NEWSLETTER OF THE

MINNESOTA

HERPETOLOGICAL

SOCIETY

FEBRUARY 1993 VOLUME XIII NUMBER 1 BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY 10 CHURCH STREET SOUTH EAST MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55455-0104

Do you ever have a question about one of your herps and wonder who might be able to provide an answer? Most people who keep pets of any kind have been is this situation at one time or another. A group of MRS members has volunteered to provide assistance. Listed below are the people and their specialties. Please be reasonable about the time of day and how frequently you call.

Large pythons and constrictors Glen (Jake) Jacobsen 757-8268 Vence Jimerson 869-8547

Lizards Nancy Haig 789-4637 Bill Moss 488-1383 Drew Newman (Iguana) 776-2116

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

Other Snakes John Meltzer John Levell Connie Delles

Amphibians John Meltzer Greg Kvanbek Drew Newman

Aquatic Turtles Michele Stillinger Dennis Daly

SNAKEBITE EMERGENCY

HENNEPIN REGIONAL POISON CENTER

MINNESOTA POISON CONTROL SYSTEM

LOCAL

OUT OF STATE

(612) 347-3141

(612) 221-2113

(800) 222-1222

263-7880 374-5422 374-5422

263-7880 533-7723 776-2116

588-4613 633-8370

NEXT NEWSLETTER DEADLINE: MARCH 5, 1993

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

MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY

MHS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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 an amphibians; to educate the membership and the general public in the ecological role of reptiles and amphibians; and to promote the study and conservation of reptiles and amphibians.

PRESIDENT Glen Jacobsen (612) 757-8268

VICE-PRESIDENT Bill Moss (612) 488-1383

MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY Connie Delles (612) 374-5422

RECORDING SECRETARY Michele Stillinger (612) 588-4613

TREASURER John Levell (612) 374-5422

NEWSLETTER EDITOR Julie Cherveny (612) 774-6786

MEMBER-AT-LARGE Randy Blasus (612) 688-7709

MEMBER-AT-LARGE Dennis Daly (612) 633-8370

MEMBER-AT-LARGE Nancy Haig (612) 789-4637

MEMBER-AT-LARGE Greg Kvanbek (612) 533-77 23

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT John Meltzer (612) 263-7880

MHS NEWSLETIER VOLUME XIII NUMBER 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Next meeting update

Feb. Board meeting

Treasurer's Report

Frog and Toad Survey Volunteers needed

MHS ELECTIONS by Ted Meissner

2

3

4

5

6

Article: Newsletter 8 Review

Article: Reptile Class. Part 5 12

MHS Misc. 19

MHS Classified 20

Classified Ads 22

Advertisements 23

CALANDER OF EVENTS

March 1993--MHS elections

PAGE 1

Date: Friday, March 5, 1993 Time: 7:00 PM

PROGRAM: Wood Turtles

SPEAKER: Dick Buech

Next Meeting

Place: Borlaug Hall St. Paul Campus U of M

Dick Buech has been lYorking lYith l;Qod turtles for many years. Dick Idll tell us about the status of the lYood turtle in Minnesota. For those of you interested in one of Minnesota's endangered species, this promises to be a very interesting meeting.

CRITTER OF THE MONTH: Bring your favorite turtle.

Reminder: Bring a proper container to display your herps.

HELP A HAPLESS HERP

Anyone lYith animals to go up for adoption, should contact Glen Jacobsen at (612) 757-8268 prior to the meeting.

FEBRUARY GENERAL MEETING

February I,as the great White Snake Sale month. This year lYe raised $845.00! ! ! This is the most money lYe have ever made at this auction. Some of the items up for sale lYere nelY cages, plants, society papers, t-shirts, and hot rocks. A very special thanks to all of you IYho donated merchandise and to those IYho bought it!

REFRESHMENTS

Thanks to All IYho brought refreshments. If you'd like to help provide treats for a meeting please talk to Candy Ashbach or Nanette Jimerson at the meeting to find out about IYhat's needed.

MHS NEWSLETTER VOLUME XIII NUMBER 2 PAGE 2

FEBRUARY BOARD MEETING

Meeting began at 7:30 pm at the house of Connie Delles and John Levell. Attending: Randy Blasus, Marilyn Brooks, Todd arid Julie Cherveny, Dennis Daly, Connie Delles, Nancy Haig, Greg Kvanbek, Jeff LeClere, John Levell, Bill Moss, Dre\y Newman, and Michele Stillinger. John Meltzer was not present.

PRESIDENT'S REPORT:

Letter to members about problems with children in the building. See letter in this issue.

VICE-PRESIDENT'S REPORT:

Speaker for March is lined up, Dick Buech on Wood turtles. No one for rest of the year. March is also election month.

SECRETARY'S REPORT:

Not Given.

TREASURER'S REPORT:

End Report for the year ending December 31, 1992. See this issue.

OLD BUSINESS:

MHS business cards finished. They have the logo, address and a map to Bor1aug Hall on them. See Greg Kvanbek or Connie Del1es if you would like some.

NEW BUSINESS:

MRS was given a new bid on newsletter printing from Greg Kvanbek. We accepted his offer and he will begin printing next month for us on recycled paper! New strategies need to implemented to bring more attention to the different items MRS has for sale. We will start having all merchandise separate from other activities at the break. We will also be getting books back. Todd Cherveny accepted the job of running a special sales table. Drew came up with idea to 0 some inexpensive advertising in some Herp related magazines. Prices were affordable an we decided on putting ads in three different magazines: The Vivarium, Reptile and Amphibian and Captive Breeding Magazines. This will give our society a larger exposure to other enthusiasts around the country.

ROUNDTABLE:

John brought up an idea to have This would give others a chance though it gets to twenty below!

ADJOURNED 10:30 pm

a Minnesota swap meet or Midwest breeders expo. to see that Minnesotans can breed snakes even

We will look into this for the future.

