June 1999 Newsletter

Upcoming Meeting Highlights

July Program: "The Remarkable Reptiles"

Guest Speaker. Jim Gerholdt

Over the years, few MHS programs have proven as enjoyable as Jim Gerholdfs wonderful presentation "The Remarkable Reptiles." In fact this unique Introduction to the world of reptiles, which features an assorbnent of both living animals and herpetological artifacts, has become so popular that Jim is now kept busy providing over 250 presentations annually. These presentations include regular annual appearances at a wide variety of venues, both here in Minnesota and In neighboring states, including at such illustrious institutions as the Science Museum of Minnesota, state parks and a wide assorbnent of regional nature centers.

The popularity of Jim's reptile programs isn!t surprising. when one considers his long-standing commitment not only to the care of these animals In captivity (animals In his care have established several longevity records), but to their value and roles in the world's ecosystems as well

In addition to being one of the founding members of the MHS, Jim was also the original and longest serving editor of our society's newsletter, a position he held from 1981 to 1987. His other herpetological activities include an advisory position on the American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums' Species Survival Plan for the Aruba

THE MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Island Ratilesnake, active participation in the conservation efforts of the Friends of the Rare Amphibians of the Western Ghats (FRAWG) and a variety of writing projects including herpetofauna guides for each of Minnesota's State Parks (co-authored with his wife Pam) and a series of popular children's books on amphibians and reptiles.

As if this isn't enough, Jim is also an accomplished photographer and his photos have been published in a wide variety of books and herpetological periodicals. So if you're interested in the natural hiStory and/ or captive care of reptiles, plan on attending the July 1999 MHS meeting. Just make sure to bring along the younger members of the group as well, as I know from past experience that they will particularly enjoy Jim's show. As the program promises to be an entertaining and educational experience for reptile enthusiasts of all ages, l'll just plan on seeing you there. "Nuff Said ll

- JPL

Date: July 9, 1999 Time: 7:00 PM.

Volume 19 Number 6

Remindersl

Due to the July 4th

Holiday Weekend the July Meetings will be one

week later

Have a happy and safe Holiday!

The MRS PICNIC is July 17th !

Locke Park 400 7Ist Avenue NE

Fridley, Anoka County

Just off ofHwy 47 (University Ave.)

85di hi. I thy 181

Spo~"" / rw-c-.

I [ ,~-

D~ - O~ Location: Borlaug Hall, Room 335, U of M st. Paul Campus -- I Locke

Other Forthcoming Meetings

Aug 6, 1999 - Richard Sajdak -From T reesnakes to Rattlesnakes

Sept 10 1999 - Barney Oldfield­Herpetology of the 4 Comers Area of the Southwestern U. s.

JPL

1 f Park

"""" , f f

if ,--Plan on attending. cause, come rain

or shine, the turtles really enjoy being outside. The park opens at 9:00 am and the gri11s will be ready by noon.

Contact Roger or Jodi Statz (612) 42~816 for more information or directions.

Board of Directors

President Bill Moss (651) 488-1383

Vice President John Levell (50?) 467-3076

Recording Secretary Julie Beauvais (612) 321-0958

Membership Secretary Mark Schmidtke (612) 481.{)127

Treasurer Marilyn Blasus (612) 925-4237

Newsletter Editor NarcyHaig (612) 434-S684

Past President GEorge Richard (651) 639-6368

Members at Large JodiAhems (612) 588-9329 Narcy Hakomaki (612) 203-5295 Gordon Merck (612) 566-2001 Janell Osborn (612)45~

Committees

Adoption Sarah Richard (651) 63%326

Education Sean Hewitt (651) 604-0314

Norfuen\ l\tfinnesota Jeff Korbel (218) 586-2588

Occasional Papers Jolm Moriarty (651)482-8109

Rodent Sales Tina Cisewski (612) 856-2865

He!:!! Assistance

Amphibians Greg Kvanbek (612) 388-0305 JOlm Meltzer (612) 236-7880 Jolm Moriarty (651) 482-8109

Chameleons Vern & Laurie Grassel (612) 428-4625

Crocodilians Jeff lang (701)722~7

lizards NarcyHaig (612) 434-S684

Big lizarch, Monitors Bill Moss (651) 488-1383

Large boas, Pythons Tina Cisewski (612) 856-2865

Other snakes JeffLeOere (612) 488-6388 Jolm Meltzer (612) 263-7880

Aquatic Turtles Gary Ash (612) 753-ill18 Jolm Levell (507) 467~76

Terrestrial TurUes Pred Bosman (612) 476-0306 Jolm Levell (507) 467-3076

The Minnesota Herpetological Society

Bell Museum of Natural History 10 Church Street, SE,

Minneapolis Minnesota, 55455-0104

Voice Mail: (612) 624-7065 Email: MinnHerps@aol.com

Internet http://www.onrampinc.net/mhs/

June 1999 Volume 19, Number 6

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-profi~ 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 ils 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 starls at 7:00 pm and lasls about three hours. Please check the MHS Voicemail 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. All active members are allowed a classified ad, run free of charge as space permits. Business cards are run for $5.00 per month. Items 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 Emailed to: bruchaig@citllink .com

