Vol. 14 (1994), No. 6

NEWSLETfER OF THE

MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY

JUNE 1994 BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

VOLUME XIV 10 CHURCH STREET SOUTH EAST

NUMBER 6 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 MHS members has voluuteered to provide assistance. Listed below are the people and their specialties. Please be reasonable about the time of day and how frequently you call.

Large pythons and constrictors Glen (Jake) Jacobsen 757-8268 Vence Jimerson 869-8547 Other Snakes John Meltzer 263-7880 John or Connie Levell 374-5422 Amphibians John Meltzer Greg Kvanbek Jeff LeClere Education Contact Dav Lydon

Terrestrial turtles and tortoises 647-1334 John Moriarty 489-7853 Ann Porwoll 757-8268 Glen (Jake) Jacobsen Aquatic Turtles 224-7212 Michele Stillinger Dennis Daly 331-8606

263-7880 533-7723 488-6388

Lizards Nancy Haig Bill Moss

789-4637 488-1383

536-9783

Crocodilians Jeff Lang

(701) 772-0227

The purpose of the Minnesota Herpetological Society is: to further the education of the membership and the general public in care and captive propagation of reptiles and amphibians; 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

(612) 488-1383 (612) 374-5422 (612) 623-7620 (612) 925-4237 (612) 925-4237 (612) 224-7212 (612) 753-0218 (612) 757-8268 (612) 488-6388 (612) 291-1132 (612) 757-8268

Bill Moss John Levell George Richard Randy Blasus Marilyn Brooks Michele Stillinger Gary Ash Donna Calander Jeff LeClere Barb Radanke Glen Jacobsen

SNAKEBITE EMERGENCY HENNEPIN REGIONAL POISON CENTER

(612) 347-3141

MINNESOTA POISON CONTROL SYSTEM LOCAL

(612) 221-2113

OUT OF STATE

(800) 222- 1222

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

MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY ....

·····•• •...• ·•.•.•.•.•.•••.• rabJe.qf ••CoI)ter#s •...

MHS Upcoming Meeting Highlights MHS Business MHS Meeting Review HFYI Snakes of Minnesota by Jeff Lec1ere Bimini Boas by Greg Kvanbek Herpetofauna of the Los Tuxtlas Highlands Classified Ads

by Pau1 Buttenho«

3 4 6 8 10 13 15

18

I have nothing to say this month. WOW. Oh, wait, see the insert in this newsletter for the MHS Picnic. That's all folks! Have a great 4th of Julyl NEXT NEWSLETTER DEADLINE:

July 6th, 1994

Send all articles, ads, & inquiries pertaining to the newsletter directly to the newsletter editor at: MHS Editor 234 West George Street St. Paul, MN 55107

MHS Newsletter Volume XIV Number 6

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MHS Newsletter Volume XIV Number 6

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WELCOME 1I

Welcome to the Minnesota Herpetological Society! Meetings are presented on various topics, directly and Indirectly, affecting reptiles and amphibians.

Membership rates begin at $15.00; if you wish to join, please visit the Membership Secretary during the General Meeting held on the first friday of every month (except holiday weekends-see list below) at Borlaug Hall Room 335 on the University of Minnesota St. Paul Campus. Meeting begins at 7:00 sharp. You can also join by filling out the card on the back inside cover of this newsletter.

MEETING DATES FOR 1994 July 8, 1994 August 5, 1994 September 9, 1994

October 7, 1994 November 7, 1994 December 2, 1994 December 3, 1994 (Holiday Party)

MHS PURPOSE & BOARD OF DIRECTORS are listed on the inside front cover of this newsletter as well as the phone numbers of members who can ask specific animal related questions you may have.

GENERAL MEETING AGENDA: Meeting begins at 7:00 sharp. If you are late, you can enter through the back door of the lecture room, around the corner to the right. The meeting consists of a brief address by the president on pertinent business followed by the introduction of the speaker or presentation, given by our Vice President. After the speaker there is a short break when you can purchase raffle tickets for an assortment of herp related prizes, buy books, tshirts, check out library books in our well stocked herp library and talk to a friend or meet someone new. "Following the break we have our "critter of the month", sort of a show-n-tell of your favorite herps, and the raffle drawing.

Meeting ends BY 10:00 when we must leave the room, although it could end earlier allowing for more socializing. After the meeting, you may find many of our members at the local restaurants, still talking about herps!

HELPFUL HINT, board members and information people will try to answer your questions, just look for signs or members with yellow colored name tags.

MEETING ETIQUETTE: We request that talking be kept to a minimum during the presentation or when board members are speaking. This is a general courtesy to the speaker as well as the other members present. If you need to leave after the meeting has begun, please enter and exit through the back doors. For the safety of all members and animals, please do not allow children to run up and down the stairs In the lecture room or in the halls. Because the University lets us use this lecture room at no charge, all children must be with parents when In the building, once again, please don't let children run around In the halls.

Treats are donated by a member(s) for all, please take one to allow everyone to enjoy! Sales other than MHS merchandise, are NOT allowed in the meeting room, transactions may be performed in the hall. Animals brought for critter of the month must stay In their cages, bags, etc., before and after critter of the month.

This is for the safety of the animal, too many fingers in the pot... No venomous animals are allowed without permission from the Vice President.