MHS NEWSLETIER VOLUME XIII NUMBER 2 PAGE 3

MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY TREASURER'S REPORT

FOR YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1992

INCOME: MEMBERSHIP RODENT SALES DONATION RAFFLE T-SHIRT OTHER SALES NOTE CARD SALES WHITE SNAKE SALE HOLIDAY BANQUET LIBRARY FINES INTEREST MISC.

TOTAL INCOME:

EXPENSE: NEWSLETTER PRINTING OTHER PRINTING & POSTAGE PROGRAM LIBRARY BOOK SUPPLIES REFRESHMENT DONATIONS SERVICE CHANGES BULK MAIL PERMIT HOLIDAY SPEAKER -AIRFARE CLASSES OTHER EXPENSE

TOTAL EXPENSE:·

NET INCOME:

THIS YEAR 1992

*********

3562.00 691.10 586.61 568.00 329.00 147.75

0,00 732.50 121.51 65.00

110.71. 50.00

6964.18

3123.08 633.47 650.00 228.41 235.11 239.33 575.00

27.33 75.00

283.00 174.00 600.16

6843.89

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN FINANCIAL POSITION

THIS YEAR 1992

********* BEGINNING BALANCE, JANUARY 1

ADD: INCOME SUBTRACT: EXPENSE

8940.57 8820.28

NET INCREASE (DECREASE)

ENDING BALANCE, DECEMBER 31

MHS NEWSLETIER VOLUME XIII NUMBER 2

2381. 65

120.29

2501. 94

120.29

PAGE 4

PLACEMENT OF CASH HOLDINGS

CASH HOLDINGS: CASH ON HAND CHECKING ACCOUNT

FROG AND TOAD SURVEY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

50.00 2451.94

2501. 94

The Minnesota Herpetological Society will be coordinating a statewide frog an toad survey starting this spring. Information about the survey was presented at the January meeting. Additional information packets are available by writing John Moriarty at Hennepin Parks, 3800 Co. Rd 24, Maple Plain, MN 55359.

The survey is designed as a long-term monitoring program for frog and toad populations in Minnesota. In order to notice significant changes in population densities the survey routes need to be run for at least three years. The more years a route is surveyed the better.

What does it take to become a surveyor? An interest in frogs and toads and a commitment to complete the surveys. The surveys need,to, be conducted three times a year plus one pre-survey visit The surveys routes average 10 miles in length I,ith 10 to 12 stops per route. Each route takes approximately 'two hours to complete. The surveys start at dusk. Site description forms and site visit forms need to be completed for each route. The total time commitment per year is 10 to 12 hours. It is hoped that surveyors will keep the same routes for a number of years.

Previous knowledge of frog an toad call identification is helpful, but not required. A tape of Minnesota's frogs and toads will be available to all surveyors. They will be $3.00 each (If our grant proposal from SSAR is funded, they will be free). A training session for all interested persons will be held at Eastman Nature CentBr, in Elm Creek Park near Osseo, on Monday, March 29th at 7:00 pm. We will go over map reading, frog and toad ID, and survey procedures.

Any MHS member interested in signing up should contact John Moriarty at the address mentioned above. Please include the name of the county in which you want to conduct your survey. Those members who signed up at the January meeting need not sign up again.

BURRRR! BY

MARILYN BROOKS, NEWSLETTER FOLDING CHAIR

Again, Minnesota's Winter Wonderland has played havoc on the Herp Socie,ty. This year, newsletter folding, scheduled for Wednesday January 20th, was canceled due to freezing rain. We were able to get a crew together on the following Saturday to finally get them ready to mail. Unfortunately, I could not drop them off at the Post Office until Monday night. Thus adding fOur days to the schedule. This should explain why some members received their newsletter a little later in February. I am sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused you. Any complaints must be made to Mother Nature directly.

MHS NEWSLETfER VOLUME XIII NUMBER 2 PAGES

The 1993 MN Herpetological Society Elections!

At our next meeting on Friday, March 5th, we will be holding the elections for the board members of our society. Please plan to attend, as we value everyone's input as to whom they would like organizing our coming year.

The positions, and a brief description of each, are as follows:

PRESIDENT The President is responsible for chairing the monthly MRS meetings, chairing the monthly board meetings, appointing chairpersons for committees, and generally overseeing the activities of the organization. The person in this posiiion should maintain frequent contact with members, particularly chairpersons, to ensure that assigned tasks are being completed in a timely fashion.

VICE-PRESIDENT The Vice-President chairs meetings in the absence of the President, coordinates speakers for the monthly meetings, introduces the guest speakers, introduces members with their critter of the month, and organizes hands-on presentations. The Vice-President is very involved with coordination of MRS events.

TREASURER The Treasurer, simply put, handles the funds of the MRS. This involves maintaining the MRS checkbook and account, and keeping accurate, up­to-date records of all MRS financial transactions. The person in t.his position will be in charge of selling T-shirts and rodents at the monthly meetings, and will be in charge of assigning help with raffle ticket sales.

RECORDING SECRETARY This position is responsible for keeping accurate records of MRS activities, including minutes of the monthly board meeting, and writing the speaker review for the monthly newsletter.

MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY The Membership Secretary keeps accurate, up-to­date records of the location and status of members. Changes in address, and the addition of new members are activities this person administers.

MHS NEWSLETIER VOLUME XIll NUMBER 2

NEWSLETTER EDITOR The Newsletter Editor is in charge of editing and coordinating the monthly MRS Newsletter. This person works closely with people who write articles for the newsletter, and is responsible for maintaining the accuracy and timely production of it.

MEMBER-AT-LARGE -- Four Positions Members-at-Large participate regularly with the monthly business of the board meetings, and are responsible for assisting the other board members and committee members as needed. They are often called upon to help with special projects. as they arise.

PleaSe note that the above is merely a general outline of the duties of those positions. Please talk with the members who currently hold those offices if you would like a more in-depth description.

