The Reptilium Insider

We break down why Ackie monitors are far more than “small monitors,” from their deep-substrate enclosures and serious heat gradients to the anchored structures they need for safe digging. Plus: diet basics, gut-loading feeders, UVB, and what it takes to earn trust with this smart, persistent lizard.

Frilled dragons may look like easy, beginner-friendly display lizards, but they actually need a tall arboreal enclosure, careful handling, and plenty of secure climbing space. The episode also breaks down how heat, UVB, humidity, and diet all have to work together for proper frilled dragon care.

This episode breaks down why Panther Chameleons need tall, airy enclosures, proper heat and UVB, and frequent misting instead of a standard glass tank. It also covers feeder gut-loading, supplementation, handling stress, and why reptile expos can help keepers make better care decisions.

This episode breaks down why jumping spiders are more than cute desk pets, from their daytime hunting, strong vision, and hammock-building habits to the enclosure features they actually need. It also covers species differences, feeding live prey, hydration, and what to do during a molt.

Learn what Pacman frogs really are: terrestrial South American ambush predators that need the right heat, humidity, substrate, and a secure horizontal habitat. We also cover why they’re best as display pets, plus the basics of feeding live insects, gut-loading, and supplementation.

Learn how to set up the right vertical enclosure, temperature, humidity, and security for a healthy gargoyle gecko. The hosts also cover staple diets, live insect feeding, gentle handling tips, and what to know before visiting Repticon Atlanta or Baltimore.

An inside look at ball python care, from enclosure setup and heat to humidity, feeding, handling, and common health pitfalls.We also talk about sourcing frozen rodents from Premium Crickets in store, and how bulk orders can be placed through the Premium Crickets website.

This episode covers the two upcoming Repticon shows in Jacksonville and Greenville, with the key dates, locations, hours, and a quick look at what attendees should know before they go.We also mention that today’s newsletter includes a leopard gecko care sheet for anyone considering bringing one home from either show.

In this episode of Reptilium Insider, Michael Arnold checks in from Repticon Kissimmee while Lydia Wolfe reports back from Repticon Raleigh after a jam‑packed March weekend of shows. They compare the two expos—crowds, vendor vibes, standout animals, and how each venue shapes the experience—while giving listeners a feel for what it’s like on the ground at these busy Southeastern reptile hubs. Then the conversation turns to the weather as spring finally starts nudging temperatures up across the Southeast. Michael and Lydia break down why this shoulder season is their favorite time of year for shipping both feeder insects and reptiles: fewer temperature extremes, less reliance on heat or cold packs, reduced DOA risk, and smoother trips for animals moving between breeders, expos, and new homes. Whether you vend, ship, or just shop the shows, this episode connects the energy of a big Repticon weekend with the practical side of getting animals and feeders from point A to point B safely.

In this kickoff episode of Reptilium Insider, hosts Michael Arnold and Lydia Wolfe introduce a brand-new way to stay plugged into the heart of the reptile community: the Reptilium Insider newsletter.They explain how the podcast and newsletter work together to bring you a curated mix of:Repticon show updates — what’s coming up on the show calendar, vendor spotlights, and on-the-floor stories.Feeder insect care tips from the team at Premium Crickets — from crickets and roaches to worms and black soldier fly larvae.Animal husbandry insights supported by Reptiles Express and Premium Crickets — practical, real-world advice for keeping reptiles, amphibians, and inverts thriving.Exclusive offers & behind-the-scenes fun — subscriber-only deals, shipping perks, and a peek behind the curtain of the reptile industry.Whether you’re a Repticon regular, a vendor on the circuit, a home hobbyist with a single gecko, or a breeder shipping animals nationwide, this episode lays out what you can expect from Reptilium Insider — and how to get the most value from both the show and the newsletter.Tune in to find out how to get “on the inside” with Repticon, Premium Crickets, Reptiles Express, and the wider reptile community.