MINNESOTA

HERPETOLOGICAL

SOCIETY

NEWSLE11ER Vol. 18 No.7 JULY 1998

MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY Nev,sletter Volume 18 Number 7

July 1998

The purpose of the Milmesota 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.

MHS Board of Directors President Vice president Recording Secretary Membership Secretary Treasurer Newsletter Editor Member at Large Member at Large Member at Large Member at Large Member at Large

George Richard Barbara Buzicky Bruce Haig Amv Anderson Ma;ilyn Blasus Nancy Haig Fred Bosman Laurie Grassel Gordon Merck Janell Osborn, D.V.M. Sarah Richard

(612) 639-6368 (612) 291-1132 (612) 434-8684 (612) 922-4066 (612) 925-4237 (612) 434-8684 (612) 476-0306 (612) 428-4625 (612) 566-2001 (612) 455-6540 (612) 639-6326

Herp Assistance Specific questions conceming amphibians and reptiles are best answered by contacting the following individuals_

Please be reasonable about the time of day and hen\! frequently you call.

Amphibians Greg Kvanbeck John Meltzer

Chameleons Vern & Laurie Grassel

Lizards Nanc), Haig

(612) 388-0305 (612) 263-7880

(612) 428-4625

(612) 434-8684

Large Boas and Pythons Tina Cisewski (612) 856-2865

Terrestrial Turtles Fred Bosman John Levell

Special Committees:

(612) 476-0306 (507) 467-3076

Amphibians and Reptiles in Minnesota Greg Kvanbeck (612) 388-0305 John Moriarty (612) 482-8109

Crocodilians Jeff Lang (701) 772-0227

Big Lizards, {vionitors Bill Moss (612) 488-1383

Other snakes Jeff LeClere John Meltzer

Aquatic Turtles Gary Ash John Levell

(612) 488-6388 (612) 263-7880

(612) 753-0218 (507) 467-3076

Adoption Chair Sarah Richard

Education Chair UP NORTH (Bemidji) (612) 639-6326

Snakebite Emergency Hennepin Co. Regional Poison Center (612) 347 - 3141 Minnesota Poison Control System Local: (612) 221-2113 Out of State: (800) 222 - 1222

Sean Hewitt (612) 935-5845 Jeff Korbel (218) 586-2588

MHS Voice Mail (612) 624 -7065 E-mail: MinnHerps@laol.com Internet: http://www.onrampinc.net/mhs/

The tvlinnesota Herpetological Society Newsletter is published monthly by the Minnesota HerpetolOgical Soc.iety to provide its members with information concerning the SOCiety's activities and a media for exchanging information, opininns and resources. Print~d on r~{yd~d paper.

© Copyright Nlinnesota HerpetolOgical Society 1998. Contents may be reprOtiuced for non-profit use provided that all material is reproduced without change Bnd proper credit is given authors ami the MHS Newsletter citing; volume, number, and date.

MHS Newsletter Volume 18 Number 7

I NEWS, NOTES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Upcoming Meeting Highlights The Vice-President's Report By Barb Buzicky

August Meeting: "The Good, the Bad, and

the Ugly"

Speaker: John P. Levell

This month's speaker has been a member of the MHS for some time now, and is the author of the book "A Field Guide to Reptiles and the Law" which has already had a second edition. He will be bringing some copies for. purchase, and will autograph them for our members.

John will be talking about the trials and tribulations of writing the law book. He has put together a very informative presentation about what the current laws are now in all the United States along with how to work with lawmakers to make reasonable laws on exotics including reptiles.

He gave this talk at a conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, and sparked some fierce discussion. I am sure this talk will also fire some good dialogue on whether the laws are really trying to help or hinder people who want to be involved in captive breeding for personal reasons or to save wildlife. There are also many situations where captive breeding programs have saved animals from extinction. This talk will be very informative regarding legislation all over the country. Hope to see you there!!

BAB

Reminders:

The August Meeting will be

held in 110 Green Hall

(across the parking lot from

Borlaug Hall and up the

back stairs) on August 7th,

at 7:00 P.M.

To help "kick off" the beginning of the Renaissance Festival the theme for Augusts' "Critter of the Month" will be "Mid-Evil Herps ".

Please remember to clear any potentially dangerous animals with the Vice President prior to the day of the meeting.

State Fair Volunteers

August 27 - September 7

The MHS exhibit is being updated. TI,e display will be moved to the north wall of the DNR Building, on the wall with the fish tanks. The exhibit will include six species of snakes and four species of turtles. The species are:

Timber Rattlesnake, Bullsnake, Fox Snake, Massasauga, Milk Snake, and Western Hognose.

Wood Turtle, Blanding's Turtle, Painted Turtle and Common Snapping Turtle.

The exhibit will need to be checked each day during the fair, which runs from August 27 to Sept 7. MHS members will receive 2 free fair tickets for each day they check cages. Daily inspections normally take 10 to 15 minutes and are done at 9:00 p.m A sign up sheet will be at the August meeting.

Jolm J. Moriarty

Area Code Changes Just after we published the

MHS White Pages the new area codes went into effect. If you were among the lucky ones please send your code change to the Membership Secretary cj a MHS, and let us know if you would like your new number published in the newsletter.

Bell Museum Summer Discovery Day Camps

The Bell Museum is sponsoring Day Camps on a space available basis. There are several age groups: Grades 1-3, 3-5 and 6-8. August sessions include:

Birds; Dogs & Cats (or Wolves and Tigers); How our Brains learn; Man1I11als; Oceans; Plants rule!; Prehistoric Minnesota; & Rainforests.

Please contact the Bell Museum of Natural History (624-7083) for more information and pricing on these Day Camps. Our notice arrived after the registration deadline so some of the sessions may already be filled.

Maplewood Nature Center

The Maplewood Nature Center, at 2659 East Seventh Street, Maplewood, MN. 55119 also has a wide variety of sununer programs. August Sunday Programs from 1:30 -2:30 are free, with no registration necessary. Other programs (Fridays & Saturdays) are available at a fee. Contact Judith Horsnell at 738-9383 for more information.

MHS Newsletter Volume 18 Number 7

NEWS, NOTES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Presidential Pabulum By George Richard - MRS President

Well this is the column that almost wasn't. It almost looked like there would be no column from me this month (stop that cheering!) but despite all odds (and my own amnesia) here it is ...

Things are really hot this summer (and no I don't mean just the temperature), the MHS is out in force presenting, preserving and educating. Market-Fest is in full swing with plenty of herpers doing the hands-on, taking photos and along with the public, having a great time. It's a great opportunity to reach the public in a fun positive atmosphere. The Renaissance Festival is starting to gear up behind the scenes, with a strong MHS participation at the local parades, cottage repair and preparation and costumer's putting the final touches on Medieval fashion and working on their cockney accents. This year the MHS will again be responsible for full staffing of the cottage so sign up and come out and join the fun! The State Fair is just around the comer and an MHS conunittee is working on a great new exhibit setup for our new location in the Natural Resources building. We're looking for a few volunteers to check cages and enjoy a day at the fair. Combine all this with a great picnic with good friends on a sunny summer day and it makes quite a busy summer for the MHS. Maybe that's why the meeting attendance goes down in summer, everyone's at Hands-On!