PAGE 6

Here is a list of those who have expressed an interest in running for the board of the MHS:

PRESIDENT

• Glen Jacobson -- Has been a member of MHS for many years, is the current President, and would like to contribute in this position for another year.

VICE-PRESIDENT

• J ohn LeVell -- Is well acquainted with numerous people in the herpetological community, and believes he can perform the duties of Vice-President well.

TREASURER

• None!

RECORDING SECRETARY

• Drew Newman -- Is a three-year member of the MHS, has attended several board meetings, and has a great deal of experience with reptile husbandry. Drew has written several articles which have appeared in the

. MHS Newsletter.

MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY

• Connie Delles ~- In addition to serving as Membership Secretary this past year, Connie has held other board positions in the past. She is willing to serve in this capacity for another year.

MHS NEWSLETIER VOLUME XIII NUMBER 2

NEWSLETTER EDITOR

• Julie Cherveny -- Has been a member of the MHS for threeyears,has volunteered for several special projects, and is the current Newsletter Editor. Julie would enj oy serving as the Editor for another year.

• Michele Stillinger -- Has served on the board for one and one-half years, and has been involved with various volunteer activities. Michele has taken design and basic editing classes, and hopes to bring new life to the Newsletter. .

MEMBER-AT-LARGE -- Four Positions

• Todd Cherveny -- Three-year member of the MHS, who has volunteered for various functions whenever time permitted. Todd feels he has a lot to offer MHS.

• Jeff LeClere -- Has been with the Society for several years, has been very active with hands-on presentations, and feels he would make a viable contribution to the activities of the society.

• Bill Moss -- Has been serving for the past year as the Vice-President for the MHS, and feels his experience would be an invaluable asset to the MHS.

• Hans Paulson -- "Would like to do more for the Herp Society than donate snake hooks and cages."

• Sarah Richard -- Has been a member of the Society for six years, imd has been on the adoption committee for one year. She is very active in MHS events.

PAGE?

NEWSLETTER REVIEW Compiled by

Donna Calander

Notes From NOAH (No Ohio): November 27, 1992 Volume 20 Number 2 NOAH's Constitution & By-Laws are in this newsletter; they are up for revision & members ideas are needed. an account of the traumas of pregnancy on green iguanas and a (hopefully) helpful method of gently force-feeding the animal to reduce deaths. summary of November meeting--wide variety of Q & A, plus intro topics. summary of the May (?!?) meeting--talk by Ronald Canterbury on the Green Salamander.

NTHS Nel,s (N TX Herp Soc): December, 1992 Volume 10 Issue 12 article by a vet on metabolic bone disease ·in green iguanas. an iguana care sheet. 2 puzzles on the "Herp-O-Mania Puzzle Page".

Imprint (Bell Museum, Mpls MN): Winter 1993 Volume 10 Number 1 history of the american Museum of 11ildlife Art, nOl, having merged with The Bell Mueseum of Natural History. history of the Bell Museum; how the dioramas came to ?e & I,ho painted.

The Forked Tongue: December 1992 Volume 17(12) The how-to & whys of using frozen-thawed & freshly-killed feed animals instead of live prey. Oct meeting reviel,--suggestions on ways to promote tolerance & appreciation of snakes.

MSH Newsletter (Mich): December 1992 a guide on hOI; to evelop a mutant reptile; an albino burmese python is use as the example/scenario. collection of folklore, some true, some not; might surprise you (The Snipe, Snow fleas, Flying snakes, etc. ) successful hstch of Clark's Spiny lizard eggs. things to consider before buying a sick herp to save it

. The Monitor (Hoosier): December 1992 Volume 4 Number 11 a harrowing encounter Id th a desert tortoise. Snakebite solving I%rksheet--what to do if you get bit.

tongue-in-cheek (I think/hope). Decie for yourself.

Behind BAARS (CA): November/December 1992 Volume 15 Number 11 how to use a computer network, use net in this case. Dr Freric Frye--his first experience with an alligator as a pet (he was 10). 4 favorite turtle foods.

MHS NEWSLETTER VOLUME XIII NUMBER 2 PAGES

NEWSLETTER REVIEW CONTINUED

NY Herp Soc: September/October 1992 Newsletter 11139 defense adaptations of anurans. well-known people who suffered from ophidian-phobia (Fear of snakes) . one account of breeding Black Pine Snakes. The reptile song (sung to "The Itsy, Bitsy Spider") amphibian song (sung to "Froggie Went a Courtin''').

Herptales (New England): December 1992 the frog-eat-frog world of Costa Rica.

Kansas Herp Soc: November 1992 Number 90 various articles/editorials on the new KANSAS rattlesnake Round-ups. Feature artic1e-- "The longest Road Count: A Cladistic Vacation" by Rufus T. Firefly. Surprise conclusion.

Notes from NOAH (No. Ohio): December 23, 1992 Volume 20 Number 3 ATTN NOAH MEMBERS-- NOAH is compiling a national list of trusted herp veterinarians. If you REALLY trust a vet with your herps, please contact NOAH. More info -- see newsletter. "A Touchy Subject - Illegal Wildlife Transactions" --a couple additions to Appendix I an II --address to purchase a complete (not only

herps) list of all endangered species. a new cartoon/ad for THE GOURMET RODENT--great! field hunt for the Plethodon petraeus (salamander) --discover the meaning to "Molerized". article on W. African Gaboon Viper. --address to obtain copy of a Venomous Reptile

Manual. --phone/fax to obtain antivenom. a herp crossword puzzle by Don Turpin. article on the Eastern Glass Lizards.

The Vivarium: Volume 4 Number 3 article on --the Mediterranean gecko a foo source for certain

snakes. --Reptiles of Round Island, Mauritius ("next to"

Madagascar). --Rotterdam Zoo (Holland): monitors kept in their zoo --what film is best to photograph herps? --hatching/rearing Water Cobra neonates. --Houston Zoological Gardens experience of breeding

Ringed Pythons.

