J ARY 1991

NEWSLETTER OF THE

MI ESOTA HE P TOLOGICAL SOCIETY

VOLUME XI BER 1

BEll MUSEUM OF NATIJRAL HISTORY 10 CHURCH ST. S.E. MINNEAPOUS, MN 55455-0104

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Feb. 16 - 18, 1991 Northern California Herpetological Sociew's Fifth Conference on Captive Propagation and Husbandry, Davis, CA. Contact Rick Staub (707) 553-9739 or Gerald Merker (916) 644-6253.

April 13, 1991 14th Annual All-Florida Herpetological Conference, Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL. Contact David Auth (904) 392-1721.

June 20 - 23,1991 International Herpetological Symposium, Seattle, Washington. Contact Brian Backner, 17 Margaret Rd., Sharon, MA 02067, (617) 784-7264.

The purpose of the Minnesota Herpetological Society is: to further the education of the membership and the general public in care and captive propagation of reptiles and amphi­bians; to educate the membership and the general public in the ecological role of reptiles and amphibians; and to promote the study and conselVation of reptiles and amphibians.

'I MHS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

1,'11 PRESIDENT John Moriarty (612) 647-1334 VICE-PRESIDENT JolmMeltzer (612) 263-7880

II SECRETARY Dennis Daly (612) 633-8370

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'1 TREASURER MarllynBrooks (612) 533-7723 NEWSLEITEREDITOR Jo Anne Wetherell-Moriarty (612) 647-1334

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II MEMBER-AT-LARGE Fred Bosman (612) 476-0306

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MEMBER-AT-LARGE Fred Bozvay (612) 224-4167 I MEMBER-AT-LARGE Bruce Delles (612) 420-2603 MEMBER-AT-LARGE VenceJimerson (612) 869-8547 II

II IMMEDIATE PAST PRES. Ann Porwoll (612) 489-7853 II ~==============================================~

© Copyright Minnesota Herpetological Society. The contents of this newsletter may be reproduced for inclusion in the newsletters of other herpetological societies provided that the material is reproduced without change and proper credits are given to the MHS Newsletter citing volume number and date.

February Meeting

DATE: Friday, February 1,1991 TIME: 7:00 PM

PLACE: 335 Borlaug Hall

PROGRAM: SIXTH ANNUAL WHITE SNAKE SALE

S1. Paul Campus University of Minnesota

Every year at this time bargain seekers from far and near come to MHS White Snake Sale in search of 1reasures. Proceeds from the sale go toward special MHS purchases such as our slide projector, library books, the picnic, speakers, etc. Please bring your donations to the meeting. The following is a list of suggested items for donation. NO LIVE ANIMALS.

driftwOOd heat pads or tape screen tops herp jewelry rattles aquariums

Rules of the Game:

hide boxes aquariums food herptoys clothing herp/nature books

cage substrate hot rocks vitamins herp/nature art shells new or used cages

water dishes snake hooks herptoys fangs skins cage lights

- When you anive, bring your donations to the back of the room. Sale Committee members will be wearing ann bands to help you identify them.' Give donations to them.

- Take care of membership dues, rodent purchases, and re1uming of library books after dropping off donations. The library will not be open but a box for return~ books will be out.

- Certain sections of the room will be roped off for the sale. Avoid these areas when being seated. - The sale will be run as a silent auction. Use your membership number as your bid number. - Items will be put out in groups. Each item will have a bid sheet with a suggested price. - Members will have 10-15 minutes to view the items and write down their bids. You can bid on

items as many times as you wish. . - At the end of each bid period the items and bid sheets will be collected. The member with the

highest bid will be the buyer of the item. - At the end of the sale items will be sorted and members will pay for their purchases.

CRIITER OF THE MONTH: There will be no critter this month. Leave your animals at home.

Upcoming Programs

March: MHS Elections and The Remarkable Reptiles -Jim Gerholdt

MHS Newsletter, Vol. Xl, No.1 1

Month"'s P •• n.II!IiI"III"GlI_

by Dennis Daly

lengthy question and answer period followed the talk .

.L .... "' .... .!!. ... "',"-"- Frog This interesting array animals was brought in Ashbach, Jamie King, Steve Roman, and John 1\1II"'"lMo-rhr

MHS Newsletter, V··ol. Xl, No.1 2

R.efreshments

Refreshments at last month's meeting were provided by Mark Kelly. Thanks, Mark.