MHS Newsletter Volume XIV Number 6

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July Program:

The 1994 International Herpetological Symposium Review Speakers: Gloria Anton, Bruce Delles, Ann Porwoll Where: Room 335 Borlaug Hall, U of MN St. Paul Campus

July has traditionally been the month when MHS members attending the annual International Herpetological Symposium present brief recaps of interesting talks for the rest of us who have, unfortunately, been unable to attend. Being somewhat of a traditionalist myself, I can see no reason to break this old habit, although we may stray from tradition just a bit and show a short video on a totally unrelated subject. As always, the choice of topic is left entirely to the discretion of each reviewer and in the past a surprisingly wide range of herpetological topics have been covered.

This year's IHS event will be held on June 16-19 in New Orleans, Louisiana and will feature presentations by such well known herpetologists and authors as; Dr. Harold Cogger, Andrew Highfield, Ron Markel, Merel Cox, Dr. Doug Rossman, and Chris Mattison among a host of others too numerous to mention. With a lineup of speakers of this quality, this year's symposium promises to be one of the best in a long, long time.

The annual IHS wrap-up meeting has always been a great favorite of MHS members and something of interest to evetyone is always presented. Besides, the planned video presentation JPL .alone is a must see for even the most experienced field herpetologists. Don't miss it!

UPCOMING PROGRAMS August: Herp Photography Tips from AI Sheldon

MHS Newsletter Volume XIV Number 6

MHS

Bu.sin.ess

March Board Meeting lUghlights

by Randy Blasus, Recording Secretary The monthly meeting of the MHS board of Directors was conducted June 4, 1994 at Marilyn Brook's NEW house. A quorum or directors was present.

The board took the following actions: Paul Buttenhoff donated his speaker fee back, half of which he requested to go to our Madeleine Linck Fund (see April Newsletter).

The board now has a phone tree to spread vital info or ask for volunteer help is needed, etc.

Presented and accepted were: Treasurers Report, Membership Report and Board Minutes.

Proposed Changes to the Constitution were completed and will be put to vote at July General Meeting, all members get to vote (see next page).

MHS' board will be conducting a survey of its members to get feedback on their concerns, ideas, comments, etc. The survey will be enclosed in NEXT months newsletter.

General Meeting lUghlights RAFFLE DONORS Randy Blasus, Virginia Larson, and Dorothy Campbell.

Items Included: 10 gal aquarium, vita lite, books, rhinestone turtle pin, hot rocks.

CRITTER OF THE MONTH John Levell - Mauremys japonica Megan Strand - fox snake

4

Jake Jacobsen - Uromastix Donna Calander - blue-tongued sklnk Trevor Keyler grey-banded kingsnake Dean Bowman - pancake tortoise Randy BIasus - red footed tortoise James Rea - Blanding's turtle See guidelines for month on page two.

critter of

the

If you would like to donate something for a meeting contact Nannette Jimerson our refreshment chair (8698547). Or, please make a donation to the donation frog on the refreshment table to enable us to continue buying coffee, tea, and Kool-aid for everyone.

***

SPECIAL NOTE

***

The MHS Library is open for all PAID members. You must have your name tag with membership ID It to check out books. Books can be checked out for ONE month, due the next meeting.

Late fees are minimal but 路please return the books so other members can enjoy them. Items in the Library include: any herp related books, old newsletters, other society newsletters, and our MHS member identification guide.

If you are looking for someone you have never seen, check it out! Or, find a board member with a yellow tag to help!

MHS Newsletter Volume XIV Number 6

Proposed Changes to the Constitution

Where: Room 335, Borlaug Hall, U of M St. Paul Campus When: 7:00 pm, Friday, September 2 th, 1994 Who: All active members of MHS in attendance Again in August there will be a resolutions presented on a ballot for a change to the MHS Constitution.

These were briefly mentioned in the November newsletter in the Board meeting minutes section. It is the position of the board thatthese changes should be considered as a means to help prevent problems that may arise in future years; therefore the board is placing the final decision on the membership.

This resolution is to make the Immediate Past President a one year term. The current Constitution requires the Immediate Past President to remain on the board, if the current President is elected to a second year.

If the current President is elected for a second tenn, this would creating a Board with five Members at Large. If the current President is not elected for a second term or did not run again, then there would be a new President and a new Immediate Past President with four Members at Large.

This resolution requires a change in the way voting is done. Begin next March, we will have the Officers on a separate ballot than the Members at Large. This way the election committee can count the votes for President first. Depending on the out come of the votes, voting members will then be instructed to cast four or five votes for Member at Large. Your ballot will continue to have a list of all candidates running for the positions.

Current Constitution: Section 3.01 MHS Administration. MHS shall be administered by a Board of Directors comprised of the elected officers, four active members at large and the immediate past president.

Proposed Change as will appear on ballot: Amended Section 4.02 MHS Administration. MHS shall be administered by a Board of Directors comprised of the elected officers, members at large and the immediate past president or the elected officers and five members at large. Determination will be depentent on requirement that immediate past president be a one year team.

These changes will be permanent and are worthy of consideration by the members of the society. To vote on the resolutions and on the board positions, you must be in attendance at the general meeting in Borlaug Hall.

