Vol. 13 (1993), No. 8

NEWSLETTER OF THE

MINNESOTA

HERPETOLOGICAL

SOCIETY

AUGUST 1993 VOLUME XIII NUMBER 8

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 Other Snakes Glen (Jake) Jacobsen 757-8268 John Meltzer 263-7880 Vence Jimerson 869-8547 John Levell 374-5422

Connie Levell 374-5422

Lizards Amphibians Nancy Haig 789~4637 John Meltzer 263-7880 Bill Moss 488-1383 Greg Kvanbek 533-7723 Drew Newman (Iguana) 774-6008 Drew Newman 774-6008

Terrestrial turtles and tortoises Aquatic Turtles John Moriarty 647-1334 Michele Stillinger 224-7212 AnnPorwoll 489-7853 Dennis Daly 633-8370

The purpose of the Minnesota Hepetological Society is: to further the education of the membership and the general public in care and captive propagation of retiles and 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.

MHS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY RECORDING SECRETARY TREASURER NEWSLETTER EDITOR MEMBER-AT-LARGE MEMBER-AT-LARGE MEMBER-AT-LARGE MEMBER-AT-LARGE IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

Glen Jacobsen John Levell Connie Levell Drew Newman Marilyn Brooks Michele Stillinger Jeff LeClere Bill Moss Hans Paulson Sara Richard John Meltzer

SNAKEBITE EMERGENCY

HENNEPIN REGIONAL POISON CENTER

MINNESOTA POISON CONTROL SYSTEM

LOCAL

OUT OF STATE

(612) 347-3141

(612) 221-2113

(800) 222-1222

(612) 757-8268 (612) 374-5422 (612) 374-5422 (612) 774-6008 (612) 431-2146 (612) 224-7212 (612) 467-3715 (612) 488-1383 (715) 425-7959 (612) 623-7620 (612) 263-7880

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 with1'iut change and proper credits are given to the MHS Newsletter, citing, volume, number, and date.

MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Table of Contents

Upcoming meeting

MRS Business

MRS Program Reviews by Drew Newman

IHS Conference Review by Gloria Anton

HFYI

Blast From The Past by Michele Stillinger

Tales of Minnesota Herps by Tom Jessen

Upcoming Herp Events

Classifieds

2

3

5

7

10

13

16

23

24

From the Editor

Just a couple of thank you's to Gloria Anton and Tom Jessen for their article submissions this month. If anyone else has any ideas, articles, newspaper clippings, etc. please send them in to the address below. Your help is graciously appreciated. This is a one woman job and I need all the help I can get from the membership.

Please take the time to fill out the inserted questioneer on adoptions. This will help our adoption committee make the process more efficient. ( see MRS Business, page 4 ).

At the end of this newsletter are the registration forms and info for the Midwest Conference in Iowa. Deadline is September 30th so hurry and get your app in. I hope to see everyone there!

Next Newsletter Deadline: September 10th, 93

*** Send all inquiries, ads, and articles directly to the editor *** MHS EDITOR

234 West George St. St. Paul, MN 55107

MRS NEWSLETTER VOLUME XIII NUMBER 8 Page 1

UPCOMING MHS MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

Septl!lllber Program: Breeding Sand Boas

Speaker: John Meltzer

Where: When:

Borlaug aall, U of MN St. Paul Campus 7:00 pm, Friday September 10th, 1993

<

September;.s "spO;j\\,er will be longt.ime ~1HS member and former r'IHS president. John Melt.zer. The program will focus on breeding snakes of t.he genus Eryx, commonly known as t.he sand boas. John, who has over 13 years of e>q.ler-ience in thf? capt:ive propagation of rE~pt.ile!~'1 has been successfully breeding sand boas since 1985. He has worked with several varieties of these fascinating snakes including; the Rough-Scaled Sand Boa IE. conicus), t.he Smoot.h-scaled Sand Boa IE. johnii), the Egyptian Sand Boa IE. colubrinus colubrinus), the Kenyan Sand Boa (E. colubrinus loveridgei) , and the European Sand Boa IE. jaculusl, all of which will be feat.ured in his t.alk.

For an added bonus at. the end of his present.ation, John has promised to. throw in a few slides of SOlOS ·df t~)e other interesting species of boas and pyt.hons he is currently working wit.h. As anyone who knows John at all can attest, I'm sure these ""Jill include SDme roar-ely st-=:en

. species.

If you are int.erest.ed in sand boas and their propagation, pythons and bDas in genE:.~ral, or" the captiVE'? pr-opagaticm of rE?ptilf?s pErrioc.i, don't. miss this meet.ing. It. will give you t.he opport.unity t.o have all your qt~test: ions answf.:!red, by the per· son ItJho is probab 1 y the premi E?F' rl-"?pt. i 1 e breeder in Minnesota. See you t.here. JPL

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Oct: Nov: Eric Thiss - Natural History and Captive Care of Garter Snakes Dec: Thoaas Tyning - Natural History, Ecology and Conservation of the timber

Rattlesnake XMAS: Thomas Tyning - Uncommon Behavior in Common Herps

CRITTER OF THE MONTH

Any animals that could come in contact with sands. (How's that for genef~~! )

Bring a proper display.ca~e, clear all potent~ally dangerous.repti~es.wi~h ~. board member first, thIS Includes venomous anImals! Keep anImals InSIde theIr bags or cages in the meeting room at all times before and after Critter of the Month. If you must show someone ahead of time your favorite pet, go outside in the hall. This ensures some safety for the animal, too many hands and people trying to catch a glimpse can cause an accident or escape. Thanks!


NEWSLETrER FOLDING VOLUNTEERS JAN. 1993 - JUNE 1993

It is definitely true that a society is only as good as its volunteers. Therefore, I want to take this opportnnity to thank everyone who helps with the important task of newsletter folding. I also want to thank one and all for the fun bull-sessions during folding and after at the restaurant (Its not all work!).

Dan Berquist Randy Blasus Sally Brewer Cherveny's; Todd, Julie Delles'; Brandon, Chase Bruce and Nancy Haig Jake Jacobsen

Alan Kwong Jeff LeClere Levell's; Connie,1ohn Bill Moss Drew Newman Ann Porwoll Rea's; James, Karen, Josie, Sirl

Special Thanks to Delvin Jones for his hard work on generating the labels, insuring a timely release of our newsletter. And for all his other computer work on projects like the White Pages, computerization of the membership data, and White Snake Sale and his long standing dedication to the society.

Marilyn Brooks, Newsletter folding Chairperson

Introducing A New Chair Position The M.H.S. Historian

As some of you may know I have the honor to have volunteered to fill the position of M.H.S. Historian. This month I plan to present to the Board my outline for organizing this task. Provided it is adopted without changes, I'll begin the real work to get this up and running in the near future.

For those of you not in the know, I'll explain a little about this situation. The M.H.S. Board has been kicking around the idea of having a historian, however they have been lacking the suitable guinea pig. Er, .. I mean volunteer. Due to my interest in history, I'd thought about this for a while and finally decided it would be a good way to make an additional contribution to the society. My intention is to provide the membership with a resource of our old newsletters,art works, major events and members along with other M.H.S. productions.

So in the upcoming months I plan on contacting individuals for specific infonnation. I will also say here that if I miss anything important it is not due to bias, rather it is because of ignorance. Being a member of few years there is bound to be plenty of infonnation I am unaware of. Therefore if you should find an omission, error or have a suggestion your input would be appreciated. I thank you for your time.

RANDY E BLASUS

*** SPECIAL REQUEST! *** MRS is looking for a simple MAC accounting program for the treasurer to use. If you would like to donate one contact Marilyn Brooks.

MHS NEWSLETTER VOLUME XIII NUMBER 8 Page 3

MHS BUSINESS

Board Meeting

Attending: Glen Jacobsen, Connie Levell, Drew Newman, Marilyn Brooks, Michele Stillinger, Bill Moss, Sarah & George Richard, Dan Bergquist, Randy Blasus, Jeff LeClere, and Lisa Hoy.