Snakebite Emergency Hennepin Co. Regional Poison Center

(612) 347-3141 Minnesota Poison Control System

Local (612) 221-2113 Out of State: (800) 222-1222

Copyright Minnesota Herpetological Society 1999. Contents may be reproduced far non-profit use proVided that all material is reproduced without change and proper credit is given authors and the Ml-i5 Newsletter citing: volume, number and date,

MBS Newsletter Volume 19 Number 6

NEWS, NOTES & ANNOUNCEMENTS I Critter of the Month

Justin Baker Common Snapping Turtle

(Chelydr. s. serpentin.)

Mike Howard White throated Monitor (Varanu.)

Martin Teeters Tiger Salamander (Amby.to,"a tigrinum)

Duane McDermott Blue spotted Salamander

(Aml>y.toma laterale) Spring Peeper

(pseudacris cmdfer) Grey treefrog

(Byla versicolor)

Bruce Haig/ John Levell Grey Treefrog

(Byla versicolor)

Thanks to Raffle Donors

Jan Andreasen Reptile & Amphibian Magazines

Becky Helgesen "Iggy" beanie baby

6 gal tank, Brian Ingbretson

Heather Lambing

Randy & Marilyn Blasus

MHS

10 gal tank

STATE FAIR August 26- Labor Day Sept. 6

Once again the MHS will be displaying Native Reptiles in the DNR Building at the Minnesota State Fair. Last year we moved to a different location and created a brand new display cage.

We still need to finish up some of the "behind the scenesu improvements and update the signage for this years' animals. We need someone to head the committee, set-up crew members, animal donors, and animal care takers (free tickets for the day you check on the animals). If you are interested in working on the State Fair committee, please contact Bill Moss (651) 488-1383.

Help a Hapless Herp

If you are interested in adopting animals please contact Sarah Richard at (651) 639-6326.

Lizards in City Hall?

Lizard leaps from ficus tree, Attacks City Hall/Courthouse

"Gecko Fonnerly Known as Larry terrorizes unsuspecting victims in Judge Judy's chambers."

There" s a new staff member in Ramsey County District Judge Judy TiIsen's office. Or is it a newt staff member?

Tilsen, affectionately known as Judge Judy, got a ficus tree in her office in the City Hall/Courthouse in March and dutifully followed orders from Chief Judge Larry Cohen to periodically shake the tree to remove dead leaves and stimulate the roots.

"One day I was shaking and this lizard appeared," TiIsen said. "My teenage daughter was here with a friend, along with my court reporter, and the four of us began shrieking while my law clerk was on the phone trying to work."

They regained their judicial composure and captured the critter. Internet checks and a call to a reptile center revealed that it was probably a house gecko that had been hiding in the soil

"He looked pale and hungry," Tilsen said. "So we got him an aquarium and a jar of live crickets and feed him four a day."

Its name: The Gecko Fonnerly Known As Larry, in honor of the chief judge. "And if we ever get another, we're going to call it Art. Art Gecko."

Reprinted from the Star Tribune, Around St. Paul by Joe Kimball

3

Hands-onsjParades

Parades are for the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. (You must wear a costume for the parades. Also, plan to arrive at least half hour to an hour early for line-up. The time listed is when the event starts. The hands-ons in bold are confinned events.

June June 5 June 5

June 6 June 12 June 13

June 17 June 19

June 19 June 19

June 26

July July 4 July 10 July 10

July 17 July 17 July 18

July 21

July 25 July 31

August

State Fair Expo 12pm St Anthony Park Art

Festival 12 pm Grand Old Day 10:3Oam Art on the Lake lOam Great Grove Get Together

2pm· Tator Daze 7pm Yankee Doodle Art Festival

Ipm Tator Daze 2pm Oakdale Summer Festival

7pm Earle Brown Days 12pm

Richfield 4th ofJuly Ipm Showboat Days 12pm Mankato Fun Days

4:30pm Rivertown Days 11am Anoka River Fest 12pm Hopkins Raspberry Festival

2pm Aquatenial Torchlight

8:30pm Slice of Shoreview 12 pm Shakopee Derby Days lOam

Aug 14 Minnesota Renaissance Festival (thru September) 9am-7pm

If you are interested in participating in any of the Renaissance Parades contact Sean Hewitt (651) 604-0314 for more information. See MHS Coming events for other Hands-Ons. (page 9)

