Vol. 9 (1989), No. 6

VOLUME IX

NUMBER 6

JUNE NEWSLETTER JULy MEETING

*** NOTE CHANGE OF IDCATION *** DATE: Friday, July 7, 1989 TIME: 7:00 PM

*** NOTE CHANGE OF IDCATION *** PlACE: Palmer Classroom Building St. Paul Campus University of Minnesota

PROGRAM: Pros and Cons of Keeping a Large Collection of Herps SPEAKER: John Meltzer John Melzer will speak on the positive and negative aspects of maintaining a large collection of herps. John has been keeping herps since 1979. His collection started with only a few animals and blossomed to over 200. He has a unique collection with some rare and seldom kept animals such as burrowing pythons and rubber boas. John has also had success at consistently breeding a number of species.

This presentation will include basic husbandry techniques, minor medical care, and the breeding and raising of food animals. Don t miss this one if you are thinking about adding to your own collection!

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CRITrER. OF THE MONTH: Your "largest" critter. This could be a critter that is large for its species or the largest in your collection or ... Use some imagination on this one.

UPCOMING PROGRAMS: The following programs are being plarmed. More information will be available in future newsletters.

Jim Gerholdt - Aruba Island Herpetofauna Anyone interested in giving a talk or wishing to make a suggestion for a talk should contact Aaron Hampton.

BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY 10 CHURCH STREET S.E. • MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55455-0104

PROGRAM HIGHlJGHTS The program for the June meeting was John Moriarty speaking about the Minnesota DNR's Nongame Program and plans for the upcoming field season, as well as some good general herping information.

John began by discussing some to the earlier herpetological work in Minnesota.

The first major work was done by Walter Breckenridge from which evolved his book, The Reptiles and Amphibians of Minnesota. Other books that deal with Minnesota herps are Minnesota 1 s Endangered Flora and Fuana by Coffin and Pfannmuller (eds) and the Distribution Maps for the Reptiles and Amphibians of Minnesota. The DNR Herp Committee has worked on several laws concerning herps. The Nongame Program has funded some early 1980's herp projects such as Jeff Lang's Fivelined Skink study and Wood Turtles by Mike Ewert. MRS was funded for herp surveys in southeastern and southwestern Minnesota. MRS also assisted in the Turtle Crossing sign project.

Current DNR projects include the County Biological Surveys which are being done on a number of Northwestern and Metro area counties. Priority species for 1989 include Cricket Frogs, Blanding's Turtles in southwestern Minnesota, Massasaugas, and Timber Rattlesnakes. Future DNR projects might include Bullsnakes in northwest Minnesota, Snapping Turtle Reproduction and Wood Turtles.

MRS members can help the Nongame Program by reporting new or rare species, abnormalities in species, or record sizes. John discussed the proper procedure for reporting locality data, good techniques for identifying animals, such as, taking good technical photos or collecting road kills. He referred to a few books helpful for field work. These included Breckenridge's book and the distribution maps mentioned previously in this article, as well as, Field Herpetology

by Daryl Karns.

Next John covered the regulations concerning collecting herps. He reviewed the areas where collecting is prohibited, the endangered and threatened species laws, and the game lwas relating to frogs and snapping turtles. A general overview of good herping sites was given. This included metro area nature centers, county parks, and wildlife management areas.

John finished by talking about ethics in the field and in collecting.

HELP A HAPIESS HERP

The following animals and people were matched up for adoption. at .. the June meeting.

Two-year-old male Corrmon Green Iguana - Lisa Van Dyke Adult male Corrmon Green Iguana - Bruce Delles A pair of Eastern Box Turtles - Greg Kvanbek Adult female Yellow Ratsnake - Gloria Anton Two female Diamondback Terrapins did not find homes. They will be available at the July meeting. Tentatively, no other adoption animals are expected in July.

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CRITTER OF THE MONTH The theme for critter of the month in June was Minnesota herps, or a herp that you collected yourself, or a Minnesota herp that you collected yourself. Chase Delles had the most literal interpretation of the theme. He brought his albino Corn Snake, just caught earlier in the day on his back porch. The snake had been on the lam for a while after an escape following a day at school for show and tell. How would you feel after a day with a group of kindergarteners?

Probably like going some place to hide too!

Other animals present were: 3 Bullsnakes, Western Hognose Snake, 2 Eastern Milk Snakes, Massasauga, 2 Blanding's Turtles, 2 Wood Turtles, Western Painted Turtle, Grey Tree Frog, and Wood Frog.

Those people who displayed their animals were: Philip Woutat, Toni Jesmer, Greg Kvanbeck, Barney Oldfield, Dan Lindemeier, Chase Delles, Jim Gerholdt, John Moriarty, Kate Anderson, and Gloria Anton.