Adoptions

New Ideas for adoption procedures were presented. MRS would like to find a more efficient way of handling adoptions due to the short amount of time during the general meeting break adoption members have to make their choices. Please take the time to fill out the questioneer (insert) and send it in before September 10th.

Several animals went up for adoption this month including a reticulated python and a burmese python that were not adopted out. These will be available next month. Animals adopted this month were as follows:

Jodi Aherns: ball python Julie Cherveny: albino corn snake Lisa Hoy: iguana Michael Massie: iguana Michele Stillinger: side-necked turtle

One interesting note: the albino corn Julie adopted was found in someone's garage!

Raffle

Winners: Marilyn Brooks, Waunita Shaw, Lisa Hoy, Cindy Hoeye, Ken Hoeye, Zach Strand and Chase Delles. Donors: Becky Helgesen, Jodi Aherns, Dan Bergquist and MRS. - *' -Thanks to all who donated and to those who purchased tickets!! - --

Critter of the Month

Jodi Aherns - Gould's monitor, Laurie Mahling - Japanese wood turtle, Ted Meissner - boa constrictor, Dan Bergquist - Dumeril's monitor, Drew Newman -black roughnecked monitor. Looks like it was monitor night!

Refreshments

August refreshments courtesy of Becky Helgesen. Thanks Becky! [If you would like to donate refreshments contact Nanette at 869-8547]

--*NEXT GENERAL MEETING IS SEPTEMBER 10TH DUE TO LABOR DAY WEEKEND!---


MRS PROGRAM REVI EW by Drew Newman

August Speaker: Hike Hassie Topic: Reptile Nutrition

Hike Hassie of Pretty Pet Inc. was our featured speaker for August. Hike began his talk explaining how he has been doing research on reptile nutrition for the last two years. Previous to that he had worked extensively developing food products for the aviculturist. As visual aids, Hike brought along a group of animals that were representative of herps raised on his products.

A good portion of the program covered 'tortoises and their nutritional needs. Hike suggests that when using his tortoise products you do not provide additional calcium. His tortoises also did well with no full spectrum light when fed an adequate diet. Careful records were kept on weight gain, shell color and growth, and -activity to determine the effects of his tortoise diet on the animals. Hike showed us a beautiful spur thighed tortoise with almost bright yellow markings and very little pyramiding of the shell. Hike is experimenting with various ··recipes· to help discourage pyramiding all together.

Next Hike spoke about green iguanas. One project he plans on doing is a study on their growth development relationship to UV light. He suggests an inch of growth a month as a good goal to strive for in juvenile iguana growth. He also cautions that fast growing iguanas are not necessarily heal thy. In the use of Vi tal i tes, Hike told us that a bulb will have exhausted its usefulness in six months! Caution was emphasized in feeding too much broccoli and cauliflower as these products bind with vitamin D3. Always use a calcium supplement when feeding lots of these foods.

Hike's talk was quite educational as well as entertaining. He brought along a wide assortment of very healthy beautiful animals including juvenile iguanas, a tegu, tortoises and a blue tongued skink that was overweight and dull grey in color and within a week on his diet and under Vitalite slimmed down and became beautifully colored. Hike is also working on a carnivorous diet for tegus and monitors.

Hany questions from the audience were fielded and much knowledge was imparted. HHS should be proud that we have one of our members who is doing methodic and ooncise nutrition research for the betterment of our animals.


JULY PROGRAM REVIEW

As is the oustarn in July the program presented was a ser ies of talks by NHS members who attended the 1993 International Herpetologioal Symposium in Niami, Florida.

Greg Kvanbek started off the evening with a series of slides whioh proved to be both informative and humorous. In addition to the IHS aotivities, Greg and his traveling oompanions, Hans, Joel and Erio, visited various herp breeders and dealers. It was quite interesting to see how others, many with the advantages of the Florida olimate, keep their animals.

I gave a brief talk on how it was to attend my first IHS. Along with foousing on some of the aotivities I partioipated in, I disoussed how I felt a sense of oneness between the private and professional oommunities.

Dan Bergquist spoke about his experienoe in Florida and highlighted his talk with an exoellent TV video of him and professor Hans George Horn examining some of the lizards Dan purohased. A great moment in the video olip was when the professor handed Dan one of his animals ( Dr. Horn had been easily handling it for several minutes) and the monitor immediately olamped down on Dan's hand! Also in the video was some very interesting footage on gopher tortoises.

Jeff LeClere spoke next and enlightened us to all the snal{e genera of North Amerioa other than Elaphe, Lampropeltis and Pituophis. Naybe not all of them, but it sure seemed like it! This was based on a program presented by John Rossi and Jeff did a splendid job reoapping it. For someone who olaimed he took no notes, the information he gave was exoellent.

Bill Noss spoke last and did his talk on (who would have thought!) monitor lizards. Bill explained how if your serious about breeding these animals (at least the larger speoimens), you are going to need ample oage spaoe. Though many varanids are maintained in oaptivity, only a mini soule number have been bred. Bill also entertained us with a humorous story about how one of the IHS partioipants was oreeping up very olose to get a photograph of an eastern diamondbaok rattlesnake that they saw. This guy was even trying to ~oare it out of the bushes to get oloser to it! While he was doing this another photographer had his oamera trained on the first photographer intent on getting footage of him as he was bitten. Luokily he wasn't.

All in all .it was an enjoyable and informative evening. IHS is a very diverSified symposium. Through these mernbers reoolleotions and oritiques, we were all able to share a part of it.


IHS CONFERENCE REVIEW by Gloria Anton

IHS CONFERENCE - BRIEF REVIEWS

Ungaliophis continental is (Guatemalan Dwarf Boa) and Ungaliophis panamensis (Panamanian Dwarf Boa) - Hugh Blake, Zookeeper, Houston Zoo

Hugh gave a very informative talk on and showed some beautiful slides of these two tiny boas. The adult females range in size from 12" to 18", the males are smaller. There is no sexual dimorphism. They come from the upper altitude montaine forests (this means cool, folks) and are nocturnal. Houston has been successful at breeding by cycling the animals 10 F cooler in February and March. During that time they are misted 5 days a week for two weeks - misting seems to stimulate copulation. Gestation is about 6 months and the babies are 2" (yep, that's two inches). They seem to start well on amphibians. (Another observation - it was noted that one of the females seemed to coil vertically around the male during copulation, creating a tall cone shape. Upon closer observation it was found that she was actually eating the male, and was hastily separated.)

Husbandry & Natural History of the Goliath Frog, Conrana goliath - Ray Pawley, Curator of Reptiles, Chicago Zoological Park

Ray is a wonderful speaker, with many years of experiences to whet our appetites for adventure. The Goliath Frog comes from Western Cameroon in Africa. It is found primarily in the pools below rapids and waterfalls; these are areas of "white noise" (the constant noise made by water rushing over rocks). They are extremely shy, nervous animals.

CZP has successfully kept Goliaths by following special procedures. the frogs.

The enclosure is set up in advance of receiving Cool mist nebulizers are set up to run 3/4 of

the day, and there is a 10 F temperature fluctuation in.a 24 hour period (70 - 80 in winter, 75 - 85 in summer). The nebulizers enhance gas exchange, and may play an important part role in recovery of stressed or exhausted animals. Because the skin of the frog is looked upon as a giant lung, the surface to volume ratio of the cage may actually limit the size of the animal. The enclosure is 2 - 3 meters cubed


and opens from the top. Jump deflectors (weighted plastic curtains that hang down from the top of the cage to the floor under water) keep the animals from hitting the walls. A waterfall is provided in the corner of the tank which approximates the "white noise,r of the wild, along with an

artificial "bank". A large branch is submerged for a hiding place under water.

The staff has a "hands off" policy - the frogs go from

shipping box to their permanent enclosure, with no weighing,

force feeding, or handling of any type. Maintenance is done daily from the top and sequential procedures are followed by all keepers. When the frogs are startled, they exhibit explosive behavior - they jump forward and then propel themselves just as forcefully in reverse. After the animals are settled in, the curtains are removed. They will generally eat anything. Although we often look towards making OUr animals comfortable, Ray suggested that comfortability may generate other problems, such as combative behavior.