MHS Newsletter Volume 19 Number 6

GENERAL MEETING REVIEW Amazon Tree Boas Speaker: Steve Bostwick

May's speaker was Steve Bostwick from Des Moines, Iowa. His talk was on the Amazon Tree Boa (Corallus enydris). His talk included husbandry of this species in captivity. Since this is an arboreal species, Steve stressed that with young animals be sure to include a perching branch in their cage set-up. They are nocturnal and need a cage temperature of 80 - 85° F and relatively high humidity. They eat prey ranging from pinkies to rats as fits the size of the animal.

The breeding season occurs from February to May and it may start as early as November and run as late July. The gestation period is 190 to 210 days. Steve also stressed that the gravid females should be well fed and have plenty of heat during the gestation period.

By Julie Beauvais Recording Secretary

The most interesting part of the talk was the slides of color variations of the Amazon Tree Boa. The color phases are not necessarily genetic. Among one litter of neonates there are likely to be several different colors. These colors include the garden phase, which are greys and blacks; others can be yellow, orange red, pink and brown.

This was a great informative talk with some beautiful slides of a beautiful animal.

Jules

FROM OUR MEMBERS

HERP SITING ON THE WEB

By Jodi Paino.

homel.gte.net/mdg/index.hbnl

The Manasota Herpetological Society

The reason I am writing about this site is because of the herp links page. You can go to:

- Complete Listing -Supplier Sites • General Sites -Species Specific • Scientific Sites • Herp Societies • News Groups

If you go to the complete listings page there are 1,082 herp links. Yes, that is 1,082 herp links. It is frequently updated. The news groups page has:

• News groups -Chat Rooms • Listservs

There are 11 altogether. On the main page, if you go to the breeders page, there are about 175 breeders listed.

brightnetj -jpatch/h1.hbn

Jim Atchison's Reptile Homepage This site offers:

-Care Sheets - Reptile Photos - Reptile Links - Reptile Genetics

This site is great for it's care sheets. It has somewhere between 300 and 350 care sheets. Some animals have more than one care sheet authored for them. This site is great! I have used it more than once.

Gecko fans, make sure and check out the reptile photos. Some nice pictures.

4

sonic.net/ -melissk/ #lizard

Melissa Kaplan' 8 Herp Care Collection

• This site is mammoth. I can not write down everything this site has to offer. She has broken it down a little bit though. There are:

-Care Articles & Supply Resources - Article Clusters -Other Information

Under these 3 headings there are quite a few topics to chose from. You can find anything from removing unshed eyecaps to harmful and edible plants. This site is great so make sure and check it out

I need 80me help finding family herp web sites. If you know of any please email me at epatnoe@isd net

MHS Newsletter Volume 19 Number 6

THE ROOT RIVER NATURALIST

"So Why Did the Turtle Cross the Road?"

During the final week or so of May through the first two weeks of June, turtles begin appearing on area roads with ever increasing frequency. Seeming oblivious to the hazards posed by the incredibly huge, high speed things which sometimes hurtle past, these tenacious shelled survivors of a time long gone methodically plod their way across endless ribbons of forbidding gravel and asphalt desert. Many never reach their destination, being crushed to death instead under the wheels of mankind's unthinking "new agell heavy metal monsters. Dead and dying turtles, their bodies battered and broken beyond repair, far too often literally strewn along our highways.

What (one might reasonably ask if the answer wasn't already so readily apparent) are the .. animals doing on the highway in the first place? Obviously, as is the case with the well­known proverbial chicken, turtles are crossing roads simply to get to the other side. Unlike their aforementioned and clearly not so bright avian cousins, however, these admittedly jaywalking turtles almost certainly actually have some place to go. At the same time, there can be no doubt that some inherent primordial instinct buried deep within their reptilian brains compels turtles to forsake the comparative safety of their watery homes to undertake these perilous, potentially fatal overland journeys.

During late spring and early summer procreation, the single irresistible and all consuming force fueling the existence of every living organism on this planet, drives their urge to move. Uke all the world's turtles our local species lay eggs, depoSiting their clutches in chambers excavated into the soil. Once egg laying is completed these nests are carefully covered and then deserted, the chore of incubation left to the warmth of a powerful, merciless sun. Only by the purest whims of chance will one of these would be mothers ever lay eyes on her progeny.