RAFFIE REAPS REWARDS

The raffle at the June meeting raised $75.75. Members donated a wide range of items. 'Ihe winners and their prizes were: layni Le Clere, 29 gal. aquarium with cover and bumper stickers; Brandon Delles, small carved turtle; Jamie S. King, 15 gal. aquarium and pair of gecko earrings; Dave Hoppe and family, frog jumping contest poster and turtle bank; Bill Ness, 10 gal. aquarium; Greg Kvanbeck, pair of anatomically correct frogs and large ceramic bowl; Bruce Haig, 2 children's T-shirts; Shawn Murtaugh, Rattlesnake "eggs" and rodent cage with water bottle; Jim Gerholdt, bumper sticker; Barney Oldfield, bumper sticker; Megan Strand, rodent cage with water bottle and turtle statue; Zachary Strand, rodent water bottle and snake iron-ons. Thanks to all members who made donations and all who purchased tickets.

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Phantastic Phenological Phinds John and Ruth Meltzer May 28, 1989 Minn., Houston Co., Reno Fox Snake (Elaphe vulpina) 4.5 ft male Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis) ljuv., 3 ft. gravid female Red-sided Garter Snal~e (T . s. parietalis) Northern Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon) Numerous, 10-12 prs mating on rocks Six-lined Racerunner (Cnemidophorus sexlineatus) Numerous Toni and John Jesmer May 21, 1989 Wisc., Buffalo Co., &-q tracks outside of Nelson Fox Snake (E. vulpina) Adult male Northern Water Snake (N. sipedon) Adult male IOR Western Hognose (Heterodon nasicus) Juvenile male Eastern Hognose (H. platirhinos) Gravid adult female Bullsnake (Pituophls melanoleucus sayi) 2 Gravid adult females, 1 measured 6 ft.

South Dakota, Jackson Co. North of Interior (May 31, 1989) Bullsnake (P. m. sayi) Juvenile Male 2' 3" Prairie Rattlesna.keTCrotalus viridus) Female 2' 2" Blue Racer (Coluber constrictor) 2'11" Bruce Haig May 1989 Minn., Anoka Co. Bethel Twp. Six-lined Racerunner (C. sexlineatus) John Moriarty June 5 to 8, 1989 Minn., IYfurray Co., Chandler, Chanarambie Creek Blanding's Turtle (Emydoidea blandingi) Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) Leopard Frog (Rana pipiens) Minn., Pipestone Co. Pipestone, Pipestone National Monument

Snapping Turtle (C. serpentina) Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta) Common Garter Snake (T. sirtaIls) Minn., Rock Co., Luverne, Blue Mounds State ParK

Fox Snake (E. vulpina) Chorus Frog-(Pseudacris triseriata) American Toad (Buf'o americanus) Minn., Rock Co., Luverne, Rock River

Spiny Softshell Turtle (Apalone spinifera) Snapping Turtle (C. serpentina) American Toad (B. - americanus )

FLAGELlATES IN AFRICAN FAT-TAILED GECKOS John C. Meltzer During the summer of 1988, I put together a colony of African Fat-tailed Geckos (Hemi theconyx caudicinctus). All were obtained from various sources as wildcaught adults. They were housed separately and were eating well and putting on good body and tail weight. In November, they were put together into breeding trios. Copulation was observed almost immediately upon introduction. The males were very rough during this period, however once breeding took place they seemed to leave the females alone.

Suddenly, one colony stopped eating and developed runny stools. Within one week they became very thin and lethargic. At this point I suspected flagellates as the cause. I took the sickest male and a fresh stool sample to my Veterinarian.

When a fecal exam was done no flagellates were found in the sample I provided.

Fortunately, during the examination of the gecko, it defecated and high concentrations of flagellates were found in that sample.

All of the Fat-tailed geckos in my collection were treated with Flagyl (Metronidazole) at a dosage of 200 mg./kg. of body weight. They were treated again at 14 days and a third time at 28 days. Between the second and third treatment the weakest male and the smallest female died. All the rest have recovered and are gaining back their weight.

It is my theory that the geckos had flagellates present when I obtained them.

The stress of breeding and egg-laying weakened them to a point where the flagellateq became a problem. t,w recommendation :ts to have a fecal exam and anal cultures done on all newly obtained specimens, especially those that were wildcaught.

MHS :SOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT VICE-PRESIDENT

SECRErARY TREASURER

NEWSIEITER. EDI'IDR

MEMBER-AT-LARGE MEMBER-AT-LARGE MEMBER-AT-LARGE MEMBER-AT-LARGE IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

John Moriarty Aaron Hampton Kate Anderson.

