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Monday 11am - 3pm Tuesday 11am - 6pm Wednesday 11am - 6pm Friday 11am - 6pm Saturday 11am - 6pm Sunday 12pm - 5pm

Beasties, 4104 Outlook Boulevard Suite 137, Pueblo, CO (2026)

06/02/2026

The Armored Apex: Cuvier’s Dwarf Caiman (The "Wedgehead")
Southern Colorado, if you are fascinated by prehistoric biology, we have an absolute treat for you. We are currently housing three incredibly special residents at Beasties: Cuvier’s Dwarf Caimans (Paleosuchus palpebrosus), specifically the highly sought-after "Wedgehead" variant.

Take a look at the attached close-up photo of one of our trio! That head isn't just visually striking; it is a marvel of evolutionary engineering.

The "Wedgehead" Anatomy
Native to the flooded forests and fast-moving, rocky streams of the Amazon and Orinoco river basins in South America, these caimans are built for a very specific lifestyle:

- The Biomechanical Skull: The term "Wedgehead" comes from that distinctive, heavily ossified, wedge-shaped skull. Unlike many crocodilians, they lack the prominent bony ridge (spectacle) between their eyes. This smooth, sloped head acts like a natural battering ram, allowing them to effortlessly push through dense, tangled undergrowth and navigate turbulent water currents.

- Total Body Armor: Cuvier's are arguably the most heavily armored crocodilians on the planet. They possess dense bony plates (osteoderms) not only on their backs but completely covering their bellies as well. This rigid armor protects them from predators and the sharp rocks of their native streams.

- The Brown-Eyed Hunter: Notice those beautiful, dark brown eyes in the photo! This is a unique trait for the species, helping them blend into the tannin-stained, dark waters where they hunt for fish, crustaceans, and invertebrates.

The Smallest Crocodilian on Earth
While the word "crocodilian" usually brings to mind massive, 15-foot monsters, the Cuvier’s Dwarf Caiman is the smallest living species in the family.

Designing the Flooded Forest
Keeping a semi-aquatic crocodilian in our dry Southern Colorado climate is an advanced husbandry challenge:

- The Aquatic Requirement: These are highly aquatic animals. A proper adult enclosure requires a custom-built, heavy-duty footprint featuring a massive, heavily filtered water section deep enough for them to fully submerge and swim, alongside a dry, easily accessible land area.

- Tropical Thermoregulation: They require a pristine "tropical micro-climate" with ambient humidity in the 70-80% range, water temperatures in the upper 70s to low 80s, and an intense terrestrial basking spot reaching 95°F+.

Stop by Beasties this week to see this incredible trio of Wedgeheads in person. Watching these miniature apex predators navigate their water features is a stark reminder of the incredible biodiversity of the South American rainforests!

05/30/2026

The Biomechanics of the Canopy: The Green Plumed Basilisk (Basiliscus plumifrons)
Southern Colorado, prepare to meet one of the most dynamic and specialized tree-dwellers in the reptile world: the Green Plumed Basilisk. While they are breathtakingly beautiful, their spectacular evolutionary engineering is what truly makes them icons of tropical biology.

A Masterclass in Specialized Locomotion
Native to the dense, humid rainforests of Central America, the Plumed Basilisk is a highly adapted, semi-aquatic acrobat. In the wild, they spend most of their time basking on branches overhanging rivers and streams, relying on a truly unique escape strategy:

- Hydrodynamic Sprinting (The "Jesus Lizard"): When startled, the basilisk doesn't just dive; it drops from the canopy and sprints bipedally (on its hind legs) directly across the surface of the water at speeds up to 7 mph!

- The Pocket of Air: This feat of physics is made possible by fringe-like scales on their long toes. As the foot slaps down, these scales uncurl, trapping a pocket of air underneath. By rapidly cycling their legs, hitting the water up to 20 times per second, they generate enough upward lift and forward thrust to run across the surface before gravity can pull them under.

- A Natural Diver: Once they slow down and sink, their aquatic toolkit takes over. They are phenomenal swimmers and can remain submerged for up to 30 minutes to stay hidden from predators.

Dimorphism and Decoration
The Plumed Basilisk is the most ornate species in the genus Basiliscus. They display a striking emerald-green coloration adorned with brilliant yellow eyes and bright blue or white speckles.

- The Sail-Backed Males: This species exhibits strong sexual dimorphism. Mature males develop spectacular, sail-like crests on their heads, backs, and tails. These large plumes are highly vascularized, serving as visual communication for territorial displays and assisting in thermoregulation.

- Streamlined Females: Females retain a sleek, athletic, and more camouflaged profile, built for navigating dense foliage and digging safe nesting sites in the forest floor.