Despite this abandonment of their offspring, virtually no obstacle (be it building, roadway or otherwise) will deter a turtle's quest for a nesting site. Indeed, females are sometimes observed futilely but stubbornly digging away at the unyielding concrete surface of a newly constructed parking lot or driveway.

While exactly how suitable nest sites are located remains a matter of some debate, many believe that egg laying occurs in ancient ancestral nesting grounds utilized by untold generations of turtles. It is even possible that each female actuaIly deposits her eggs in the very spot of the dimly remembered nest from which she herself emerged so very long ago. Available statistical data for several better studied species certainly clearly demonstrates that individual female turtles faithfully nest in virtually the exact same location year after year for decades.

Although overland movements are much more widespread during the annual nesting season, turtles may be crossing roadways at other times of year as well. Both sexes, for example, often migrate from one wetland to another in early spring and then back again each fall. Such movements are pOSSibly motivated by the search for food, mating opportunities and/or suitable hibernation conditions, and again may be dictated by inherent instinctive impulses to follow ancestral migration routes. Newly emerged hatchlings must likewise travel overland, often for considerable distances, from nest sites to their permanent wetland homes.

Of the nine or ten species found in southeastern Minnesota and adjacent portions of Iowa and Wisconsin, only two, the Smooth and Spiny Softshells, are unlikely to be encountered crossing roads. These two turtles, both often known locally as "Leatherbacks" due to the pliable leathery skin covering their shells, typically nest on sandbars or cutbanks and rarely venture far from the water's edge.

Blanding's Turtles (a state­threatened species) on the other hand, generally travel extensively and sometimes trek overland as much as a mile during a single nesting foray. The

5

By John P. Levell mass migrations of these turtles to and from their nesting grounds has prompted the installation of "Turtle Crossing" signs (such as those at Weaver Dunes near Wabasha) along roads transecting habitats still harboring sizeable populations. Snappers are perhaps the species most often encountered on roadways/ where their large size and aggressive disposition can certainly make quite an impression.

Pre-dating the dinosaurs but somewhere in the neighborhood of 100 million years, turtles have certainly enjoyed an exceptionally long and prosperous sojourn on earth. Unfortunately, their long-standing lIhide in a shell and wait it oue l

strategy, no matter how successful in the past, provides little defense against cars, trucks and other motorized vehicles. Naturally long-lived as aduits, many of our turtle species are now losing reproductive aged individuals at a rate far exceeding anything experienced in their long and venerable history. Obviously, this doesn't bode well for the long-term continued survival of these quite likeable animals.

So when you see a turtle crossing a road at least be patient and let it pass. Better yet, pick it up and help it across (remember always move turtles in the direction they were heading when found). After all, as my friend and fellow natural history author Whit Gibbons so aptly wrote, "While turtles may be slow, they're still 250 million years ahead of usl"

Minnesota's Turtles:

Smooth Softshell (Apalone mutica) Spiny Softshell (Apalone spinifera) Common Snapper (Chelydra serpentina) Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta) Wood Turtle (Clemmys in,eulpta) Blanding's Turtle (Emydoidea blandingi.) Common Map Turtle (Graptemys geographical Ouachita Map Turtle (Graptemys ouachitensis) False Map Turtle (Graptemys pseudogeographica) Stinkpot (Sternotherns odorams)

MHS Newsletter Volume 19 Number 6

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

Please note: Articles in this MHS feature, unless referenced, are based on experience. Feedback is always welcome.

In the May'99 newsletter (last month!), a warning notice was posted concerning a fungicide added to sponges. I would like to add a couple of notes to that topic.

First off, I got a letter from Proctor & Gamble regarding Febreze, a product designed to clean away odors that get trapped in household fabrics and clothing. As a general household use item, it is not toxic. The Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory reports no cases indicating adverse reactions to Febreze and the ASPCA National Animal Poison Center reported "information reviewed to date suggests no evidence that Frebreze represents any risk to pets when used ACCORDING TO LABEL INSTRUCTIONS". However it has been showing up on the Internet as bad, bad, bad. My response is: Do not use it ON your animals.

Any household cleaner can cause severe skin reactions. Febreze is not a disinfectant (kills microorganisms) but is a de-odorizer (takes the smell out). If you hate the idea that your dog smells like a dog, trade it in for a cal If you hate the smell of a python, clean his cage or get a frog; if you hate the smell of a horsebam, don't get a tortoise (should be fed lots of hay and unless eaten or removed daily starts to smell a little horsey) ... you get the idea- don't use any odor eliminator ON a living creature without it being in a species specific, reputable shampoo.

