Desert reptiles for reptile room

[9darlingcalvi]

I am planning on getting some reptiles for a future reptile room and I want it to be mainly us native desert/dry grassland species. I might get a leopard gecko but that would be it for exotic herps. Also amphibians are welcome too, maybe a few inverts but no centipedes

 

[RTTB]

A shovel nose snake (Chionactus) is a favorite of mine. Native small colorful and easy to keep. They love crickets. Primarily insectivores.

 

[schmiggle]

How about desert spadefoot toads?

 

[9darlingcalvi]

How about desert spadefoot toads?

I've heard they are super hard to feed ?

 

[schmiggle]

I've heard they are super hard to feed ?

Not from what I've read, though it might depend on the species.
Here's a caresheet for eastern spadefoots:
http://talkto.thefrog.org/index.php?action=vthread&topic=5833
You could probably also do a tiger salamander, though of course they use a relatively moist microhabitat in dry areas.

 

[Salmonsaladsandwich]

Colorado river toads, banded geckos and alligator lizards are nice desert herps. Also collared lizards, though I think they're a little more high maintainence (like, similar to a bearded dragon.)

 

[RTTB]

If you have a good supply of ants available, a set up with Horned Lizards would be awesome.

 

[9darlingcalvi]

Okay, that will be later

 

[Nanchantress]

Blue death-feigning beetles would be a great desert display creature.

 

[schmiggle]

King snakes I think, and also hognose. There are plenty of vipers, but you probably don't want to go there.

 

[user 666]

I am planning on getting some reptiles for a future reptile room and I want it to be mainly us native desert/dry grassland species. I might get a leopard gecko but that would be it for exotic herps. Also amphibians are welcome too, maybe a few inverts but no centipedes

I have been wanting a desert horned toad. They're small but interesting.

 

[9darlingcalvi]

Those are all great choices! I will add these to the list.

 

[darkness975]

Blue death-feigning beetles would be a great desert display creature. View attachment 242793

If you go with these, @9darlingcalvi , then you might as well get an H. arizonensis for the same Enclosure!

They're not reptiles, but still awesome.