1 1

NEWSLETTER OF THE

E TO

SOCI T IC L

BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY 10 CHURCH ST. S.E. MINNEAPOliS, MN 55455-0104

CALBNDAR OF BVBNTS

Aug. 16-18, 1991 National Reptile Breeders' Expo, Orlando, Florida. Contact Central Florida Herpetological Society, P.O. Box 3277, Winter Haven, FL 33881.

Oct. 11 = 13, 1991 7th Annual Midwest Herp Symposium, Indianapolis, IN. Hosted by the Hoosier Herpetological Society.

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1,' rill The purpose of the Minnesota Herpetological Society is: to further the education of the II membership and the general public in care and captive propagation of reptiles and amphi.. II "'I mans; to educate the membership and the general public in the ecological role of reptiles I II'

and amphibians; and to promote the study and conservation of reptiles and amphibians.

II II

I' I', II MHS BOARD OF DIRECTORS II 1\ I' PRESIDENT John Meltzer (612) 263-7880 II

III VICE-PRESIDENT Terry Scheiber (612) 440-7482 1,1

1\tIEMBERSHIP SECRETARY Dennis Daly (612) 633-8370 \I RECORDING SECRETARY Michele Stillinger (612) 544-4387 1/

II TREASURER Marilyn Brooks (612) 533-7723 II II NEWSLEITEREDITOR Jo Anne Wetheren-Moriarty (612) 647-1334 "

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,,1 MEMBER-AT .. LAROE Olen Jacobsen (612) 757-7870 1'1,11

MEMBER-AT-LARGE VenceJimerson (612) 869-8547 MEMBER-AT-LARGE Greg Kvanbek (612) 533-7723 MEMBER-AT-LARGE Bill Moss (612) 488-1383 \I

I IMMEDIATE PAST PRES. JohnMoriarty (612)647-1334 II

J================~

© 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.

Next Meeting

DATE: Friday, September 6,1991 TIME: 7:00 PM

PLACE: 33 McNeal Hall

NOTE CHANGE OF LOCATION .

st. Paul Campus University. of Minnesota

The September meeting will be held in McNeal Hall, located near the corner of Buford Avenue and Upper BufordCirc1e (the hill you go up to get to the regular meeting place). Parking in the usual lot is recommended. .

PROGRAM: Boa Constrictors

SPEAKER: Jeff Ronne

Jeff Ronne has had an interest in and has been keeping boas for seven years. For the last six years he has been breeding them. He will relate his experiences with this interesting group of snakes and discuss some of the subspecies of the Common boa constrictor as they are currently classified. This should be an excellent program for anyone who is working with or thinking about working with these snakes.

CRITTER OF THE MONTH: Boas and pythons

Be sure to bring a proper container to display your animal during critter time. Animals are not to be displayed during the meeting except during critter of the month period. megal species will not be allowed. Members who do not comply will not be allowed to display their animal.

Upcoming Meetings

October 4: Status of the Paci1ic pond turtle in the state of Washington - Kate Slavens November 1: Minnesota Laws and the Herp Enthusiast - Del Bloucher n ..... ~ ......... ·ber 6 ";/1,,,,/1,/'/ .J...J'tNCHl 'i::;'Y.'"jIi"

January 3 " i! '://1" , .,./". r'/II' /1//,'11

MHS Newsletter, Vol. XI, No.8 1

Highlights of Last Month's Program

The program at the August meeting was A Review of the Genus Elaphe presented by Marty Bjerke. Marty presented a review of North American Elaphe species and discussed recent changes in the taxonomy . and distribution of these species.

Critter of the Month

Last month's critter of the month was ratsnakes. On display were numerous Com snakes of various types, as well as a Yellow ratsnake, Texas ratsnake, and Taiwan beauty snake. Animals were brought by John Moriarty, Todd Cherveny, Jo Janssens, Gloria Anton, Kris Anton, Becky Helgeson, Bill Ness, John Meltzer, and Ann POlWoll'

Raffle Results

Thanks to Candy Ashbach, Jim Adams, Bill Moss, RJ Reptiles, and Blair Sander, as wen as several anonymous donors of raffle items. The winners and their prizes are listed below.