Mary Ann Waldolf is the refreshment chairperson. If you would like to provide refreshments for a meeting be sure to notify Mary Ann in advance. Please see her at the meeting or give her a call at (612) 699-0475.

. Help a Hapless Herp

Herps getting new homes in January included a Russian Toad that went to Candy Ashbach, Ornate Box Turtle to Gary Ash; and Western Ribbon Snake to Michelle S1illinger.

There will be no adoptions at the February meeting due to the White Snake Sale. Anyone with animals to go up for adoption in March should contact Fred Bozvay prior to the meeting.

Raffle Results

The raftle at the January meeting nrised $72.25. Winners and their prizes were Vence Jimerson -Horned lizard pin, Bill Moss ~ Treat the Earth Well pin, Josie Rea - MHS note cards, Mary Sulzen and Gary Ashbach - Chameleon calendars, Trevor Keylor - genuine fake Alligator wallet, Karin Rea - water dishes, Marilyn Brooks - bag of monkey chow, Bruce Haig - bag of Zoo-Preen, Gary Ashbach, m large rodent water bottle. Thanks to all who purchased tickets and donated prizes.

If you would like to contribute a prize to the raffle, bring it along to the monthly meeting. In the future members who donate prizes will be recognized in this column. Donors will be provided a list to sign when prizes are dropped off.

MHS Newsletter, Vol. Xl, No.1 3

Board Meeting

The meeting was held on January 5 at the home of Bruce Delles. The meeting was called to order· by John Moriarty at 7: 16 PM. In attendance were Fred Bozvay, Marilyn Brooks, Dennis Daly, Bruce Denes, Vence Jimerson, Nanette Jimerson, Greg Kvanbek, John Meltzer, Ruth Meltzer, John Moriarty, Bill Moss, Ann POlWoll, Mary Ann Waldorf, and Jo Anne Wetherell. Fred Bosman was absent.

The Secretary's minutes were read and accepted. 83 people attended the January general meeting.

Treasurer's Report The bank balance was reviewed. The annual audit will be done by a committee consisting of Marilyn, Bruce Haig, and one other member to be named Marilyn presented information on using bulk mail for the newsletter. A motion was made, seconded and passed with one opposed and one abstaint:d. Marilyn will begin the necessary papelWork.

President's Report SSAR is requesting monetary donations for the Conant Symposium. John suggested that a few questions be asked before MHS makes a donation. Several herp Societies have stopped participating in the newsletter exchange. All were given 6 weeks to respond to a letter. None responded. The group decided to discontinue exchanging with Herp Logic, Rocky Mountain, Western Massachusetts, and Nebraska. Three organizations have asked to join the newsletter exchange. The group decided to add Central Kentucky Herp Society, The Endangered Turtle Protection Foundation, and the Venomous Snake Society. A committee consisting of Jo Anne, Joe Matzke, and Bill Moss will revise the MHS membership Brochure.

Vice President's Report February is the White Snake sale. There will be no critter of the month. Jim Gerholdt will speak in March. No speaker is yet lined up for April.

Old Business Elections were discussed. A list of candidates was presented. There is still no candidate for president. John Moriarty presented a draft of a proposed membership renewal card. Several suggestions were made. Revisions will be made. The White Snake Sale committee will consist of Del Jones, Fred Bosvay, Bill Moss, Marilyn Brooks. Several other members volunteered to help.

New Business A motion passed to purchase Pagemaker software for use in doing the newsletter. The group decided to sell the 1990 exchange newsletters again. A buyer is lined up. Jo Anne presented a draft of a proposed new fonnat for the newsletter. The group liked the change. Problems with overdue library books were discussed. Jolm Moriarty proposed that members be required to leave their membership card as a library card. A scheme for contacting members directly was discussed.

Round Table Marilyn Brooks is developing new standardized forms for monitoring incoming and outgoing money. Bill Moss gave some information on the Herp computer bulletin board. Greg Kvanbek discussed a desire to have a greater diversity of speakers from around the country. He also suggested that MHS sell baby chickens as a food item. The membership will be polled on this. John Meltzer suggested that members donating raffle items be recognized in some way. This will be done.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:47 PM and refreshments were served.

