- Joined
- Aug 8, 2005
- Messages
- 11,048
Just a heads up since this has come up in several forums. A plant family that should NEVER find it's way into a terrarium or vivarium. Members of the Nightshade Family, Solanaceae. This includes Datura or Jimson weed, eggplant, mandrake, deadly nightshade or belladonna, capsicum (paprika, chile pepper), potato, tobacco, tomato, and petunia.
While this family is a source of many foods, it isn't one you should experiment with around your precious critters. Take the time to check any and all plants that you bring your animals into contact with just to make sure that are not one of this families members.
Solanine is a very powerful toxin present in various parts of the plants, sometimes only under certain circumstances. As a typical example, it is the reason why potatoes must be stored in the dark. The fruit reacts with light and produces Solanine. When a potato is green, it's poisonous.
Solanine is dangerous to just about all animals but especially targets invertebrates and their larvae. The toxin is so powerful it has been known to kill birds and mammals that have eaten grubs that have been feeding on these plants.
If in doubt, ...........
While this family is a source of many foods, it isn't one you should experiment with around your precious critters. Take the time to check any and all plants that you bring your animals into contact with just to make sure that are not one of this families members.
Solanine is a very powerful toxin present in various parts of the plants, sometimes only under certain circumstances. As a typical example, it is the reason why potatoes must be stored in the dark. The fruit reacts with light and produces Solanine. When a potato is green, it's poisonous.
Solanine is dangerous to just about all animals but especially targets invertebrates and their larvae. The toxin is so powerful it has been known to kill birds and mammals that have eaten grubs that have been feeding on these plants.
If in doubt, ...........
