Hello, everyone!
Before I talk about moving, let me share a cool link with you.
The author (Jamie Derkenne) shares his or her experiences with the wild Eastern (from Australia) Water Dragons in their backyard.
On to moving...
Richard's dad and I have been very busy the last couple of weeks. We're moving to a new place. :-) As a matter of fact, there are movers struggling to get Richard's house out of the apartment as I type this. It's a real ordeal-- something anyone with a giant reptile enclosure must one day cope with.
Other news: We have a breeding colony of about 20 Zophobas morio ("superworm") beetles right now. We have no choice but to breed. Richard goes through about $12 in superworms every week. That doesn't include his red wigglers.
He'll also have his first nightcrawler tonight. He's finally big enough to tackle them. :-)
Yesterday, we saw a baby water dragon at Petsmart-- the smallest I have ever seen in person! The little guy's body wasn't even as long as Richard's head. And its head was only slightly bigger than one of Richard's eyeballs. He was a real shrimp and seriously cute. Just imagine: Richard was that small at one point in his life. Unreal.
I can only imagine a parent giving their "okay" for a water dragon that small, only to find out-- the hard way-- that they get pretty large... :-P
the action-packed life a Chinese Water Dragon
Seen on Cute Overload!
What are Chinese Water Dragons (CWDs)?
CWDs are tree-dwelling, omnivorous lizards from Asia. As their name suggests, they are proficient swimmers! Adult males are bluer, exhibit peach-colored armpits, maroon throats, and large nuchal crests on their heads. Male and female juveniles cannot be distinguished visually.
Interesting facts:
The genus name Physignathus means "bag jaw". This refers to the balloon-like appearance of adult CWD jowls.
CWDs have been known to live approximately 15 years. That means Richard and I are in it for the long haul!
Female CWDs, like many other lizards, can lay unfertilized eggs, much like chickens do.
In some parts of Asia, CWDs are sold in markets as food.
CWDs can change their color, though not as dramatically as chameleons.
The Australian cousins of CWDs are known as Eastern Water Dragons. There are two subspecies.
Although CWDs somewhat resemble iguanas, they are not closely related at all.
Interesting facts:
The genus name Physignathus means "bag jaw". This refers to the balloon-like appearance of adult CWD jowls.
CWDs have been known to live approximately 15 years. That means Richard and I are in it for the long haul!
Female CWDs, like many other lizards, can lay unfertilized eggs, much like chickens do.
In some parts of Asia, CWDs are sold in markets as food.
CWDs can change their color, though not as dramatically as chameleons.
The Australian cousins of CWDs are known as Eastern Water Dragons. There are two subspecies.
Although CWDs somewhat resemble iguanas, they are not closely related at all.
Richard Facts
Richard is a special animal. He has brought us endless joy, and we like to share our love for him in hopes that others may see how interesting-- and indeed lovable -- lizards can be.
Birthday ("buy"-day): October 2, 2007
Favorite place: closet
Funny habits: pretending to be asleep as soon as he sees that I am going to bother him (the nerve!), the "peepee dance" he does right before he goes to the bathroom
Other favorites: hangers, clothing, laundry baskets
Laudable skills: drinking from a cup, recognizing the tube I coat insects with calcium in
Absolutely hates: having his tail touched
Richard is the namesake of Prof. Richard Dawkins
Birthday ("buy"-day): October 2, 2007
Favorite place: closet
Funny habits: pretending to be asleep as soon as he sees that I am going to bother him (the nerve!), the "peepee dance" he does right before he goes to the bathroom
Other favorites: hangers, clothing, laundry baskets
Laudable skills: drinking from a cup, recognizing the tube I coat insects with calcium in
Absolutely hates: having his tail touched
Richard is the namesake of Prof. Richard Dawkins
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About Me
- Hollywoodtomato
- "Hollywoodtomato" is a bar/cafeterÃa on Calle Torres Villarroel in Salamanca, Spain.
3 comments:
Where are you moving to?
How is Richard taking his house being moved?
Oh, we're just moving a couple of miles down the road :-P
Richard was a little traumatized (he had to sit in his pet carrier for a while), but he's adjusted nicely and is back to normal :-) Thanks for asking!
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