MHS Newsletter, Vol. Xl, No.1 4

1990 Treasurer's Report

Income Statement

Income: Memberships Rodent sales T-shirts Other sales Raffle White Snake Sale Midwest Conference Other

2727.50 1491.00 943.00 224.80 514.50 544.50

2108.02 6397.45

Emenses: Newsletter Misc. printing/postage Programs Books Supplies Other

Total 15389.91

Net Profit

Statement of Changes in Financial Position

Jan. 1, 1990 Cash Balance Plus Income 15389.91 Less Expenses 14670.49 Net Increase

Dec. 31, 1990 Cash Balance

Placement of Cuh

Checking Account Balance Certificates of Deposit Savings Account Balance Cashon Hand

1087.36 500.00

1500.00 50.00

3137.36

3238.31 503.58 771.00 40.10

223.01 9884.49

14670.49

2417.94

719.42 3137.36

719.42

MHS had lots of money go in and out for the Midwest Herp Conference which brought in a healthy profit (without which we would have lost $1400.00 this year). There is currently a large cash fund. If expenses continue at the current rate we will eat up our reserve in less than two years. 1990 also saw the loss of a major fmandaI resource (about $1500.00 per year) when the company supplying our rodents closed. MHS will need to look for alternative ways to raise funds in the future to keep the organization growing.

MRS Newsletter, Vol. XI, No.1 5

Candidates for MUS Offices

Elections will be held at the MHS annual meeting in March. Candidates are needed for all board positions. Listed below are the people who plan to run. More candidates are needed to give these people a little competition.

President

Vice-President

Treasurer

Terry Scheiber

Marilyn Brooks

Member-at-Large (4 positions) Fred Bozvay Venoo Jimerson Greg K vanbek Joe Matzke Bill Moss

Corresponding Secretary Mary Ann Waldorf Drew Newman

Membership Secretary

Newsletter Editor

Dennis Daly

Jo Anne Wetherell.;. Moriarty

To find out more about the responsibilities of each position, talk to the member currently holding that position. Anyone interested in numing for an office or nominating someone else should contact the Nominating Connnittee Chairperson, Bruce Haig, at a meeting or call him at (612) 789-4637.

Information Request

Anyone keeping live reptiles 'and amphibians is asked to contribute to the annual inventory. Please submit the following information current J anuruy 1st of each year.

(1) A complete inventory of all reptiles and amphibians living in your collection as of January 1. Sexes of adult animals should be included and listed Male (1.0.0), female (0.1.0), unknown (0.0.1). Juvenile animals should be listed using the same format Example: 1.2.1 + juv. 0.0.5 would read 1 adult male, 2 adult females, 1 adult unknown sex, 0 juvenile males, 0 juvenile females, and 5 juvenile unknown sex.

(2) A list of all species bred in the previous year. Information may be sparse with simple an indication that the taxon was bred during the year, or may detailed including but notlimited to copulation dates, egg-laying dates, substrates and temperature used during incubation,light cycles, hibernation, etc. Any type of information up to 3 .. 4 paragraphs may be included.

(3) A list of all specimens in your collection which you believe may set longevity records for the species. List date of acquisition, your specimen ID number, estimated age at capture, wild caught or captive bred, living or dead. There is also room for brief notes. .

(4) A list of any publications (books, museum bulletins, journals, magazines, etc.) with reference to reproduction of captive reptiles and amphibians.

(5) Be sure to list your name, address, and telephone number as you want them to be printed.

Sendallinfonnfonnation to: FrankL. Slavens, P.O. Box 30744, Seattle, WA 98103.

MHS Newsletter, Vol. ~YL No.1 6

MHS Newsletter, Vol. Xl, No. 1 7

"Video Review by John Moriarty

Turtle and Tortoise Care in Captivity by Felice Rood

The video Turtle and Tortoise Care in Captivi1;Jr has been out for about a year. Early reviews were mainly the summary provided by publisher, Sorcerer's Touch Video Services.· A panel of turtle and tortoise keepers (Fred Bosman, John Moriarty, Ann·Pmwoll, and Jo Anne Wetherell) recently reviewed the video.

The 90 minute video has many good and interesting facts. There are nine sections to the video which include: water turtles, habitats, turtle and tortoise identification, incubations, hatchlings, foods, u1ilizing a greenhouse, dangers and diseases, and hibernation. The video was ftImed in Felice Rood's backyard where she keeps a large and varied collections of turtles and tortoises. The care and husbandly is aimed at keeping animals,especially desert tortoises, box turtles, and red­eared sliders, outdoors. This works well in California, but has limited relevance in Minnesota where, if you are lucky, you may have five months of outdoor housing.