The Desert Monitor (AZ): December 1992 Volume 22 Number 6 article on the Sonora Lyre snake. mini-intro to the Sidewinder rattlesnake. "Unrattled by Rattlers"--how to go herping in rattler country with minimal risk. mini-intri to the Desert iguana. husbandry of Water snakes (Nerodia, formerly Natrix) application form to the Venomous Snake Society.

MHS NEWSLETIER VOLUME XIII NUMBER 2 PAGE 9

NEWSLETTER REVIEW CONTINUED

Tortoise Tracks (CA): Fall 1992 establishment of the Preserve Committee to establish a Land Bank-when development destroys habitat that they must compensate by developing replacement habitat --background --the Land Bank Concept --the Committee's role --accomplishments of1992.

Voice of the Turtle (San Diego): December 1992 Volume 21 Number 12 Sin City's (Las Vegas) Lucky Tortoise; part 3 of 4. the Flesh-eating turtles of India help to clean up the Ganges River, one of the I,orld' s ~ost polluted river systems.

The Tortuga Gazette (CA): December 1992 Volume 28 Number 12 list of vets in CA, grouped by region.

Assoc of Reptilian & Amphibian Vets: Volume 2 Number 2 1992 Message to Member--request for contributions, not only by vets, esp. for the "Care in Captivity" section. In my Experience--"No UV B from Tungsten filament incandescent

lamps" treatment of Nematode parasites in Ball Pythons, Python regius".

--"Treating parasites in Savannah monitors, Varanus exanthematicus".

--"Adverse Ivermectin reaction in the Prehensile-Tailed Skink, Corucia zebrata".

--"Dysecdysis in Boid snakes with Nerplogic dieases H ,

--"Dermatophilosis in a Savannah monitor, Varanus exanthematicus".

--"Salmonella Enteritis in a Green iguana, Iguana iguana".

--"Preventing Dysecysis in lizards". Case Reports--"Chromomycosis is an African Bullfrog, Original Articles--"Clinical anesthesia of Reptiles". Care in Captivity--"Aquatic Turtle care".

ARK'TYPE (Brit Columbia): September 1992

"

article on Vitamin D3 & artifical lighting for reptiles. several helpful hints on how to be a vet to your turtles. . intro to the class Amphibia. intro article on Narrow-mouthed frogs. article on I,ater chemistry--VERY important for aquatic animals (salamanders, newts, frogs, etc). one "conversation" found via computer on a Herp-Net; if you have a phone & computer, number is provided.

MHS NEWSLETTER VOLUME XIlI NUMBER 2 PAGE 10

NEWSLETTER REVIEW CONTINUED

ARK'TYPE (Brit Columbia): December 1992

San Diego Herp Soc.:

article on selecting a lizard, + list of safe food items. update of the BURNABY BYLAW AMENDMENT- Restricting the number of snakes (2) & rodents (4) per household

January 1992 ltwinter ll care the quotation

(sic) Volume of chelonians marks) .

14 Issue 12 (Hah! I'm a Minnesotan, hence

Chicago Herp Soc: December 1992 Volume 27 Number 12 a comparison of 3 commercial foods used as a Single-food staple on hatchling Snapping turtles (neonates only ate: ex. Zoo Menu). herps foun in the Potawatomi State Park, Door County, Wisc. Book Review--Landscape with Reptile: Rattlesnakes in an Urban World by Thomas Palmer; this is a NOVEL(not research, etc.) about a timber rattlesnake in the Blue Hils Reservation, Mass. Herp-Acrostic 112 by Mike Dloogatch.

T.E.A.M. (L.A. ,CA): De'cember 1992 Volume 5 Number 12 Mork (Male Leopard tortoise) valiantly tries'to experience motherhood. reminder of the stress caused by re-arranging turtle pens. tortoise tags instructions. Turtle Shell repair: problems encountered using fiberglass

Sonoran Herpetologist: December 2, 1992 Volume 5 Number 12 a new method of treating snake mites.

League of Florida Herp Soc: December 1992 detailed re-cap of the hatching of Komodo dragons at the National Zoo~-illustrated, adorable. ASK THE VET--5 misc questions, all "lite" (not technical) .

Animal News (Animal Humane Soc of Henn Co): Winter 1993 Mpls Animal Control now requires the spaying & neutering of all animals adopted or purchased; the how & why. Pets in Winter - Caution & Concern. intro to Feline Leukemia an FIV testing.

Compiler Curiosity: I'd like ANY feed-back on this column. Is it read? Is it useful, helpful? A \,aste of paper? Changes? Additions?

MHS NEWSLEITER VOLUME XIII NUMBER 2 PAGE 11

REPTILE CLASSIFICATION. PART 5. THE REPTILIAN ORDERS:

By: John P. Leyell

PELYCOSAUR I A , THERAPSIDA, ARAEOSCHELIDA, SAUROPTEYRGIA, PLACODONTIA, AND ICHTYOSAURIA.

Among the 6 reptile orders covered in this section the first 2, the Pelycosauria and the Therapsida, are the most important from a evolutionary viewpoint. Forming the reptilian subclass Synapsida, these 2 orders both represent steps in the line of mammalian evolution and each contains groups directly ancestral to the mammals. Unlike the other 4 orders; Araeoschelida, Sauropteyrgia, Placodontia, lof the subclass Euryapsida) and Icthyosaurialforming a subclass by itself) which are completely extinct with no living descendants, the pelycosaurs and therapsids are in a sense still very much with us in the form of the many mammal species in e>, i stance t.oday. Bot.h orders became more mammal-l.i ke as they evolved with progressive modifications of the teeth, limb posture, and their metabolisms. The extent of these structural modifications are so great, that in the case of the later therapsids, it becomes impossible to tell which fossil forms actually represent reptiles, protomammals, or true primitive mammals. The geological age this occurred learly to mid Triassic) is also important, especially since many people think of the "warm-blooded" mammals as having evolved after the dinosaurs. In reality the first mammals were evolving at the same time or before the arrival of the first dinosaurs. It is believed that only the rapid "radiation" of the early dinosaurian reptil~s prevented these first mammals from going on to dominate the world's fauna until 160 million years later. Due to the diversity of these 2 orders, in particular the therapsids, it isn't possible to cover all the various superfamilies etc. in the follo\",ing acco~tnts. As usual, i.nt.,rested readers should refer to the bibliography Ilast installment of this series) for sources of more detailed information on these 2 r.,ptilianorders.