Lastly, copies of the current Constitution can be picked up from the Membership Secretary or Treasurer at the next two meetings. If you have any questions, please call a member of the Board for further information.

MKB

5

MHS Newsletter Volume XIV Number 6 MRS

General

Meeting

By Randy Blasus, Recording Secretary

Review

6

allowed this remote area to develop a rich diversity of life. This area, with up to 15 feet of rainfall a year, was as different from the Wyoming desert as night is to day.

You may not know Paul Buttenhoff yet, a current member of M.H.S. and Not only was the climate different, Wisconsin resident, but you soon so to were the serpents. The viper will. to be studied was not at all like Paul is a graduate of the the Prairie Rattlesnakes. They are University of Wyoming and currently long, slender bodied and aggressive when aroused. This speCies is also classified himself as a "cross more prone to waiting for its' meal between Doogie Howser and the Encyclopedia Britannica sales boy." then to roam far and wide for it.

Be that as it may, he undoubtedly In fact during this study no animal will someday rise to fame in moved more then 30 yards and most stayed in the same spot or within herpetological circles. This is one to two meters of the release attributable to his drive and desire as shown by recent field site. By having an abundance of prey and ample time to acquire it, work and authored papers. the snake can afford to be more Paul began by telling us a little leisurely and allow the prey to of his history. While at the come to them.

University, he studied under Dave Duvall and participated in a radio The scale coloration can be telemetry study on Prairie described as attractive even though Rattlesnakes(Crotalus viridis). mainly in earth tones. Patterning Paul路spent considerable time in on the body is rather mottled and provides coloration which hides remote sagebrush and cactus desert working with this fairly docile them from predator's sight. So good species. They determined that is this camouflage that when radio during the four month active season tracking the vipers Paul walked right by several animals without that these small animals (around 3') averaged movement of up to 2 seeing them.

Kilometers daily. Quite an achievement for this diminutive These little known animals appear successful if for no other reason predator .. then the great range they inhabit Paul had the good fortune to meet in South and Central America. perhaps the warm climate has Dr. Richard vogt at the 1992 S.S.A.R. Conference. Dr. Vogt,a helped, it is also probable that transplanted Wisconsinite, works having a high reproductive rate out of the Biological Field Station helps. One animal in Costa Rica was in southern Veracruz on the faculty reported having 86 young. This, of the University of Mexico. Paul however, is not the average (that had heard that Dr. vogt was is closer to 30 or 40 young) . interested in studying Bothrops asper and had received a large The primary outcome has shown that amount of radio telemetry equipment telemetric study is a useful tool so Paul then offered his experience in studying Bothrops asper. This highly intelligent and misunderfor this study. stood reptile will now hopefully be further studied. As for Paul, it The area is unique in its habitat by being the most northern section seems that only bigger and better of rain forest in Central America. things are on the horizon for this Located on volcanic highlands near enthusiastic young herpetologist. the edge of the Gulf of Mexico has

(

MHS Newsletter Volume XIV Number 6

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----------------------------------HANDS-ON REVIEW AND COMMENTARY FROM THE EDUCATION DIRECTOR

BY DAV LYDON

First off, I'd like to thank everyone that participated in this hands-on. It truly proved what we as a society can achieve when we all band together. Thirty people vOlunteered their time over the weekend.

Total accumulated vOlunteered hours totaled 270 hours, with nine people totaling over ten hours, and four people over twenty hours.

This was an awesome turn-out, and I hope that we can count on all your help, and knowledge at future hands-on programs. A special thanks to Jeff Leclere for the most volunteered hours totaling twenty-seven and a half hours over the weekend. Also, Dan Bergquist deserves a thanks for allowing us to once again use his albino burmese python for pictures. Thanks also goes to Eric Thiss for supplying us with a library of books. And a very sincere thanks to Marilyn Brooks for taking that Friday off of work to help set up.our booth. This program would not have been as great as it was without their help and dedication.

This Hands-on took place at the St. Paui Civic Center where we were the major attraction at the 6th annual Midwest Pet Fair. Through picture sales, T-shirts, books, and other M.H.S. merchandise, we grossed over $650.00 for the society. Over 9,000 people stopped at our booth over the weekend. Most people stood and stared in brilliant amazement, other posed interested with inquisitive questions, and still others stared in blind disgust. The latter is exactly where we as a conservationist group come in, because it is these people that have the potential to do the most damage; These are the people making ridiculous laws against keeping herps in the private sector, and worse yet, it will be these people that will teach this ugly prejudice to future generations. We are the fragile shell that encases herps, and protects them from complete annihilation, and although the shell gets stronger with every letter to lawmakers, with every hands-on, and with every new member of the society, we are still vulnerable, and the shell may still crack. That is why I urge, and personally invite every member of the society to get involved with these hands-on programs.

You don't need to have a Ph.d in Herpetology, or need to own an expensive, extravagant herp to be a benefit to the program. Because the more people that keep herps, and the more people that show that they keep herps, the more it will become the "norm", and the less scrutiny we will be under. This is our opportunity to educate people and create an awareness that will destroy the negative stereotypes that could shatter the fragile shell.

Our next hands-on is at the Como Zoo on July 9th and 10th from 1:00 to 3:00 on both days. I hope to see most of you at future hands-on. Thank you.