HERP Crickets are animals that Il are what they eat". They are primarily made of keratin and have little or no nutritive value on their own. Because of this, we do what's

called "gut-loading" - we make the cricket a valuable food source by feeding it a valuable food. If a cricket eats a carrot, it "becomes" that carrot or at least the vitamins and minerals that make up a carrot. Carrots are not necessarily high in protein, so they may not be the best food source for an animal that needs proteins. Hence the reason for feeding "high protein cricket meal" or other quality meal-type foods. You have to remember, however, that whatever a cricket eats will pass through its system within 48 hours, so crickets that are not going to be eaten. within that time should be fed additional supplements until they are consumed.

Many people also suggest dusting crickets with vitamin powders. This works on a very short term basis - crickets can clean the vitamins off of their bodies within an hour.


MRS PICNIC WRAPUP

The MHS picinic was a great success this year with approximately 40 people attending. People were coming and going throughout the day with most congregating around meal time (no real surprise there). As with most picnics, the constant flow of conversation and discussion was interrupted, on occasion, by the Minnesota state bird (mosquitoes). The weather was also predictable starting out with the threat of severe thunderstorms. Fortunately nothing more then a few sprinkles materialized. An M.H.S. picnic wouldn't be the same without some salt and pepper weather.

As the afternoon proceeded, the sun was seen more frequently through the overcast sky. When thus lightened, the surrounding trees graciously allowed some stray sunbeams to light a turtle pen brought by our President. This fortunate luxury allowed our shelled friends to bask and to spend their time practicing new escape tactics.

The field of competition was hot as the many chelonians readied for their big event, The Turtle Race! The spectators and owners formed a circle after naming their favorite racer. Then all waited anxiously; while yours truly prepared the contestants by putting them in the starting box at the circles' center. As the box was lifted the first furious heat began!

The first race found a juvenile Painted raced by Jodi Aherns coming in first, a Chinese Box of Greg Kvanbek a close second while it unerringly heading south to its owner, and a Reeves of Brandon Delles coming in third.

Heat number two found the same afore mentioned Reeves in first, crossing the line in a speedy 1 :03 minutes. A Pancake Tortoise of Donna Calander second, and the erstwhile Chinese of Greg's pulled in a well aimed third.

The third heat once again found the incredible south seeking miSSile of the Chinese plaCing, this time first in a blistering 54 seconds; while an Ornate of one Chase Delles took second. A Red-eared picked by Mario Amaya pulling in third (Mario was a visitor with the infamous Levell gang from Chicago).

Lastly, the finals began with top two placers from each heat entering. The intense competition brought out the best in our proud chelonians with the Reeves capturing an incredible first almost in flames as it screamed across the line in only 48 seconds! The Chinese was blistering his heels, however, in a close second at 57 seconds. Lastly the surprise newcomer who took first in the heat number one, the incredible Painted of Jodi Aherns, managed a respectable third at 1 :04 minutes.

The only disappointment was a darkhorse brought by our Vice President and famous herper, John Levell. He had the ill luck to sponsor this "Mystery Mud" turtle whose only race was to see how fast he could withdraw into his shell!

The prize for the first place winners of each heat was a genuine turtle bowl with a booby prize of two bowls going to John. The turtle bowls were brought by Member at Large, Bill Moss. To the grand prize winner of the finals a jar of "Reptivite" will be presented at the August meeting.

Special thanks to George Richard for timing the races. Next year the picnic is most likely to be in St. Paul (providing I'm organizing it). One of the suggestions

I've had is Battle Creek park, if anyone has any other suggestions please let me know. The picnic was, and always has been, good family fun. So, if you can, please plan on attending next year, I know I will be!!

RANDY E BLASUS


HFY I Herpetological For Your Information

HFYI is a listing of herp related information, products, trips, expeditions, classes and other items of interest for herp enthusiasts.

NEW PRODUCTS

New reptile information newspaper called REPTCYCLER by experienced herpetologists and educators, subscription is $12.00 and comes out quarterly. Write: REPTCYCLER, P.O. Box 8187, La Crescenta, CA 91224-8187, or fax (818) 957-7784. MHS will be looking at getting this for the library on a newsletter exchange.

The Ophidian Herpetological Network is a computer bulletin board for herp enthusiasts. 300-2400 BPS, 24 hours, 8+N+1 Phone (602) 468-9860.

HERP-NET BBS, is a computer bulletin board with the subject of herpetology as the main interest. Contributors are from allover the country. All you need to participate is a computer, a modem and communication software. The #'s are (215) 698-1905 - for 9600 baud or higher and (215) 464-3562 for 2400 baud modems. If you have questions you can call Bill Moss at 488-1383 and he'll try to get you set up.

MHS has receive an interesting price list from Vida Preciosa International run by Dave and Tracy Barker of Boerne, TX. The price list contains a large assortment of captive born pythons from ringed pythons to jungle carpets. The list also contains an assortment of produ~ts from BJ Specialties run by Bob and Dea Barker in Columbia, MO, including pinkie pumps, feeders, restraining tubes, etc. Call (314) 442-8558 for BJ Specialties price list or (210) 537-5000 for VPI price list.

ARTICLES

On the following page is an article of interest that was clipped from the Wall Street Journal, 7/8/93.

~NEWSLETTER VOLUME XIII NUMBER 8 Page 10

Imagine if We Lost The Horned Lizard Or the Crested Toad WtUf~ ~-7/'ifl?3

Animals With Scales and Slime Find Rabid New Friends Among Environmentalists ,

By ROBERT JOHNSON Staff Reporter 0/ Tmc WALL STREET JOURNAL

ODESSA, Texas-Enough about pandas and seal pups; save the horned lizard, Rescue the rattiesnake, Find a place in the sun for the desert tortoise and a piece of earth - thick mud wilLdo - for the crested toad.

This is a movement more brown than green, more for iow-down species living under rocks than things furry and cute,

Scores of creatures you thought only Noah could love - some poisonous and one that squirts blood from Its eyes - are becoming the focus of unlikely preservationist groups.

Out on a Jeep trail in an abandoned 011 lIeld, Wendy Donaldson, vice president of the 300-member Horned Lizard Conservatlon Society, seeks just the right habitat for her favorite animal. Home Among Shriveled Cactuses

"Nothing but sand, ants andheat-perfeci," says the 24-year-old zoologist, She gently lifts her live-Inch friend - a triceratops dinosaur look-alike In mlnlaturefrom a cardboard box -and puts It down on the barren earth, Set free, he darts away under a shriveled cactus.

To some, such critters might seem the ieast likely animals for rescue from possible extinction. Certainly their hUman champions aren't chasers of classic ecological causes.

"I'll probably never see a rain forest," says Tom Dodson, who lives at the edge of the Mojave Desett In Colifornia. Mr. Dodson's mission, as a member of the Desert Tortoise Preserve Committee. is mostly to stop ranch sheep from wandering to a nearby desert refuge, where slow-mov· ing reptiles couid be trampled.

The plight of the world's scalier varieties, animals that don't have big sad eyes

and aren't models for babies' bedtime toys, didn't much Interest the environmental crowd until lately, Says Gordon Gallup, a State University of New York psychologist who has studied people's attitudes toward animals, "I think some people get tired of saving the same old whales; they want something new to light for."

Boosters of unhandsome beaslles real· ize that their call has decidedly limited appeal. Bob Johnson, head of the 30-member Puerto Rican Crested Toad Species Survival Plan. concedes. "Keeping a warty toad alive is a thankless task."

But Dr. Johnson, who Is curator of amphibians and reptiles at the Toronto zoo, says there is only one pond in Puerto Rico where his preferred toad stili lives. Thus, he is supervising the breeding of 12,000 crested toad tadpoles destined for the island.

None of the world's other 5,000 or so types of toads is a substitute for the Puerto Rican crested, insists Dr, Johnson, "The average person might say, well, it's just another toad. But fortunately there are a few crested toad lovers who appreciate its large bony ridges above the eyes and the upturned snout."