As you see information on the Internet, consider the source. There is a lot of good information out there from people who know, but it is not edited and is just as well a soapbox for uniformed and misaligned spews of words.

On a similar note, many of you have heard me advocate the use of dilute Nolvasan (chlorhexadine) as a good cage cleaner and first aid for traumatic wound cleaning (general disinfectant). Please note the word DILUTE. Like bleach, more is not better. Use in a dilution of 2 Tbs. distilled water/gal 2% Nolvasan, (1 Tbs/2qt sprayer) (7.5ml/liter) (2ml/ oz.); 10z=3Oml=2Thsp - If in doubt about a dilution, please feel free to call me before guessing. This is a very safe cage cleaner and topical disinfectant with residual properties against most bacteria and fungus and some viruses: spray and wipe the cage - no need to rinse. For fresh wounds, spray or flush and rinse with water, if they swallow a llttle it is ok as long as it is II swallowed" down the right tube.

In this dilution. Nolvasan is effective against microorganisms yet very gentle on the tissue, unlike iodine which (even dilute) will do a good job of killing bacteria ("if it can live through iodine it deserves to live") but can be very hard on good tissue. In my opinion. dilute iodine should be left for when the tissue is already dead and needs to be cleaned out, like after surgical debridement of non­viable tissue. Please see your Vet if in doubt or the wound is:

1. Dirty

2. Infected

3. Old

4. Questionable

5. Concerns sensitive tissue such as eyes, etc.

6. Large or deep

6

Even then, I add a couple of extra components to the dilute iodine flush to help in revitalization of the good tissue I harmed. Nolvasan can usually be found through your veterinarian diluted or concentrated in a size to suit your needs (you may have to ask, it's used mosUy behind the exam room door) Of in the cow isle of most farm supply stores in a gallon of concentrate.

Bleach should be diluted to 1/3 cup per gallon of water- you do not have to have nose bum for it to work (nose bum means lung bum too). However, with bleach, leave it on for at least 2 minutes then rinse several times after cleaning and DO NOT use it for wound cleaning. Bleach is bleach is bleach. I tend to recommend the unscented kind so that one does not overuse. Bleach is found in most household sections of grocery /hardware/ discount stores and is the cheapest, most effective non-industrial disinfectant one will find.

The product Wipe-Out is a benzalkonium chloride disinfectanl I use a derivative of it for cold sterilization of certain surgical instruments. However, it is very hard on tissue and should not come in direct contact with your pe~ no puddles in the comers please. Leave on the surface for at least 10 minutes the wipe out WELL after use. Medically, 1 buy this concentrated and dilute it for use- Wipe-Out is already diluted.

-JO

MHS Newsleller Volume 19 Number 6

15TH Midwest Herpetological Symposium

Featured Pres.etttetJs, Dr. Michael Grace

Researcher at the Universir/ of Virginia "Eyesight and infrared Receptors in Reptiles"

You will not believe what Dr. Grace has found!

Chris Koester Successful breeder of Water Dragons

"Breeding the other Green Uza.rd"

Paul Hollander t-1aster of genetics and one of the first to breed

green tree pythons, "Genetics Everyone Can Understand"

Here's a chance to learn how your colorfully bizarre corn snake came to be.

Ernie Wagner & Lynn De Vries Ernie is a retired reptile guru of the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle

Washington and wel1·respected pioneer of reptile breeding.

Lynn De Vries is a turtle breeder extraordinaire. "Turtle Torture and Turtle Triumph"

Take a picturesque tour of a horrifying turtle processing plant in southern Iowa. Then you will see what they are doing with turtles

in Northern Iowa.

Joe Branham Reptile keeper at the Oklahoma City Zoo. SUccessful breeder of

gila monsters since the 1970's. "GHa Monster Mysteries"

Don't miss this fascinating program as Joe shares a wealth of knowledge gained from many years working with gila monsters.

Rob Campos Specialist in exotic turtles and tortoises.

"Tortoises of Egypt" At the invitation of the Egyptian government, Rob Campos traveled to Cairo Egypt to assist with a care and breeding program For their

native tortoises.

Fou r Points Sheraton, Des Moines, Iowa 11040 Hkkman Rd - Across from Uving History Farms

Admission: $4, Ages 6-12 $1, Children under 6 free .:. Hundreds of fascinating reptiles and amphibians for sale and on display. .:. Books, supplies, equipment, reptile-related crafts and more for sale. .:. f'.1eet and talk to top breeders and get their expert advice, .:. An experienced veterinarian on location to help answer your questions.

