vol. 23 (2003), no. 1
DESCRIPTION
Minnesota Herpetological Society NewsletterTRANSCRIPT
THE NEWSLETTER OF THE
s o c I T
January 2003 Volume 23 Number 1
Board of Directors President
Bell Museum of Natural History, lO Church Street Southeast, Minneapolis Minnesota 5545S-0104
Randy Blasus 952.925.4237 [email protected] The Minnesota Herpetological
Vice President Tony Gamble
Igamble@allbLcom 763.424.2803 S o c •
1 e t y Recording Secretary Barb Buzicky
Membership Secretary
612-916-7575
Nancy Hakomakl 651.631.1380 9ator9al@boxfrog,com
Treasurer
MHS We bpage: http://www.belimuseum.org/herpetology/Main.html
MHS Group Email: http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/mnherpsoc.
Voice Mail: 612.624.7065 Marilyn Blasus 952.925.4237 ........ _ ... _ ............... __ ... _ ....... _ ... _ .... _ ........................... _ ... _ ... __ _
Newsletter Editor Bill Moss
Members at large
651.488.1383
Heather Clayton 651.291.2546 heatheroid@hotmall,com
Brian Ingbrelson 763.572.0487
Philip Woutat 952.924.9128 [email protected]
Heather Ingbretson 763.572.0487 [email protected]
Immediate Past President Jodi L.Aherns 612.588.9329
Adoption Sarah Richard
Education
Committees
612.781.9544 [email protected]
Jan Larson 507.263.4391 [email protected]
Northern Minnesota Jeff Korbel
Library 8eth Girard
Webmaster Anke Reinders
Amphibians Greg Kvanbek John Meltzer John Moriarty
Chameleons
Herp Assistance
Vern & Laurie Grassel
Crocodilians Jeff Lang 8m Moss
Lizards Nancy Halg Heather Matson
Large Boas, Pythons Tina Cisewski
Other Snakes Jeff Leclere John Mellzer
Aquatic Turtles Gary Ash John Levell
Terrestrial Turtles Fred Bosman John Levell
218.586.2588
763.691.1650
651.388.0305 763.263.7880 651.482.8109
763-428-4625
701.772.0227 651.488.1383
763.434.8684 612.554.8446
612.856.2865
651.488.6388 763.263.7880
763.753.0218 507.467.3076
763.476.0306 507.467.3076
January 2003 Volume 23 Number 1 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;
• Educate the members and the general public in the ecological role of reptiles and amphibians;
• Promote the study and conservation of reptiles and amphibians.
The Minnesota Herpetological Society is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization. Membership is open to all individuals with an interest in amphibians and reptiles. The Minnesota Herpetological Society Newsletter is published monthly to provide its members with information concerning the society's activities and a media for exchanging information, opinions and resources.
General Meetings are held at Borlaug Hall, Room 335 on the St. Paul Campus of the University of Minnesota, on the first Friday of each month (unless there is a holiday conflict). The meeting starts at 7:00pm and lasts about three hours. Please check the MHS Voice mail for changes in schedules or cancellations.
Submissions to the Newsletter Ads or Notices must be submitted no later than the night of the General Meeting to be included in the next issue. Longer articles will be printed as time and space allows and should be in electronic file format if possible. The business card rate is $5!month. Submissions may be sent to:
The Minnesota Herpetological Society Attn: Newsletter Editor Bell museum of Natural History 10 Church St. SE. Minneapolis, MN 55455.0104
-or~
Bill Moss 75 Geranium Ave East Saint Paul, MN 55117 ~or
Copyright 2003, Minnesota Herpetological Society. Except where noted, contents may be reproduced for nonprofit, non-commercial use only. All material must be reproduced without change. Proper credit will be given
Including the author/photographer and the MHS Newsletter citing: volume, number and date.