The Venomous Snake Society's members admit that theirs too is an-acquired taste. Those bUten by this odd interest refer to their group as V.S.S. - to rhyme with hiss. Says Gene ~lulleneaux. one of the 250·member. Arizona-based group, "When I walk down the street in my ratttesnake T-shirt, people iaugh at me and say, 'Come out to my place and take all the snakes you want: "

Yet. four species of rattlesnake - the ridge-nosed, the banded-rock, the twinspotted' and the Massasauga - are rare enough that they are protect~d under Arizona law. And the viper cilque is out to persuade people that the snakes have a good side. A Lizard's Leading Role

Consider this: "A big rattier will eat up to 500 rats a year," says Tom Marcellino. president of the society and an airline reservations supervisor in Tempe. Ariz. In his time off, Mr, Marcellino voluntarily "relocates" 15 to 30 rattlers per year frotTI yards and houses in the area. "Rattle· snakes are really shy and much-rna· iigned," he·says.

To be sure, snakebites on average kill about 15 people a year in the U.S_ But Mr. Marcellino says, defensively, "Most of those peopie are trying to kilt the snake."

As for horned lizards, facetiously called "horny toads" by many Texans, they are occasionally captured as conversation pieces. This is, after all, the "monster" that played opposite Jill St. John in Irwin Allen's 1960 science-fiction film, "The Lost World."

MRS NEWSLETTER VOLUME XIII NUMBER 8

The horned lizard has almost disappeared in much of Texas during the last two decades, and scientists aren't sure why. Some peopie like to show off the fierce-looking but harmless reptiles in terrariums. But because they need a diet" of 200 ants a day to survive, captivity by neglectful owners often proves fatal. The lizard's dwindling numbers recently prompted the Texas parks and Wltdlife Department to list it as an endangered species.

Law-abiding citizens are supposed to surrender their illegal reptiles, which then are handed over to Ms. Donaldson. Her conservation group has returned 15 horned lizards to the wild during the last year. Learning From Lizard Chips

Why all the fuss? "If the horned lizard. which lives on ants, almost no water and makes a home by just throwing a little dirt on itself, is dying off, we need to know why. The answers may help save the rest of us," says Ms. Donaidson, sipping water from a canteen.

Sporting black jeans, boots, T-shirt and a severely-short punk haircut, she peers across the hood of a dusty Jeep at the forbidding spot where she has just released the horned lizard. This West Texas patch of stunted thorn and weed I~ the neighborhood from which her specimen was previously taken by law-abiding tourists who returned it to authorities.

Ms. Donaldson measures the site's air and soil for environmental clues. Then she sifts a handful of dIrt and finds a pieasing surprise, a thimbie-sized chip. It is a whip lizard dropping.

A speedy, black breed, the whip lizard is believed to compete for food with the slower horned lizard. Dissecting the dung pellet on the hood of her Jeep, she finds partIcles of a grasshopper's body, but no ant remains. "Good, looks like the whip lizards can be happy ieaving the ants around here to the horned lizards."

So little did scientists know about the horned lizard· that it was thought until recently to be a myth that the creature could spray a stream of biood from its eyes at predators. But some months ago Ms. Donaldson's researchers saw a lizard shooting biood. Horned lizards, it seems, have extraordinary control of blood vessels around their eyes. Moreover, their blood may contain special defensive enzymes. But, to date, researchers haven't been able to recreate this defensive behavior in the lab.

Such investigations, however. are beside the point to many members of the Horned Lizard Conservation Society. "We're just fanatical about lizards," says Bill Davis, a nursing assistant in Austin. "Once you stroke the soft tummy of a horny lizard," adds Mr. Davis, "nothing else comes close."

Page 11

A New. Extensively Color-Illustrated Bookfrom SSAR

HERPETOLOGY OF CHINA by Er-mi Zhao and Kraig Adler

C HINA. WITH 661 SPECIES OF AM

phibians and reptiles in 164 genera and 34 fantilies. possesses one of the largest and most diverse herpetofaunas of any country. and it occupies a strategic geographic position. as it bridges the Oriental and Palaearctic biogeographic zones. Despite the size and relative importance of China's

'-"-____ -' herpetofauna. however. there is no existing work-in Chinese or in any other language-that comprehensively reviews all recognized species. until now.

The purpose of this new. 500-page book. written in English by Er-mi Zhao (Chengdu Institute of Biology) and Kraig Adler (Cornell University). is to summarize the current taxonomic status and distribution of all Chinese species. The geographic coverage includes all of mainland China, plus Macao, Hong Kong, Hainan. and Taiwan.

Table of Contents

History of Herpetological Swdies in China Illustrated Keys to Chinese Amphibians and Reptiles

Annotated Checklist of Genera, Species. WId Subspecies (ineluding synonymies)

Distribution of Chinese Amphibians and Reptiles (including charts of distribution by province)

Annotated Bibliography (colllaiJling 1825 references) Appendices (gazetteer of localities; collecting and

preserving techniques; Chinese herpetological journals)

Indices to Names of Authors and to Scientific Names

The book contains 48 COLOR PLATES (371 individual photographs of animals and habitats). including all genera WId 330 species. Due to the high cost of producing extensively color-illustrated works. this book will be issued in a relatively small edition, a significant part of which is destined for scientists and libraries in China and East Asia.

Specifications: 505 pages. 1 color frontispiece. 72 portraits of herpetologists. 14 other photographs. 24 charts of species distribution. 30textfigures, 4 maps (1 foldout). and 48 color plates. Clothbound in library-grade buckram. 7 x lO-inch format (18 x 25.5 cm). To be published November 1993.

MHS NEWSLETTER VOLUME XIII NUMBER 8

• ALSO AVAILABLE:

AllIGATORS IN CHINA, BY A.-&FAUVEL.

! A facsimile reprint of the original description of the : Chinese alligator (Alligator sinellSis), published privately i in Shanghai in 1879. Includes classical history and leg-i ends. natural history, technical description, and literature i review; 42 pages. 3 plates. 6 x 9-inch format (15 x23cm);

Send Orders To: SSAR Publications Secretary. RobertD. Aldridge, Depattrnent of Biology. St. Louis University. St. Louis, Missouri 63103. USA (telepho1le 314-658-3900 or -3916; fax 314-658-3117). Make checks payable to "SSAR"; receipt semon request only. Overseas orders must bepaidin USA funds. Ordersmaybechargedto MasterCard or VISA (account number and expiration date required); a 6.1 % bank charge will be added. Price list of SSAR publications and membership application available on request.

ZHAO AND ADLER: HERPETOLOGY OF CmNA

• Price to SSAR members before 1 November 1993 .. $50 • Price to Institutions and Non-members ......... $60 (Postage: Add $2 in USA, add $4 for other countries.)

FAUVEL: ALLIGATORS IN CHINA

• Single booklet. postpaid (worldwide) ........... $6

Page 12

MHS BLAST FROM THE PAST by Michele Stillinger

MHS Blast From The Past is a look back on the past accomplishments and contributions of MHS members.

This month I decided to reprint a·valuable article by member Jim Gerholdt. It first appeared in the MHS newsletter Volume II number 1. Hands-on participants will also find this article helpful. Enjoy!


PROPER HANDLING OF HERPS

by

Jim Gerholdt

The most important thing to remember when handling any form of herp is safety. This includes the safety of the ~nimal as well as that of the handler. A severely traumatized animal Is no better than a severely traumatized handler. Even an aggressive animal can be safely and gently handled if the proper tools and procedures are used.

Amphibians can be merely grasped and held with one hand. Larger species may require the use of both hands. A dip net is a useful tool for capture. Remember to control the entire animal so that it cannot injure itself in its efforts to escape.

Lizards can usually also be grasped and held with one hand. Larger species will require the use of both hands, one to control ,the head, and the other to control the hind legs. The claws of a large lizard such as a Green Iguana,can cause serious wounds. The tail of an Iguana should also be controlled, as it can raise some nasty welts if it is allowed to whip back and forth. Be extremely careful of the tail of many lizards. Many, like the skinks, can discard it easily. It will grow back, but will never look quite the same. A good technique for handling skinks is to cover the entire animal quickly with one hand, then locate the head. Once the head is found, a firm grip behind it will protect both the handler and the tail. Lizards such as the Six Lined Racerunner are best captured with a noose.