In items of note: I received the mailing for this year's Mid west Symposium yesterday. This year's symposium will be in Indianapolis

the 16th, 17,h and 18th of October, and will be hosted by the Hoosier Herpetological Society. I'm sure more info will be published in our newsletter. Cricket frogs were fOWld in Bloomington thanks in part to an MHS sponsored audio tape (See John's article elsewhere in this issue). Sarah Richard is also chairing a new conunittee that will be working with Mpls. Animal Control regarding a new animal control ordinance, if you have any input (or live in Mpls.) contact her.

That's about all for me, I know sometimes I sound like a cheerleader but keep up the good work volunteers!! Enjoy the summer and we'll see you at the Hands-On's, parades, fests and monthly meetings!!

GWR

July'S "Critter of the Month"

Nancy Haig European Fire Salamander

Salamandra salamalldra

Randy Blasus Albino Prairie Kingsnake

Lampropeltis calZigaster c.

Joy Norqnist Spurred Tortoise "Nugget"

Geoclle/one sulcalta

Duane McDermot ComSnake

Elaplze guttata

Albino

John Levell Spurred Tortoise n A.J.u

Geocllelolle sulcalta

Jeff LeClere Red-sided Skink Ma/JlIya carinata

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Barb Buzicky Yellow-phase Leopard Gecko

Eublepharis macularius

George Richard Asian water Monitor

"Jeff" - new adoptee Varallus salvator

We had a great hmwut for this meeting, TIwnks to evenJone who shared their allimals. Next months' theme -"Mid - Evil Herps"- ed.

Thanks for the refreshments

Again tlze refresJlI1le1lt dOllors did Ilot sign up for recognition, but we ate their cookies alld fruit drinks just the same. TIzanks for the dOllatioll! -ed.

Help A Hapless Herp

WeI/, the fifteen dollars were Ilot rehlnzed, too bad someone is so morally deficient Ihey have 10 steal mOllelJ from Ihe MHS. - ed.

On the bright side, Finding homes this month were:

1 Three-toed Box Turtle 2 Painted Turtles 1 Savannah Monitor 1 Asian Monitor 2 Iguanas

Still needing homes are: 1 Spectacled Caiman 1 Savannah Monitor 1 4 liz' Nile Monitor 13 Iguanas

And 7 Iguanas were euthanized

If you are interested in any of these animals please contact the MHS Voicemail at (612) 624-7065 and press 2 for the Adoption Line.

MHS Newsleller Volume 18 Number 7

GENERAL MEETING REVIEW Common Amphibians of Sweden Speaker: Ulf Edqvist

Ulf is a law student from Sweden visiting Minnesota on an internship. His presentation of the common amphibians of Sweden was his first presentation made entirely in English. It would be great if we could all speak a foreign language as well as he does, he wasn't even fazed by Jolm Levell's questions which will confuse anyone.

Ulf got interested in herps about 20 years ago doing field her ping in Sweden. For the last ten years he has kept turtles and tortoises and has successfully bred Kleinmann's and Herman's tortoises. He has amassed a fine collection of slides of Sweden's amphibians, which beautifully illustrated his presentation.

The first amphibian described was the Crested Newt (Tn hints CnStatIlS), the largest newt (16 cm.) found in Sweden. During mating season, the male crested newts have a high crest with a notch at the base near the tail. They are found during the sununer near heavily vegetated small ponds where the females individually attach 300 to 400 eggs to the plants beneath the water. The larvae hatch out in three to four weeks and develop into newts after about three months.

The Smooth or Common Newt (Tntllnts VIIlgans) is smaller than the Crested Newt (8-11 em.) and males have an wlbroken crest for the full length of their bodies during mating season. They are very common and can be found in almost any small pool during the swruner. Like the Crested Newt, the Smooth Newt is only aquatic during the sununer. They are

terrestrial during the fall and hyberrtate on land.

The Common Toad (Bllfo Bufo) is a powerfully built animal found nearly everywhere. They can grow up to 15 cm. long but are usually smaller. They have a brown back with a yellowish or dirty white belly with beautiful copper eyes. They lay eggs in strings three to five meters long which are wrapped around the vegetation in the ponds.

The Green Toad (Bllfo Vendis) is found all the way from northern Africa to southern Sweden. This beautiful animal has a pattern of mottled green splotches on a light brown background with small reddish spots and a lime green belly. They are smaller than the Common Toad (10-12 em.) and are much less common. TI,eir preferred habitat of open ponds away from densely wooded areas has been reduced to where there are only four or five good areas left in Sweden.

TI,e Natterjack Toad (Bllfo Calamita) is found all over Europe but only in the southwest of Sweden. This small (7 em.) toad prefers sandy soil and often buries itself in the sand. The breed in the brackish pools along the coast and are the only amphibian that can do so.

The Common Tree Frog (Hy/a Arborea) is found all over Europe but only in the south of Sweden. Contrary to their name, they are not common in Sweden but their population is stable. TIley lay eggs in clusters of 30 to 50 eggs in small ponds near dense woodlands.

The Common Frog (Raila Temporana) is distinguished by it's

3

By Bruce Haig Recording Secretary

rounded head and short snout. It is always found near water in woods, fields or meadows. They mate very early in the year, often while there still is ice on the ponds.

The Moor or Field Frog (Ratla AIValis) can be found very far north in Sweden and prefers peat bogs. TI,e males turn blue during mating season and Ulf's slides showed that populations can be very dense during mating season.

The Fire Bellied Toad (Bombilla Bombilla) is the smallest (4.5 em.) of Sweden's frogs and toads and the most threatened by habitat loss. TIlere was a large population in southern Sweden that that was completely extirpated during the 70s. The current population of 150 to 200 adults are the descendents of animals hatched from eggs brought from three locations in Denmark in 1984 and 1985. 'TI,e Fire Bellied Toads need shallow, well-exposed shallow pools that warm up quickly in the sun. Ponds in lightly grazed pastures are ideal where the grazing keeps the vegetation under control and there are not enough cattle to muddy or foul the water. There is an effort being made now to restore old breeding ponds and create new ones.

During the breeding season of the first three weeks of May, the males defend a small territory about three feet in diameter. The females move between several breeding ponds, laying a few eggs in each one. This maxinlizes their probability of successfully producing offspring because some of the ponds may dry up before the yOWlg are completely metamorphosed.

