the other subfamilies have a leathery shell. Females lay eggs in protective areas, such as the axils of leaves, under bark, or in shallow nests in the soil, which often create a high-humidity microclimate. Desert geckos deposit their eggs in tunnels or rock crevices or on vertical or overhanging rock surfaces in flattened, adhesive eggs.

The clutch size of all geckos is the same. The majority of species produce two offspring in a clutch, while a few small groups of species create just one egg at a time. Tropical species may have numerous clutches each year, sometimes just during wetter seasons, although cooler-temperature species usually only have one clutch every year.

Geckos usually leave their eggs after one to six months of development, depending on temperature. The sex of the progeny in eublepharines and some gekkonines is temperature-dependent. The average temperature of growing embryos throughout the second trimester of development determines the gender of the geckos, with higher temperatures resulting in males and lower temperatures resulting in females. Hatchling geckos use paired egg teeth to slice their eggshells, which are shed shortly after eclosion (hatching). New Zealand geckos, as well as one species in adjacent New Caledonia, are the only ones in the world that are viviparous (live-bearing) and have a simple placenta. These species usually produce twins, with gestation periods ranging from 4 to 14 months.

Conservation

Only a few geckos have population estimates, and the conservation status of the majority of species is unclear. Many geckos dwell in arid places where people have little influence, or, like other tropical species, they actively seek out human settlements for their own benefit. However, habitat deterioration, notably deforestation, and the invasion of rats, cats, and other predatory animals threaten many island-dwelling geckos with limited ranges. The Giant gecko of Round Island in the Mascarenes (Phelsuma edwardnewtoni) and Delcourt's gecko, the biggest gecko ever alive, are among the few geckos thought to have gone extinct in historical times.

New Zealand's huge gecko. Introduced predators were most likely to blame in each case. Because they are extensively marketed in the pet trade, geckos of the genus Phelsuma, which are notably vividly colored and beautiful, are all globally protected as CITES Appendix II species.

Relations with humans 

Large geckos, such as the Fijian voracious gecko (Gehyra vorax), were historically sought for food, although geckos are now mostly used for medical purposes. Tokay geckos and other species are sold dried or pickled in wine or spirits in China and Southeast Asia to boost vitality and heal renal problems. House geckos are popular among herpetoculturalists in Europe and North America, and they are appreciated as predators of insect pests throughout most of the tropics. Although all geckos are harmless, their strange nocturnal habits, huge eyes, and climbing ability have been misinterpreted as indicators of evil, and they are wrongly considered as poisonous to the touch in some cultures.

Tokay geckos (Gekko gecko) used to make some wine