Glossary of Herp & Related Terms

A-E

F-L

M-O

P-S

T-Z

Reproduction

Temperature Gradient

A range of temperature needed to enable a reptile to regulate its internal (core) body temperature.

Terrestrial

Lives on land.

Thermoregulate

In reptiles, their ability to change their body temperature by moving from warm to cool places.

Thigmotherm(ic)

Absorbs heat by laying/resting against warm objects in the environment. Commonly found in snakes, Lacertidae, Scincidae, and Teiidae. Snakes use a combination of heliothermic and thigmothermic strategies.

Torpor

Sluggishness, inactive, lethargic.

Ultraviolet light (UV)

Radiant energy in the range of about 100-380 nanometers (nm). For practical applications, the UV band is broken down further as follows:

• Ozone Producing 180 - 220nm

• Bactericidal (germicidal) 220 - 300 nm

• Erythemal (skin reddening) 280 - 320 nm

• "Black" light 320 - 400 nm

The international Commission on Illumination (CIE) defines the UV bands as UV-A (315-400nm); UV-B (280 - 315 nm) and UV-C (100-280

Urates

The non-fecal part of the excreta. Depending on the species, this may be a clear thin or viscous fluid with or without thicker white parts. In carnivorous and omnivorous reptiles, the white part of the urates may be semi-soft pellets which harden after deposition into a chalk-like substance. In herbivores, the white part of the urate may be laced through the urates and around the fecal pellet or hidden within the feces.

Vent

The exterior opening of the cloaca; anus.

Ventral

Towards the belly.

Vertebrate

Animals having internal skeletons (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish).

Viviparous

Bears live young rather than laying eggs.

Xanthic

Increased amounts of, or excessive, yellow, coloring.

Zoonosis

A disease (bacteria, fungus or worm) transmitted from one animal to another, including to and from humans

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