Gloria Anton Jo Anne Wetherell-Moriarty Fred Bosman Scott Cords Bruce Haig Cliff Lindberg Ann Porwoll

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(612).

(715) (612) (612) (612) (612) (612) (612) (612) (612)

647-1334 425-7565 222-3500 :420-2603 647-1334 476-0306 757-9759 789-4637 572-8834 489-7853

JUNE IDARD MEETING

The June board meeting was held at the home of Aaron Hampton on June 3. In attendance were Kate Anderson, Gloria Anton, Kris Anton, Fred Bosman, Liz Bosman, Marilyn Brooks, Scott Cords, Bruce Delles, Bruce Haig, Aaron Hampton, Greg Kvanbeck, John Moriarty, Ann Porwoll, and Jo Anne Wetherell-Moriarty.

The Secretary's minutes were called for and there they were! The Treasurer's report lead to a rather long discussion of newsletter costs and other expenses. Attendance at the general meeting was 82.

Marilyn and Greg, representing the student chapter, reported on their progress with the University. Certain required statements will have to be added to the constitution for acceptance by the U. This will be done.

Fred needs two more people for the adoption committee to act as alternates whenever a committee member will not be present at the meeting or wishes to adopt an animal. He also showed concern over the quality of the newsletter assembly. Sometimes the assemblers are in too much of a hurry to head off to Perkins. It was also decided a qualifier will be added to the adoption form requiring persons under age 16 to have a parent's signature of approval to adopt an animal.

Plans for the State Fair exhibit were presented by Scott Cords. They are really nice. Everyone working the exhibit will be pleased to know that cleaning the cages will be much easier and the animals will be much more secure. This plan was unanimously approved.

It was a short meeting .... or maybe we were just

h~.

We adjourned at 9=32.

COMMITI'EE REroRTS

Picnic Committee - Liz Bosman needs someone to help with organizing the picnic to be held in August. See Liz. Photography Contest - A contest chairperson is needed to line up judges, collect entries, and coordinate the judging. See John Moriarty.

Adoption Committee - Several alternates are needed.

See Fred Bosman.

Society Historian - Someone is still needed to organize the Society's scrapbook and gather information on past and present MRS activities. See John Moriarty.

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NEWSIEITER VOI1JNTEERS

MRS members regularly do the behind the scenes work to assist in getting out the monthly newsletter. Without their help it probably would not get done.

Thanks to the following people who have made the job of nesletter editor a lot easier: Dennis Daly - taking meeting notes John Moriarty - typing and patience with the editor Bruce Delles - coordinating of printing and assembly. Bruce also allows the crew to take over his store, Twin Cities Reptiles, for an assembly place. ,Kate Anderson, Gloria Anton, Kris Anton, Fred Bosman, Liz Bosman, Sally Brewer, Marilyn Brooks, Scott Cords, Bruce Haig, Nancy Haig, Aaron Hampton , John Moriarty, Arm Po rwo11 , and Bill Sander - collating, folding, stapling, labeling, and stamping Additional volunteers for the newsletter are always needed. To help with assembly sign up at the next meeting. Assembly is usually done on a Wednesday night at 7:00. If you would like to write an article please see the newsletter editor at the meeting. The editor can help with grammar, punctuation, or typing.

Many

NEEDED -- CRITI'ERS FDR TI1E STATE FAIR EXHIBIT!

,Once again MRS will be stocking and staffing the herp exhibit in the DNR building at the State Fair. The fair will run from August 24 through September 4. If you have an animal that you would be willing to lend for the duration, please contac't Kate Anderson at (612) 222-3500. The species listed below are needed.

Bull snake Eastern Hognose Snake Western Hognose Snake Eastern Milk Snake Fox Snake Black Rat Snake Blue Racer Garter Snake Prairie Skink

Blanding's Turtle Painted Turtle Snapping Turtle Map Turtle Soft shell Turtle Wood Turtle Tiger Salamander Bullfrog Grey Treefrog

People are also needed to staff the exhibit. Two people per day are needed to check the animals, clean cages, change water, etc. Pair up with a friend. Each person working will be given a ticket for entry to the fair. If you can help, call Kate at the number above.

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MRS VOLUNTEERS MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Summer is a busy time for everyone yet many MRS members make the time to volunteer to talk with the public and display animals at various functions.

The University of Minnesota Veterinary School invited MRS to take part in their open house on Sunday, April 23. Several members manned the booth and provided hands-on animals. They were Bruce and Nancy Haig, Cliff Lindberg, Jamie S. King, and J olm Moriarty.