Replicating the Riparian Ecosystem
Bringing a basilisk into a Southern Colorado home means successfully engineering a slice of the tropical lowlands within our dry climate. Because they are highly active and visually oriented, their husbandry is technical:

- The Micro-Climate Challenge: Basilisks require a large, tall, vertical enclosure to accommodate their athletic jumping behaviors. Maintaining a steady elevated humidity level is non-negotiable for their respiratory health and skin. Deep, moisture-retaining substrates mixed with live broad-leafed plants are excellent tools for locking in that moisture.

- The Aquatic Requirement: A small water dish will not suffice. A proper basilisk habitat features a large, secure water basin or filtered pool, allowing them to engage in their natural diving, soaking, and swimming instincts.

- Intense Solar Replication: To keep their emerald colors vibrant and support their fast-moving metabolisms, they require high-output UVB lighting alongside localized basking zones.

A Captivating Display Companion
Due to their high-strung, alert nature and specialized escape reflexes, Green Basilisks are classic "look-but-don't-touch" display animals rather than handling pets. Watching a mature male patrol his vertical canopy and utilize his aquatic habitat is like having a living piece of ancient natural history in your space.

Stop by Beasties this week to see these incredible green dragons in action, check out our specialized misting systems, and let our team walk you through building a high-end riparian habitat!

05/28/2026

WE ARE NOMINATED!

Thanks to your incredible support, Beasties has officially made it to the voting round for the 2026 Community Votes Pueblo Awards!

We are so proud to serve the Pueblo community, and now we need your help to bring home the title of Best Pet Shop.

Important note: You can only vote once per category for the entire round, so every single unique vote makes a massive difference! It only takes a quick moment to cast your vote, and the deadline is Sunday, June 28 at 11:59 pm.

Show some love for your favorite local pet shop by clicking the link below to lock in your vote for Beasties today:

Vote for us here: https://pueblo.communityvotes.com/2026/02/pet-and-pet-care/pet-shops

Thank you all for being the best part of the Beasties family. Let’s bring home the win, Pueblo!

05/26/2026

The Living Gemstone: Derby’s Flower Beetle (Dicronorhina derbyana)
Southern Colorado, prepare to feast your eyes on a true masterpiece of the insect world! We are absolutely thrilled to showcase an incredible milestone at the shop: a spectacular male Derby’s Flower Beetle who just completed his metamorphosis and emerged as a fully formed adult this week!

Take a look at the attached photo to see him showing off his brand-new, pristine exoskeleton.

A Masterclass in Structural Coloration
Native to the lush woodlands and sub-tropical regions of sub-Saharan Africa, Derby’s Flower Beetles are famous for their jaw-dropping beauty. But what looks like a simple coat of paint is actually a fascinating feat of natural engineering:

- The Metallic Sheen: That brilliant metallic green and white striped pattern isn't caused by typical skin or scale pigments. Instead, it is the result of structural coloration, microscopic, layered structures within the beetle's chitinous exoskeleton that reflect specific wavelengths of light. It gives them an iridescent, gem-like quality that shifts depending on the angle of the sun.

- The Horn of the Male: Notice the impressive, T-shaped horn on our new male's head! In the wild, males use these specialized tools to joust with rivals, competing for territory and sap-feeding sites on trees.

The Miracle of Complete Metamorphosis
Seeing this adult emerge is the culmination of a highly complex, multi-stage life cycle (holometabolous development):

- The Subterranean Phase: This beetle spent the majority of its life underground as a large, heavy-bodied grub, recycling decaying wood and leaf litter.

- The Earth-Moving Cocoon: When it was time to change, the larva used its own saliva and surrounding soil to construct a perfectly smooth, cement-like underground pupal chamber.

- The Rebirth: Inside that dark chamber, the insect completely dismantled its larval body and rebuilt itself into the winged, emerald armor you see in the photo today.

Canopy Keeping in the High Plains
Flower beetles are incredibly rewarding to keep, but their adult lifecycle requires a shift in how we approach their environment, especially in our dry local air:

- The Forest Canopy Micro-Climate: While the grubs love to burrow, adult flower beetles are active climbers and flyers. They thrive in vertical terrariums packed with climbing branches, live plants, and high humidity to mimic the tropical forest canopy.

- A Sweet Tooth: True to their name, these adults don't eat wood anymore; they have a massive sweet tooth! In the shop, we feed them a rich diet of specialized beetle jellies and soft fruits.

Meet the Emerald Jewel at Beasties
Whether you are a seasoned invertebrate enthusiast or just fascinated by the incredible mechanics of insect biology, our newly emerged male is a must-see.