MHS Newlelfer Volume 18 Number 7

MIDWEST DECLINING AMPHIBIAN CONFERENCE By Randy Blasus

1998 DAPTF Conference Review

On Friday and Saturday, March 20 & 21, I and several friends, had the pleasure of attending the joint meeting of the Great Lakes and Cenh'al Division working groups of the Declining Amphibians Populations Task Force (DAPTF). This was to be a two day seminar held at the Milwaukee Public Museum which focused on amphibian biology, conservation and malfonnities in the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, MiChigan, Iuwa, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio.

The conference has been held since 1996; this year would include around fifty speakers. These presentations were separated into three sections: one on life history, research and management; the second on population trends, monitoring and inventory, and the last; malfonnities.

Our trip began on Thursday evening as I, Jeff LeClere, Noah Anderson, and Jeff Jundt left my place in the Twin Cities bound for Milwaukee. This was to be a long 5-% hour drive, most of it in darkness. However, having four herpers in the car helped to keep the discussion lively.

Noah and Jeff J. had made hotel reservations at a Best Western in downtown Milwaukee a few blocks from the Museum (it would have a continental breakfast). I missed the exit initially, but soon found the hotel. However, our arrival at 11:30 p.m. found our reservations bumped as we did not "check in before 6:00 p.m." even though it had previously confirmed that we would be late (some hockey thing was going on). So much for "Midwest

hospitality". A short trip (ten miles) into the suburbs we found a room at an Excel Inn for the same price as the Best Western (minus the continental breakfast).

The next morning, which was very cool and breezy, we grabbed a quick snack and gassed up prior to arriving at the Museum. Once there we waited for the registration booth to be set up (we were early). Soon, however we began to see familiar faces such as Eric Thiss and John and Connie Levell. Jeff LeClere introduced me to Dr. Christiansen, a researcher and professor from Iowa, and we met author and herpetologist Tom R. Johnson.

Before the talks began, we wandered briefly around the Museum, which is quite impressive, and sampled the continental breakfast laid out for conference attendees. As people began to filter into the auditorium, we were all impressed by the number of people who were attending. Those of our group who were single were even more impressed by the quantity of single herpetological students of the opposite sex (although little mingling was dine by those so impressed). There were to be many faces in the crowd who I was unable to recognize. Some had obviously been in the field for awhile, and others were just as noticeably, new to the scene. The auditorium would be filled to capacity both days with speakers and audience members. Of the people I did recognize several were from the MNDNR Non­Game staff, MHS Members and a few others. Many were names I recognized from past herp-related meetings or publications such as Michael Lannoo, Gary Casper (who set up the meeting) and Bob Hay.

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What next transpired was amazing and "worthful" as Jeff exclaimed. We were soon witnesses to one presentation after another on interesting subjects. The number of presenters precluded all breaks except lunch, did not allow for much social time, and would prove exhausting to all who attended. Each topic was only allowed twenty minutes to make a complete summary of the research involved. Speakers would present their project, the methods used, summarize the data and give conclusions to their studies (if applicable). Even with the large amowlt of information given, the professional organization of the schedule and of individual presenters allowed easy comprehension while the quick pace kept most from boredom. The frenzied pace and our enthusiasm continued through the long day. By the end though, we were starting to drag.

For those with a few spare moments, a trip to the vendor room may prove fruitful. Here a used book seller, a representative of a trap supplier (names I don t recall), Eric Thiss and Jolm and Connie Levell sold books from their company Serpent's Tale & Zoo Book Sales.

On Friday evening, those interested could attend a banquet dinner, watch a special guest speaker, bid on items at an auction and watch Gary and his Blues band at the evening's end. Of those who attended the day session, probably less than a third also came to the banquet. Soon we were in the banquet hall awaiting food. Here, the liberal application of alcohol by some and the lack of sleep by the rest soon had the crowd degenerating into loud talk and giddiness (mostly us). The meal was well prepared, but as

MHS Newletter Volume /8 Number 7

MIDWEST DECLINING AMPHIBIAN CONFERENCE By Randy Blasus

usual, spendy for what we received. I had the Steak Kabobs (two only), while others such as Jeff L. received the super messy chicken (on the bone). This meal featured rather barbaric consumption due to difficulty (chicken) and my lack of partaking at lunch (going to make tllis meal worth it!).

The crowd thinned after ti,e meal, but the light and amusing talk given by Allen Blake Sheldon on Herp Photography kept most peoples interest. The auction was next and was engineered by John Moriarty Witll help from Eric Thiss and was tolerable to most. It tended to be slow as these things can be with a small tired crowd. In the interim I wandered aroWld a bit to check out the displays that were not barricaded from our use. The exhibits here remind me of our own Science Museum, History Center and Bell Musewn of Natural History all wrapped up in an easy to use and modern format. Lastly, the evening was topped off by ti,e Casper Blues Band. Gary played lead guitar (he has been playing for 20+ years) while backup consisted of a drununer, base guitar and harmonica. The performance was very good and it was only too bad that many

people were too worn out to attend. The many lively songs kept tllOse few left well entertained. However the grueling schedule of

Friday and the equally packed day yet to come had sent many off to rest early. The evening ended at 10:00 when the band wrapped up.

Saturday was the equal in terms of nwnber of speakers to Friday, but many of the topics were covered much more thoroughiy. This section, maiformities, was to have media coverage (which appeared on the Monday evening news). Also, more of the speakers were senior researchers and not students. Many of the more technical studies were presented on Saturday, however they Were still quite easily understood even by a layman's standard. TIus section, unlike the others was also more focused. While in previous sections, the life history and population trends were of various types; presenting either baseline data on a single species or the effectiveness of sampling tecJuuques; maifornuties had an obvious single trait throughout. Almost all of the presentations of this section related to man-made chenlicals and their influence on amphibian development. Some were laboratory, while others were field studies. Conclusions were drawn between several talks to cite the same chenlicals as suspect. However as the last speaker of the day summed up, all other possibilities should not yet be discounted, such as parasites and UV radiation wluch may be

significant factors in some situations. This section presented chenlical pollution as another avenue to pursue that may have consequences to human as well as aninlal health and is an area the needs more research.

One of the most energetic speakers of the day was Dr. Christiansen. His was one of the few presentations not relating to chemically induced maiformities, rather he remarked on parasitic problems as has been noted in the recent past. Perhaps he felt the need to drive home llis point by the fact that he delivered TWO topics in his twenty minutes, irregardless, he was practically shouting at the end! It is refreshing to see such passion expressed by our scientific cOlrunwlity.

However, all good tllings must end, as did this. The last activity of tile day was a round table of speakers to answer questions from the audience. We left Milwaukee to head home after tile last question was answered. Our only stop was at Madison to eat. On the road, we rehashed tile conference but soon only Jeff and I were awake. We arrived at my house still high from the experience even though the drive had drained our energy. I will smely look forward to future meetings of tllis type and plan on attending any I can afford.