David Pilolinski - magic animals Marilyn Brooks - school box Kris Ash - Poisonous Snakes book

Brian Kallhof - 2 1\vins tickets Nanette Jimerson - turtle Post-it notes Kris Anton - stickers

The proceeds go to help offset operating expenses. Thanks to all who purchased tickets.

Picnic A Big Success

The annual MHS picnic was held on Saturday, August 3, 1991 at Bunker Hills Park. An estimated 45 people attended and the general opinion was that this was the best picnic held in several years. Grills were set up fOJ; barbequeing. Desserts and salads were brought to share. People took advantage of the facilities available which included an archery range, playground equipment, ball field, nature trails, 5.5 miles of hiking and biking trails. As always, the turtle races were the favorite event. The results are listed below.

First Heat: 1st - "Stub ll, Michele Stillinger's Reeve's turtle

2nd - IIHelmetl1 , Glen Jacobsen's Three-toed box turtle

3rd - name unknown, Michele Stillinger's Reeve's turtle

Second Heat: 1 st - name unknown, The Delles' Painted turtle 2nd - '1felmet" , Glen Jacobsen's Three-toed box turtle 3rd - a tie between "Libe~' Glen Jacobsen's Bell's Hingeback turtle and

Michele Stillinger's Reeve's turtle

MHS Newsletter, Vol. XI, No.8 2

Help a Hapless Herp

There were no animals for adoption last month. Anyone with animals to go up for adoption should contact Glen Jacobsen prior to the meeting.

Library Fine Moratorium

Members who return overdue library books at the September meeting will not be charged a fine. Please turn. your overdue books so other members can use them. The library will re .. open at the October meeting when we return to our regular meeting place.

MHS Member Profile by Drew Newman

Marilyn Brooks - Treasurer

One of the neat things about doing this column is meeting new people andJeaming new things. Since having joined MHS I've wondered about what the Board of Directors is and what it does. Having spoke with Marilyn, I'm able to share some of her insights with you.

Marilyn has been with MHS for 4 years and has been on the board in the position of Treasurer for I year. She has also served as Student Chapter President and has been Committee Chairperson for he Holiday Banquet as well as on the committee for the Midwest Herp Symposium. She is currently the coordinator for newsletter assembly.

Marilyn explained that actions taken by the board are made by majority vote. Policies enacted by voting are known as standing rules. Marilyn, at present, is working on compiling all standing rules. The board also makes decisions on how to appropriate donations solicited by other organizations. The maximum we can give is 500 dollars in one year. Of that, 350 has to go for in .. state needs. A few examples of things we would donate money for would be conservation and education. Funds continue to be a problem with the loss of our food animal sales. Recently we began selling books which is helping, but the board is always open to new ideas to supplement our income. Income is used to offset expenses such as the newsletter. One thing the board plans to pursue is the making of a video which will be available to companies and organizations who we may solicit for grant money.

Marilyn feels that we need more people to volunteer to prevent burnout experienced by people who . are taking on a lot of commitments. She is also concerned that some people see a /I clique" among

MHS members that do volunteer. There is no clique, she claims, just people who get to know each other through various functions. She emphasizes that anyone is welcome and encouraged to come and get involved.

On a closing note I might add that all board mee1ings are open to the general membership. All you have to do is to speak to the President, John Meltzer, in advance.

MHS Newsletter, Vol.)(7, No.8 3

Hands-On Update by Bill Moss

On July 16 we had a very successful Hands-On at the General Mills company picnic in Plymouth. The tum out by MHS was fabulous with Donna Calander, Glen Jacobsen, Vence and Nanette Jimerson, Scott and Cheryl Cords, Nancy Haig, Terry Schieber, Greg

. Kvanbeck, Marilyn Brooks, Lynn Pairer, Cliff Lindberg, and Drew Newman, who did the organizing in my absence. Dave Sattman from General Mills was very complementruy on the way the MI1S people conducted themselves and on the open and friendly way the MHS volunteers interacted with the General Mills employees. He told me that he would be happy to invite us out again. Last but not least, General Mills donated $125.00 to MHS for our time. Thanks everyone for making this a good show.