The Newslcttcr of thc l\Hnnesota Hell)ctologicai Socicty J mmary 2003 Volume 23 Number 1
The Vice-president's Report
By Tony Gamble Artwork by Tony Gamble
January General Meeting Friday, Jan. 3rd, 2003, 7:00 PM
Program:
Reptile Ranching at the Center for Reptile and Amphibian Propagation
Guest Speaker: Ron Tremper
Corporate slogans are rare in herpetoculture. With the exception of "if we don't have it, we can get it" most dealers and breeders have steered clear of making too many claims. Ron Tremper's Center for Reptile and Amphibian Propagation (C. R.A. P.) though has not only made claims, he's backed them up. You see, Ron really has been "BRINGING You EXCELLENCE IN HERPETOLOGY ... "
Since 1981, C.R.A.P. has been an innovator when it comes to selling reptiles and amphibians. Ron imported some of the first herps
Cover: MHS member Jeff LeClere
from Madagascar into the U.S. in the late 1980s. With Bert Langerwerf, he introduced superworms (Zoophobas morio) to the diet of thousands of captive herps. In addition to brokering and importing herps, Ron has been a pioneer in the efforts to produce lizards and frogs in captivity. He was one of the first people to commercially breed Argentine Horned Frogs (Ceratophrys ornata), African Bullfrogs (Pyxicephalus adspersus), Leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius), Bearded Dragons (Pogona vitticeps) , and Veiled Chameleons
(Chamaeleo calyptratus).
Recently Ron has focused on selectively breeding leopard geckos. He is the originator of
many of the leopard gecko "morphs" available today including the "jungle", striped, giant, and albino phases of leopard gecko. This year he produced his 24th generation of leopard gecko. Ron's pioneering goes further than just figuring out how to breed animals. He is also an innovator when it comes to marketing them. Ron was an early entrant onto the World Wide Web with herpindex.com. Additionally, he was one of the first herp breeders to post pictures of individual animals for sale at his website leopardgecko.com.
Ron Tremper is the former curator of reptiles at the
Fresno zoo. He is also coauthor of the Advanced Vivarium Systems books "The Leopard Gecko Manual" and "Care and
Breeding of Panther, Jackson's, Veiled
and Parson's Chameleons". Ron's talk will
/ focus on his recent work breeding leopard gecko morphs as well as
some of the other herps he works with at
his ranch in central Texas. Don't miss this chance to hear one of the true pioneers of herpetoculture.
Upcoming Meetings: Friday, February 7th, 2003 - TBA §
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TIle Newsletter of the Minnesota HCI])ctological Society januaJ)' 2003 Volume 23 Number I
News, Notes & Announcements
Hands-On Opportunities
by Jan Larson, Public Education Coordinator
Mark your calendars for the following Hands-On events already scheduled for 2003.
December Raffle Donors
Thanks to the following for their generous donations to the raffle
Marilyn and Randy Blasus
February 16: Eden Prairie Nature Center Dan Monson, Blue Lagoon
Book, Plants, Glass fish
April 6: Annual Vet School Open House on the U of M st. Paul campus.
More details will be forthcoming on these and more events.
editors note: Lets all try to make at least one hands-on event this year to help support both Jan and the MHS mission of public education. This is a very important purpose for the MHS.
I frog, one of 40-odd snakes, turtles river creatures that are part of a
II art project on the Mississippi riverfront the Hennepin Avenue Bridge and the
Federal Reserve building (background). (Skyway News 11/18-11/24. 2002)
Page 4
Wendy Beyers and Jake Lee Bearded Dragon food, anole food, Walnut bed ding
Fred and Liz Bosman Reptiles Magazine
Gordon Merck Repti-Safe
December Critter of the Month
Those listed below brought animals to show us.
Ann Porwoll Corn snakes
Jeff LeClere Leopard Frog (Kandiyohi morph; Brown snake
December Report
Adoption
Thanks for a wonderful year! Without people who are willing to open their hearts and homes to these guys we would not have an adoption program.
In December we received eight animals. One small Burmese python, a Leopard gecko, a Russian and a Herman's Tortoise, two small Red Eared Sliders and two Bearded Dragon's. They all found homes. Additionally, we placed three foster Ig's so we had a net decrease on those. What a nice way to wrap up the year! We raised $60.00 for the society as well. The total for the year was 277 animals.
Wowl
We placed 48 boas (30 juvies from one nature center) and 42 Iguanas (down slightly from last year). A copy of the report will be available a next months meeting.
Speaking of thank you, Anyone who helped the adoption program in any way (except adopting, sorry) please contact me ASAP so I can include you in my list for volunteer hours.
Sarah Richard Adoption Chair Minnesota Herpetological Society 612-781-9544 §
The Newsletter of the Minnesota Herpetological Society January 2003 Volume 23 Number 1
by Randy Blasus Photos by Jeff Leclere
Longtime Minnesota Herp Society member and avid amateur herpetologist, Jeff LeClere and
Professor James L. Christiansen of Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa, together, recently published a paper on an important herpetological nomenclatural change in Iowa.