MHS Newsletter Vol lillie 18 NlIlllber 7

VITA-MORTEM REPORT A MedicaVEducation Report by Dr. Janell Osborn

I just came back tonight from helping a 14 year old Rottweiler die with a little less pain. Last night I killed 2 iguanas by lethal injection whose crimes were being least adoptable and their room was needed for 2 more just in from the humane society. On the flip side I also saw a clutch of "fresh from the egg" hypo melanistic cornsnakes (Elaplle gutta fa gllttata), then saw a clutch of Children's Pythons (Liasis cilildrelli) just starting to pip out of the shell. It is a vita-mortem world.

So, first the death report: Between 5/9/98 and 7/8/98, 12

iguanas were euthanized. Their size ranged from 6" S-V (snout to vent) length to 12" S-V length. Physical condition varied from cachexic (on death" door) to good general health.

On the living side, let's talk mites. It's the equivalent to mammalian flea season. The weather is right and traveling/trading is at it's optimal (or soon to be). Again, a minimum 90-day and preferred 6 month isolation will generally give you a firm idea of overall health. During this time, be especially aware of feces and urine handling techniques and eradicate all mites. Sometimes it takes the relaxation time after the stress to let the defenses down and clinical signs of illness start to show. Each species (shy vs. bold, fragile vs. hardy, etc.), method of entry (wild vs. captive, wholesaler vs. distributor, private pet shop vs. private breeder, etc.), level of herper experience, and space available should be taken into accowlt when making the final determination of isolation time. This by the way, brings to mind the idea that every "natural vivarium" keeper should have a hospital tank ready to set up - more on that later.

Back to mites; snake mites (note this is plural since there is never just one for very long) first. The scientific name is OplliouysslIs lIatrieis. They are of the parasitiformes order and the Macronyssidae family. They are classified as a mesostigomatid mite (an identification by morphology basically meaning it has an orange spot on it).

Dr. Dale DeNardo and Edward Waziak of UC-Berkley and UC­Davis respectively, studied Opllioll!!SSIiS ltatricis. Intimately. One must Wlderstand a little about their life cycle and behavior in order to defend against them. I will give a synopsis of Drs. DeNardo and Waziak's presentation to the ARA V (Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians), highiighting what I feel is relative to basic eradication.

O. untieis has a 40-day shelf life. That means eating or not, it (male or female) can live up to 40 days. However the lifecycle can be completed in 7 -16 days. A blood meal is required for molting. maturation, and egg production. Both sexes (unlike the Mirmesota mosquito) feed on blood. After feeding. adult females crawl up into the dark to lay eggs. (This behavior is reflex drawn and not by choice; neuroreceptors make them move away from light and to go up). Each female lays about 50 eggs over a 5-20 day period while living in a dark crevice.

Female Oplliouysslis are parthenogenic (can "fertilize" by themselves) for male offspring and develop female offspring with male fertilization. This means then one lone female can lay a batch of 50 males; one of which finds the original female to mate with, therefore developing about 50 females, all of which can mate with

6

the first 50 males. To see the mites again on the snake takes some development so this is where we get about a 2 month lag and false eradiccation ideas and boom, the mites "are back". Rule # 1 then becolnes, "don't quit until they're all gone" which can take at least 40-60 days.

I have come to believe that "No Pest Strip" is the way to go. Put W' in a plastic "Dixie cup" style container (with hole and a lid to be hWlg near the top of the cage), REMOVE ALL WATER WHEN ACTUALLY USING THE DICHLORVOS STRIPS. Do this for 2 days. Remove the strips and put the water back in. Do this every week for at least 2 months. This method is based on using the "new" pest sh'ips and not the old ones. If you still have some of the old No Pest Strips from several years ago, they are VERY toxic. Do not use them on pregnant snakes. The teratogenic (birth deforming/killing) effects of dichlorvos are still being studied so weigh the pros and COIlS of possible birth defects or loss of offspring. If you cOilSistently bring in new stock, a monthly treatulent regimen may be irl order. Agairl, No Pest Strips can cause problelllS in juveniles, old, and stress-prone collection specimens. Please be aware of that.

Pay attention to cleaning the cage well with a dilute (it should NOT burn your eyes to be around it) bleach solution. Unfinished wood can harbor many mites in it's dark crevices. The mite also needs at least 75% hwnidity and 80 degrees F in order to hatch and molt. Unfortunately, this is the prime boa and pytllon weather -one of the reasons water is removed other than toxicity concerns. This also explains the

MHS Newsletter Volllllle 18 NUlllber 7

VITA -MO RTEM REPORT A Medical/Educatioll Report b11 Dr. Tanell Osborn

lower suseptatbility of Colubrids to get the mite, but does not rule out the possibility, especially in heavy infestations within crowded conditions.

For baby snakes, I tend to like the virgin olive oil dip. Dip the baby snake in a small container of olive oil ( don't worry about the eyes-they're covered), but be careful about tipping oil down the respiratory system through the nares - keep them head down. Wipe off the excess oil and put them in an easily cleanable container (rubber maid, sterlite, etc. type shoe box) container for about 6 weeks. It is best if the babies can be moved into another building away from the adults.

Snake mite related problems can appear as edema (water retention) and erythema (red spots or blotches) especially in the gular (ventral neck) and periocular (eye)

areas from capillary trauma and anemia. Diseases they are able to transmit are yet to be concluded but MAY include the Ophidian paramyxovius and the Boid Inclusion Body (IBD) virus; neither of which are cool things for a collection to have to deal with.

TIle iguana mite is a little different story. What we know is that they resemble the red scaly mite of the avian family. They are mostly nocturnal (Iude in crevices in the day and come out to feed at night). They are found early on as orangej red powder especially around the neck scales. These are the nymphs. U you actually see a red mite you have a full blown infestation. I have found good results with 3 treatments of Ivennectin injections (see your veterinarian) 2 weeks apart. Add a good bleach cleaning of the cage and Ivermectin spray the cage

weekly. The mites seem to be gone in 3 treatments in 6 weeks. I recommend spraying the cage weekly thereafter for 2-4 more times. Depending on tile severity of the infestation and permeability of the cage materials.

The last thing to remember is tllat everyone is prone to mite infestation - it's like fleas and lice in the normal parasitology realm of life. However, it doesn't have to mean the end of a collection. Mite dust has lost all favor with eradication. It can kill snakes (especially young ones) and doesn't work well with mite physiology (it stays down, they go up). Use it at high risk and failure rates.

Enjoy tile Mlimesota summer UVB's ....

DJO

Discussion for a New Committee -The Media Committee

An odd-numbered committee (either 3 or 5 individuals) that will unite all MHS media publicationsf present a consistentf

common image of the MHS and ensures that the aims and goals of the society are adhered to.