Dav Lydon Education Director

MHS Newsletter Volume XIV Number 6

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KlIS Annual Picnic at Battle Creel: Regional Park August 6, 1994 See Insert! ......................... in St. Paul (see !asert this _letterl) .. 1/iS."~ii.~rlU=-nn:..:e'-so.:..:ta"'R-'en.=;na::.is.::ss=nc::.e=-Fe=s=tiv-=a=1=Ha..... nd.....-o=n'''---I-A-Ug-Us-t-l3-t-hru--+-Se-e-ne-x-t-pa-ge-'------11

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Contact Dav Lydon 550-9855

June 16-19, 1994

Keynote speaker-Dr. Harold Cogger, Deputy Director, Australian National l!usellll.

October 22-27, 1994

Various herptlle sessions on husbandry, nutrition and medicine. . Contact Dr. Wilbur Anand, Executive Director, AAZV, 3400 West Girard Ave., Philadelphia, Penn. 19104-1196 leI: (215)3879094, Fax: (215)387-2165 .

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American Association of Zoo VeterinariansAssociation of Reptillan &Amphibian Vaterinariaua Annual Conference-Hosted by the Pittsburgh Zoo. 10 be held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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.' .......1----------------1------+-'-"-'----'--.:.:.;..'--------11 All-Ohio l!erp Confereuce-celebrating NOAH's 20th September 16-18, Icebreaker at Cleveland Ketroparks

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anniversary. Held at Marriott Inn-airport, ....... .'. ...... •.•.•. Cleveland, Ohio

1994

Zoo, speakers include: Richard D• Bartlett, Dr. Donald Burton, Paul Freed, Dr. Fredric L. Frye and others. Contact Steve Frantz, 599 Firehouse Drive, st. Louisville, Ohio 43071 Tel & Fax: (614)745-1262

Sept. 17-18, 1994

Contact: Tim Hoen, l!aryland Herp Society, 2643 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21218 Tel: (410)557-6879

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IUd Atlantic Reptile Show 94 - Maryland State Fairgrouods. Proceeds to purchase rainforest thru EcosysteJISurvival Plan

.... Save the Sea Turtlesl Sea Turtle Travel Expeditions. Volunteer for a nonprofit organization, tax deductible, to help the Sea Turtle Restoration Project, Earth Island Institute, costs are from $1075-1150 not including airfare. Call 1SOO-S59-SAVE or write to Sea Turtle Restoration Project, Earth Island Institute, 300 ~roadway, San Fransisco, CA 94133 for a brochure.

MHS Newsletter Volume XIV Number 6

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GET READY FOR FESTIVAL! You're about to embark on an exciting journey back in time to the Renaissance!

All MRS scheduling is being done this year by Gloria Anton at 861-8868 (M-F, 1-8) or 420-6158 (leave your name, phone number, and time your call can be returned).

SIGN UP - SPACE FILLS ~ICKLY! And is on a first-come basis - there will only be 12 spots available per day.

You must call Gloria by the Monday before the weekend you wish to work. Your reservation puts your name on the list for a day pass. You must have a day pass to enter Festival grounds. If you need to cancel or change shifts, you must do this by Tuesday evening. Remember, Festival happens rain, shine, snow, sleet, hail - you get the picture! If you find you can't come at the last minute, please let us know anyway - we may be able to replace you with someone on the waiting list.

This year we will be signing you on for two 2-hour shifts during the day.

Available times are 9-11, 11-1, 1-3, 3-5, and 5-7. You will need to arrive at Como Cottage 1/2 hour before your first shift for orientation and costuming.

If you split shifts longer than 2 hours and are using a cottage costume, you may not be able to stay in costume during your break time. If you want to design your own costume, we have books and information that can help - there are guidelines from MF (Midwest Festival) that need to be followed.

Como Cottage does have space for storing your herps so bring as many with you as you like, but PLEASE make sure they are docile! You have two 2 hour slots to show animals and it is a good idea to rotate them. If you wish to use your herp in parade, make sure you have a bag suitable for carrying it across grounds - they must be completely covered to and from the parade site.

This year we will be putting on two scheduled "stage" shows per day at the Cottage Stage, at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. These shows will be listed on the program grid given to each patron. If you wish to sign up to do one of these shows, please let the Day Captain know when you arrive.

For those of you signing up for Saturday, plan to stay Saturday night for POT LUCK. We will let you know at sign up what the "food theme" for the weekend is and what food category is needed. (If you've never experienced "spooge-ing", you won't believe it until you've tried it!!) Those of you who sign up on Sunday are welcome to go to J's or Dangerfield's Restaurant with the group (J's is cheap, Dangerfield's more expensive).

FlIMILY PASSES: Due to MF rules this year, no passes will be available to spouses, partners or children UNLESS THEY ARE SIGNED UP TO WORK two shifts.

ACC<MIDDATIONS: This year we will have 2 tent sights in the campground which can be used by anyone signing up for both Saturday & Sunday. One is reserved for Como Docents, the other is available to MRS members, again on a first come basis.

OVERNIGIT

Although MF has gone through many changes this past year, we're looking forward to another wonderful summer!!

MHS Newsletter Volume XIV Number 6

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Snakes of Minnesota

by Jeff LeClere co-author Randy Blasus

PLAINS GARTER SNAKE (Thamnophis radix)

Description The Plains garter snake is a medium sized Minnesota snake measuring 14 to 43 inches in length.