Jeff is well known, and pitied, by some of the older MHS Members for he is afflicted with a peculiar disease whereby a bite from a snake in the Natracine family (watersnakes) is actually an enjoyable experience! He also speaks very highly
always reached his goal, eventually.
Anyway, Jeff is also known to show a deep appreciation for road kill. Very few herps left dead or dying will be overlooked by his ever-searching gaze (except those that the raccoons grab). Each putrid corpse and herp pancake must be peeled from the
of a state most Adult Copper-bellied Watersoake
Minnesotans' are loath to even drive road and examined, preferably downthrough, let alone view as a vacation wind, of course. Jeff prefers to let retreatl That would be Iowa, of nothing go to waste; each find is course. Regardless, Jeff has important. Laugh (or puke!) you may, staunchly supported his adopted but he has gained from these experistate and has worked tirelessly (O.K., ences mightily. For while he played endlessly) in his search for the observes the pitiful remains, he states' elusive herpetofauna. searches for knowledge that can be Elusive? Well, yes. You see, little has gained in spite of its demise. Why been published on this states' herps, was it here, what was it doing, where so any find was potentially remark- did it come from? Assessing the surable and at the least, worthwhile. rounding habitat, its condition, and Over time, he would leam the habitat even the time of year are all clues to and the habits of every herptile in the help in answering these questions. state. Make no mistake, once he has determined the object of his quest; it For one year in particular, this habit of may as well crawl up onto the road old brought about fruit of an inconand surrender. Well, sort of. He has ceivable nature. While in pursuit of
his avocation, Jeff chanced upon one pancaked, dried and crusty remnant that shone out to him, as would the light of the sun! He picked up the decrepit remains looking for clues. He found on one small portion, that some skin still remained. Now Jeff may be self-taught, but he has developed a very keen eye for species
recognition, especially for this area of the country. This particular find resembled a Yellow-bellied Watersnake (Nerodia erythrogaster flavigastel) a species known from Iowa, but itself extremely rare. However, instead of the expected yellow wash on the ventral scutes, it had what appeared to be orange and, more importantly, incursions of black pigment near the
margins of the belly scales. This was exciting for Jeff, as it would represent a whole new snake for Iowa!
Jeff initiated and has maintained a professional relationship with Dr. Christiansen; however, theirs is an odd coupling. Picture a short, young, leather-jacketed man with a goatee and a ponytail alongside a thin and genteel bow tie wearing academic. Yet, it seems that the relationship is genuine if not somewhat mutualistic. Dr. Christiansen receives information on the herps from the hinterlands of Iowa thanks to Jeff's effort, thus allowing his knowledge base to expand. Jeff's' reward in this con-
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f5.~" ~ l 0\ - ~aI The Ncvrsletter of the Minnesota Herpetological Society
z -Janual)' 2003 Volume 23 Number 1
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nection he has forged with Dr. Christiansen, a cornerstone for the herpetology of Iowa, is a professional outlet for all his efforts, adding depth and providing worth to his continuing
Head close-up of the copper-bellied watersnake.
quest. Jeff was to bring the find to the Professor, who did not see the importance of it immediately. However, after a second glance and a lively debate, Jeff would leave the academic with his curiosity piqued. Jeff would keep the location of this find in his mind and was to visit it frequently over the next few years. To put this subject more in perspective, only three specimens of the rare "Yellow-bellied Watersnake" have been documented in Iowa until Jeff's find. Christiansen and Bailey originally believed that this was the species present in Iowa based on their proximity to the Yellow-bellied Watersnakes further south in Missouri. Jeff's assertion would question the validity of this assumption. If true, this would be very significant as the nearest population was fully across the state of Illinois along the Indiana border. The three old specimens provided little information to the current situation as the preservation process, coupled with time, washes out all of the ventral color.
Page 6
Jeff would continue to find and locate straints, definitive proof would have to herps in his forays, often in contact, if wait. not actually working with, the Iowa professor. On one of these trips, fate struck again. With, of course, another roadkill. This one was a juvenile whose ventral pattern matched no other local watersnake and it was fresh! Jeff stood in the tropical air, debating the relative merits of entering the mosquito infested swamp against the likelihood that live specimens, like the dead juvenile, were still nearby. Needless to say, the debate was short and the mosquitoes gained a contribution to their next generation. However, all was not in vain as two more specimens were found alive! These, he firmly believed, were the same species as the old roadkill found and presented to Dr. Christiansen, Copper-bellied Watersnakes (N. e. neg/ectal.