The committee shall consist of:

MHS Newsletter Editor­

MHS Webmaster­

Occasional Papers Editor­

Publications Director-

Board member-

same as current position

expand current position to include monthly updates

same as current position

New positionr responsible for trifoldsr brochuresr membership packsr etc.

committee chairperson

The main focus of the Media committee will be to coordinate the presentation of the :tvlHS; it's aims and goals. In a coherent and consistent manner to the general public and our membership through all forms of media. They could serve as a sounding board or resource pool for each other. Each member shall have the responsibility for their publications, assuring: their editorial content adheres to MHS policies; they are published in a timely manner; and co-ordinating their distribution.

They will also act as a resolution board, any author, submitting material to an MHS publication may after a discussion with that editor bring a publication dispute before the media committee. TIle committee must act on any disputes ,vithin 60 days. After reviewing the article" the committee will attempt to resolve the problem by making whatever changes they feel necessary. TIle author may then accept publication of the revised article, withdra,v the article, or appeal to the Board of Directors. Meetings should take place on a somewhat monthly basis at the committee's discretion, in order to act all

disputes, or as requested by the President. Anyone interested in becoming involved in the discussion of this committee or in the position of Publications Director,

please contact one of the board members for more information.

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MHS Ne"c<leller Valllllle 18 Number 7

Northern Cricket Frogs Found In Bloomington By John Moriarty

Northern Cricket Frogs (Acris crepitnl1s) were reported from the mouth of Nine Mile Creek in Bloomington in the end of May. This was the first report from Minnesota since 1981. When Andrew Forbes, a Summer seasonal for Metro Mosquito, called to tell me he found the frogs. I doubted the report because it was so far outside of the excepted range. He told me had photos and would be glad to send them to me. Andy knew he hearing Northern Cricket Frogs because he had been through the Dakota County Wetland Monitoring training using the new Minnesota Frog and Toad Tape. When I received the photos I was very surprised and excited to see a grainy Cricket Frog. On 14 June, Del Jones and I visited the site and heard Northern Cricket Frogs calling as soon as we got out of the car. We saw five frogs, caught one and heard between 40 and 50 calling from several parts of the wetland. Carol Hall from the MNDNR and Madeleine Linck visited the site the following night and they heard fewer frogs.

Several people worked quietly at trying to find out more about

the distribution of the population and its relation to other Northern Cricket Frog populations, until the Pioneer Press found out about it. It isn't everyday that news stations line up to photograph a one-inch long frog. There was coverage by the Pioneer Press, Star Tribune, all the TV news programs (2, 4, 5, 9, and 11), WCCO radio, and MPR radio. With all the excitement generated by this great discovery there are still a few questions like How, Why, and When did these frogs establish themselves at the moutll of Nine Mile Creek.

The reasons for these questions are:

1. This site is the most nortl,ern record for Cricket Frogs (excluding the old questionable record of a single specin1en from Pine Co.) by 150 miles.

2. The site is very popular with bird watchers and other nature enthusiasts but no one ever reported an unusual frog call.

Be the first on your block to discover the elusive Northern Cricket Frog!

Now you can own the same tape that made the identification of this wily predator possible!

Calls Of Minnesota's Frogs and Toads available through:

Minnesota Frog Watch -CGEE Hamline University 1536 Hewitt Ave.

St. Paul, MN 55104-1284

Price $9.95 + $2.05 for tax and shipping = $12.00 Make checks payable to Hamline University

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3. There have been several herp surveys of the region over the last 20 years with no Cricket Frog reports.

4. The site has been flooded several tin1es in the 1990's, but there are no reports downstream from this site.

5. TI,e wetland where the frogs are found was not a wetland 10 to 15 years ago.

I hope that this is a relict population with additional sites upstream along the Minnesota River. Additional sUlveys and genetic studies will be done to determine the status.

The site can be accessed by parking at the Lyndale 51. boat launch (under the 1-35W Bridge) and walking about '12 mile west along the selvice road. You can also park at one of the Nine Mile Creek park trail lots and walk downstream to the river.

CALLS OF MINNESOTA'S FROGS AND TOADS

REFERENCE AND TRAINING TAPE

RAMUNE UNIVERSITY

MINNESOTA FROG WATCH

The Herpin' Lifestyle

Cricket Frogs in Minnesota ... ?

By now you may have heard the latest rumor circulating around the herpetological world that a colony of cricket frogs, Acns crepi!nlls, has been discovered in Minnesota.

Historically, the cricket frog is known from the southeastern and southwestern corners of the state. It has been declining rapidly throughout the upper midwest. Despite extensive searching, none have been documented here in Minnesota for about twenty years. Herpetologists have long postulated that a significant factor in this decline is habitat degradation in the form of pollution. Now, we are told that these fragile things have been found in a swamp bordering the most polluted river in the midwest: the Minnesota River.

I have carefully researched this recent discovery using the scientific method (algorithms, control groups, stuff like that; there isn't enough space here to explain it all). I have concluded that these cricket frogs are not native.

I would prefer to think that cricket frogs have been in the Minnesota river bottoms of Hemlepin County, happily clicking away, since before Schoolcraft misidentified Lake Itasca as the source of the Mississippi (Big Stone Lake is the real source of the Mississippi, according to a different scientific study that I did). However, I have developed a variety of more

suitable theories that would explain the presence of cricket frogs in the Minnesota River bottoms.

Alternative Theory #1; A large pet store chain, perhaps Petsmart or Peteo, began stocking "farm raised" cricket frogs. Unfortunately, the frogs become very aggressive when they reach sexual maturity, and frightened consumers began returning them in droves. The solution? Dump them in the river.

Alternative Theory #2; Mass hallucinations caused by overexposure to stinging nettle found in the area. TIlis same theory was used to discredit sightings of "skunk ape" in Florida.

Alternative Theory #3; Eric Thiss and Jolm Levell, thwarted in their attempts to locate this species in Fillmore county, translocated specinlens from Iowa to the Mitmesota River. TIlls was done as a mischievous prank intended to confuse local herpers, primarily John Moriarty.

Alternative Theory #4; At one time, a business called "The Duckweed Store" was slated to open in The Mall of America. Unfortunately, financing fell through at the last minute, and the store never opened. Some of the inventory (duckweed from Louisiana) was all'eady here, and was subsequently dumped in the river. Hiding in the duckweed, of course, were cricket frogs.

Alternative Theory #5; An overzealous frog looker, standing

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MHS Newsletter Volullle 18 Number 7

By Greg Kvanbek

near a public boat launch, heard the "click-click-click-dick" of a boat being winched onto a trailer. He assumed it to be a cricket frog. He eventually realized the mistake he'd made, but not before he'd called a press conference. He then had to get some cricket frogs from Kansas and dump them into the swamp in order to support llis findings.

Alternative 1beory #6; John Meltzer, owner of a herp breeding business, decided to "corner the market" for cricket frogs. He quickly mastered the breeding techniques for this frog, only to discover that he could not compete with the frog farms in El Salvador and other developing nations. Therefore, he released tllem in the river.