Stop by Beasties this week to see this living jewel in person, check out our specialized invertebrate habitats, and find out how rewarding it is to raise these spectacular beetles from grubs to adults!

05/24/2026

Beasties will be OPEN Memorial Day, Monday, May 25th, 2026, from 11 AM to 3 PM. The shortened hours allow our team to spend time remembering and honoring those we've lost.

05/24/2026

A Monumental Morning: 9 New Additions to the Shop!
Southern Colorado, we are celebrating a major milestone at the shop today! We are thrilled to announce that our resident dwarf Dumeril’s Boa (Acrantophis dumerili) has officially given birth to a healthy litter of 9 babies!

Take a close look at the attached photos. The first shot shows Mom right after delivery, with her brand-new neonates instinctively burrowing and hiding in the deep coconut substrate. The second photo captures a critical husbandry milestone: the entire litter of nine getting their very first shallow bath to help clear away birth fluids and kickstart their hydration.

A Modern Marvel of Reptile Biology
For the keepers and naturalists in our community, a Dumeril's birth is a spectacular display of specialized evolutionary biology:

- True Viviparity (Live Birth): Unlike many snakes that lay calcified eggs, Dumeril's Boas are ovoviviparous. The embryos develop inside thin, non-calcified egg sacs within the mother's body, receiving oxygen and moisture directly through a specialized yolk placenta. When they are ready, they emerge into the world fully formed, alert, and ready to survive on their own from second one.

- The Dwarf Locality Advantage: While the main Madagascar species can occasionally reach hefty lengths of 6 to 7 feet, our female represents a smaller, isolated-dwarf locality. This makes her offspring highly sought after by keepers who want the majestic presence and calm temperament of a true ground boa, but in a much more compact, manageable size.

- The Camouflage Matrix: Look closely at the patterns on the babies in the substrate. That intricate, leaf-like geometric pattern of browns, tans, and silvers isn't just beautiful; it is a specialized adaptation designed to mimic the dead leaf litter of the dry forest floor, making them virtually invisible to predators.

Managing the Neonate Environment
Raising newborn boas requires a precise, technical approach to husbandry, especially in our dry local environment:

- Hydration Priority: Neonate reptiles have a very high surface-area-to-volume ratio, meaning they lose moisture quickly. That first bath you see in the photo is vital for internal hydration and ensuring their very first sheds are completely clean.

- Substrate Selection: We utilize a premium coconut substrate for this species because it allows the babies to exhibit their natural burrowing behaviors while holding onto the target humidity without becoming soggy or stagnant.

Witness the Next Generation
These 9 little lookouts are healthy, robust, and will be staying behind the scenes briefly while they complete their first sheds and established meals.

Stop by Beasties this week to congratulate the team, talk genetics, and check out our specialized terrestrial setups. Opportunities to see a successful live-birth litter of this unique dwarf locality do not happen every day!

05/23/2026

The Mangrove Mystery: Dumeril’s Monitor (Varanus dumerilii)
If you’re looking for a monitor with a refined look and a highly specialized set of skills, it’s time to meet the Dumeril’s Monitor. Native to the riverine forests and mangrove swamps of Southeast Asia, these lizards are the ultimate example of stealth elegance in the reptile world.

The Great Transformation
One of the most fascinating things about Dumeril’s monitors is their incredible ontogenetic color change.

- The Neon Phase: As hatchlings, they are famous for having bright, almost neon orange or yellow heads against a dark body.

- The Earth-Toned Adult: As they mature, they trade those "look at me" colors for a sophisticated palette of deep browns, tans, and greys. This allows them to disappear completely against the bark of a tree or the muddy banks of a river.

The Crab-Cracking Specialist
In the wild, Dumeril’s monitors have a very specific job: they are specialized crustacean hunters.

- Unique Toolset: They have evolved specialized, blunt teeth that are perfect for cracking through the tough shells of crabs and snails.

- Adaptive Diners: In the shop, we mimic this diverse diet by offering a variety of high-quality proteins, including whole-prey items and invertebrates, ensuring they get the calcium and nutrients they need for strong shells and scales.

Island Vibes in Southern Colorado
Because these monitors come from humid, tropical environments, they require a bit of extra TLC to thrive in our dry Southern Colorado air:

- The Tropical Micro-Climate: A Dumeril’s needs a large, vertical enclosure with plenty of climbing opportunities and a focus on high humidity.

- Aquatic Instincts: They are excellent swimmers! Providing a large water basin not only helps with humidity but also allows them to engage in their natural swimming and soaking behaviors.