Al though 1 eavi ng no descendants, the other ., orders are in som., ways as interesting as the pelycosaurs and therapsids. At least 3 of the 4 were adapted to a marine existance and each of these 4 groups add i mmensel y to the over·all "un i queness ll of the vari ous orders included in the class Reptilia. The 2 orders Ichtyosauria and SaLtropterygia had totally adapted to the marine environment in two completely different ways, one resembling modern dolphins in a case of convergent evolution and the othe~ unlike anything before or since. Both groups seem to have been highly successful during the Mesozoic Era and are sometimes mistakenly thought of as dinosaurs las are some pelycosaurs) by many people. The other marine order, the Placodontia, contains some of the strangest reptiles to have ever existed and as a group exh~bit a wide range of body forms, dental adaptations, etc. The last of these 4 orders, the Araeoschelida, is a group of uncertain evolutionary position with features showing possible relationships to several other reptile groups.

MHS NEWSLETTER VOLUME XIII NUMBER 2 PAGE 12

PELYCOSAURIA - PELYCOSAURS:

The reason why the name Pelycosauria, the translation of which is ,pelyx. ykos bowl, pelvis + sauros lizard, is applied to this group is not clear to this author. There seems to be nothing unusual about the strllcture or placement of the pelvis among pelycosaurs and as a whole they possessed the typical reptilian spra~Jling limb arrangement one would associate with lizards. In general body form the pelycosaurs resemble lizards and this order probably represents a direct evolutionary link between the earlier stem reptiles and the later mammal-like reptiles. The order Pelycosauria is usually divided into 3 suborders, 1 primitive and 2 more advanced. The earlier and more primitive suborder, the Ophiacodontia, contains 2 families of unspecialized forms showing a close relationship to the cotylosaurs. A fairly typical member of this pelycosaurian suborder is the fossil Ophiacodon (fig.12). The ophiacodonts, which appeared during the late Carboniferous period and persisted into the early Permian, are believed to have been semi-aquatic carnivores which show little modification of the teeth except for enlarged upper canines. The 2 families of the second suborder, Sphenacodontoi dea, are more advanced carni vorollS pelycosaurs which appear in the fossil record later in the Carboniferous. This group became the dominant predators of the earl y Permi an peri od. Just hO~J sllccessflll these pel ycosaurs were is shown by the well known finback reptile Dimetrodon (fig.13), .,hich is the most commonly collected reptile fossil of that age. The sphenacodonts became ext.inct sometime near the end of the Permian period, but not without descendants since they are the ancestors of the therapsids and therefore the mammals. As with the previous 2 suborders, the Edaphosauria first appear as fossils duri ng the I ate Carboni ferolls. Unl i ke those 2 grollps ho",ever, the 4 families in this sllborder were plant eaters with reduced canines and other tooth modifications for a herbivorous diet. At least one genus, Edaphosaurus, possessed a back fin as in Dimetrodon and because o·f these t.,o ·forms the pel ycosaurs are someti mes call ed the sailfin or ship lizards. It is believed that this "sail" may have played a role in thermoregulation, although other theories of it's use exist. Along with the rest of the pelycosaurs, this group was extinct by the end of the Permian period.

Figure 12. Ophiacodon

A primitive pelycosaur of the family Ophiacodontia. These early peiycoaLtrs are the first synapsids and represent an early stage in the line of mammalian evolution.

MHS NEWSLETTER VOLUME XIIl NUMBER 2

adapted from Carr (1963)

PAGE 13

Figure 13.·Di~etrodon

An advanced pelycosaur­of the gr-OLlP directly ancestral to therapsids and mammals.

THERAPSIDA - MAMMAL-LIKE REPTILES:

adapted from Man (1978>'

I believe the literal translation. of Therapsida, theraps attendant, as provided by the v)orld Book Dictionary (1986) is not correct and I see no reason \,Ihy that term I-IOU 1 d be appl i ed to thi s reptile order. Most likely the actual translation of Therapsida should read; ther. theros wild beast + apse loop, opening. This would be in reference to skull features etc. which separate the therapsids from the previous suborder. As a group the therapsids appeared during the mid Permian pf?riod and flourished until the mid Triassic. During this era they became the dominant large land animals and through time progressively become more and more mammal-like. There are numerous major subdivisions of 2 of the 3 suborders recogni zed, among .,hi ch are the di rect ancestors of the mammals. The first suborder, the Phthinosuchia, consists of one family of primitive therapsids which show a close affinity to the pelycosaurs. Of mid Permian age, these early therapsids split into 2 distinct evolutionary lines (the 2 remaining suborders). The suborder Theriodontia is a large group of carnivorous therapsids which survived well into the Triassic period. Among the numerous infraorders etc. are many families closely approaching a mammalian condition. Probably the best Imo·.m of the theriodonts is Cynognathus (fig.14), a dog-sized predator of the early Triassic period I'lhich resembles. early mammals in many respects. Another group of theriodonts .,ith mammalian features are the Tri tyl odonts .,hi ch developed rodent-l i ke teeth and \'Iere the 1 as·t surviving members of the order Therapsida. The third suborder, Anomodonti a, is another 1 arge groupi ng wi th numerous i nfraorders, superfamilies, etc. The anomodonts show a progression from earlier carni vorous therapsi ds towal"d later total 1 y herbi vorous forms such as Dicynodon and it's relatives. The dicynodonts evolved beaklike upper and lower jaws and persisted till near the end of the Triassic period. Both the theriodonts and the anomodonts evolved almost totally erect postures, in addition to other mammalian features. Many authorities consider the class Mammalia to be "polyphletic" in origin having descended from several different therapsid ancestors.