Alternative Theory #7; An eccentric millionaire was looking for fossils in Blue Mounds State Park near Luverne. He made an interesting discovery; a fossil cricket frog, perfectly frozen in amber. He had his personal private team of scientists extract DNA from the fossil and inject it into spring peeper egg. He successfully produced cricket frogs and invested millions in creating a cricket frog theme park next to Valleyfair. As the enclosure was made only of chicken wire, tl,e frogs were able to escape. After wrecking havoc throughout the Shakopee area, the frogs settled in at their current site.

Alternative Theory #8; Misidentified BlIfo ",Ilenealllls. Hey, you know how those DNR people can be.

MHS Newsletter Volume 18 NUII/ber 7

MHS ACTIVITIES

THE GREAT MHS SUMMER PICNIC

Once again about 25 people and 9 turtles and tortoises met at Locke Park for summer festivities. The day was perfect considering the extremely hot weather we have recently seen. 11,e slightly overcast sky was a cool relief and the rain fell lightly enough not to botl1er anyone. In fact the herps seemed to enjoy being out in it.

In the Big Size Race: Beast (Spurred Tortoise) won in a record 25 seconds. Nugget (Spurred Tortoise) came in 2''''. Everest (Burmese Mountain) came in 3,,1.

Middle Size Race:

Diaper Derby:

Final Heat

Moon (Ornate box) clocked in at 1 minute. Star (Ornate box) was 2nd

Blonde (Ornate box) was 3,d Oak (Wood Turtle) & Flash (son of Beast) also ran (?)

Blitz (gulf coast box) (11/2 yrs) came in first Flash (son of Beast) (4 months) did move

In a stunning over throw Nugget came out the witmer of the all arow1d race. Beast came in 2nd (He was more it1terested in following Nugget) Moon CaIne in 3rd

Star came in 4t11

Although we did not have a three-legged race, our thanks to Fran Frisch for his contribution to the MHS Picnic.

Hands-On for the calendar at these locations

MarketFEST it1 downtown White Bear Lake. 50,000 people attended last years. White Bear answer to Farmer's Market and State Fair rolled into one. Event starts June 25th and run t1lOugh Aug. 13th on Thursdays only. Rain, Shit1e or Snow. Starts 6:00pm to 9:00pm

Animal Humane Society, Hennepin COW1ty. An annual autulnnal event. Event is on Aug 15'h

General Mills Company Picnic. Event is on Tuesday, Aug 4"' (4-7 pm)

Minnesota Renaissance Festival in Shakopee, MN. A historical recreation of life in 1450's. Event starts Aug 15th thru Sept 27th. Weekends and Labor Day only. Questions? Ask our Renaissance comIllittee co-chairs Dermis Daly (ph: 331-8606) and Franke Forsnter (ph: 447-5688).

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MHS Newsletter Volume 18 Number 7

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MHS Newsletter Volume J 8 Number 7

THE ROOT RIVER NATURALIST

"Forsaken Patriots"

That distinctive whirling buzz, so familiar to anyone who knows it, announces the aninlal's presence well before I see it. Rattlesnake! A big, bad beautiful rattlesnake whose expression of displeasure at this disturbance of her late afternoon repose I wlderstand in no wlcertain terms. Elated, in spite of having been bitten in the past, I give up some growld and begin to dig out my camera.

Cautiously parting the foliage, I proceed to photograph the by now furious snake. Through the lens she looms larger than life, her body golden with bold dark cross-bands and a tail blacker than night. Most iInpressive are the eyes, fierce 1mblinking orbs with elliptical pupils fixing me intently in their glare. A broad wedge-like head follows my every 1l10Venlent, no matter how small, clearly ready, willing and able to deliver a pre­emptive strike should I cross her invisible Illine in the sand,lI Above all else is the incredible noise, a continuous rapid-fire rattling that drowns out virtually all other sound.

Still, the snake takes no overtly aggressive action despite my persistent inh'usioll, makes no subtle attempt to close the gap between us. Indeed, I have no doubt that she would much rather retire to the safety of some fallen branch or overhanging ledge than tangle with the monster with far more limbs than necessary blocking her only avenue of escape. Obviously trapped, however, the snake courageously prepares herself for one last defiant stand in defense of what is after all her space.

But such is the way of the Timber, ti,e resident rattlesnake of Minnesota's bluff land cOlmties. Easily the most feared aninlal in the region, Timbers never-the-less seek to avoid conflict at all costs even going so far as to rattle out a clear and persistent warning of their intention to protect themselves if necessary. Giving ti,e time and space to do so, these rattlesnakes almost invariably retreat from danger although an occasional belligerent individual may stubbornly hold its ground. Under almost no circumstances will any rattlesnake, Timber or otherwise, knowingly advance on an intruder.

At the same time, however, the animal's capacity and willingness to defend itself if pressed camlOt be overestimated. A venomous bite combined Witll a lightning fast and highly accurate strike can quickly turn a careless encounter with a rattlesnake into a devastating, potentially even life-threatening, incident. Typical symptoms of raHlesnake envenomation include pain, swelling, nausea, and in nlore severe cases, difficulty in breathing and wlConsciousness possibly followed by death. Fortunately, prompt medical attention administered by a competent physician will normally neutralize the venom's effect and fatalities are definitely an exception rather than a rule. In fact, over the past 100 years there are no authentic records of anyone in Minnesota having been killed by a Timber Rattlesnake.

Unfortonately, Timber Rattlesnakes have not always fared as well at the hands of man. Historically found throughout most of the eastern portion of the United States including the coast,

12

By John Levell

the Timber has been relentlessly persecuted virtually everywhere it occurs since the arrival of the earliest European settlers to the area. This is true here in Minnesota as well, where a bounty of $1.00 per severed rattle was paid Wltil as recently as 1989. Not surprisingly, tile Timber Rattlesnake is now completely absent from many areas of the country in which it was formerly quite abundant. Ruthlessly hacked, shot and dynamited into oblivion for nearly 300 years, it is a tribute to the animal's tenacity that the Tinlber still survives anywhere at all.

Somewhat ironicaliy, the Timber Rattlesnake was to symbolize independence to the same colonists who initially instigated its slaughter so very long ago. This emblematic use of the animal is most readily apparent when reviewing Alnerican revolutionary era banners and battle flags, which frequently include rattlesnake motifs in their designs. While the famous "Don't Tread On Me" flag, utilized in a variety of forms by the first U.s. Naval forces as early as 1775, is by far the best known, numerous additional and older examples of early American rattlesnake insignias exist as well. One of the more symbolic of these lesser­known u.s. rattlesnake flags is a balUler carrying the motto "Join or Die" and emblazoned with the inlage of a disjointed rattlesnake whose separate segments each bear the initials of one American colony. Produced sometime arowld ti,e year 1754, this "Join or Die" biUlI1er was later incorporated into the masthead of ti,e tl,en fledgling PelUlSylvania Journal.