Sponsored by the Iowa Herpetological Society

te speaker KeyTtO . .. Terry L, Vandeventer

Owner and operator of Area Iris Herpetoculture, guide for several Green Tracks Tours and

reptile breeder of long standing. ''Herpetofauna of South America" let Terry take you on a fascinating trip

via his outstanding photography to South America. You'll follow bushmasters} get a glimpse of Caiman Alligators

and spot Emerald Tree Boas aU in the wilds of South America.

,;'tI/i WonkAhOP Spe-C-""", • ' A special seSSion wi!! be held on Sunday for those interested

in the more advanced medica! care of reptiles and amphibians. Call for details on Sunday's opportunity for

veterinarians to receive continuing education credits.

1?~~t~ Sfttteo Sunday wi!! be an all day sale. There will be 40 vender tables

from aU over the U.s, Hundreds of fascinating reptiles and amphibians will be for sale and on display, You'll also find

books, supplies, equipment, reptile-related crafts and much more for sale, You can meet and talk to top breeders

and get their expert advice.

~ Registration Form :.-,'~ 1999 Midwest Herpetological Symposium & Sale .:. October 15-17, 1999 .:- Des Moines, Iowa

Spouse &/0; Companion attending Sy11tposium: --------_._--

Address: _______ _

City; _____________ _ State: _______ Zip: ___ _

Phone: E-moil: --------Herpetalogical Organization AffllPoti()fl (if ony): Sp~ciar Needs (Acussibility ar Did) Please indicate (mY special aS5istOl\ce needed.

Registrolion- Full Conference Bdore September 15

Registration_ Full Conferen<:e After September 15

sunday Only Includes Workshops & Sale

Bonquet By October 11th

GrMd buffet -3 entrees Tax &gratuity included

Credit Card: o Visa 0 MasterCard

D D D D

X $52

X $62

X $10

X $25

D D D D

Totol:c=J

Card ~_o~~e_"_Signal~e_, __ C-========.J

t,Jote: R~'5tronls po.ymg by u,,-dlt cord tMY fax this f(>l'm 10 515_276_2646. If y~<J ch%s .. 10 fo>< your regis!ro!;"". do nol send tho. C<lg;MI by maIL DO;r\9 SO ",ill resu!1 in dupl,cote charges 10 yo"" end,t card_ Tha.,~ you.

Cnncell<ltiol1S musf be receiv,,-d flO later than October 12'~_ There will b,,- no refunds after fhis dl'.lldline.

Check'

MokeChed<s Poyable to:

Iowa Herptfol"9kal

~cJety

l'oymeJlt must o.ccotT'l'a"y

registraflon

Moll to: rowo Herpt-to[ogicol Society, P.O. Box 13102, Des Moinn, Iowa 50310-9998

MHS Newsletter Volume 19 Number 6

The Herpin' Lifestyle

Ask The Herpin' Man

Since some of the herp magazines now have advice columns, I figure that we should have one too. So I've asked my good friend the Herpin' Man to answer your herp related questions. However, since he is very private, his true identity must remain a secret

-GK

Dear Herpin' Man: I recently bought a Pac-Man frog at

a pet store, and I'm very disappointed. The frog is nowhere as exciting as the game. The stupid thing just sits there. I have to feed it bugs and stuff. I don't get It What am I supposed to do with this thing?

-Donny <age 13)

Dear Dummy: There is no such thing as a "Pac­

Man" Frog. You've been duped. Now put down the video game, pull your pants back up where they belong, and read a frog book.

-Herpin' Man

Dear Herpin' Man: I've just met a really nice girL In

fact she recently invited me over to her place to see her "critters". When I asked her what she meant by that, she informed me that she has herps! Not only that but she wants me to catch them, too! I'm ready to do whatever this girl tells me to do, but I'm scared stiff! I need to know more about the frightening affliction. Is there something I can do that will keep me safe? Is there some teclmique I can use to avoid catching herps? Please hurry your answer. She wants me to go herping with her this weekend!

-Herpless Man

Dear Hopeless Moron: First of all, stop calling it an

lIaffliction", To those of us that have them, herps are more of an obsession. We like having herps. They're generally not difficult to deal with, once you've had them a while. Catching herps will be fun; I've done it many times myself. lf your relationship continues, you'll have herps sooner or later anyway. But if you're still scared, send her to the Herpin' Man, and I'U take care of everything.

-Herpin'Man

Dear Herpin' Man: My Boyfriend keeps mice in the

freezer: What should I do? -Grossed Out Girlfriend

Dear Gross Girlfriend: Sorry, but I'm way pass "rodent in

the freezer" jokes. Doing the "catching herps" thing was bad enough.

-Herpln' Man.