The Como Zoo hands-on displays are being held again this year. These are usually held the second weekend of the month in the old ape house. The first two were May 13 and 14 and June 10 and 11. Members who participated were Jo Arm James, Scott Cords, Marla Wilber, Jesse Dean, Sarah Strand, Aaron Hampton, Lisa Van Dyke, Glen Jacobsen, Dorma Calander, Bruce Haig, and Theresa Spitzenberger . . Thanks are also due to the Como Zoo docents who also helped: Roxanne Drake, Doris Wahl, Dick Garrett, and Andy Klingenmeyer.

Future dates for the Como Zoo displays are July 15 and 16 and August 12 and 13.

Volunteers are always needed to bring animals and/or answer questions. If you have an animal that can be used for hands-on it is very helpful but if not, extra animals are usually available. It is not necessary to be present for the entire day. Even just an hour or two is helpful. Jo Ann James coordinates the Como Zoo displays. Talk to her at a meeting or give her a call if you want more information.

HERPING HERE AND THERE The State of Michigan recently passed legislation to protect all fish, reptiles, amphibians, mollusks, and crustaceans. The legislation will regulate the taking, pCBsesaon and sale of these animals. It provides for licensing and penal ties for violations of the act. Previously Michigan herps were almost totally unprotected ..•. Several herp groups have petitioned the State of New York to place certain species on a list of game animals which would limit capture to 2 animals a day for personal use only. Many scientists surveyed felt that the species cannot sustain increasing commercial collection. A ruleing is expected this spring .....

The Florida State Legislature is deliberating a bill to raise the price of a venomous reptile permit from $5.00 to $100.00. ~~ people feel that this will discourage keepers from applying for a permit, but not from keeping venomous species.

Members of the various Florida Herp Societies have been requested to contact their legislators •.... APR Update is a new newsletter published by the American Federation of Herpetoculturists. It will be mailed quarterly, between issues of the Vivarium. It lists upcoming Vivarium articles, coming events, a question and answer column, and classified ads. If you are a member of AFH this will come to you at no extra charge. The MRS copy will be placed in the library with the other newsletters.

EOOK REVIEW

In Search of Reptiles and Amphibians by Richard D. Bartlett. 1987. Published

by E.J. Brill, 363pp., paperbound, $19.95.

This book is a compilation of the herping adventures of Dick Bartlett. Some people may recognise Dick as a regular contributor to "Notes from NOAH". He has been chasing herps since he was a toddler and with this book he takes us on his herping adventures throughout the Uni ted States and to more exotic places like Bimini, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Venezuela. His accounts really make the reader fill like part of the adventure. This is because Bartlett has a knack for providing vivid descriptions of the scenario, the animals encountered and the excitement of he and his fellow herpers. He also slips in a lot of short discussions about natural history and taxonomy of various species. It's obvious that he has amassed a wealth of knowledge about reptiles and amphibians.

One thing I particularly liked about Bartlett's book is trBt although it is about herps, it also describes the other flora and fauna showing that he really enjoys all aspects of nature.

Some of the stories go back 10 to 20 years or more. It's amazing the number of animals Dick was finding on some of his herping expedi tiol!s . Like most herpers back then he seemed to collect and retain most everything encountered.

More recent stories indicate that he has developed an appreciation for observing and letting go.

1he style of the writing in this book will appeal to all levels of readers.

Chapters are short with most under 10 pages long. Each chapter is a story in itself so one can read as little or as much as they wanted. 1he problem is, once you get started, it's hard to put it down.

A review copy of the book was provided by the publisher.

It will be placed in

the MHS library in the near future.

Jo Anne Wetherell-Moriarty

REFRESHMENTS Refreshments for the June meeting were provided by Karin Rea and Gail Fishbein.

Everyone enjoyed the delicious cookies.

Please volunteer to bring refreshments to a meeting. at 429-1205 or sign up at a meeting.

To do so contact Brenda Bell

MHS NOIECARDS MHS has a new sale item.

1hey are notecards with 'the winning drawing from last year's illustration contest, the treefrog on the lady's slipper. 1he cards, which are a light green, and envelopes are available in packets of 10 for $4.00.

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CIASSIFIED ADS MRS DEIJ: Order frozen rats and rat pups no later than 7:00 PM the Monday before the meeting. Call Bruce at 593-0298 to place an order.

Fresh frozen rats - $2.00 each Fresh frozen rat pups - $5.00 per dozen Limit - 3 dozen pups or 6 adult rats FDR SAIE: Isla San Esteban Iguanas, Puerto Rican Boas, .Boa Constrictors, Eastern Indigos, Cal. Kings, albino Ratsnakes. Can deliver to La, Crosse area. SASE for list. Ed Stone, P.O. Box 17961, Milwaukee, WI 53217 (414) 460-8165. After August (608) 643-4558.