Unfortunately, the adult pattern and color is used as the key in determining the subspecies affiliation of each. Identifying the Copper-bellied Watersnake (N. e. neg/ectal from its' nearest biological and distributional relative, the Yellow-bellied Watersnake (N. e. f/avigastei) is well defined. But just as with the nominate species, the Red-bellied Watersnake (N. e. erythrogastei), they must first go through an ontogenetic pattern change as they mature. Juveniles of all these subspecies appear similar having broad crossbands dorsally that with age darken and fill out into a pattem-Iess velvet black. Meanwhile, the ventral color is true to the common name of each snake. Copper-bellied Watersnakes have an additional key characteristic, black pigmentation intruding on their ventral scales. Due to these con-
As such, these snakes had to be raised over the next year to view their development. They grew rapidly in captivity over the ensuing months. The next spring their origin became clear proving Jeff's first diagnosis, the snakes he had found in Iowa were not the Yellow-bellied, but in fact were the recently federally protected Copper-bellied Watersnake! The two researchers would soon compile their past findings and, along with several more specimens found the following year, would publish the material in the peer reviewed journal, Herpetological Review Vol. 33 #2, June 2002.
The future of this remnant population is somewhat secure at the moment. Further research will be forth-coming as funding from the Federal
Juvenile copper-bellied watersnakes are very similar In appearence with their close cousins the yellow-bellied and the red-bellied watersnakes.
Government to help protect this population. In all, this is the story of a dedicated amateur who has made a valuable contribution to a state few of us know thanks to a professional who is willing to take the time to listen to an earnest and ambitious enthusiast. §
The Newsletter of the nJiullesota Herpetological Society J;muaJ)' 2003 Volume 23 Number 1
I first saw a group of these Yellow-spoiled Night Lizards the scales from one part of the lizards come in with a ship- remind me more of monitor lizards, body to the other give it the ment of reptiles a few years Varanus. appearance of being created like a
ago. I was immediately intrigued by The family Xantusiidae is divided Frankenstein monster. The head is these interesting looking creatures. into two subfamilies; Xantusiinae rather blunt when viewed from the The body shape, head, and scala- and Lepidophyminae, the laller, of side, but seems more pointed tion were different MO ..... --..... ..-....... -------::-:--.................. -y-..-.......... ---.-. when viewed from any other from the lizard I had ever top ... almost tri-seen. They were angular. The labeled with a top of the head misnomer of "bark is covered with lizard" with no large plate-like other information scales. These (i.e. scientific lizards lack name) about eyelids and them, which is have a clear rather common in spectacle over the reptile trade. each eye as in The more I the lidless leamed, the more geckos. They fascinated I have a vertical-became with Iy elliptical theml pupil, but this is Yellow-spotted sometimes diffi-Night lizards cult to see; the belong to the fam- eyes are ily Xantusiidae. unusually dark. The entire family The neck is is strange. Xantusiidae consists of course, to which the Yellow-spots rather long. The body and neck about four genera. Systematically, belong. The genus Lepidophyma have small, granular scales like they are difficult to place with any contains roughly nineteen species. ameivas, but unlike ameivas, there other group. Indeed, they seem The Yellow-spoiled Night Lizard are also larger spinelike tubercles most closely related to skinks, but grows to about ten inches in total arranged in rows on the back and also seem to be connected to length. Its body is elongate and, sides. The belly is covered with geckos and teiid lizards as well. although most references state large rectangular scales, much like The skeletal structure bears char- that the limbs are small, I would ameivas or whiptaillizards. The tail acteristics of both gecko and skink tend to disagree, saying they are of is covered with whorls of someosteological systems. Even the moderate size among the lizard what large, heavily keeled, spikescalation appears to be a combina- world. The toes are similar to an like scales separated by smaller tion of both geckos and teiids. iguana's toes, each with a claw at keeled scales. General body shape varies among the end. There are no adhesive toe General coloration ranges from the genera placed in Xantusiidae. pads. The tail is easily broken and gray to brown to black with yellow One genus, Xantusia, which readily regenerated. In my opinion, spots on the back, sides, and neck. ranges into southwestern United if one were to cross a gecko with There may be light spots on the tail States closely resembles typical an ameiva, this is what it would as well, or the tail may be geckos in general form. However, look like. The differences among lizard .... continued on page 12