Turtles can generally be handled with no problem. Soft Shells and Snappers are an exception. Soft Shells can be grasped with one or both hands at the rear of the shell. Be wary of the head, as it has an extremely long reach. Small Snappers can be handled by the tail, while larger ones should be grasped by a hind leg. Again, be wary of the head. A front and rear shell hold may be necessary for large examples of both types. In this technique, the hand grasping the front of the shell is used to control the head.

Snakes will present the most problems in handling. They are strong and agile, and a large non venomous snake can inflict a serious wound on the handler. It may itself be injured ~y the handler. Always remember that 'a firm grip i~ not the same as a death grip.

Small, harmless species ~an simply be grasped and picked up. Most won't bite, and if they do will rarely break the skin. Once they have been picked up, many will "hold" you. Even a snake that has just tried to bite will settle down if you let it "hold" you. Always give full support to the body. Remember that some species are great bluffers. What may seem to be aggressive behavior may be only an act.


MUS ADOPTION PROCEDURE QUESTIONEER

(please fill out and mail in. Your input is important to help decide a new adoption program.) Thank youl

Have you ever adopted any herps at the general meeting?

Do you think the current adoption procedures are adequate?

Should animals be adopted out at the meetings? ----------------____________ ___

Do you feel out of state members or members who can't make meetings should have access to adopting animals? Should we ship animals?

Would you be willing to pay a small fee to adopt animals?

Do you have any suggestions to help change or run current adoption procedures?

MRS Editor 234 west George St. St. Paul, MN 55107

Handling a large aggressive snake free hand may be as simple as feinting with one hand and making a quick grab with the other. A firm grip behind the head and support of the body complete the job. Another technique is to grasp the snake by the tail, and sling the head between your legs. The body is then slowly pulled out until a safe grip can be secured. This is not recommended if you are wearing shorts!

The handling job is made much easier with the aid of a tool of some sort. The best all around tool is a hook. These are available commercially or can be home made. A noose pole may also be a useful tool. Tongs should never be used! They present too great a risk to the snake! A properly used hook is safe for both the handler and the handled. It may be used to control the head while the tail is grasped with the other hand, or merely to pick the snake up. This is done by sliding the hook under the snake at mid body, and lifting it. It may take a few tries before the snake clings to the hook. Once it does, it may be easily and gently moved. A hook may also be used to pin the head down to secure a safe grip. This should be done only if absolutely necessary, and if done at all should be done gently. Once the head is pinned down a safe grip may be secured behind the head. Again, a safe firm grip and a death grip are not the same.

Moving on to venomous species a good rule of thumb is this: unless jou feel comfortable with non venomous species, leave the venomous ones alone! The lift and pin techniques described above are also used for these animals. Another technique that has recently come into broad use is that of tubing. The snake is steered into the open end of a clear piece of plastic tubing with the aid of a hook. Once partly inside, the snake is grasped along with the tube. One end of the tube may be closed, or may have slits cut into it. This is useful if eyecaps need to be removed. This is also an effective way to give injections. While it may take a while to maneuver the snake into the tube, any time lost will be offset by the total lack of trauma to both the snake and the handler. Squeeze boxes may also be used to control venomous species.

In closing, always remdmber that the animal to be handled and the handler should be afforded the same courtesy. If you don't feel comfortable, neither will the animal. For further information and illustrations, see Conant (1975) and Fowler (1978).

References:

Conant, Roger. 1975. A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America.

Fowler, Murray E. 1978. Restraint and Handling of Wild and Domestic Animals.


ARTICLE by Tom Jessen

TALES OF HINNESOTA HERPS

Contributor: Tom Jessen

Well, no cartoon this month. Too lazy! I did however come across this ancient tale of field herpetology from the 1760's.

Jonathan Carver was one of the earliest English explorers of this area and his accounts of reptile life of the Great Lakes and Mississippi River region make for some fascinating reading. These stories are especially interesting to me personally, for in the past two months I have encountered a wild timber rattlesnake and a rather boisterous red-phased eastern hog-nose snake, both in the river valley of S.E. Hinnesota.

One sad note, in all my travels in southwest Hinnesota, I have never come across a buffalo snake. This and the fact that there have been very few sightings recently and no known offioial documentation, I am forced to conclude tl1at the speoies has been extirpated from the area. Maybe this is a good thing!? You decide.

It would appear that Miohele's onery typewriter has met its match and cannot oompare to the way Ca]'ver mangles the written english language!

Enjoy! !

Tom Jessen CT.J)

The following is taken from The Journal of Jonathan Carver and Related Documents, 1766-1770, edited by John Parker. It is pubiished by the Minnesota Historical Society, st. Paul, HN 55101.


CARVER'S MANUSCRIPT JOURNALS

The land about Lake Erie is very good for sestlement and a very pleasant country and nothing can make it so disagreable as the multiplicity of snakes of several sorts. The most numerous is the water snake which tho pretty common through all the setled provinces yet are found no where in such numbers as at this place. They are frequently seen in the middle of the day lying coild up on the leaves of water lillies, which are near a foot broad and rest on the surface of the water' and are so close to each other that in many places they cover the water for several acres together; and on these I have seen such multitudes of these snakes that the whole surface of the water for some distance appeard quite black. These water snakes when grown are about as large in the middle as a man's ankle and are about two feet and half in length, of a brown colour interspersd with rows of spots of a yellowish shade about the bigness of an English shilling in the middle lessoning toward each end in proportion with the different sizes o"f the snake. I never heard that this snake was ever esteemed poisonous and whenever people approach them they appear shy and run into the water. ll

The rattle snakes here which are very numerous are not at all different from those in the provinces or other parts of America. However, as not all my readers may have seen a particular discription of this reptile I shall give a particular discription of them. This snake when grown to its common size is about four feet in length and about eight inches in circumference in the middle, tapering to the neck which is no larger then a man's middle finger. The head is wider on each side but not thicker then the neck perpendicular wise. In his upper and under jaws are small teeth sam thing resembling those in a small fish, but in the forepart of its upper jaw are two teeth much longer then the rest very much like the claws of a cat, and like those will either project in an erect posture when he is about to bite which he does by letting fall his under jaw, or contract them under a thin sort of a flimsey skin which nature seems to have provided. For they. bite not their food with these teeth; if they did it would prove as fatal to them as to any other animal. They have a small bag full of mortal venom which they emit at the same time that their teeth touches or enters what they bite. This I have frequently seen when I have vexd them and made them bite at a rag fastened


to the end of a stick. They emit their poison through a hollow 'place in their teeth. This is only seen when the tooth has been dryd for some months for I have lookd on purpose when they were first killed but could not see any such thing. This poison is of a dirtyish green colour. From their middle to their tails it tapers tq the bigness of a man's little finger where begins their rattles by pairs of a dry callous substance increasing one every year, the first partly covering the second which seems 100s1y riveted in to the first; tho one of these is added every year, yet the number they are found with gives no certaintY of their age for they frequently lose some of them. I have found them with fourteen which takes up about four inches in length. There appear to be two sorts of these snakes, the one commonly are called the black the other the yallow sort. The poison of the yallow sort is esteemd the most mortal, but whether really so or not I cannot say. Those of the black sort have from one end to the other rows of yallish spots about ye bigness of a shilling with a shade of a purplish colour beautifully mixed. The yallow sort have spots in the same manner of a dark purple on one side of the spots which decreases to a yallow except the edges of the spots are intirely of a darkish cast. Each colour by changing its position to the light shades different. These are very beautifui,12

The rattle snake when he is disturbd imediatly coils himself into a round heap with his head prominent in the middle with a few inches of his tail and rattles perpendicular, which with a sort of a quick trembling motion he makes a noise which may with attention be heard more than a score rods. This is frequently a sufficient warning to the unwary traveller and he either kills or shuns the venomous reptile. The different seasons of the weather very much effect this snake, & his bite is very venomous in the dog days, but when the weather is but moderatly warm he rather appears harmless and will endeavour to get out of the way.

