We have an annual reptile show, here in Las Vegas. (And, I unfortunately, forgot my camera.) There were so many, many interesting critters ranging from tiny baby frogs and geckos to six foot snakes and 20 pound iguanas. We went to see all of the critters, with no sure mindset to bring anything living home. And, by we, I mean Zoey, my sister, Nicole, friend Mindy, and myself. Mya chose to spend the day with her grandfather, after given the choice to tag along, or see him.
There may not have been any plans to bring home any new friends, but it happened to each of us. The first critters to catch an eye were a group of Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches. Yes. Giant cockroaches that hiss. My sister saw these guys and instantly wanted a few. Cockroaches certainly are not for me, but they are interesting.
"This one is a fine male specimen," Nicole says. "He is a warrior, see his horns?"
I am fascinated by these guys, however, I have an irrational fear of them. There is no reason for me to be afraid of these, I know. They cannot hurt me, they are not venomous. And, I tried to conquer my fear. My sister, whose hand you can see in all of the pictures of the roaches was steady and calm. She brought one out specifically for me to pet and potentially hold. I slowly touched it's back with a single extended finger and it let out a rather loud, yet tiny hiss.
Fear not conquered.
The male. He also has spikes on his legs. His plates are impressive.
I tried. But, I could not bring myself to hold one. Mostly in fear of my own reaction, because I didn't want to fling and hurt the giant cockroach. Hmm.
I lowered my camera, in attempt to see his stomach. My sister offered an easier solution.
She then brought out a female, and exclaimed. "She's pregnant! These guys give live birth!" Oh. Well, then. That is interesting, but I don't think I will be bonding with her any more easily.
The females do not have horns or spikes on their legs. The difference are impossible to miss.
The white you can see is where her babies are developing.
He back plates are spaced because of her pregnant, swollen abdomen.
The male and female cockroaches are amazingly different. Taking their pictures was quite educational, and Mya had a blast petting them. Go, Mya.
Now, I will not say I am a fan of spiders, but I found myself drawn to the tarantulas. I am not good at getting rid of the household spiders that find their way into my home, and usually do so more vocally than I wish, with my heart beating a bit faster than it should. But, after holding a rose haired tarantula, I decided to bring her home.
It took my a few tries to bring her out of her tank, because I was jumpy, but she is a very calm spider.
Mya was drawn to the spider. She is quite fearless. Her grandfather was not to happy with it, and had to be convinced it was not venomous.
Mya claimed the spider is hers, and fell in love, if you could call it that, immediately.
Seeing these creepy crawlies, and bringing them into our lives was quite an experience. I can't say I'd want to add to my collection of this-many-legged-creatures on a daily basis, but it was wonderful, and educational.