It is non-venomous and can be more docile than the common garter snake. The ground color is light brown to black with two alternating rows of black spots. Some specimens have an olive green background color in which the spots stand out especially well. There are three longitudinal stripes. The dorsal stripe is usually yellow or orange; some having an orange stripe anteriorly that changes to yellow before mid body and remains yellow to the tip of the tail. The lateral stripes are cream to yellow and are located on the third and fourth scale rows.

There is usually a row of black spots below the lateral stripes. The belly may be white, yellowish, or bluish. The head is brown or black wtth one or two small yellow dots near the parietals scales atop the head (these may be absent) and dark black bars on the labial scales.

The scales are keeled and the anal plate is single.

Subspecies

( There are two subspecies of the Plains garter snake, both are found in Minnesota. The Eastern Plains garter snake (Thamnophis radix radix) usually has 19 scale rows on the neck and 154 or fewer ventral scales. The Western Plains garter snake (Thamnophis radix haydeni) which usually has 21 or more scale rows on the neck and 155 or more ventral scales. There are differences in coloration and the western race has smaller dorsal spots, but this is not always consistent.

Range The Eastern Plains garter is found in the southeastern counties of Minnesota while the Western Plains garter inhabits the western prairie portion of the state. It is not known whether or not these subspecies intergrade atthough theory would suggest this is possible. Not much work has been done on separating the subspecies' range in Minnesota. Some specimens have been found where present records indicate that they are absent.

Habitat The Plains garter snake is one of Minnesota's most common snakes. They occur almost anywhere there is adequate food and shelter. They are extremely adaptable to environmental changes like the common garter snake. Unlike the common garter snake, however, the majority prefer drier habttats, though a few individuals may be found at the waters' edge. Open plains or grasslands on forest edges are favorite natural haunts. City parks, vacant lots, farmlands, or suburban backyards are also utilized.

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MHS Newsletter Volume XIV Number 6

12

hibernation shed. Multiple males to a single female is particularly helpful to induce them to breed. Feed the female heavily after mating until you notice she is gravid. At this time, continue to feed her, but be very careful not to overfeed. She will overeat if given the opportunity! Close to the due date, you may want to take her water bowl out and offer her water for only a short time every day. This is to prevent her from having her young in her water dish. It may not be necessary, so use your discretion. When the young are born, separate the . mother from them and feed her heavily enough to get her weight back up to normal. The young will shed immediately to 3 days after birth and then you can begin to feed them small worms or chopped fish. Feed them a varied diet as fish are nutritionally deficient. Get them onto pinkies as soon as their size allows. They will grow quickly and males should be ready to breed in one to two years or at two feet and females at three to four years or three feet.

Garter snakes are hardy captives and though they should be kept warmer than other Minnesota snakes, they can also withstand temperature fluctuations and survive at colder temperatures than other Minnesota snakes. They will willingly eat even at 60 degrees F. They are beautiful and very underrated snakes. Great looking Plains garters are among Minnesota's most attractive serpents.

References: Behler, John L. and F. Wayne King.

1979. The Audubon Society Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of North America. Alfred A. Knopf, Inc., New York.

Conant, Roger and Joseph T. COllins. 1991. A Field Guide to the Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America. Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston.

Rossi, John V. 1992. Snakes of the United States and Canada. Krieger Publishing Co., Malabar.

Sweeney, Roger. 1992. Garter Snakes. Sterling Publishing Co., Inc. New York.

,I

The Truth About

by Greg Kvanbek

I guess I should start by thanking our former President, Glen Jacobsen. Jake brought his Bimini Boa to a Herp Society meeting a few years ago, where an ex-girlfriend (who should really remain anonymous) and I first saw a live specimen. Without him, I never would have experienced the joy of owning Bimini Boas.

So, thanks, Jake.

My "ex" really liked that snake, and I was instructed to buy her some (Yes, dear). I had to find some Bimini Boas (Epicrates striatus fosteri). I wish I could have convinced her that Haitian Boas are just as nice. Or, that I could have spent a few late winter weeks on the Bimini islands collecting them myself. But I didn't. All I did was make a bunch of phone calls. And unfortunately, I managed to come up with a few Bimini Boas.

The first one came from a friend in Chicago. It was a lone male that he had for several years, thinking it was a female. I got a good deal on that one. A few months later a friend in Mississippi provided me with a pair, and they were proven breeders. I didn't get such a good deal on them.

So we now had a trio, two males and a female. Exactly what you need to produce lots of little Bimini Boas. The males are supposed to fight over the female, with the victorious male being allowed to breed the female. Boy, was I going to make money off of these things!

I like to think of the herp hobby as sort of one big experiment. I mean, you try different things, to see what works for you, and to see where your interests take you. That's how we develop ourselves, herpetologically. But I've never really been a big boa person. And the Biminis were a little different. The smaller male was very insecure. Whenever I held him, he would wrap himself around my arm, very tightly. As a tree dweller, the Bimini Boa is a very strong snake. The only way to remove one is to unwind it. Which I did. And when I got to the tail, it would musk.

Now, when I say musk, I want you to understand what I mean by "musk". I don't mean that smelly white poop (is it all right to say "poop" in the newsletter?) that Garter Snakes glop onto your hands.