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Thc Ncwsletter of thc :Minnesota HClvctological Socicty janu,uy 2003 Volumc 23 Number 1
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The Newsletter of thc Minnesota HCll)ctologicai Society January 2003 Volume 23 Number 1
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Jallual)' 2003 Volume 23 Number 1
YLu..J J laJH..d by John P. Levell
"Ron Orenstein's Tortoises and Survivors in Armor Review"
Turtles, superficially resembling the approach With over 300 color photographs Terrapins: utilized by Obst in his similarly titled and an attractive dust jacket featuring (2001): A Turtles, Tortoises and Terrapins a North American Wood Turtle, the
(1986), Orenstein's much stronger book is stunningly beautiful in appearemphasis on chelonian conservation ance as well. Contributed by some of
After waiting more than a decade issues sets his volume apart from that the world's leading wildlife photogra(Emst and Barbour's Turtles of the or any other previously released pop- phers including fellow Minnesota World was released way back in ular worldwide turtle review. Herpetological Society member A. 1989), another volume can finally be Although by his own admission Blake Sheldon, the book's color phoadded to the list of quality English lan- primarily an omithologist, Orenstein tos are invariably of exceptional qualguage publications providing popular has produced an accurate, thorough- ity. Indeed, many easily rank among coverage of the world's chelonians. Iy researched, and highly informative the finest chelonian photographs ever Considering the significant advances text. In fact, his view of turtles through included in any widely available turtle made in turtle research over publication. the last 10 years or so, not to Unfortunately, the mention ever-growing con- photos also constitute the cems regarding turtle con- title's most significant flaw, servation, an updated syn- as the captions of a select thesis of relevant information few clearly misidentify the certainly seems far from species depicted. The turtle unwarranted. illustrated on page 70, for
Unlike most "popular" example, is obviously a worldwide turtle overviews Spiny Softshell (Apalone including those of Pritchard spinifera) not the Smooth (1967, 1979), Alderton Softshell (A. mutica) as (1988), and Ernst and claimed in the caption. This Barbour (1989), which con- fact is readily apparent from centrate mainly on species the diagnostic "transverse diversity and identification, nasal septum ridge" so evi-Orenstein's Turtles, dent in the photo of the Tortoises, and Terrapins: Softshell specimen illustrat-Survivors in Armor instead ed. The "basking" Chicken focuses more attention on Turtle (Oeirochelys reticular-exactly what turtles are and ia) on page 115 and the why they do what they do. "mating sliders" (Trachemys Only 63 of the volume's 320 scripta) on page 179 are pages, for example, review likewise almost certainly chelonian diversity on a some sort of Cooter worldwide basis. With the (Pseudemyssp.).Ofcourse, exception of an additional 48 it is possible perhaps even pages devoted to chelonian probable that such mistakes evolution and general anato- in species identification actu-my, most of the book is comprised of the "eyes of a birder" has perhaps ally rest with the original photograindividual chapters covering topics allowed Orenstein to identify impor- phers, as Orenstein's ornithological such as turtle physiology, reproduc- tant topics of interest that may be background makes it unlikely he is tion, migration, and survival threats overlooked by those more narrowly expert in the identification of all turtle both on land and in the sea. While focused on turtles and tortoises. species. A meager, thirty-eight title
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Thc Newslettcr or the ~Ilinnesota HClvetologkalSocicty JanUalY 200,3 Volume 2.1 Number 1
bibliography may prove too brief for the tastes of many as well.
These comparatively minor flaws, however, cannot overshadow the extent of Orenstein's accomplishment nor does it diminish the overall value of his wonderful book. The fact-filled and up to date text will undoubtedly prove easily readable ·for even the most casual of turtle observers. At the same, Turtles, Tortoises, and Terrapins: Survivors in Armor undoubtedly contains some tidbit of previously unknown information that will prove of interest to anyone regardless of their level of overall chelonian expertise. As such, this exceptional hard cover volume certainly ranks among the "must have" editions for any well-stocked chelonian library. At the same time, with a suggested retail price of only $45.00, Orenstein's book is worthy of a place on more general herpetological bookshelves as well.
Literature Cited:
Alderton, David. 1988. Turtles & Tortoises of the World. Facts on File. New York, New York.
Ernst, Carl H. and Barbour, Roger W. 1989. Turtles of the World. Smithsonian Institution Press. Washington, DC.
Obst, Fritz Jurgen.1986. Turtles, Tortoises and Terrapins. St. Martin's Press, New York, New York.