MHS NEWSLETTER VOLUME XIII NUMBER 2. PAGE 14

adapted from Steel and Harvey (1979)

ARAEOSCELIDA - PROTOROSAURS:

Figure 14. Cynognathus

A carnivorous therapsid vii th many si roi 1 ari ti es to mammals including a erect stance.

The order Araeoscelida or Protorosauria is a group of 5 families of uncertain relationship to each other and the other reptilian orders, which mayor may not belong in the sL\bclass EL\ryapsida. Tracking down a translation of the name Araeoscelida proved to be quite a task, but it basically breaks down as this; arae thin, narrow + ossis bone + kelis, cel(s spotted, stained. What the last third of the name is in reference to is unknown to this author, but the rest of the word refers to the long and slender bones associated with these animals. In general the protorosaurs were small, long-necked, and lizard-like animals which first appear during the early Permian period. A typical member of this order is Tanystropheus (fig.15). Fossils which may represent members of this order have been found _in Cretaceous deposits from North America, indicating the possiblity of a long evolutionary history for the gl"oup. However, these -Fossils may actually represent members of different reptilian orders. The exact relationship of the protorsaurs to the other reptile groups is unclear, as they share features ~Ji -th several other groups, i ncl udi ng lizards. vJhethet- this is a case of "parallel" evolution or an indication of true relationship is unknown. Although the protorosaurs were apparently terrestrial the order is now believed to represent a link between the captorhinomorph cotylosaurs (another group the protorosaurs share features with) and the euryapsid orders Sauropterygia and Placodontia.

Figure 15. Tanystrophetls

A early eurapsid of the order Araeoscel ida or F'rotorosauria.

adapted from Gr::dmek (1975)

MHS NEWS LEITER VOLUME XIII NUMBER 2 PAGE 15

SAUROPTERYGIA - PLESIOSAURS,

Th~ translation of the word Sauropterygia from the Greek is; sauros lizard +pterygion little wing, fin. This name is in reference to this groups modification of the feet into flippers as an aquatic adaptation. The order Sauropterygia is Llsually split into 2 suborders. The first and more primitive is the Nothosauria, including the fairly well known Nothosaurus. The nothosaurs were probably coastal. marine animals which led a semi-aquatic lifestyle and apparently fed on fish. Nothosaurs existed from the late Permian till near the end of the Triassic period and are considered the direct ancestors of the other sauropterygian subordel", PlesiosaLlria. The Plesiosauria is uSLlally divided into 3 main groups or superfamilies, although the first of these, the Pistosauroidea, is sometimes included among the nothosaurs. Known from the mid to late Triassic this group is intermediate between the more advanced plesiosaurs and the nothosaurs. The second superfamily, Plesiosauroidea, contains the typical long necked and small headed marine reptiles sLlch as the familiar genus Elasmosaurus (fig.16), so often associated with the famous Loch Ness r·jonster. True plesiosaurs first appeared during the late Triassic period and flourished throughout the remainder of the "Age of Reptiles". The third superfamily, Pliosauroidea, .had a typical plesiosaur body but with short necks and large heads. This group's fossils are kno"ln from the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. Ail the advanced pi esi osaurs .,ere hi ghl Y adapted to the mari ne envi ronment wi th dorsal-ven·trall y compressed bodi es, paddl e shaped front and rear limbs, ~nd in some cases rudder-like projections on the tail. Plesiosaurs apparently used their paddle shaped limbs to literally row themselves through the water and probably could propel . themselves bach',ard as ",ell as for",ard. Due to the advanced 1 evel of modification to the limb·s.) plesiosaurs probably seldom if ever ventured on to land. Being carnivores, the plesiosaurs are thought to have hunted a variety of aquatic animals including marine invertebrates, fish etc. All things considered, the plesiosaurs rank as one of the most unique animal groups to have ever existed, especially in regards to appearance.

Figure 16. Elasrnosaurus

A typical long necked marine plesiosaur of the Cretaceous period. Highly adapt~d to li':-a at sea, these animals are among the most unique reptiles ever.

MHS NEWSLETTER VOLUME XIII NUMBER 2

adapted from Lambert (1989:

PAGE 16

Figure 17. Placodus

A fairly primitive pI ac:odont of the Triassic: period.

PLACODONTIA - PLACODONTS:

adapted from Carr (1963)

The name Placodontia; plax. plakos flat surface + odous, odontos tooth, is in reference to the flat crushing teeth possessed by some members of this order. These teeth are believed to have been L\sed to crush the hard -shell s of moll usks and as a whole the placodonts show numerous adaptations to a marine environment. The order Placodontia contains 4 families, all of Triassic age. Among these 4 families the range of body form, dermal armor, and dental modification is extreme. Of the 2 more primitive families, the family Helvecticosauridae has the fairly typical pointed and slightly recurved teeth normally associated with reptiles. In the familyPlacodontidae the dentition has been modified to inclL\ded chisel-like incisors and flattened molars, ~Ihi ch is bel i eved to have been an adaptati on to a di et of hard shelled marine mollusks. As in the helvecticosaurs, the body is generally unarmored and both families were basically lizard-like in appearence. The fairly primitive Placodus (fig.17), of the family Placodontidae, is a typical representative of these early placodonts. The other 2 families, Placochelyidae and Henodontidae, are more highly advanced placodonts and in both families the body is heavily armored in the form of a bony shell similar to that of turtles. In the family Placochelyidae the incisors are reduced or absent, but the flat crushing molars are still present in slightly modified form. In addition, the jaws were modified to form a long, narrow, pincher-like "beak", which was apparently used to pick shellfish off the ocean floor and the limbs are flippers much like those of modern sea tL\rtles. The family Henodontidae, bf ~Ihich Henodus (fig.IS) is probably the best known, were either almost toothless with only a single pair of molars or lacked teeth entirely. The front of the jaws formed a broad, flat "beak" and the shell possessed by this family was even more highly developed then that of the placochelyids. Th-e pla-codonts are believed to have descended from a very earl y pr_otorsauri an ancestor and represent a highly specialized reptilian order. •

Figure lB. Henodus

A highly specialized placodont which closely paralleled turtles in many respects.