No, this was musk. Dark gray stuff, in two steady streams, one from each gland. He sprayed that stinky stuff several feet in the air, and it all managed to land on me, somehow. What cool snakes!

Once in a while, I would get bitten. Again, that little male expressed himself, and nailed my hand, right at the base of the forefinger. I was about to clean his cage, and he sort oflaunched himself out at me, mouth agape (open). It gave me kind of a yellowish bruise, and I had problems moving that finger for months, I suppose due to severe tendon damage, or something like that.

I tried to get them to breed. The males never did fight, although that little guy sure did try to get busy (or, for you older readers, "make whoopee") with the female. But she was not interested, and I never did get any baby Bimini Boas. Maybe they weren't conditioned right, or not cycled right, or not misted enough. Maybe they need to eat some kind of weird gecko or something to get them aroused. I guess I don't know.

By this time, the ex had decided that the Bimini Boas weren't really her thing. After all, who really likes getting bitten, and musked on? Me, obviously, as I fed them, cleaned their cages, and practiced handling them (with a hook, which they didn't usually musk on,) Bruce Haig once MHS Newsletter Volume XIV Number 6

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MHS

Newsletter Volume XIV Number

6

14

observed me handling them this way, as I cleaned cages. He wondered why I needed a hook, so I told him that they were a very rare and dangerous type of cobra, Naja biminius. He didn't seem to believe me, but he was too polite to argue with me. If he had, I would have made him hold them while I cleaned cages. About this time, the ex left. She moved out for good. She took all of her herps with her.

Except for the Bimini Boas.

I begged and pleaded, but she would not take those snakes.

"Fine" I said. "Go. Get out. But I'm going to sell them, and I'm going to keep the money."

"Fine. You paid for them in the first place."

I had to admit, she was right. I did pay for those things. I guess that meant I was stuck with them.

At least until I could sell them. Several local herpers were interested, but all were able to come to their senses before it was too late. I even got my friend Jodi Ahems to take a look at them, when he stopped by on the way to an MHS picnic. Jodi wanted me to take one of them out, so he could see it.

"No, I don't think so, Jodi. We're running late, and they've all just eaten, and besides, they're opaque. And I just put bug spray on my hands, and I sorta don't feel good. Oh, you know what? I lost the keys to their cages about a week ago!"

Jodi persisted, so I decided that the female would be the least likely to cause trouble. I tried to get Jodi to hold her, but he wanted to see me do it first. So I took her out of her cage, and Jodi and I admired that deep charcoal dorsal color, those rich creamy blotches, that exquisite Rainbow Boa-like sheen. ( And then she bit me.

She got me right on that tender spot on the inside of the forearm, with those long teeth that were designed to pierce the feathers of unlucky tropical birds. They were apparently adequate to pierce my arm skin. I watched blood run down my arm as I put the snake back in her cage. It didn't really bother me too much. After all, snakes have been biting me since I was a little kid.

But I was worried about Jodi, who was obviously having some sort of adverse reaction to the sight ofblood.

He was laughing hysterically.

I tried to calm him down a little, and reassured him that this was not a dangerous bite. After he composed himself, I asked him a favor.

"Don't tell anyone about this, O.K. Jodi? I'm trying to sell these things. Besides, they've never bitten me before. They're the perfect pet. In fact, I usually give them the run of the house. They even play with my cat! So don't tell anyone, O.K.?"

Jodi didn't tell anyone. At least, not until we got to the picnic.

More hysterical laughter.

What are friends for, right?

I guess I've sort of given up on the idea of anyone local buying these snakes. Maybe they are just a bit too sophisticated for conservative Minnesota people. I hear even Jake is thinking about selling his. Anyway, a young guy in Ohio is planning on buying my snakes. I hope he does, so that I can use the space for something else. (I'm planning on building a big thing for aquatic turtles. Or maybe I'll start a breeding program with Kandiyohi Leopard Frogs, and build some kind of a great big terrarium or vivarium or whatever. Herpetoculture!) I think he'll buy them. I haven't heard from him for awhile, though. But he sounds pretty cool, pretty hip, pretty sophisticated, herpetologically.

I just hope he doesn't come to his senses anytime soon.

MHS Newsletter Volume XIV Number 6

15

Herpetofauna ofthe Los Tuxtlas Highlands, Veracruz, Mexico.

CLASS AMPHIBIA Caecilians (Gymnophiona)

Dermophis mexicanus mexicanus

Salamanders (Caudata) Bolitoglossa mexicana Bolitoglossa platydactyla Bolitoglossa rufescens Lineatriton lineolus Pseudoeurycea werleri Thorius pennatulus narismagnus

Hyla microcephala underwoodi Hyla miotympanum Hylapicla Hyla valancifer Ololygon staufferi PllIynohyas venulosa Smilisca baudini Smilisca cyanosticta Gastrophlyne elegans Gastrophryne usta Hypopachus variolosus Rana berlandieri Rana palmipes