FDR SAIE: Baby Leopard Geckos $20.00. Will deliver to MRS meeting. Call Bill (612) 252-6502.

FDR SAIE: Male Eastern Kingsnake c.h. 2 1/2 yrs., great disposition, $30.00; female Bullsnake, 2 yrs., great eater, 4 ft. plus, $45.00; baby Bullsnake, sex unknown, wild caught, eating fuzzies, $10.00. Call Toni at 522-5351.

FOR SAIE: Private breeder anticipating in excess of 20 varieties of captively propagated Colubrid hatchlings for the 1989 season. For a free price list contact Steven Fluty, 6920 W. 72 Terr., Overland Park, KS 66204, (913) 384-3718.

FDR SAlE: 1.0 Rhinoceros iguana, about 12 yrs. old, slightly crooked jaw. $550. or neg. Call Fred or Liz at (612) 476- 0306 after 4:00 PM. FDR SAlE: Boa Constrictors c.b. 4/30/89, $130. ea, $230./pair.; frozen adult mice $6./doz.; adult rats $2. ea.; med. size short hair guinea pigs $1.50 ea. Call Vence or Nanette 869-8547.

FDR SAlE: Herp books including Carr's So Excellent a Fishe, Pope's Turtles of the U.S. and Canada and others. Searches conducted, send your want list.

For a complete list write to John Moriarty, Natural History Books, 1438 Shryer Ave. W., Roseville, MN 55113 or call (612)647-1334.

FDR SAlE : Captive bred snake - Pythons, Red tailed Boas, Tri -colors, Kings, Corns, Gophers, and albinos. Call or write for free 1989 price list.

Joe Pierce, HC02-BX251 02 , Alturas, CA, 91101, (916) 233-2281.

WANTED: Peruvian Red tailed Boas (B. C. Ortoni) . Joe Pierce, see ad above.

WANTED 0.1 Spotted Turtles (CleIYIrl\Ys guttata), 0.4 Florida Box Turtles (Terrepene carolina bauri) , 1.2 Muhlenberg Turtles (CleIYIrl\Ys MUhlenbergi), to be used for captive breeding. Call (718) 837-7231 7-10 PM or write to Vincent J. Congro, 2031 73rd St., Brooklyn, NY 11204.

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Professional Breeder of Exceptional King Snake and Milk Snakes Specializing in "Tricolors"

t .",..

s it I

Apache Plaza

.....

3700 Silver Lake Rd. # 15F, St. Anthony, MN 55421

President and Publisher of

FAUNA CLASSIFIEDS

For Quality Veterinary Care at a Reasonable Price Call

and other Herpetological Publications

789-5855

Write for free info &1989 price list!

1035 Middlefield Ave .. Stockton, CA 95204 USA. (209) 943-5212

INSTRUCTIONS: Ads are run as a free service to members. Paid ads from nonmembers are not accepted. Ads for venomous species, illegal species, or sick animals will not be run. MRS. takes no responsibility for legality or health of any animal advertised here. Size of ads is limited to 4 typed lines or 1 standard size business card. Deadline for all newsletter items is the 15th of the month. Send all newsletter items to: ATTN: Newsletter Edi tor, Minnesota Herpetological Society, Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church St. S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55455-0104.

HERPETOLOGICAL OPPORTUNITIES SEA TURTLE RESEARCHERS NEEDED - - The Massachusetts Audobon Society is once again coordinating volunteers for several projects at the Green Turtle Research Station in Tortugero, Costa Rica. Various 10 and 17-day departures are available. The all-inclusive cost from Miami is: 10-day programs - $1410., 17-day programs - $1722. A donation of $50. 'will be made to MRS when you tell the travel agency how you heard about the program.

MRS member, Bill Allen, took part in this program last year. Anyone interested shouls talk to Bill about his experiences. For details contact: Massachusetts Audobon Society Natural History Travel Lincoln, MA 01773 1-800-289-9504

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1vfiNNESOTA

HERPETOWGlCAL SOCIETY

lEU ~ c:. NAT'UIICAJ. HlmlIY

J,OUIOfmI!TU.

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66 02/90 C

Jim Mead 211 Clark street Mankato, MN 56001

APPLICATI NT-SHIRT 0 MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY BElL MUSEUM OF NAnJRAL HJSTORY

10 CHURCH STREET 5.E. • MlNNEAPOus. MINNESOTA 55455-0104 N~(~~

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