Orenstein, Ronald. 2001. Tortoises and Terrapins: Survivors in Armor, Firefly Books, Inc., Buffalo, New York.
Pritchard, Peter C. H. 1967. Living Turtles of the World. T.F.H. Publications. Jersey City, New Jersey.
Pritchard, Peter C. H. 1979. Encyclopedia of Turtles. T.F.H. Publications. Neptune, New Jersey. §
Roseville Man Surprised His Gator is Illegal
STAR-TRIBUNE (Minneapolis Minnesota) 16 November 02 (AP):
A Roseville man found himself in jail on a probation violation after buying an illegal alligator.
Jason Hegstrom, 27, said he forgot to pay a fine and appear in court last month after his 18-inch-long female alligator was found in a neighbor's swimming pool in midJuly. Alligators and other wild animals are illegal in Roseville, unless you obtain a permit with specific conditions.
"Everybody's making fun of me 'Crocodile Man,' " Hegstrom said from jail Friday.
Hegstrom, an alligator devotee since childhood, said he was surprised to learn he was being booked on the gator charge when he turned himself in for a probation violation related to a 1994 robbery charge.
Hegstrom said the pet shop where he bought the gator did not tell him that it was illegal to own one.
Sarah Richard, volunteer adoption chairwoman for the Minnesota Herpetological Society, the gator has been "placed" elsewhere, but she declined to disclose where. §
Tenant - Turtles Bath Costs Landlord Dearly
STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - Mystified by soaring hot water bills, the landlord of an apartment building in southern Sweden installed watersaving shower nozzles and checked for leaking pipes before finally discovering the culprit.
A pet turtle had enjoyed living in a stream of running water at a steady temperature of 36 Celsius for 18 months.
The local utility estimated the turtle's consumption at 5,000 cubic meters of water and 160,000 kWh of district heating at a cost of $15,150, a local newspaper in the town of Helsingborg reported Wednesday.
The tenant, who has agreed to repay the landlord for the extra costs, and the turtle still live in the apartment but nowadays the pet only gets fresh bathing water every now and then, the newspaper reported. §
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Lizard ... continued from page 7
unmarked. The top of the head is dark; the lips are marked with light bars. It often looks as if the lizard has no lips and the light bars are teeth I The belly is gray, yellow, or brown. The specimens I have are brown in over all coloration with an orangish brown belly. This species ranges from southern Mexico to central Panama. Since these species are from moist forests, I set mine up with a few inches of potting soil on the bottom of the tank. Cypress mulch and an orchid bark mixture were placed on the top. I keep two to a ten-gallon tank. Densities and territories are not well-known in this species; when I kept more than two to a tank, they would all utilize hiding areas together with no problems, except they would fight over food, so I began keeping only two to a single set-up. I gave them two water dishes, and excavated burrows under pieces of bark or slate for them. In addition, I glued together 1" PVC piping to form a "T'. The top end was buried in the potting soil so there was a long entrance tube leading to the surface. This piping is by far the most commonly used shelter in the cage. I added some plastic plants and branches for climbing. A screen lid was placed on top. Although these lizards are called Night Lizards, most references state that they are diurnal. A few claim they are nocturnal. I use a dome lamp over the screen lid for heat and light. Even though they come from Central America, they prefer to be cooler; around the mid 70's F. I selected a bulb wattage that would give me these results. At a 12-hour
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January 2003 Volume 23 Number 1