Another reminder about the Renaissance Festival. By the time you read this newsletter, there will still be at least four weekends left·out at Festival so it's not too late to get out and join the foo. Remember, you let me knOVl at least one week in advance of the weekend(s) you want to pat1icipate so Festival can plan for you. Call me at 488-1383 to make a reservation or with any questions you may have. I have a number of costume books available if you are planning to make a costume, otherwise there are some costumes available at Festival.

On another subject, there seems to be some confusion over what the MHS policy is regarding animal handling at hands-on events. Our policy is that the head of an animal never be presented to the public. Offering the rest of the animal for hands-on is fine. Even if you really know your animal, you have to protect against any possible actions the person standing in front of you may take. Some of them will do some really stupid things. If anyone were to be bitten, it would not be the animals fault or the persons fault. It would be you as the handler who would be at fault. To steal a line, "Hey, let's' be careful out there! II

MUS Brochure Revised

A committee consisting of Joe Matzke, Bill Moss, and Jo Anne Wetherell-Moriarty recently completed updating the MHS Brochure. The brochure is used to let perspective members know more about MHS. Special thanks to Joe for his design and artwork. Text and layout were done by Bill and Jo Anne.

Any member wanting brochures for to hand out at programs or nature <;enters should see Dennis Daly.

Snakey Riddles

Why doesn't the cobra call his mother collect? How did the snakes bust out of jail? He likes to call poison-to-poison. They scaled the wall.

How can you revive a snake that looks dead? What kind of slippers do snakes wear? With mouse-to-mouse resuscitation. Water moccasins. .

MHS Newsletter, Vol. Xl, No.8 4

Cage Heaters (Part 1) by William Ness

Providing an appropriate environment is a major factor in the successful maintenance of reptiles and amphibians in captivity. Creating the artificial environment consists of a number of factors including choice of building materials, substrate, lighting, appropriate plants (if any), access for routine feeding and maintenance, viewing areas, privacy areas, and method of providing the appropriate temperature. This series of articles will attemptto deal with some of the options for maintaining the appropriate temperature in an enclosure for reptiles or amphibians.

The easiest and probably most widely used method of heating herp cages is the conunon incandescent light bulb. While this method is often used . quite successfully there are a number of considerations that should be addressed. First, although the initial investment is quite low, bulbs will have to be replaced periodically so there will be an ongoing expense. One important thing to think about is the placement of the socket in the cage. Some times the cage design will dictate this option. If you are using an aquarium for a cage the obvious choice is to either use an aquarium hood or mount a light socket on a perforated board that serves as the top of the cage. It is usually recommended to mount the socket off center so there will be a thermal gradient within the cage. In a wooden cage the socket can be mounted on the top, ends, or back of the cage. If the light is mounted on the back wall or on one of the ends it is very likely that it will be used as a perch by some herps with the possibility of bums from the light bulb. Also, snakes crawling over the . light bulb have a tendency to unscrew the bulb or even break it I prefer to mount the light socket on the top of the cage when possible. Mounting the light on the top does not always prevent snake sabotage, however. One of my boas (Tess, the remodeler) manages to rip light bulbs out of their ceiling mounted sockets about once every month or so. Using straight aquarium bulbs may reduce the probability of this occurring (but not for Tess, she would just see it as a new challenge). When cages will be stacked it may be preferable to run the power cord out the back or end instead of the top of the cage. I run the wires along the inside top and out a hole through the back or end, and use a lot of glue to hold the wire securely in place. When only wire staples were used to attach the wire my snakes tended to get between the wire and the roof of the cage. I have had smaller snakes apparently trapped this way, and of course Tess uses the opportunity to rip things down. Glueing the wire to the ceiling of the cage prevents snakes or lizards from getting into this kind of trouble.