The poison of this snake is more or less venomous not only to all human beings but to every sort of beast, the hog only excepted. This annimal that live where rattle snakes are frequently found eat them of choice and when bit will not regard it more then the bite of one of their own kind, nay they will rather hunt after them for their food. I flung a large old one for curiosity's

11 On the watersnake. lIatrix siptdon illsll/anlm, see Albert H .• nd Anna A. Wright, Handbook of SlIakes of tht United States and Canada, I: 529-535 (Ithaca, N.Y., 1957).


sake among a drove of hogs. Each one strove for a bit as if it had been their natural food. I observed one who eat the head eagerly without being in the least effectd. If the head of the rattle snake be cut offin the forenoon 'tis common for life to remain in him til sun sett. Their galls taken out and mixd with powdered chalk and made up into balls are sold to the apothecaries and are esteemd very good and cooling in fevers, especially with children. 'Tis observed that the rattle snake is the most docile of all serpents. In winter they den in holes in the rocks and remain thro that season in a state of inactivity and stupifaction. As to their food or whether they eat anything during this time is a matter of uncertainty as yet.

There is another snake about Lake Erie which I have never seen anywhere else. These are calld the hissing snake, are about twenty inches in length, speckled with small yallow and purple spots with some faint appearance of stripes of a yallow and purplish colours. These snakes are about three inches in circumference round the middle. Their way of emiting their poison is in this manner: when they are vexd they will fiat their heads and necks for several inches long and near two inches in bredth, & at the same time make a sort of hissing, belching out a most unsavory smell, which if a person at the leeward takes full in his breath is immediately taken into a decline which carries him off in a few months. 13

There is another snake about this lake that I have never yet seen anywhere else. This appears to be somthing of the species of the black snake and differs from them only by being somwhat larger and its belly of a scarlet or red colour. I killd several which I measured about seven feet or upwards in length and about six inches in circumference in the middle. I never heard that these were any way poisonous.)

t2 Carver's description here and below is reasonably accurate. Wright and Wright, HalJdbook oj SlJakes, 2; 957, note two color phases, yellow ,and blac~, for the rattlesnake (rotalus horridlls IlOrridus, but indicate no difference In the pOIsonous quality of their v'enom, On its use for a great variety ofmedi~inal purposes in the 19th century, hogs, and the gravity of the snake's bite mentloned below, see Laurence M, Klauber, RattleSllakes, Their Habits, Life His/aries, and [n.fiumet o,n Mankind, 2: 790-796, 822-825, 1038-1040 (Berkeley and Los Ang,eles, 1956), Th~s author concluded that the venom now "has no recognized place In regular medIcal practice," that hogs are not immune but are protected by, the,ir tough hides and layers of fat which prevent the venom from entering theIr CIrculatory systems, and that the variation in the gravity of the bite is not affected by climate, although the snake is generally more active in warm weather,


OCTOBER 4, 1766. This day passd the upper town of the Winebagoes where more of this nation joynd who were bound for the Ouisconsin. This viJIage is but very small containing eight or ten hutts on the south side of a small lake [Puckaway]. This withal! other Indian towns is laid down in the (general) map.

OCTOBER II, 1766. Arrivd at the Great Carrying Place between the Sax's [Fox 1 River and the Ouisconsin. This portage wants a little of being two miles from one of these rivers to the other. One half of the way is a marsh which makes the carriage much more difficult. The other part is very good going, being a sort of an oak plain. (The Sax River from the Winebaygoe Lake upwards has many windings and turnings, some places a hard current but no rapids. Its length about 200 [175] miles in its course, the breadth from five yards at the carrying place to forty rods where it falls into the bay.) .

The country on the Sacks Riv~r is very good land and appears to me the best for grass I ever saw. Thousands of acres of grass as high as a middle sized man's head, and so very thick one could hardly walk through it. The uplands have but very few trees, of oak and hickory and some maple, in some places a few pines. The country about this carrying place begins to be somthing mountainous which were the first mountains I had seen since I left Niagara. (Perhaps this is the highest ground on this course between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and no mountain appears between this and Niagara. )51

Here are abundance of rattlesnakes many of which the Indians that pass this way take and make them surprizingly tame even so as to carry them in their bosoms and to come and go when bid. ([They] are in no ways different from those of other parts in America. If they are tamd here more then in other parts of America 'tis owing to the extraordinary pains the Indians take with them more than else where.) The Indians in these parts look upon the rattlesnake as a manatue or god for which reason they seldom kill any, where ever they find them, either in dens or fields (or if they do they say they shall have bad luck after it and be unsuccessful! both in war and hunting.

13 Wright and Wright, Handbook of Snakes, 1:306-310, identified the hissing sn~ke or spreading adder as heterodon platyrhinos platyrhinos, but did not mention pOisonous breath, which was perhaps a frontier legend. The snake described in the paragraph below is the red-bellied or copper-bellied watersnake, natrix erythrog(Uler eryrhrogaster; Wright and Wright. Handbook of Snakes, I: 477.


(The following story of the rattle snake may be mentioned if the corrector for 'the press thinks proper. A Frenchman told me that some years ago he was passing this way in company with an Indian of the Menomonys, he at that time having brought a rattle snake with him in a box to this carrying place. It being then late in the fall of the year, the Indian was telling the Frenchman that as he was going to his winter .hunt he designed to leave his grandfather, for so he cald the snake, at that place till he returnd in the spring and then designd to call for him again. The French man told him that he would never see him any more. The Indian replyd that he would lay a wager of several gallons of rum that on their return in such a moon in the spring within eight days after their arrival that his grandfather would come and enter the box of his own accord. The French man took him up. After the winter was over they both returnd to the place at the time appointed and waited the number of days mentioned in the wager. The snake did not come. The Indian acknowledged that he had lost the wager, but said he would double it ifhe did not come in four days more, which was agreed upon. The last of the four days in the afternoon the snake came and crawld into the box as knowing his former habitation.)s2

51 The mountains arc the Baraboo Range. Carver wa. here crossing the divide between the Great Lakes and Mississippi watersheds.

S2 Travels, 43. gave an expanded version of this story and identified the author as "Mons. Pinnisance. a French trader." whom Peter Pond met 7 years later at Portage, under the name "Old Pinneshon." Pond considered that Carver was greatly "Imposed apon" concerning the rattlesnake. See Pond, in Gates, ed., Five Fllr Traders, 38. The fact that Carver wrote the story. crossed it out. and then left it up to his editor ·to decide whether it should go into the published version may indicate that he also had some doubts about it.


The Naudowessee have made the figure of a serpent of a monsterous shape and size which they call Talllongo Omlishco which signifies in English the buffeloe snake,82 it having horns (and four feet and claws like a bear) they say 'tis three fathoms long near as big round as a buff aloe with a black head and tail; tHe middle from neck to tail is red having somthing like fins on the back. The chief of the warriours of the Mottobauntoway band 83 who was my particular friend told me he saw one of

,

Carver's sketch of the blif.falo snake from Versioll IV.

these serpents on the plains with a young one which was in the crotch of a large tree by which he supposd that the old ones often climb up on the trees. The figure of this serpent I have annexd to this journal.

82 Figures outtined in boulders are known to have existed in Murray County, Minn. Among them was a buffalo with "two lines (trails) of small stones 2 '12 feet asunder and running toward what has apparently been a stone heap or cairn," according to Theodore H. Lewis·, in Winchell, Aborigines, 107. See also A.borigines, 199, for recorded mounds and piled stones in the Swan Lake area, where Carver may have wintered (p. 17, above). It is interesting to note that the name of the chief, Ottahtongoomlishcah, in Tral'e/s, )80 (spelled OtohtongoomIisheaw on the Carver grant), is similar to that given here for "buffalo snake." In 1867 an investigator of Carvers Cave reported finding an Indian petroglyph of a snake there; he suggested that this was the "autograph" of OttahtongoomIishcah. See St. Palll Pioi,eer, January )1, 1867. On the etymology, sec Appendix 2,J14, 27,75, below.