MHS Newslelter Volume 18 Number 7

THE ROOT RIVER NATURALIST

Vigilant, magnanimous, courageous, unconquerable and free, such is the spirit of the Timber Rattlesnake. And such were the attributes our revolutionary forefathers, the builder's of our country, aspired so hard to achieve. In their struggle for independence, the patriots of the American Revolution dared to defy an invincible foe, to stand their ground and defend their homes despite insurmountable odds and at whatever cost.

Old Velvet-tail, as the Timber Rattlesnake is sometimes called, continues to do so today. Hopefully, we can all soon learn to peacefully co-exist with rattlesnakes so these true American originals can continue to fight on tomorrow.

Jolm Levell is the naturalist at the Living Museum of Natural Histon) in Lanesboro, MN. TIds article was reprinted with his permission from the Fillmore Counh) Journal, Volume 13, Number 40. July 13, 1998

By John Levell

Timber Rattlesnake Facts

Order: Squamata

Suborder: Serpentes

Family: Crotalidae

Scientific Name: Crotalus horridus

Average Adult Length: 36-60 inches

Record Length: 6 ft. 2 in.

Conference Announcement and First Call for Papers

The Tenth Annual

St. Croix River Research Rendezvous October 20, 1998

Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota Sponsored by the St. Croix Watershed Research Station

Science Museum of Minnesota

The st. Croix River Research Rendezvous is a significant forum for the presentation and discussion of scientific investigations centered on the watershed of the st. Croix River.

We are inviting the submission of papers for presentation at the 1998 Rendezvous. Papers may cover plans, current research, research findings and related experiences focusing on the st. Croix River and its surrounding landscape.

Deadline for Submissions: Friday, September 4, 1998

For further information contact: Sharon Mailman St. Croix Watershed Research Station 16910 1520d Street North Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota 55047 Telephone 612 / 433-5953 Mallman@smm.org

13

Facultt) Institute for Reforming Science Teaching (FIRST)

FIRST, a National Science Foundation-funded initiative, has the goal of reforming undergraduate science education through the use of field stations. FIRST is a two year project involving teams of faculty using inquiry-based (interactive learning) techniques.

TI,e St. Croix Watershed Research Station (SCWRS) is one of six field stations in the nation implementing the FIRST project. SCWRS is seeking to cooperate with colleges and universities through expanding use of its facilities by faculty and students.

For more information contact: St. Croix Watershed Research Station 16910 1520d Street North Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota 55047 Telephone 612 / 433-5953 I .. wren? ef'sml11.org

MHS Newsletter Volume 18 Number 7

The 14th Annual Midwest Herpetological Symposium

October 16 - 18, 1998 Best Western Waterfront Plaza Hotel, Indianapolis, Indiana,

Hosted by The Hoosier Herpetological Society

FRIDAY: OCTOBER 16 4:00 PM- 10:00PM

• REGISTRATION

6:00 PM - 10:00 PM • VENDORS NIGHT

Open to the public

10:00 PM-? • HOSPITALITYSUITEOPEN

for symposium attendees only

SATURDAY: OCTOBER 17

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM • REGISTRATION & LECTURES

6:00 PM- 7:15 PM • BANQUET

7:15 PM - 8:30 PM • FEATURED SPEAKER:

DR. SHERMAN A. MINTON

8:30PM-?? • AUCTION • HOSPIT ALlTY SUITE OPEN

After auction

SUNDAY: OCTOBER 18

Behind the scenes tour of the Desert-Biome at the Indianapolis Zoo.

For Hotel Accomondations contact:

Best Western Waterfront Plaza Hotel 2930 Waterfront Parkway, West Drive Indianapolis, Indiana 46214 (317) 299-8400 Fax (317) 299-9257

For Reservations call 1-800-528-1234 Mention symposium foe $62.00 room rate

14

LECTURES: Jeff Wines: "Cyclura at the Indianapolis Zoo."

Ron Humbert: "The Box Turtles of North America. Their Natural History, Current Survival Status and Comments on Captive Husbandry."

Dr. Michael J. LaIilloo: "Issues understanding tl,e Politics of Amphibian Declines and Malfonnities,/f

Mike Wood: "Captive Propagation and Maintenance of Gaboon and Rhino Vipers."

Dr. Sherman Minton: "Who, When, and Where­Early Days of Herpetology in the Midwest./I

Tom Weidner: "Looking Back, Looking Ahead - A lifetime of Keeping Boas and Pythons."

Dr. Bernard Bechtel: "Abnormal Snakes."

Prof.. Daryl Karns: "Ecology of Homalopsine Snakes in Malaysia and Thailand."

Jinl Harrison: "Radio Telemetry Field Studies in Brazil,"

Full Registration: $48.00 wlit Sept.1, 1998 $63.00 after Sept. 1, 1998

Banquet: $23.50 Contact :

Holly Carter HHS. Secretary 625 Lakeview Drive Zionsville, IN 46077

Make check or money order payable to: Hoosier Herpetological Society

MHS Newsletter Volullle 18 NUlllber 7

M.H.S. BUSINESS July Board of Directors Meeting By Bruce Haig, Recording Secretary

The MHS Board of Directors met July 11, at the St. Paul Campus Student Union. A quorum was present.

Plans are proceeding with the creation of a new display for the DNR building at the State Fair. The building is being remodeled and the MHS has been given about twenty feet in the middle of the wall where the native fish are displayed. This is a larger area than we had before with better access and should be much cooler.

There was no response from the request in the June newsletter for people interested in working on the Media Direction Committee. The formation of this committee will be shelved for now.

Gordon Merck was volunteered to serve as the 1998 T-shirt committee chairperson with Randy and Marilyn Blasus. Nancy Haig volwlteered to man the sales table where the current bull snake shirt will be sold at the general meetings.

Sarah Richard volunteered to chair a committee to work with Minneapolis Animal Control on the creation of a neW ordinance for what is legal to keep in Minneapolis. Her assistance was requested by Animal Control and she will be working with other members of the society to help them create a rational ordinance.

There were 72 people at the June general meeting. TIlis is a normal number for a summer month when attendance is usually low.

Presented and accepted: Membership Report, Recording Secretary Report and Treasurers Report.