In larger cages, several light sockets should be used, but arranged to provide a thermal gradient In fact, if only light bulbs are used for heat it is a good idea to always use two light bulbs. This way if one bulb burns out (or gets broken by Tess) there will still be some heat from the other bulb and the cage will not be chilled as much. Using two lower wattage bulbs to maintain the temperature instead of one high wattage bulb will decrease the chance of burns from contact.

I like to run the power cord for the lights through a dimmer switch so that I don't have to keep trying different wattage of bulbs to get the desired temperature. The dimmer also allows for day/night temperature variation without completely cooling down the cage, and allows me to adjust temperatures to compensate for seasonal variations in my snakeroom temperatures without having to change to different wattage bulbs.

Some of the drawbacks of incandescent light bulbs as a heat source include the inability to photo­regulate cages in a cool room, frequent replacement costs of bulbs, the possibility of animals getting burned, the possibility of injury from broken glass if an a.nimal breaks the bulb( Tess hasn't cut herself, yet), and, with the concern for energy conservation, inefficient use of electricity (much of the energy is converted to light). One other consideration is the effect of continuous exposure to light. This may be a detrimental factor for some 5pecies, although I have a female Common boa constrictor (Tess again) that produced 24 young after being kept in continuous light for about

MHS Newsletter, Vol. Xl, No. 8 5

fIfteen years and then switched to a day night cycle for a few months. Incandescent light bulbs can be, and have been, used effectively as a heat source for reptile and amphibian cages as long as the factors mentioned above are taken into consideration.

There are a number of alternatives to using incandescent light bulbs as the sole source of heat for reptile and amphibian cages. The next article will discuss some of the options available and their advantages and disadvantages.

Critters Needed For State Fair Exhibit

Have you volunteered to provide an animals for the state fair exhibit? Why not? It's a chance to teach other people about Minnesota's amphibians and reptiles, and if you work you get a free ticket to the fair. The fair runs August 22 through September 2. The species listed below are needed.

Bullsnake Eastern Hognose Snake Western Hognose Snake Eastern Milk Snake Fox Snake Black Rat Snake Blue Racer Garter Snake

Blanding's Turtle Painted Turtle Snapping Turtle MapThrtle Soft8hell Turtle Wood Turtle TIger Salamander Bullfrog Leopard Frog

People are also needed to staff the exhibit Two people per day will check the animals, clean cages, change water, etc. Pair up with a friend. Each person working will be provided a ticket for entry'to the fair. If you can care for animals or if you have an animal that you would be willing to lend for

the duration, please contact Vence Jimerson at (612) 869-8547.

Next Newsletter Deadline

September 1

MHS Newsletter, Vol. XI, No.8 6

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ANNOUNCING THE 7TH MIDWEST HERPETOLOGICAL CONFERENCE HOSTED BY THE HOOSIER HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA

OCTOBER 11,12,13, 1991

REGISTRATION FORM

I ~ME ~ '-----------------------------------~ ADDRESS, ______________________________ _

~ ~

~ DUE TO LIMITED SPACE, THE FIRST 200 PEOPLE TO REGISTER WILL BE

C"' GUARANTEED SPACE FOR THE SATURDAY BANQUET. ALSO, EVERYONE

~ 'Mi0 PRE-REGISTERED WILL RECIEVE A COPY OF DR. MINTON'S BOOK:

-J

AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES OF INDIANA. NOW OUT OF PRINT.

FULL REGISTRATION FEE @ $50.00 __

INCLUDES ENTRY TO ALL FUNCTIONS

LATE REGISTRATION FEE @ $70.00 __

IF POSTMARKED AFTER SEPT a, 1991

PARTIAL REGISTRATION FEE @ $40.00 __

INCLUDES ENTRY TO EVERYTHING EXCEPT BANQUET

$55.00 AFTER SEPT 6,1991

GUEST FOR BANQUET @ $18.00 __

MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: HOOSIER HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY ATTN: CONFERENCE P.O. BOX 40544 INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46240-0544

ROOM RESERVATION INFORMATION

THE CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD AT THE BEST WESTERN EAST. 2141 N. POST RD, INDPLS, IN 46219 (1-70 & POST RD)

FORMERLY HOWARD JOHNSONS.