The use of aquariums and cages are discouraged except for hatchlings and sick turtles. Felice Rood recommends two hours of natural sUnlight a day or if necessary Vita .. lites should be used. In Minnesota Vita-lights are required for most species. In her backyard she separates the pens with wire. This has been shown to cause pacing in turtles trying to get through the wire. Solid walls are recommended by most tortoise experts because the tortoises do not try to get out.

The incubation section talks about many ways of incubating eggs ranging from margarine containers to custom incubators, even electric frying pans! The one thing not mentioned is the use of vermiculite as a substrate for the eggs.

The health section demonstrated how to open the mouth of a sick tortoise for force feeding and giving drugs. It was felt by the panel that by the time you can pull the head of a large tortoise out of its shell they are extremely sick. It is much easier and less stressful (to both the turtle and keeper) to use injectable drugs under the direction of a veterinarian.

There are many other good points, but also omissions in the video. It is not aimed at persons keeping turtles or tortoise in northern climates. It is a useful reference to the turtle and tortoise keeper, but it should not be the sole reference for turtle and tortoise husbandry. It is recommended that MHS members check it out of the MHS library prior to purchasing it at the $29.95 retail price.

MUS New Members and Changes

Please add this infonnation to your MRS White Pages.

Arizona Herp Association P.O. Box 39127 PhoeniK,~ 85069-9127 (602) 967-6265

MHS Newsletter, Vol. Xl, No. 1

Chris Durham 3700 NW 25th Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 (305) 486-3037

Steve Walsh 3624 Landesco Lane #36A Grand Forks, ND 58201 (701) 772~8281

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Puzzle by Drew Newman

Across

1. Study of the theory, procedures, and rules of classification of organisms

2. Rattlesnake 3. Subspecies of Indian Python 4. Tenn for an increase inthe dark pigment over

all or part of the body

MHS Newsletter, Vol. XI, No. 1

1. Family of Sunbeam Snake

2. Live Bearing 3. Subspecifac name of Mole Snake 4. Rattlesnake indigenous to Minnesota

(continued on next page)

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Puzzle (continued)

5. "Fakinglf snake 6. Vent 7. Pioneer Herpetologist

8. "Creeping thing" from the Greek 9. Family of Cobra 10. Active at dawn and dusk

11. Python native to N .E. Australia

5 .. Scales bordering 1he mouth . 6. Also known as Iftri-colorslf

7. A number of species that are not similar but have characteristics in common

8. Dangerous rear-fanged colubrid 9. Male reproductive organs 10. Snake living furthest north in

Noth America 11. Another name for Milksnakes

12. Snakes belong to this class of animals 12. Inflammation of mucous membranes of the mouth

See page 12 for solution.

Book. Review by Becky Helgeson

Bites and Stings: The World of Venomous Animals by John Nicho1s

Bites and Stings was put together as a book after a program of that name appeared on British television and was found to be extremely popular (part of the popularity may have had to do wi1h the comic approach of the TV program, which used music like "I've Got You Under My Skinlf to introduce aspects of these animals.)

The program creators and the au1hor discovered what we all know ourselves, that the public is generally fearful of but fascinated by venomous beasts of all kinds, and rarely takes it upon itself to learn more about these creatures. This book was written to educate and entertain, and succeeds quite pleasantly in doing both.

The book is divided into sections, including natural history (brief, but interesting), infonnation about bites, venom, and antivenin (tnuch more information than usually found on these subjects), and then a variety of chapters on venomous anima1s·and religion, legend, and other man/animal relationships. Although providing copious warnings about keeping truly venomous pets, the book does provide basic infommtion on care and safe homing, as well as, 50ciety and journal namC5 for educating oneself before obtaining such a pet.

The most enjoyable part of this book is the anecdotes: the book is full of little stories - some real, some legendary - about not only reptiles, but fish, spiders, and a whole host of other potentia1ly touchy creatures, including one story about a young man in Rhodesia who, in 1964, was stung 2,243 times by wild bees and lived to tell the tale ( not very well, since most of the stings were on his face, lips etc.) Gruesome as some of the stories are, the book clearly states when animals are unaggressive and are unlikely to bother humans. The book is generally easy to read and non­technical, just the thing for late-night reading if you don't have much imagination.

Bite and Stings was published by Facts on File, Inc. of New York in 1989. It is available from bookstores at $19.95 (hardcover). It is also in the MHS library.

MRS Newsletter, Vol. Xl, No.1 10

of Miami handled 1,260.000 reptiles. JiJ.JJU.jI;;,AUJu.~ W"",_.i"oB':!A1f' November, 1990)

Loving b01ror.