Treasurer's Report of June 1998 Prepared by Marilyn Brooks Blasus

Beginning checkbook balance:

Income: Membership: 340.00 Raffle 20.50 Sales 315.00 Rodent Sales 887.39 Donations 1,170.00 Fines 3.00 Misc. 266.03

Total income:

Expense: Newsletter 400.00 Misc. prt./post. 368.09 Program 0.00 Library 0.00 Supplies 47.67 Refreshments 0.00 Sales costs 786.00 Donation 0.00 Other 0 158.12

Total Expense: Net income/ (loss)

Ending checkbook balance: Funds allocated to unpaid expenses Funds available

MRS Coming Events

11,586.20

3,001.92

1,759.88 1,242.04

12,828.24 129.84

12,698.40

Aug 7, 1998 MHS General Meeting, Program: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. Speaker: John P. Levell, 110 Green Hall, U of M, SI. Paul Campus, 7:00p.m

Aug 8, 1998 MHS Board of Directors Meeting. Student Union, U of M, SI. Paul Campus, 7:00p.m.

Sept 11, 1998 MHS General Meeting, Program: Veternarian Presentation 335 Borlaug Hall, U of M, St. Paul Campus, 7:00p.m.

Oct 16-1f1, 1998 Annual Midwest Herpetological Symposium. Indianapolis, Indiana

Hands-On June 25-Aug 13, Thursdays only. MarketFEST. White Bear Lake, 6:00-9:00 pm Aug 1S-Sept 27. Weekends Minnesota Renaissance Festival. Contact Dennis Daly (331-8606) Or Franke

Forstner (235-3964)

Contact Sean Hewitt (612) 935-5845 for further information of Hands- On events.

15

MHS Newsleller Volume 18 Number 7

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS

For Sale: Classified ads are free to the membership. DeatUine is the night of the general meeting to be included in the next newsleHer. Contact Nancy Haig 434-8684 to leave ad or mail to: MHS Editor, Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church St., SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455

1.0.0= male, 0.1.0 = f~md!e, 0.0.1 '" unsexed, cb = (aplin' bred, 000 = or best offer, += limes run.

Sandfire/Red Bearded Dragons, beautiful, May 98 hatchlings, guaranteed healthy, $150.00/ each. Call Vern at 428-4625 ++

1.1 Spur Thigh Tortoises. CB 9l. I've moved- they no longer have a yard. Female has laid eggs. $500/pr. Gloria (612) 235-7374 (voicemail). + +

2.2 Adult CB Brazilian Rainbow Boas. Proven breeders, $650/pair. Other adults, ready to breed, $200-$300. All very good temperaments. Brazilian Rainbow Boa babies born 4/26/98, healthy litter of 13; $175 each or $150/2 or more. Call Tyler or Chelsea DeArmond, 776-5216, leave message. +++

Baby Common Boas, c.b. 98,. Shed & fed, $65.00 each. Call Tina (612) 856-2865 +++

English Spot

0.0.8 CB 98 Giant Day Geckos, $20 each; 1.1 CB 96 Standings Day Geckos, $200 pair; 1.3 CB Argentine Rainbow boas, $500 group; 7.8 CB 98 Brazilian Rainbow boas from iridescent orange-red adults, $150 each; exceptional Hogg Island boa babies due in JWle, $75 to $150 each. Contact Mark Welding, (319) 857-4787 +++

Frozen Rabbits - all sizes. Prices very reasonable- pinkies to adults. Jim Daluge (612) 295-2818

Critter Cage- six section pressboard and plexiglass, hinged doors, 72'h x46'w x 28' d. four sections with lights. Call after 9:00am or leave message, Lynn Peters 825'{)767. ++

Wanted: Breeding age Albino male Boa constrictor for mutual breeding project. I have an 8ft+ adult female boa (anerythristic) with very little yellow which should produce beautiful Snow Boas. Contact Darleena at (612) 497-4419 or Jerry (218) 728.{)789 +++

Dutch

Jim's Rabbit Shack

Polish

Where Spots Are Tops

JIM OALUGE 8700 Jaber Ave. N.E. Monticello, MN 55362

(612) 295·2818

16

Anyone who video or audio-taped any or all of the "1997 Midwest Herpetological Symposiwn" in Shakopee, MN. Please call: John Levell at (507) 467-3076, or PM (507) 467-8733 ++

MHS Rodent Sales Mice Pinkies $6.00 dozen

Fuzzics $6.00dozcn Hoppers $7.50 dozen Adults $9.00 dozen

Rats Sm. Pups $10.00 dz. Lg Pups $15.00 dz. Adults $12.00 six

$24.00 dz.

For pick up at monthly meetings only. Orders must be placed at least one week in advance of date of meeting at ,,,hich the frozen rodents are to be delivered. Place orders with Tina (Rat Girl) Cisewski at (612) 856-2865.

All proceeds go toward the operating costs of the society. The MRS is a completely volunteer run, non-profit organization.

Dr. Janel! Osborn, DVM "Herpetocultural Housecalls"

(612) 599-5476

Veterinary Medicine for Reptiles and Amphibians

Advertising Policies MHS Ad Policy: The MHS assumes NO RESPONSIBILITY regarding the health or 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 limitations, wlpaid and complimentary advertisements are subject to occasional omission.

Classified Ads: All active members are allowed a classified ad, run free of Charge as space permits. Ads may be rWl (3) consecutive months, after which time they may be resubmitted. Corresponding members are allowed a complimentary business card advertisement monthly as space permits.

Display Ad Rates: Ad Size per Month '14 page $10.00 1/2 page $20.00

full page $40.00 Business card advertisements may be purchased at $5.00 per ad, per month.

Submissions: All advertisements should be submitted to the MHS Editor, Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Deadline is the night of the General Meeting for inclusion in the next newsletter. Make checks payable to: Minnesota Herpetological Society

MHS Meeting Location

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA- ST. PAUL CAMPUS

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Meetings are the 1'[ Friday of the month. Rm. 335 Borlaug Hall, U of M SI. Paul Campus Start time: 7:00 p.m. MHS Voicemail: (612) 624 - 7065 Internet: http://www.onrampinc.netlmhsl

Minnesota Her etological Society Membershi plication

New Renewal Membershi # T e Check #

Name ________________________________________________________________ _

Addre~ _________________________________________________________________ ___

City __________________________ State Zip ___________ _

Phone _________________ e, mail List in MHS Directory? ____ yes __ No

Herp related interests _________________________________________________ _

Active Memberships: ___ Sustaining ($60/yr) ____ Contributing ($30/yr) ____ B,asic ($15/yr)

Corresponding Memberships: __ Gold Commercial ($100/yr 2 full pg. ads) _____ Silver Commercial ($75/yr 2 1/2 pg.

ads) ___ Bronze Commercial ($50/yr 2 1/4pg ads) ____ Basic Commercial ($25/yr 2 Bus cards)

Required check inf. Drivers Lic # State DOB _______ _ Please enclose the proper payment with your application. MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY. Membership is for 12 months from the date of approval, a receipt will be sent only upon request. MAIL TO: Minnesota Herpetological Society. Bell Museum of Natural History. 10 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Please allow 6 - 8 weeks for proce~ing.

MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY

BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY 10 CHURCH STREET SE,

MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55455-0104

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

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