A BLOCK OF ROOMS WILL BE HELD UNTIL SEPT. 6,1991.

ROOM RATES ARE: SINGLES: $36.00/ NIGHT + TAX DOUBLES: $42.00/ NIGHT + TAX

YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR MAKING YOUR OWN RESERVATION. NO ROOMS WILL BE GUARANTEED AFTER SEPT. 6,1991.

RESERVATION NUMBER: (317) 897-2000 MENTION THE HHS TO RECEIVE THESE REDUCED RATES.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

FRIDAY OCTOBER 11 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM 7:00 PM - 7:05 PM 7:05 PM - 7:30 PM 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM 9:30 PM -11:00 PM

SATURDAY OCTOBER 12 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM 1 :00 PM - 6:00 PM 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM 9:00 PM -11:00 PM

SUNDAY OCTOBER 13

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

12:00 AM - 5:00 PM

5:00 PM - 11111771

REGISTRATION OPENING REMARKS KEYNOTE SPEAKER GENERAL SESSIONS

ICEBREAKER

(2 HOUR OPEN BAR)

REGISTRATION GENERAL SESSIONS LUNCH GENERAL SESSIONS BANQUET

AUCTION

HERP SWAP MEET

INDPLS ZOO TOUR

TOUR,OF PRIVATE

COLLECTIONS

PARTIAL LIST OF SPEAKERS ANDTOPICS

CAPTIVE HUSBANDRY AND PROPAGATION OF PYTHONS

-DON HAMPER, COLUMBUS OHIO

-BOB CLARK, OKLAHOMA CITY OKLAHOMA

BREEDING GILA MONSTERS AND BEADED LIZARDS -BOB APPLEGATE, EL CAJON CALIFORNIA

HERPETOLOGY AROUND THE WORLD -DR. SHERMAN MINTON, INDIANAPOLIS INDIANA

CAPTIVE HUSBANDRY AND PROPAGATION OF THE GREEN TREE PYTHON

-ALAN ZUlICH, BEL AIR MARYLAND

HUSBANDRY AND PROPOGATION OF THE PANCAKE TORTOISE

-ROB ZERKLE, LEXINGTON KENTUCKY

LARGE SCALE BREEDING OF COLURIDS -SCOTT MICHAELS, CHICAGO ILLINIOS

HERPETOLOGY OF THE GRAND CANYON -DR. ROBERT A. YOUNG, OAK RIDGE GEORGIA

IN SEARCH OF THE TET CHIEN (BOA C. NEBULOSUS): HERPING IN THE LESSER ANTILLES

-TERRY l. VANDEVENTER

TO BE ANNOUNCED -RON HUMBERT, LOMBARD ILUNIOS

TO BE ANNOUNCED -PHIL DRAJESKE, MUNSTER INDIANA

TO BE ANNOUNCED

-CHRISTOPHER PALMER, ZEELAND MICHIGAN

TO BE ANNOUNCED

-DR. ,STEVE PERRILL, INDIANAPOLIS INDIANA

TO RESERVE SPACE FOR THE SUNDAY SWAP MEET PLEASE CONTACT RON BILLINGSLEY AT (317) 899-0269. A DONATION IS REQUIRED FOR THIS SPACE. YOUR REGISTRATION FEE INCLUDES ENTRY INTO SWAP. WALK-INS WILL BE CHARGED A ENTRY FEE.

1.0.0 = male; 0.1.0 = female; 0.0.1 = unknown

WANTED: New or used snake cages. Call Lynne or Chris at (612) 871-6578.

W ANTED: I need all the shed snake skins in the world - always --to give away at reptile programs. Contact Bob Duerr at (6l2) 541- 9417.