CLASS REPTILIA Toads and Frogs (Salientia) Turtles (Testudines) Rhinophrynus dorsalis Bufo cavifrons Bufo marin us Bufo valliceps Eleutherodactylus alfredi Eleutherodactylus loki Eleutherodactylus megalotympanum Eleutherodactylus pygmaeus Eleutherodactylus rhodopis Eleutherodactylus rugulosus Eleutherodactylus werleri Lep/odactylus melanonotus Leptodactylus fi'agilis Physalaemus pustulosus Syrrhoplls leprus Centrolenella fleischmanni Agalychnis call idlyas Agalychnis moreleti Anotheca .Ipinosa Hyla chaneqlle Hyla dendroscarla Hyla ebracacla Hyla loqllax

Caretta caretta Chelonia mydas r:retmochelys imbricata Lepidochelys kempi Dermatemys mawi Dermochelys coriacea Chelydra serpentina rossignoni Kinosternon aelltum Kinosternonleucostomum Kinos/ernon scorpio ides eruentatum Claudius angllstatus Stallrotypus triporcatlls Rhinoc/emmys areolata 71'aehemys scripta

Lizards and Snakes (Squamata) ('o/eonyx elegan.\' Hemidac/ylus mabollia Hemidaelylus lurcicus Sphaerodaclyilis glaucus

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MHS Newsletter Volume XIV Number 6

Lizards and Snakes continued

Anolis harkeri Anolis hiporcatus Anolis duellmani Ano/i.I'laeviventris Anolis lemllrinus Anolis petersi Anolis serieeus Anolis tl'Opidonotus Basiliscus vittalus Corylophanes hernandezi Ctenosaura similis Iguana iguana /,aemanclus longipes dehorrei /,aemanctus serratus mccoyi Sceloporus internasalis Sceloporus serri/er plioporus Sceloporus variabilis Lepidophyma pajapanensis Lepidophyma tuxtlae Eumeces sumichrasti Scincella gemmingeri Sphenomorphus cherriei Mabuya mahouya Ameiva undulata amphigramma Cnemidophorus guttatlls Cnemidophorus deppei oligoporus Abl'Onia chiszari Abronia reidi Gerrhonotus Iiocephalus Xenosaurus grandis sanmarlinenis Typhlops tenius Leptotyphlops goudoti phenops Boa constrictor imperator Adelphicos quadrivirgatus Amastridillm veliferum sapperi Clelia cytalina Coniophanes fissidens Coniophanes imperialis clavatus Coniophanes piceivitis frangivirgatus Coniophanes quinquevittatus Conophis lineatus Dendrophidion vinitor Dryadophis melanolomus veraecrucis

IJrymarchon corais me/anurus IJrymohius margariliferus IJrymohius chlorolieus Ficimia publia Geophis carinosus Geophis semidolialus /manlodes eenchoa leucomelas I,ampropeltis triangulum polyzona Leptodeira annulata cussiliris I,eptodeira frenata Leptodeira septentrionalis polysticta Leptophis ahaelulla Leptophis mexican us Maslicophis menlovarius Nerodia rhombi/era werleri Ninia diademata Ninia sebae Oxybelis aeneus Oxybelisfulgidus Oxyrhopus petola Pliocerus elapoides salvini Pliocerus bicolor Pseustes poecilonotus argus Rhadinaea decorata Scaphiodontophis annulatus zeteki Sibon dimidiata Sibon nebulata Sibon sartori Spilotes pullatus mexican us Stenorrhina degenhardti Tantilla schistosa Tantilla slavensi Tantillita lintoni I'Ozellae Thamnophis proximus rutiloris Tretanorhinus nigroluteus mertensi Trimorphodon biscutatus Xenodon rabdocephalus mexicanus Micrurus diastema sapperi Micrurus elegans Micrurus limbatus Bothrops asper Atropoides olmec

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17

MHS Newsletter Volume XIV Number 6

The preceding list has been adapted from "Lista Anotada de los Amphibios y Reptiles de la Region de Los TzlXtlas, Veracruz" by Perez-Higadera, Vogt and Flores-Villela. Several taxonomic changes have occurred since the above work was published and a more complete list will be available shortly. Several species have also been removed from the list upon reexamination of existing locality data. Other important references include"Ophidiofauna of Veracruz" by Perez-Higareda and Smith, "Biology of the Pitvipers" edited by Campbell and Brodie, "Middle American Herpetology" by Villa, Wilson, and Johnson, and "Herpetofauna Mexicana" by Flores-Villela. Submitted by Paul Buttenhoff

o P H I D I A N The Ophidian Herpetological BBS

(602) 837-7305 Multiple Message Bases, New Files Weekly, On Line Herp Vet, Breeders Lists, Herp Society Information, Herp Hunting Reports, Classified Ads, and Offline Readers for Long Distance Callers.

18

MHS Newsletter Volume XIV Number 6

Classified 1.0.0~male.

O.1.0=Cemele. O.O.l=unknown. ad rates on

A.ds

~nB~de

back cover of

th~s

For Sale:

Vailted:

3.4 Carpet pythons handpicked '93 hreeders expo unrelated $175-200. Pager 643-8778, 1m 774-6786.

Adult fenale mexican black kingsnake.

(507}289-9833.

1.1 AlIelanistic corns adults 1125pr; 1.1 adult okatee corns 190; 0.1 adult ghost corn deformed tail 160; 1.0 '93 ghost corn 150; 1.1 adult melanistic Thayeri 1350; D. I anerythristic zigzag adult corn liDO; juv. zigzag norm corn $60; 1.1 adult snow corns $200; 3.5 CB 91 & 92 drk phase graybanded kings $100-200; call for specifics; Joel Eidbo (814}724-8351 pa.