daylight cycle, they are clearly active in the evening to at least just after dark. Because I do not know how natural sunlight affects the behavior of night lizards (that is, perhaps they would be diurnal if they were exposed to an environment with natural sunlight), I can not say how this behavior compares to wild populations. A few facts are consistent among my research; they appear to be very secretive and largely terrestrial. There were periods where I would not see my Night Lizards for days (or nights as I checked in on them then, as well). Some would climb into the plants on occasion, but it was only a few of the same individuals; most of them did not take advantage of these structures. Most of them would spend a lot of time in the water dish, especially when the water is shallow. It seems as though they appear to like sitting in damp to actually wet conditions. I raised the humidity and I spray the cage once a day (dry season, December to March) to several times daily (wet season May to early December), but it does not change the consistent usage of the water dishes. None of them have developed any skin lesions as a result. They seem to be healthy. I think that if they are going to give these lizards an ambiguous trade name, they should be called "swamp lizards"! Central American Night Lizards are insectivorous. I offered them crickets, mealworms, earthworms, and wax worms. Earthworms were refused by all of them. I figured as much, but thought that I would try anyway. What surprised me is that all of them did not relish the mealworms like I expected them to. They
will eat a few, but not many. They prefer crickets of moderate size, to a little on the larger side. They generally do not like crickets that are too small, but well within a size class that they could easily eat (in other words, I am not offering pinhead crickets to the adults). They never rush around to catch their food. Their movements are slow and deliberate, and they will wait for a meal to move close enough for only a lunge or quick chase. They have very powerful jaws. Even though they are small lizards, their bite is rather painful! I have tried fruit and various forms of plant material, but it is never readily consumed. Some of the sweeter baby foods are lapped, but I do not believe they are a really big fan of the herbivorous lifestyle. Even the reproduction of Night Lizards is different. Some populations are parthenogenetic (females can fertilize eggs without sperm). Obviously, these populations keep producing females. There are northern populations, however, where males are present. This represents bisexual reproduction in at least some areas of their range. As with all members of the family Xantusiidae, females are ovoviviparous and give birth to about four to six young during the rainy season. I have not had any births yeti This is a great group of lizards to work with. They are extremely hardy and seemingly easy to care for. It has been fun and exciting to "learn as you keep" as there is not a lot of published information about them, and then pass the experience on. §
The Newsletter of the Minnesota Herpetological Society
English Spot Dutch
Jim's Rabbit Shack ""Where Spots Are Tops·
JIM DAlUGE (763) 295·2818
8700 Jaber Ave. NE Monticello. MN 55362
. rllllMe:. (612) 7Sj:9544 '"B" US;:, , ,', (65" ',1),,3, 6-3, 700, , , F;>x: (651)639-6418-
- '_ 5<U<lbrichanl@ediMn.'a]ty.",m
~'~,::m~~~rt~'ice
Only $5 Per Month ...... $55 Per Year
.I anuaJY 200a Volume 23 Number I
Minnesota Herpetological Society Treasurer's Report Prepared by Marilyn Brooks Blasus, Treasurer
For the Month Ending: November 30, 2002
Income: Membership Sales (Net) Donations Raffle Mise
Total Income:
Expenses: Newsletter Printing & Postage Other Printing & Postage Program Conservation/Donation Supplies & Refreshments Mise
Total Expense: Net Gain/(Loss):
530.00 (284.18) 330.95
69.75 1.00
646.57
o 75.00 50.00
800.00 9.76
606.75 1541.51 (894.94)
-Reptiles -Amphibians -Invertebrates -Small Mammals -FishComplete Line 01 Cages, Food, Books & Supplies lor ALL Animals
Hours: Mon •• Fri. 10·8
Sat. 10-6 Sun. 12·5
~lN ell'. 1 l~..r The LARGEST,
REPTILES
BEST Selection in the Twin Cities
Since 1979
2363 Universi~ Ave. W. St. Paul, (1/2 Blk E. of Raymond)
(651) 647·4479 www.twlncltlesreptlles.com
GE'I' .,.HE RAG'I'S ... NO.,. .,.HE HYR& -----------------~
Page 13
Classified ads are free to the membershIp. Deadline is the night of the general meeting for inclusion In the next newsletter. 1.0.0 = male, 0.1.0 = female, 0.0.1 = unsexed, cb "" captive bred, oba = or best offer, + = times run ( ads are run 3 times unless specifically requested to continue).