FOR SALE or TRADE: 2 Argentine Black and White Tegus, long term captives, $75. ea. ; 2 Golden Tegus, long term captives, $25. ea. Will consider trades for Ball Pythons or boa constrictors. Call (515) 592-2247 after 4 PM.

FOR SALE: C.b. Hatchlings. Arnel. Com snakes, $30.; Everglades rat snakes from bright orange adults, $40.; Black rat snakes - arnel. $60., hetero $25. Kingsnakes: striped California­arnel. $45, hetero $25.; amel. speclded, $75.; S. Florida ,"Brooksi" , $65.; blotched "goini", $50-100.; Quateraro, $100. Mexican Black, $60., Ball Pythons, $75. Can deliver to Twin Cities area. Contact Mark Wendling at (319) 857-4787.(IA)

FOR SALE: 0.0.6 c.b. hatchling Jackson's Chameleons (ChamaeJojacksonii). One inch snout to vent length, cute monsters.' Will tum green, males will grow horns. Well started, eating pinhead crickets. $100. each. Call (612) 225-1674.

FOR SALE: Solomon Island Ground Boas (Gandoia. carinatapaulsoni) c.h. 89 and 90, various color and pattern variations, surplus of 4 unrelated litters; 9.4 15-20 in established pinkie and fuzzy eaters, $85.-135.; 2.7 13-15 in. accepting pinkies sometimes, ano1es always, $50-75. SacchetRefuge, 8071 Hidden Circle, Chanhassen, MN 55317 (612) 937-2371.

FAUNA CLASSIFffiDS: Monthly publication for reptiles, amphibians, food items, and supplies, literature, and more. Worldwide circulation. Subscription $14'/year. Free sample and info. Write Fauna, 555 Vista Rio Ct., Woodbridge, CA 95258.

HERPETOLOGICAL DIRECTORY: A valuable resource containing private and commercial breeders, U.S. and foreign herp societies, wholesalers, rodents and other food items, supplies/equipment, and publications. $19.95.'Great Valley Serpentarium, 2379 Maggio Circle UnitC, Lodi, CA 95240.

INSTRUCTIONS: Ads are run as a free service to paid members. 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 1 fit of the month. Send all newsletter items to : A1TN: Newsletter Editor, Minnesota Herpetological Society, Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church St. S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55455-0104.

MHS Newsletter, Vol. XI, No.8 8

Lizards Nancy Haig 789-4637 Barney Oldfield 1-923-4856

Terrestrial turtles and tortoises John Moriarty 647-1334 Ann Porwoll 489-7853

Amphibians John Meltzer 263-7880 Greg Kvanbek 533-7723

Aquatic Turtles Barney Oldfield 1-923-4856 Dennis Daly 633-8370

MEMBERSHIP AND T-SHIRT ORDER FORM MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY

NANm(S) ______________________________________________________ _

ADDRBSSo ______________________________________________________ _

CITY _____________ _ STATB __ _ ZIP CODB ____ _

PHONB ___________ _ LIST IN MIlS DIRECTORY? YBS__ NO __ ') ;

HBRP-RBLATBD INTBRBSTS___' ____________________ _

TYPB OF MEMBBRSHIP? NBW__ RBNBWBL__ U of MN STUDBNT __ (check if yes)

__ SUSTAINING ........ $60.00

__ CONTRIBUTING ••.•• $30.00

__ INSTITUTION •••••• $25.00

__ BASIC ••••••.•.•••••• $15.00

OFFICIAL (ORIGINAL) MUS T-SHIRT - $7.00 includes postage (indicate how many of each)

Adult: am.n Kids: 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. S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55455-0104

MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL

SOCIETY

BBLL MUSBUM OF NATIJRAL HISTORY 10 CHURCH STREBT S.B. ,MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55455-0104

u ate U.S. Postage

Mpls. MN Permit No. 227 5

RECYCLED PAPER COMeMng Our R~Cft