UPCOMING HERPETOLOGICAL EVENTS

Upcoming herpetological Events is a listing of herp related conferences, symposiums, shows, lectures, classes, and local MHS hands on events.

QUICK VIEfiI

September 93 October 93 Nov. & Dec. 93

* International Expo * MHS Holiday Party

* East TX conf & expo San Diego 10/2 - 3 12/4 9/10 - 12 * Midwest COnference

* Mid Atlantic show * Renaissance Festival Des Moines 10/22 - 24

8/14 - 9/26

CONFERENCES & SYMPOSIUMS

The East Texas Herp Soc. conference and expo will be held on September 10th-12th at the Sheraton Astrodome in Houston, TX. Speakers include: David Lazcano, Bob Sears, Joe Branham, Ron Markel, Dr. James Jarchow, Dr. Gary Ferguson, Paul Freed, Dan Johnson, Dr. Tim Tytle, and Stephen H. Hammack. Keynote speaker: David Barker, Pythons of the World. Events include behind the scenes tour of the Houston Zoo, auction, buffet, exhibits, and breeders expo/sale. Registration ranges from $20 to $40, rooms are $65. Sheraton: (1-800-627-6461). For info contact David Doherty at (713) 367-4963 or Russ Walker at (409) 594-5554.

See Registration forms in this issue for the 9TH ANNUAL MIDWESTERN HERPETOLOGICAL CONFERENCE in Des Moines, Iowa.

EXPOS & SHOWS

The Mid Atlantic Reptile Show, sponsored by the Maryland Herp Soc. is on Sept. 25 - 26th in Baltimore. Keynote speaker: Dr. Roger Conant. Admission is $10. Hotel reservations (mention show for discount) call 1-800-228-9290 at the Marriott's Hunt Valley Inn. Proceeds purchase rain forest through the Ecosystem Survival Plan.

The 2nd Annual International Reptile Breeder's Convention will be held on October 2 - 3rd in San Diego. Admission $6.50, includes: icebreaker, slide show, Keynote speaker John Andy Phillips, San Diego Zoo, show and sales. Hotel Reservations: Bristol Court Hotel, (1-800-662-4477).

MHS EVENTS

Renaissance Festival: August 14th - September 26th. This is a great time, dressing up in costumes and acting crazy! Festival runs on Saturdays and Sundays, shifts are four hours long. Costumes are available or create your own, costume guide is available. After your shift you can roam the festival grounds and see the shows, crafts, etc. Your admission is free! Call Michele Stillinger for details and to sign up. Space goes fast, we only get so many passes a day so call right away if your interested. (224-7212).


MHS Classified Ads

All proceeds from the sales of MHS merchandise and donated items goes towards the operating costs of the society such as; speaker fees, books for the library, herp related charitable donations, newsletter printing, etc. MHS is a non -profit organization and is volunteer run.

Rat and Mice Sales

MICE

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

RATS

Pups - $10.00 doz. Ad ults - $12.00 for six

$24.00 doz.

Orders taken by Terry Scheiber only! Must be made at least one week before the general meeting where they will be delivered.

Phone: (612) 440-7482

***** Mice and rats must be purchased by the dozen except for adult rats which can be purchase in allotments of six. Rat pinkies unavailable. ***** Cage Sales

Cages come pre-built but unfinished with the following; laminate interior, hinged mitered door, glass window, latch, incandescent light fixture and cord. A 7.5 watt bulb will be included. Some cages are available for immediate purchase at the meetings.

*** MHS does not take responsibility for any injuries to animal if purchaser uses a higher wattage bulb or other hardware. *** Specifications 1 x w x h

small: 24 x 18 x 12 $ 50 large: 48 x 18 x 18 $ 75

MHS also offers an assortment of other general meeting. These include:

Books T-shirts Posters Note cards

herp related items for sale at the

MHS stickers MHS buttons Assorted Donated items

Look for sales of MHS merchandise and items at the far right hand side of the meeting room .. Items will be for sale during the break and before and after the meeting if time permits. Please have sales final before the meeting begins so as not to disrupt the meeting proceedings.

The new MHS T-SHIRTS are now in!! And they look great. They have a multi colored dart frog on the front of a white shirt and our logo on the sleeve. The shirt is 100% preshrunk cotton. Sizes are in kids and adults. Price is $12.00.


CLASSIfIED ADS iii 1.0.0 ' male, 0.1.0 ' female, 0.0.1 ' unknown

fOK SALK:

1.0 Sonoran gopher snake, $~O., . 0.0.1 savanah monitor, 3 ft., $100.00. Call Jodi at 552-15~5.

1.1 Burmese pythons, both 8 ft. $~OO.OO pro or best offer. 1.1 Peruvian red-tailed boas, F-4 ft, M-2 ft, $850.00 or best offer, Lisa (612) 895-0242.

1.1 Ball pythons, captive bred, 30', 1135.00 pro Call Jeremy at (612) 871-124~.

Feeder Rabbits, $1.50 lb. Crickets, 50 cents a doz. Call Dan 487-6302.

2.1 Bimini boas (Epicrates striatus [osten'), sake offer. 1.0 Columbian rainbow boa, $150. Call Greg at 612-533-7723.

Captive bred snakes at affordable prices. Delivery at MHS meetings available. Send stamp for 1993 price list. Plains Reptile, P.O. Box 5818, Fargo, liD 58105. (701) 2~1-9742.

1.15 Brazilian rainbow boas (Epicrates cenchria cenchria) C.B. '93 - $225. 6.7 Columbian rainbow boas (Epicrates cencbria mams) C.B. '93 - $95. 1.1 D'Albert's pythons (Liasis albertisi) C.B. '92 - 1400.00 pro Can deliver to the Twin Cities. Contact Mark or Kathy Wendling at (319) 857-4787.

Veiled chameleons, $100. Boas, $75. Ball pythons, $40. Green Iguanas, $25. Niles, $50. Tokay Geckos, $15. Cages, heat tape & mise accessories. Contact Hans at (715) 425-8888.

Solomon Island boas, Candoia carinata paulsoni, 18 months to 3 year juveniles. All captive bred and feeding well on dead mice . Price: $75.00 - $150.00. Unrelated pair (3 yrs. old) available, $300.00. Call Steph Porter (612) 690-2589, St. Paul, MN.

IIAKfKD

All the shed snakes skins in the world, always, to use at hands-on programs, Bob Duerr 5~1-9417.

RIse:

BOA SURVEY: Please write for my questionaire on Boa constrictor reprouction. Even if your animals have not reproduced, please respond if they are least 4 yrs old and have had the opportunity. In return for a completed survey you viII receive a chart showing the subspecies, their scale counts and range. William Joy, P.O. Box 821433, Dallas, TX 75382-1433.

FAUKA CLASSIFIEDS: Monthly classified publication for reptiles, amphibians, food items & supplies, literature and more. Excellent information source, worldwide circulation. Subscription $14.00 year. Free sample & info. Write: FAUNA, 2379 Maggio Circle Unit C, Lodi, CA 95240.

1993 HERPETOLOGICAL DIRECTORY: A valuable information source containing private & commercial breeders, foreign exporters, U.S. & foreign herp societies, wholesalers, sources for rodents & other food items, supplies & equipment, and puhlications. Send $15.00 to FAUNA, 2379 Maggio Circle Unit C, Lodi, CA 95240.

MHS NEWSLETTER VOLUME XIII NUMBER 8

ANIMALS WANTED: (Partial List) Albino King-,nak .. * lIilk-snak .. * Rat-,nak ..

&. Regular COIn-snakes * Boa Constrictors Tmnlulas * Albino & Ra1)llar Burm", PylhOllll

Leopaxd & Sulcala Tortoises * Beaxded Dr't"ns Emerald Tree Boa, * Poison !.rrow Ft<gs

Anacondas * and * Leopard Geckos •..• _., .. '. a sample of the animals we

ua~on, We als

Page 25

The Ninth Annual Midwestern Herpetological Conference

Sponsored by the Iowa Herpetological Society

October 22-24, 1993 Des Moines, Iowa

The Iowa Herpetological Society is proud to host the Ninth Annual Midwestern Herpetological Conference. It will be held Friday, October 22 through Sunday, October 24, 1993, at the Sheraton lon, Des Moines, Iowa.