MHS NEWSLETTER VOLUME XIII NUMBER 2

adapted from de Camp and de Camp (1985)

PAGEl?

ICTHYOSAURIA - FISH LIZARDS:

~Jhat 's in a name? When you look at IcthyosaLlria, just aboLlt everything you could possibly wan~. Translated, iethys fish + sauros lizard, it tells us exactly what this reptile order is; fish-like reptiles. The icthyosaurs were the most highly specialized marine reptiles that have ever existed. In general body form these reptiles so closely resemble today's dolphins and porpoises that there can be little doubt that at least some icthyosaurs filled a similiar ecological niche. 'Many well preserved fossils clearly showing the basic b.ody oLltline exist, and from these it is known that icthyosaurs even possessed dorsal fins much like those of dolphins. This is a perfect example of convergent evolution in which 2 animals from completely different classes have adapted to the same environmental conditions· in remarkably similar ways. To fLlrther emphasize the similarity. of icthyosaurs to dolphins an illustration (fig.19) comparing the 2 types is included. Icthyosaurs were so well adapted to the marine environment that there is nopossiblity they ever left the water, so they obvi OLISI y had to be vi vi paroLls and there Is ampl e evi dence of this in the fossil record. Some excellent fossils, which clearly show the remal ns of YOLmg preserved ~Ii thi n the bodl es of adul ts or of adLllts in the process of giving birth, have been fOLmd. Among the 5 families included in the order Icthyosauria are forms adapted to diets of fish, invertebrates, or moliLlsks. The exact rel ationshi p of the i cthyosaLlrs to the other repti 11 an orders is unclear, as even the most primitive forms of the mid Triassic period are already highly specialized marine animals. In some ways these earl y i cthyosaurs are sl mi I ar to the pel ycosaLlrs, but whetlier they descended from that group or ~Jhether the two groups share a common ancestor i s unkno~m. The order Icthyosauri a became extinct near the end of the Cretaceous.period.

adapted from Carr (1963)

NEXT INSTALLMENT - LEF'IDOSAURIAI\I REPTILES

MHS NEWSLETIER VOLUME XIII NUMBER 2

Figure 19w Z.::thyosaurs

A comparison of icthyosaurs (top) and delphi.ns (bottom) showing similarity of body form as \'le11 as skel etal differences.

PAGE 18

* * * FINAL WARNING * * *

MHS has been notified by the University of Minnesota that despite repeated requests to keep the children attending MHS meetings out of the halls and under control, a problem continues to exist. There has been damage an disruption in the building that will no longer be tolerated. Furthermore, unless this problem is corrected immediately, MHS will have room privileges revoked.

MHS Board members have been disrupting their own evenings to police the hallways because a few parents are not taking responsibility for their children. This is unfair to the Board members and is obviously not working.

Effective immediately, if children are wandering the halls unsupervised, the parents will be requested to leave the children at home or not attend meetings until the situation can be resolved. We can NOT allow a few children to jeopardize our relationship with the University of Minnesota.

The Board realizes that many youngsters are bored listening to speakers. We also realize that sitters are expensive. It is up to you, however, as parents to take responsibility for your children. This may mean you will have to devise an alternate means to occupy your children while they are here.

Please in noway think we are discouraging children at the meetings, in fact the opposite is true. Most children are well behaved assets to MHS.

Thank you for your cooperation.

A HEARTY THANKS!I! FROM MARILYN BROOKS, NEWSLETTER FOLDING CHAIR

Thank you to the following people for spending some of their free time to help assemble and mail out the newsletter each month. Without their ~upport we \,ould not be able to complete this task in such a short time

Volunteers from July to December 1992:

Randy Blasus Fred Bosman Sally Brewer Julie Cherveny Todd Cherveny Dennis Daly Connie Delles Nancy Haig Greg Kvanbek

John Levell Bill Moss Drew Newman Ann Porwoll Jim Rea Josie Rea Karin Rea Siri Rea Michele Stillinger

Your company each month has been greatly appreciated.

If you are interested in joining us next month, either sign up at the next meeting or call me for information.

MHS NEWSLETTER VOLUME XlII NUMBER 2 PAGE 19

MHS CLASSIFIED

RAT SALES

Orders will be taken by Terry Scheiber only! and must be made at least one week before the general meeting. Phone: (612) 440-7482.

MICE

Pinkies----$6.00 doz. Fuzzies----$6.00 doz. Adults-----$9.00 doz.

PRICES

RATS

Pups-----$10.00 doz. Adu1ts---$12.00 for six

$24.00 doz.

Mice and rats must be purchased by the dozen, except for adult rats, which can be purchased in allotments of six. Rat pinkies are unavailable at this time.

CAGE SALES

The MilS "ill nOl, be selling cages, there will be three basic sizes on display at the monthly meetings. A 50%, non-refundable, down payment will be required on all cages. Custom cages will also be available upon request.

SPECIFICATIONS

Small Cage 12" X 12" X 24" 1/2" sides, 1/4" back & ceiling an 1/4" melamine floor. Hinges and lockable latch. Door opens down. Glass is double strength. Cage will be unfinished. Price $40.00

Medium Cage 12" X 12" X 36" 1/2" sides, 1/4" back & ceiling and 1/4" melamine. Hinges and lockable latch. Door opening to the side. Glass is double strength. Cage will be unfinished. Price $60.00

2nd Medium Cage 18" X 18" X 24" 1/2" sides, 1/4" backwall & ceiling and 1/4" melamine. Hinges and lockable latch. Door opening to the side. Glass is double strength. Cage will be unfinished. Price $60.00

Orders ,;ill be taken by Nancy Ilaig at the ·meetings. Cages will then be delivered to the next meeting, except on custom orders. The MilS has dropped the large cage, to a custom cage and will be selling the 2nd model of medium cage instead.