For Sale 2003 Turtle Calendars - Two different formats (Sea Turtle or Plowshare Tortoise covers) $12 each. Can be delivered to the December MHS meeting andlor Holiday Banquet or mailed for $2.50 postage and handling. $1.00 of each calendar sold will be donated to the World Chelonian Trust. John Levell, NorthStar Herpetological Associates, P.O. Box 389, Lanesboro, MN 55949, 507467-3076 [email protected]. ++
Frozen Rabbits - all sizes. Prices very reasonable - pinkies to adults. Jim Daluge 763.295.2818
Flighlless Fruitflles - Excellent food for dart frogs, mantellas, hatchling geckos, baby chameleons, spiderlings, and other small herps. Two species available: Drosophila meianogaster (small) and Drosophila hydei (large). $5/culture or $25/6 cultures. Each culture contains 30 to 50 adult flies and has potential to produce several hundred young. Also, Mealworms, two sizes available - regular and mini. $5/1000. Can be delivered to MHS meetings. Call Tony Gamble 612-747-6682 or email [email protected] ++
FOR SALE: 0.0.6 Black Ratsnakes (E.o.obsoleta), $10.00 each. Contact D.K.Compton, 612.872.7266 or compto01 @tc.umn.edu+
FOR SALE: 2.0 Chinese Leopard Geckos (Goniursaurus araneus) $100 ea; 0.0.10 Viper Gecko $40 ea; 1.0 Belize Banded Gecko (Coleonyx eleganus) $100; 1.2 Albino Leopard Gecko - Rainwater strain $300Ilrio; 1.1 Albino Leopard Gecko - Bell strain $300/pair. Call Jodi L. Aherns 612.588.9329 or email to [email protected]+
For Sale: Leopard geckos, leucislic (patternless) x high yellow cross $20.00. Leucislic x albino cross $25.00. Discounts on two or more. Call Craig 952-368-9689 +
Page 14
FOR SALE: One female ablino or amelanistic corn snake - it is bright orange, pink red and white, so you can choose either of the types you wish to decribe it. She has laid eggs for the last 6 years, is 10 years old and about 4 feet long. I've never had a prolern with feeding or handling, this is a very mellow critter. $60.00. Call 507-536-9575 or email to [email protected]
IF fOU I K N 0 W HAT' (JOOD
BEST BE BUYIN fER RODENTS
Wanted
FROMMHS (JOT IT? Pinkies
Fuzzies $7/dz Fuzzies $15/dz
Hormers $8/dz 8m Adult $18/dz
Adults $10/dz Med Adult $24/dz
.!..g Adult $30/dz
For pick-up at monthly meetings only. Orders Must be placed at least one week in advance of date of meeting at which the frozen rodents are to be delivered. Place orders with Jody Holmstrom at 651.224.7212 or [email protected]
•
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$1.1 ® [f)[§!ru iMI@U'ilIl'Illl $1.11.1 ® [f)[§!ru W[§£!,\!ru'"
'12th month is free on a one year commitment
•
• Advertising Policies
,".~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~r.n~ ~ ) MHS Ad Policy: The MHS assumes NO RESPONSIBILITY regarding the health or
MHSAD RATES Business card
1/4 Page 1/2 Page Full Page
$5/Month $55Near* $10/Month $110Near* $20/Month $220Near* $40/Month $440Near*
legality of any animal, or the quality or legality of any product or service advertised in the MHS Newsletter. Any ad may be rejected at the discretion of the Newsletter Editor. Due to space Iimitattons, unpaid and complimentary advertisements are sUbject to occasional omission.
Classified Ads: All acl1ve members are allowed a classlffed ad, run free of charge as space permits. Ads may be ran three consecutive months, after which time they may be resubmitted. Corresponding members are allowed a compUmenlary business card advertisement monthly as space permits. Due to federal restricllons on Non-profit mailIng permits, we are not allowed to run ads for travel, credit or Insurance agencies.
Submissions: All advertisements should be submitted to the MHS Editor, Bell * Note: 12th month is free on a one year commitment Museum of Natural History, 10 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Deadline
~:;'.!Ii;~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Is the night of the General Meeting for inclusion In the next newsletter. Make checks I! • payable to: Minnesota Herpetological Society.
r--------------------------~--------------------,
New Name
Renewal Address
Membershipll City, State, Zip,
Type Phone Email List in MHS Directory? Ves
Check II Herp related interests
Minn esotaHe rp etolo 'cal Socie ty Membershi p lication A pp
Active Memberships: Sustaining ($60/year) Contributing ($30/year) Basic ($15/year)
Corresponding Memberships: Basic Commercial ($25/year 2 Bus Cards) Silver ($75/year 21/2 pg Ads)
Required check info. Drivers Lie II
Bronze ($50/year 2 1/4 pg ads) Gold ($1 ~O/year 2 Full pg Ads)
State DOB
No
L _______________________________________________ J
Non-Profit Rate U.S. Postage
PAID Mpls, MN
Permit No. 2275
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
POSTMASTER: DATED MATERIAL PLEASE DELIVER BY DECEMBER 30
Next Meeting: UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA- ST. PAUL CAMPUS
~t01my35 ~I l.ARPENTEUR to Sne//i"9~
Friday, January 3, 2002 7:00PM Room 335 Borlaug Hall, U of M St. Paul Campus
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MHS Voice Mail: 612.624.7065
MHS Web Page: www.bellmuseum.org/herpetology/main.html
THE NEWSLETTER OF THE
s o c I T y
FBBRUARY 2003 VOLUMB 25 NUMBBR 2