Dear Herpin' Man: My new girlfriend is coming over to

my place for the first time. With luck, I'll get to show her my little banded gecko. As you know, banded gecko. are only about three inches long. Her last boyfriend had a tokay gecko, and I've heard from a mutual friend that it was almost fourteen inches long! Obviously, I'm feeling a little inadequate, because I just don't measure up. What can I do?

-Gecko Freak

By the Herpin' Man

Dear Freak: I must admit that I don't have any

direct experience with this problem, as I personally fall into the "tokay" category. But I'm sure you've heard the old saying: It's not the size of your gecko, but how it's displayed, that matters. Don't be afraid to show off your little gecko! Dim the lights, splash on some snake musk (a good friend of mine recommends Nerodia), and play your favorite frog lape. After dinner, she'll want to see your gecko, although she'll probably be to shy to ask The best strategy is to let her find it on her own; don't be in a hurry to "whip it out" just because you're ready.

·Herpin'Man

Dear Herpin' Man: My wife has been acting strangely

ever since she returned home from a camping trip "with the girls". She came home with poison ivy, and she goes around the house making this ~ trilling sound. She says Ira Ii americanus". And I can't believe the way she can blow up an air mattress now! The other men have noticed similar behavior in their wives. What do you think?

-Mac in Minnetonka

Dear Smack: I think your wives were with the

Herpin' Man. -Herpln' Man

Confidential 10 Bruce in Bethel: Women like her don't respond to flowers; no wonder she's mad. Next time justusay it with skinks".

If you have a special Herp question, send it to "Ask the Herpin' Man" in care of the MHS newsleller, Bell museum of Natural History, 10 Church Street, SE. Minneapolis, MN. 55455-0104.

We do not guarantee it will be answered -ed

8

MHS Newsletter Volume 19 Number 6

M.H.S. BUSINESS May Board of Directors Meeting By Julie Beauvais, Recording Secretary.

Treasurer's Report of May 1999 Prepared by Marilyn Brooks Blasus

The MHS Board of Directors met May 8th, 1999, at the U of M Student Union.

Presented and accepted: Minutes from the April Meeting, Treasurer's report, Membership Secretary's report

Julie Beauvais was voted in as Recording Secretary.

Discussed at the meeting was a new sale item suggested by Gordon Merck. Gordon brought an example of a baseball cap with the MHS logo. The board decided on two styles and colors of hats to be offered. Gordon will bring examples of each to the general meeting and orders can be places at the general meeting.

Also discussed was the MHS web site, links to other societies, individual member sites and commercial sites. Discussion also included monitoring if the web site and disclaimers.

There will be no June Board meeting due to the planned Field Trip.

Beginning checkbook balance: Income:

Membership: Library Fines Raffle Sales Rodent Sales Donations Adoption/placement Misc. (ads) Misc. (chk)

Total income:

Expense: Newsletter Misc. prt/ post. Program Library Supplies Refreshments Sales costs Mise. (vet)

Total Expense: Net income/ (loss)

Ending checkbook balance: Funds allocated to unpaid expenses

(grants) (other)

Funds available

MRS Coming Events

July 9, 1999 MHS General Meeting. 335 Borlaug Hall, U ofM, St. Paul Campus, 7:00p.m July 10, 1999 MHS Board of Directors. Student Union, U of M, StPaul Campus, 6:00p.m.

225.00 2.00

73.00 32.00

402.00 55.00 60.00 20.00 15.00

414.00 0.00

100.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

297.60 15.00

July 17, 1999 MHS Picnic, Locke Park, Starts around Noon. 400 71" Avenue NE, Fridley, Anoka county, Contact Roger or Jodi Statz (612) 424-8816 for more information

August 6, 1999 MHS General Meeting. 335 Borlaug Hall, U of M, Sl Paul Campus, 7:00p.m August 7, 1999 MHS Board of Directors. Student Union, U of M, SI Paul Campus, 6:00p.m.

14,164.70

884.00

826.60 57.40

14,222.10

1,775.00 685,13

11,761.97

October 15-17, 1999 _15th Annual Midwest Herpetological Symposium - Iowa Herpetological Society, Des Moines, Iowa. CalI Ed Twedt (515) 292-3074 or Tom Weidner (515) 2760 3059 for more information

Hands-On MarketFEST - 6-9pm Thursdays (July 1, 15, 22, 29) General Mills Company Picnic July 20 (Tuesday) 4-8pm. Raindate: July 21. Day Camp for Kids (daytime) August 10 Contact Sean Hewitt (651) 604-0314 for more information and to sign up for Hands-On(s)

9

MHS Newslel/er Volume 19 Number 6

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS

a~ified ads are free to the membership. f.l.?adline is the night of the general mreting to be included in the next newsIefu.r. Mall 10: MHS Editor, &11 Museum of Natural History, 10 OlUfCh St, SE, Minneapolis, MN,5S455 1.0.0" male, 0.1.0" female, 0.0.1 ~ unsexed, cb" ClIplh-e bred, 000 '" or bestoffur, +- times run. (ads are run only 3x unless l'E'qucstl.'d to continue.)