MHS Newsletter, Vol. Xl, No.1 11

1.0.0 = male; 0.1.0 = female; 0.0.1 = unknown

WANTED: Amazon Tree Boas (Corallus enydris enydris), Solomon Islands Boas (Candoia carinata), Ball Pythons (Python rcgius), large male Butmese Python (Python molurus bivittatus). Call (515) 592-2247 after 4 PM.

WANTED: I need an the shed snake skins in the world - always - to give away at reptile programs. Contact Bob Duerr at (612) 541- 9417.

WANTED: For a small marsh display at Wood Lake Nature Center - dead Painted Turtle and Snapping Turtle carcasses for taxidenny. Contact Dan Belting at (612) 861-9365.

WANTED: A large Snapping Turtle shen for educational programs by Anoka County Parks. Contact Margaret Connolly at (612) 757-3920.

WANTED: Live Minnesota Herps to borrow for two weeks for display at Dodge Nature Center. Contact Craig Hensley at (612) 455-4531.

WANTED: Artwork for this newsletter. You need not be a professional. Remember, Gary Larson and Joe Matzke didn't start out at the top ei1her! Submit your illustrations or cartoons to the newsletter editor at the address below.

INSTRUCTIONS: Ads are run as a free service to paid members. Paid ads from non-members are not accepted. Ads for venomous species, illegal species, or sick animals will not be run. MHS takes no responsibility for legality or health of any animal advertised here. Ads may be run for three consecutive months at which time ads may be re-submitted. The editor reserves the right to omit ads when space is limited so as to allow all members a chance to advertise. Size of ads is limited to 4 typed lines or 1 standard size business card. Deadline for all newsletter items is the 15th of the month. Send all newsletter items to : A TIN: Newsletter Editor, Minnesota Herpetological Society, Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church St S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55455-0104.

MHS Newsletter, Vol. XI, No. 1 12

~ ~ 'I HERP ASSISTANCE PEOPLE II I, Do you ever have a question about one of your beeps and wonder who might be able to provide an " II answer? Most people who keep pets of any kind have been in this situation at one time or another. 1/

II A group of MRS members has volunteered to provide assistance. listed below are the people and II II their specialties. Please be reasonable about the time of day and how frequently you call. II II /I /I Large pythons and comtrictors Other Snakes II II Glen (Jake) Jacobsen 757-8268 DelJones 938-8555 \I 'I JackWalsh. Jr. (715) 822-8726 John Meltzer 263-7880 "

II Lizards Ampbibians I II Nancy Haig 789-4637 John Meltzer 263-7880 II II Barney Oldfield 1-923-4856 Greg Kvanbek 533-7723 "

II II II Terrestrial turtles and tortoises Aquatic Turtles II 1/ John Moriarty 647-1334 Barney Oldfield 1-923-4856 II

" Ann POlWoll 489-7853 Dennis Daly 633-8370 I

" I III Minnesota Hcrps 1'1 Greg Kvanbek 533-7723

~ John Moriarty 647-13 34 ~

MEMBERSHIP AND T-SHIRT ORDER FORM MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY

NAMR(S) ____________________________________________________ __

ADDRESS ____________________________________________________ __

CITY _____________ _ STATB __ ZIP CODE ____ _

PHONB __________ _ LIST IN MHS DIRECTORY? YBS__ NO __

HBRP-RELATED INTBRBSTS _______ ~ ____________ _

TYPE OF MEMBERSHIP? NBW__ RBNBWBL __

__ SUSTAINING ...•••.• $50.00 __ FAMILY ••..••.. $12.50

__ CONTRIBUTING ...•. $25.00 __ INDIVIDUAL •..• $IO.OO

OFFICIAL (ORIGINAL) MHS T-SHIRT - $1.00 includes postage (indicate how many of each)

Adult: -small __ medillm __ luge __ x-large __ K.ids: 6-8__ 10-12 __

Please enclose payment. MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: Minnesota Herpetological Society. Membership is for 12 months from date of joining. A membership card will be sent by return mail A receipt will be sent only on request. MAIL TO: Minnesota Herpetological Society, Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church st. SE., Minneapolis, MN 55455-0104

MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL

SOCIETY

BBLL MUSBUM OF NATURAL HISTORY 10 CHURCH STREBT S.B. "MINNEAPOLIS. MN 55455-0104

C@l/rg@ll(ffJrtilIfflIl VJJiJIr

Jim 2'11 C1ark E. Pleasant reet Mankato, MN 56001

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