The BIGGEST News EVER! Lactating Herps! NOT CLICKBAIT! THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING!

This is INSANE! An amphibian species called caecilians caught feeding her young with a milk like substance for the first time ever! Join Dr. FekSnek as he helps explain the biggest secret in Herpetoculture!
#SNILK #herping #amphibian

Become a Patron for $1 https://www.patreon.com/wickenswickedreptiles

NEW MERCH https://wickens-wicked-reptiles-shop.creator-spring.com/

Here is the enclosure I use - http://www.reptilekages.com/wwr
Get $20 off when you use code WWR at checkout

Chat with us on Discord https://discord.gg/wickenswickedreptiles
Join us for Among Us? Jackbox?

Want to Track a Sea Turtle, Elephant or Polar Bear? https://www.wildlifecollections.com/?rfsn=5842339.758a59 - Use Code ADAMWICKENS20 to get 20% off!

Caecilians, often mistaken for earthworms due to their long, slender bodies, are fascinating amphibians that diverged from their common ancestors with frogs and salamanders over 250 million years ago. One intriguing aspect of caecilian biology is their unique reproductive strategy, which involves the production of nutrient-rich skin secretions that serve as a form of "milk" for their offspring.

Unlike mammals, caecilians do not possess mammary glands. Instead, specialized cells in the skin of female caecilians secrete a thick, protein-rich substance that provides essential nutrients for their developing young. This "milk" is secreted through specialized structures known as dermal plicae, which are raised folds of skin found along the flanks of the mother.

The composition of caecilian milk is thought to vary among species, but it typically contains proteins, lipids, and other nutrients crucial for the growth and development of the embryos. Researchers believe that this unique form of parental care may have evolved as a response to the challenges of reproducing in terrestrial environments, where maintaining moisture and providing nutrition for offspring can be particularly challenging.

Studying caecilian milk not only sheds light on the reproductive biology of these enigmatic creatures but also offers insights into broader questions regarding parental care strategies in amphibians and the evolution of lactation-like behaviors across different taxa.

Despite their cryptic nature and the challenges associated with studying them in the wild, caecilians continue to intrigue scientists and conservationists alike. By uncovering the mysteries of caecilian milk, researchers hope to gain a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between parental care, reproductive strategies, and ecological adaptations in these fascinating amphibians.

We're on TikTok !
https://www.tiktok.com/@wickens.wicked.reptiles?

Want to send us something to start off 2024?
Adam Wickens
221 Glendale Ave
PO Box 25037 Pen Centre
St. Catharines ON
L2T 4C4
Canada

WEBSITE► https://www.wickenswickedreptiles.com/
EMAIL► wickenswickedreptiles@gmail.com
FACEBOOK► https://www.facebook.com/wickenswickedreptiles
INSTAGRAM► https://www.instagram.com/wickenswickedreptiles

Equipment
https://kit.co/WickensWickedReptiles
WiFi Thermometer Hygrometer https://amzn.to/3y92RuQ
Smart Plugs https://amzn.to/3hvbQ43
Thermometer/ Hygrometer https://amzn.to/3tkVzSQ
Premium Thermostat https://amzn.to/2xTKn8b
Gargeer gecko food - https://amzn.to/3vRXIrM
Budget Thermostat https://amzn.to/32X5R38
Enclosure Lights https://amzn.to/3sTLXBd
Smart Humidifier - https://amzn.to/3qne4HK
Temp Gun - https://amzn.to/3Ai1trO
Snake Hook https://amzn.to/3adRsk4
Beginner Soft Boxes - https://amzn.to/3c61rME
My Light - https://amzn.to/3K84ccN
My Soft Box - https://amzn.to/3AzLuHR
My light stand - https://amzn.to/3pyKZY2
Beginner Camera - https://amzn.to/3QHD6eP
M50 Lens - https://amzn.to/3AAAQ3C
My Camera - https://amzn.to/3Cn6XoS
My Lens - https://amzn.to/3K8CLzy
My Mic - https://amzn.to/3PG2XT2
Compact Travel Light - https://amzn.to/3cidmXs
My Drone - https://amzn.to/3CmuGoR
My Computer Monitor - https://amzn.to/3PECG7R
My Computer - https://amzn.to/3AzzBBI
Reptile Spy Cam https://amzn.to/3AKCLQW
Mic Stand https://amzn.to/2VT6zHv
Studio Color Lights https://amzn.to/3Hwhbm1
UVB Light https://amzn.to/3eNe5Oc
Industrial Velcro https://amzn.to/3jvK4WI