MHS NEWSLETrER VOLUME XIII NUMBER 2 PAGE 20

At -shirts that really express your interest reptiles. Shirts are 100% white cotton with vivid 10-color designs filled with ass!. reptiles.

Min oresl design

This Anniversary design is also available in a 24".x 33" print for $20 + $4 StH. (Unframed). ~ T-Shirt sizes are: M, L, XL, XXL. $15ea + $3 StH. Add $1 SIH each additional shirt. International

orders add $5 SIH per shirt. U.S. funds ONLY. White Tank i L & XL ~ T·Shirts not sold to general public in California.

California residents call for store in your area. ~ California Zoological Supply does not sell

reptiles to the general public. Reptiles only sold to retail pet shops & zoos.

Saint Gertrude Santa Ana, CA 92705·5311 USA

Phone: 714/641-1597 Fax: 714/549·8859 PAGE 21

CLASSIFIED ADS

1.0.0 = male; 0.1.0 = female; 0.0.1 = unknown

FOR SALE: Rats and mice - pinkies to adults. Live or frozen. Prices upon request. Don'~ Rodents - (612) 462-8973.

FOR.SALE: HUGE cage, 6' X 5' X 4', will consider trades. Drew (612) 776-2116.

FOR SALE: "So Excellent A Fishe" by Archie Carr, 1st ed. H/DJ exc. condo $15.00. "Field Book of Snakes" by K.P. Schmidt + D.D. Davis, good condo hard $15.00. "Our Snake Friends And Foes" by Doris Cochran with paintings by W. Weber, exc. condo complete in Sept. 1954 Nat. Geo. MAG. $10.00 Call John (612) 374-5422.

FOR HIRE: Will build your reptile and/or rodent rooms, your design or ours. Also rack systems and cages including walk in. All types of carpenter work. Reasonable. Call John at 374-5422.

WANTED: Looking for a male, California Coastal Rosy Boa. Call Claude at (612) 824-5308.

WANTED: The Long Lake Conservation Center would like to acquire a snake skeleton for our recently developed snake program. Contact Denise M. Gerdes, at (218) 768-4653.

WANTED: Investor/Partner for Reptile Zoo and Ranch in Las Vegas, Nevada. Bob F. Pierson (702) 457-4747.

WANTED: I need all the snake skins in the world - always - to give away at reptile programs and the MN State Fair. Please bring to the State Fair or contact Bob Duerr at (612) 541-9417.

WANTED: The MHS would like to get some better software for the production of this newsletter and other items. Unfortunately this can cost a great deal of money. We are looking for a basic desktop publishing program that is IBM compatible. Please contact a Board Member if you would like to donate something.

EXTRA!!! EXTRA!!!

The MHS will be selling 20 to 40 gallon aquariums, with and without lights. The price to be annouced at the next meeting. Bring your pocketbook.

PAGE 22

ADVERTISEMENTS

Largest Selection of Reptiles & Amphibians in Minnesota Cages, Books, Feed & Supplies

540 Winnetka Ave. No. Golden VaHey, Mn 55427

M-F 10-7 Sat 10-5 Sun 12-5

(612) 593-0298

Featuring .•• lAMS ... KT •.• ProPlan •.• Science Diet Tetra ... Toppers .•. Other Specialty Foods

VIVARIUM PETS A Full Line of Pet Supplies &

Unusual Pets

6519 Nicollet Ava. So. Richfield, MN 55423

Gloria Anton 612-861-8866

~( n>

Don't EVER give up! CJ,

PAGE 23

AGE 24

CLASSIFIED AD INSTRUCTIONS: Ads are run as a free service to paid members. Ads for venomous species, illegal species, or sick animals will not be run. MRS takes NO responsibility for legality or health of animal advertised here. Ads may be run for three consecutive months at which time ads may be re-submitted. The editor reserves the right to orrti! ads when space is limited so as to allow all members a chance to advertise. Size of ad is limited to four (4) typed lines or one (1) standard size business card. DEADLINE for all newsletter items is the date of the general meeting. Send all newsletter items to: Minnesota Herpetological Society, Attn: Newsletter Editor, Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church Street South East, Minneapolis, MN 55455-0104.

MEMBERSHIP AND T-SHIRT ORDER FORM

MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY

NAME(s) ______________________________________________________________ _

ADDRES~S ____________________________________________________________________ __

CITY __________________________ _ STATE ______ __ ZIP COD,,,E~ ____________ _

PHONE __________________________ __ LIST IN MHS DIRECTORY? YES NO __

HERPRELATEDINTERESTS: ______________ ~--------------------------------------

TYPE OF MEMBERSHIP? NEW ____ RENEWAL __ __

MEMBERSHIP LEVEL? __ SUSTAINING ..... $60.00

__ CONTRIBUTING ..... $30.00

~NSTITUTION .... $25.00

_-"BASIC .... $15.00

Are you currently ( or will be) a University of Minnesota student? __ (check if yes)

KIDS:

6-8 10-12_

OFFICIAL MHS T-SHIRT $7.00 (includes postage)

Indicate how many of each size

ADULTS:

SMALL_ MEDIUM_ LARGE_ X-LARGE_

Please enclose payment. MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: Minnesota Herpetological Society. Membership is for 12 months from date of joining. A receipt will be sent only on request. Allow 6-8 weeks for processing. MAIL TO: Minnesota Herpetological Society, Bell Museum Of Natural History, 10 Church Street South East, Minneapolis, MN 55455-0104

'>1-.

---'-""-------

MINNESOTA

HERPETOLOGICAL

SOCIETY

BELL MUSEUM· OF NATURAL HISTORY

10 CHURCH STREET S. E. MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55455-0104

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DELIVER BY FEBRUARY 24, 1993

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Non-Profit Bulk Rate

U. S. Postage PAID

Mpls.MN Pennit No. 2275