A Calm, Observant Giant
While many monitors are known for being high-energy and skittish, Dumeril’s are often noted for their more deliberate, observant pace. They reach a manageable adult size (usually 3 to 4 feet), making them a rewarding choice for a keeper ready to provide a large-scale, tropical display.

Stop by Beasties to see these mangrove ghosts in person and let our team show you the best misting systems and substrate blends to keep a tropical monitor thriving in the high plains!

05/19/2026

The Hidden Phantom of the Canopy: Masked Tree Frogs (Smilisca phaeota)
Southern Colorado, it is time to look up! We are excited to showcase a species that perfectly balances cryptic beauty with a bold presence in the terrarium: the Masked Tree Frog.

The Biology of a Lowland Survivor
Native to the lush, humid lowland forests stretching from Central America to the northern coast of South America, the Masked Tree Frog is a master of adaptation:

- Size and Stature: These are among the larger species of tree frogs, with females often reaching lengths of nearly 3 inches. Their robust build makes them a fantastic display animal for vertical enclosures.

- The Mask of the Phantom: Their most striking feature is the dark, chocolate-brown to black stripe that runs from the snout, through the eye, and over the tympanum (ear). This "mask" helps break up the frog's silhouette against the bark of trees in the wild.

- Nocturnal Intelligence: Like many canopy-dwellers, they are masters of the night. During the day, they tuck their limbs tight against their bodies to resemble a knot on a branch, but once the sun sets, they transform into active, alert hunters with massive, expressive eyes.

Cultivating a Rainforest Micro-Climate in the High Plains
Maintaining a tropical amphibian in our dry Southern Colorado air is a rewarding challenge that requires the right technical approach:

- Humidity Management: To thrive, these frogs require consistent and elevated humidity levels. We recommend utilizing bioactive setups with live moss and broad-leafed plants to create a self-sustaining humid environment.

- Vertical Exploration: Being true tree-dwellers, they utilize every inch of vertical space. Providing tall enclosures with plenty of climbing branches and perching spots is essential for their physical health.

- The Flash Colors: While their backs are often a camouflaged tan or green, take a look at their inner thighs! You’ll often find a surprising flash of silver or soft blue, a hidden detail that only adds to their sophisticated look.

Experience the Mystery at Beasties
The Masked Tree Frog is an ideal choice for the keeper who appreciates a "look-but-don't-touch" centerpiece that brings the feel of a tropical night right into their home. They are hardy, visually stunning, and full of character.

Stop by Beasties: A Pet Store and More!! this week to see these phantoms of the forest in person and let our team help you design the perfect high-humidity habitat!

05/18/2026

The Pint-Sized Forager: The African Pygmy Hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris)
Southern Colorado, we are overflowing with cute! We are thrilled to welcome back one of our most popular (and prickly) display animals: the African Pygmy Hedgehog.

Take a look at the attached photo! While most hedgehogs are a standard dark color, we are featuring a very unique resident: a Cinnamon Piebald. In this shot, you can see its specific combination of warm cinnamon quills and large patches of piebald white, creating a monochromatic pattern that truly pops!

A Master of Senses
Native to the open grasslands and desert scrub across Central and Eastern Africa, these small insectivores are built to navigate the night. They do not rely on great eyesight; instead, their other senses are heightened to find food:

- Olfactory Prowess: Their most developed sense is their nose. Their iconic, twitching snout constantly samples the air, allowing them to sniff out insects and tiny prey hidden deep in the substrate.

- Acute Hearing: Notice their large, rounded ears! These act as directional amplifiers, helping them detect the subtle rustling of bugs even from great distances.

Thriving in Southern Colorado
These small mammals are perfectly suited for our dry environment, but success with them requires a specific, professional setup:

- The Arid Environment: As a species adapted to a hot, dry climate, African Pygmy Hedgehogs are highly sensitive to respiratory issues and require very low humidity. This makes them an excellent fit for the naturally dry air of Southern Colorado.

- Climate Control: They are warm-climate animals. In the shop, we maintain a warm air temp which keeps their habitats warm. At home, we suggest utilizing supplemental heat to prevent "hibernation attempts," which can be fatal.

A Gentle, Nocturnal Companion
Stop by Beasties to meet our current residents in person and see that amazing Cinnamon Piebald cutie! Let our team walk you through the proper housing and feeding protocols for these interactive, curious, and utterly charming superstars.

05/17/2026

We have hedgehog babies right now! Come by the store and take a peep at these cuties before they're gone!

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Monday	11am - 3pm
Tuesday	11am - 6pm
Wednesday	11am - 6pm
Friday	11am - 6pm
Saturday	11am - 6pm
Sunday	12pm - 5pm