Baby Burmese pythons, captive born, 150 each. Contact Jay Whitesel at (507}367-2470.

Baby ball pythons, $55. Baby green water dragons, 140. 1.0.0 northern pine snake (black &white), $90. 0.0.1 black pine, 3 ft, $90. Contact Mike at (507}289-9833.

newsletter

Contact Mike at

VOLUNTEERS! Get involved with your herp society! Meet new people! MRS is ALWAYS looking for volunteers for events like hands-on and newsletter folding. We also currently and desperately need volunteers for certain cOl!llittees: Library and Adoption committee. Please contact President Bill Moss for more info on these opportunities! Thanks for your help!

All the shed snake skins in the world, always, to use at hands-on programs. Bob Duerr 541-9417.

Mise:

Snake skins tanned. Call Jane for more info at 724-7437.

1.1.0 coman boas, juvenile 3 ft, 2ale dark, female light tan, both feeding on frozen rats, both captive born, $175 pr, $100 each. Contact Jake or Donna at (612}757-8268.

1.0.0 ball python, 3 ft, feeding on frozen rats, $75. Contact Jake or Donna at (612}757-8268.

1.0.0 Bimini boa, very long tern captive, wild caught on Bimini, feeding on frozen rats, needs vertical cage, current cage available, $125, $200 w/cage. Contact Jake or Donna at (612}757-8268.

Cuban cockroaches for sale.

(612)757-8268.

BOA SURVEY: Please write for my questionnaire on boa constrictor reproduction. Even if your animals have not reproduced, please respond if they are at least 4 years old and have had the opportunity. In return for a cOlljlleted survey you will receive a chart showing the subspecies, their scale counts and range. Villian Joy, P.O. Box 300703, Arlington, TX 76007, USA. INTERNET: 72223.220@COMPUSERVE.COM

Contact Jake or Donna at

Captive bred children's pythons, 1125. Brazilian rainbow boas, $250. Columbian rainbow boas, $85. Hogg Island boas, 1350. Due Kay/June. Can deliver to Tvin Cities. Contact Kark Wendling (319}857-4787.

1.1 Guyanan red-tailed boas, 1650 for pair. Contact fred or Liz (612)476-0306.

Attention ophiophiles! Plains Reptlle is now taking orders for 1994 hatchlings-reserve yours today! io shop while in the luxury of your own home, call or write for our free price list. Plains Reptile: P.O. Box 5818, fargo, h'D 58105 (701}241-9742.

JOHN & RUTH MELTZER (612) 263-7880

WE HAVE CAPTIVE BRED: BEARDED DRAGONS! CHINESE WATER DRAGONS! VEILED CHAMELEONS! AND MANY TYPES OF GECKOS!

MRS

Newsletter Volume XIV Number

19

6

Classified ads continued ...

Largest $electron of Reptiles & Amphibians in Minnesota Cages. Books, Feed 3. Supplies

MHS Merchandise iat and Bice Sales Mice:

Rats:

Pinkies - $6.00 doz.

Fuzzies - $6.00 doz.

Adults - $9.00 doz.

Pups - $10.00 doz.

Adults - $12.00 six $21.00 doz.

6519 Nicollet Ave. So. Richfield, MN 55423

Sat 10-6 Sun 12-5

(612) 861-8868

Orders taken by Terry Scheiber, must be at least one week before the geDeral meeting where they will be delivered.

Phone: 1612[110-7182.

Disc: MHS also offers an assortment of other herp relate items for sale at the general meetings including: books t-shirts posters MHS buttons, stickers, patches notecards bUl!lper stickers Look for sales of merchandise at the far right hand side of the meeting room. Transactions can be handled before the meeting, during the break and after the meeting if time alloys. All proceeds from the sale of MHS merchandise and raffle go towards the operating costs of the society such as: speaker fees, newsletter costs, books for library, herp related charitable donations, etc. MHS is a Don-profit organization and is volunteer run.

SECORD'S EKOTlC ANllYUUo HOUSE BILLY SECORD - (612}920-1987 LARGEST PRODUCER OF SMALL EXOTIC MAMMALS IN MINNESOTAI HEDGEHOGS, DUPRASIS, ZEBRA MICE, PYGMY MICE, GIANT AFRICAN POUCHED RATS, JIRDS, MOUSE LEMURS, BRUSH路TAILED KANGAROOS, AND MUCH, MUCH MOREl - U.B.D.A. LICENSED

FOR SA.LE OR PEnlNG zoos PARTIES OR PROMOTIONS

ANIMALS OF WALTON'S HOLLOW EXOTIC 6: FARM ANIMALS

BILL a JEAN WALTON 5425 PETERSON ROAD WHITE SEAR LAKE. MN 55121-67 \ 3

16121426-6163

BREEDING, INVENTORY SURVEY everyone keeping live reptiles and amphibians is asked to contribute to this annual report. please submit the following information current January 1st of each year. (1) inventory of your collection, list numbers and sex. (2) list all species bred during the previous year. (3) any longevity records. (4) Please print clearly, your name, address, and telephone number as you want them listed. (5) Please do respond. