The Yaqui Black-headed Snake Was a Cross-Cultural Mystery
It doesn’t need a mask to hide its secrets.
Reptiles
(Un)luckily, the Orinoco Crocodile is Thick-Skinned
Fighting for conservation, or handbags at dawn?
The Black Mamba: Nature’s “Do Not Disturb” Sign
The black mamba will keep you away. By fair means or foul.
Why the Tuatara Would Be an Awesome Housemate. Mostly.
The tuatara’s ancestors survived the dinosaurs, the comet, and the Ice Age. So losing to rats is just embarrassing.
Quedenfeldtia moerens. That’s My Name, Don’t Wear it Out!
Yes, like the decidedly less cute creatures on this list, the scorpion and spider, this little gecko doesn’t have a …
The Philippine Sailfin Lizard is a Three-Eyed, Mini Godzilla
All that’s missing is the electric-blue fire breath and a ring of flattened skyscrapers. Fortunately, the Philippine sailfin lizard is …
Why the Blue-tailed Skink Needs a Christmas Miracle
The blue-tailed skink says “hi!” from Christmas Island! Rather than partying in the wild like the famous Christmas Island crabs, …
Yinnietharra Rock Dragon
A “dragon” that fits in your hand is awesome by default. It’s only been found in two areas so far, …
Puerto Rican Boa
Search for “Puerto Rican boa” and you’re presented with various snakes with saucer-sized eyes, in bright yellow or green, or …
Zhou’s Box Turtle
Zhou’s box turtle already lives in a “box” shell and likely a “box” in captivity. Will it keep out of the underground kind?
Inland Taipan
The inland taipan could definitely kill you, but it doesn’t usually feel like it.
Gharial
The gharial is probably the least deadly croc, but we give it the most crap.