For Sale: Many variable Kingsnakes (thayeri) at dirt cheap prices. Also beautiful proven 1.1 alterna phase Greybands. Mark (320) 202-9871 or email whitneyv;ree@aoLcom +++

Bearded Dragon hatchlings born April ?7 and available in late June. $25 each. Call Julie or Jorge Rimblas (612) 832-9173 or email iulie.rimblas@reliastar.com ++

Geckos from G.G.F. '99 baby Leopard Geckos. Hi-Yellow Jungle $25., Jungle $15., Hi-Yellow $20.,1 male Paroedum pictus $15. Call Jodi L. Ahems (612) 588-9329 +++

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

Wanted: All the shed snake skins in the world. Needed for giveaways at educational programs contact Bob Duerr 541-0362

Information Request: Please send the following: 1. A complete inventory of all reptiles and amphibians living in your collection as of January 1. Include numbers of males, females or unknown sex. 2 A list of all species bred during the previous year. Bare minimum would be to mark the species bred and indicate if they laid eggs or gave live birth. If possible include more detailed notes of a paragraph or more. 3. List of all species, living or dead which you may believe may be record length. 4. Be sure to list your name, address and telephone number, fax as you want them listed. Please be legible. Anonymous submissions will be considered, try to at least list your name and state. 5. If you know of a person keeping reptiles and amphibians in captivity that has not responded please encourage them to do so. All collectors should respond. Send to Frank L. Slavens, PO Box 30744, Seattle, Washington, 98103, or Fax 206 546 2912

English Spot Dutch

Jim's Rabbit Shack "Where Spots Are Tops·

JIM DALUGE (612) 295-2818

8700 Jaber Ave. NE Monticello, MN 55362

IT PAYS TO COMPARE ARK INSURANCE

434-4374 OUTSTANDING RATES FOR

GOOD DRIVERS AND FAMILIES WITH YOUNG DRIVERS

ARK INSURANCE MARK BAHR

l.ic..

1t35J3

10

Proud Member M.H.S. G.G.A. /.G.S.

JODI I.. AHERNS Ground Gecko freak

African Fat· Tailed Gecko Leucistic Leopard Gecko 5 Other Morphs of Leopards Homonota Horrida

2946 Thomas A ~'e. N. Mpls .. MN 554JJ

612-588-9329

Dr. Janell Osborn, DVM "Herpetocultural Housecal/s"

(612) 599-5476

Veterinary Medicine for Reptiles and Amphibians

Advertising Policies MHS Ad Policy: The MHS assumes NO RESPONSIBILIlY 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, unpaid 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 run (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 % page $10.00 '12 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 Rodent Sales

Mice Pinkies $7.00 dozen Fuzzies $7.00 dozen Hoppers $8.00 dozen Adults $10.00 dozen

Rats Sm. Pups $12.00 dz. LgPups $18.00 dz. Juvn Rats. $24.00 dz. Adults $15.00 six

$30.00 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 Tina (Rat Girl) Cisewski at (612) 856-2865.

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

Minnesota Herpetological Society Membership Application

New Renewal Membership # Type Check #

Name ____________________________________________________________________________ _

Addffi$ ____________________________________________________________________ __

City _______________________ State Zip _______ _

Phone _______________________ ---.email List in MHS Directory? __ Yes __ No

Herp related interests __________________________________________________________________ _

Active Memberships: ___ Sustaining ($60/yr) __ Contributing ($30/yr) ___ Basic ($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 info 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.

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA- ST. PAUL CAMPUS

~ to Hwy36

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LARP£NTEUR to Snell;ng~

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-, ~i ===B~U~F;;O;R::=D:::====:::;II'-.... - .... -.... ...,~

MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY 10 CHURCH STREET SE MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55455-0104

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

+

+

N ext Meeting:

JULY 9, 1999

Rm. 335 Borlaug Hall, U of M St. Paul Campus

Start time: 7:00 p.m.

MHS Voicemail: (612) 624 - 7065

Internet: http://www.omampinc.net/mhs/

+

+

Non-Profit Rate U.S. Postage

PAID Mpls.MN

Penn it No. 2275

POSTMASTER: DATED MATERIAL