You will have the opportunity to hear many of the leading herpetologists talk about a variety of topics pertaining to the health, husbandry and propagation of reptiles and amphibians as well as legislative issues.

The cost to attend the Conference is $45 which includes the Friday night hospitality and other social activities. The separate banquet cost is $18.00. Deadline for registration at $45.00 is September 30. After this date registration is $55.00. Due to space, the banquet is limited to the first 200 registrants, so register early if you wish to attend the banquet!

The Conference will begin Friday evening, October22, With alive animal and hard-goods sale. Set-up will be from 5-7 p.m. with the sale from 7-12 p.m. We will also host a hospitality during the sale.

If you are interested in reserving a table (s) to sell Friday evening and/or Saturday, please be sure to indicate yourneeds on the separate form attached. There may be a small table fee but at this time all we are asking is a donation from vendom for the auction. Live animals will only be sold Friday evening. Hard-good vendom (such as books, cages, hooks/probes, etc.) can be sold in a special room all day Saturday until 5 p.m. Only vendom will be permitted in the room for set-up until sale time at 7 p.m.

Eleven programs will highlight Saturday, October23. We have tried to solicit a diverse group of speakers uniquely qualified to talk about their experiences with both reptiles and amphibians.

The following speakers have been scheduled to speak on the topics listed below: 1. Dr_ Richard S. Funk, Amaron Veterinary Service, Brandon, Florida: Medical and Surgical Care of Reptiles with an

Emphasis on Rehabilitation. 2. Eugene Bessette, private breeder, Archer, Florida: Snake Farming ... Where is this Business Going? 3. Tim Tytle, private breeder, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: Techniques in Managing a Large Gekkonid Collection With

Special Emphasis on Coleonyx, Phelsurea, Rbacodactylus and Uroplatus. 4. Don Perschau, Iowa Herpetological Society, Waukee, Iowa: Iowa's Unique Habitat with Comments on its

Herpetofauna. 5. John McGrath, private breeder, Colurebia, Missouri: Husbandry and Propagation of the Fire Salamander (Salamandra

salamandra) in Captivity. 6. AI & Cindy Baldogo, private breedem, Fontanelle, Iowa: Husbandry and Propagation of the Bearded Dragon (pogona

vitticeps) in Captivity. 7. Tom Weidner, private breeder, Des Moines, Iowa: Husbandry and Propagation of the Blood Python (python curtus)

in Captivity. 8. Larry Keller, private breeder, Sidney, Illinois: Asian Ratsnakes. 9. Ron Humbert, Lombard, Illinois: Husbandry ofNotth American Chelonians with Comments on Hibernation and

Reproduction. 10. Eugene Bessette, private breeder, Archer, Florida: Herpetoculture ... A Right or Privilege? II. Jim Nesci, private breeder, Orland Park, Illinois: Banquet Speaker

(over) ... - ..... _----_ .... _--------------_ ..................... _-_ ..... -_ .....................

MIDWESTERN CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FORM

TO: Don Pemchau, Treasurer, Midwest Herpetological Conference, 510 Southfork Drive, Waukee, Iowa, 50263

YES, I am interested in attending the Ninth Annual Midwestern Herpetological Conference, Registration fee is $45.00. Banquet fee is $18.00. Deadline for the $4S registration fee is September 30. After this date the cost is $55.00.

Name: ______________________________________________________________ ___

Address: ___________________ City/Town: _______________ _

State: ____________________ Zip: ___________ Phone: ( )---------

o Conference only ($45.00) 0 Conference & Banquet ($63.00) 0 Late Registration/Banquet ($55.00/$73.00)


On Saturday evening there will be a b,mquet. Hospitality will begin at 6 p.m. with dirmer being served at 6:30 p.m. There are several excellent restaurants and fast4 food businesses not only in the Sheraton Inn but nearby for those on a budget or who do not wish to attend the banquet.

lim Nesci, from the Chicago Herpetological Society, will present a lighter (yet exciting, informative, and hands-on) program with his fantastic reptiles.

Following the banquet and program we will conclude the rannal part of the evening with the traditional auction emceed by Jim Nesci and volunteers from the Iowa Herpetological Society. We welcome conference participants to donate an item that can be auctioned off as a fund-raiser for the host society. Used items will also be accepted as long as they are in reasonable condition.

The Sheraton lrm is offering a special room rate of$55.00 nightly. In addition,lowa has a 12% hotel/motel tax. This room rate applies forup to 4 people per room. When registering for your room be sure to mention you are with the Iowa Midwestern Herpetological Conference to get the special room rate. A block of rooms has beenreservedforiheconference. To make your room registration, call the Sheraton Inn at (SIS) 278·5575. To help with costs, the hotel is offering 2 free buffet breakfasts each morning per room reserved (single room ... one breakfast), There is a beautiful indoor pool, sauna and whirlpool, so be sure to bring your swimsuits.

We will also have a hospitality suite available during different times of the conference wiihrolls, donuts, juice and coffee for those people not able to participate in the hotel's excellent buffet breakfast. It will also be open evenings after events.

Sunday Roundtable Discussions

On Sunday morning, we have made arrangements to use meeting rooms to hold a series of roundtable discussions with a moderator(s) on the following topics:

Workshop 1: Boid Husbandry and Reproduction Workshop 2: Saurian Husbandry and Reproduction Workshop 3: Anurian Husbandry and Reproduction Workshop 4: Chelonian Husbandry and Reproduction Workshop 5: Colubrid Husbandry and Reproduction Workshop 6: Veterinary

Each discussion will last 1 hour and will be repeated, so you will have the opportunity to attend 2 workshops of your choice on Sunday morning from 9·11 a.m. Most of these workshops will be moderated by Saturday's speakers. You will be asked to select ihe two workshops you would like to attend when you register. We promise to have you on your way back home (or perhaps to visit collections in the area) by 11 a.m.

We believe we have an excellent conference for you--all we need is your registration as soon as possible to help with initial costs and plarming. We look forward to again seeing our many friends as well as have the opportunity to meet new people who share our love for reptiles and amphibians.

Please note that the deadline for early registration is September 30. Conference cost after September 30 will be $55.00. Please be sure to remember the banquet is limited to the first 200 registrants, so be sure to register early if you wish to attend the banquet.

Sincerely,

Allen E. Anderson, President Iowa Herpetological Society


VENDOR REGISTRATION FORM

Yes, I am interested in selling live animals andlor hard-goods at the 9th Annual Midwestern Herpetological Conference. Live animal sales is restricted to captive-bred reptiles and amphibians. No venomous reptiles may be sold or displayed. Also, the sale of reptiles and amphibians native to Iowa is prohibited unless they are albinos or a color phase other than normal looking. I may contact Allen Anderson (515) 981-0402 evenings if I have any questions concerning the legality of animals I want to sell.

I understand that space has only been provided Friday evening from 7 -12 p.m. for the sale oflive animals. Hardgoods sales may continue through Saturday concluding at 5 p.m.

I further understand that limited electrical wall outlets are available and I am responsible for providing all electrical lines to the wall outlet. -I

I also understand that depending on the number of vendors interested in selling Friday andlor Saturday there ma~ be a small table fee if the motel does not have enough tables and additional tables must be rented.

Vendors are asked to donate an item to the auction for their opportunity to sell Friday and Saturday.

Name: ________________ ~ ______________________________________________________ ~

Adilless: __________________________________________________________________ ~

City!fown: _________________________ State ________________ Zip ________________ -j

Telephone: ( ) __________________________ --j

F~:( ) ____________________________________________________ --!

DYes, I will need electricity for my display D No, I will not need electricity for my display

Number of Tables Needed: D 8-Foot D 6-Foot


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Send all newsletter items to: Minnesota Herpetological Society Newsletter Editor, 234 West George Street, St. Paul, MN 55107.

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Please enclose payment. MAKE CHECKS PAY ABLE 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 55455-0Hl4

MINNESOTA

HERPETOLOGICAL

SOCIETY

BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL mSTORY

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

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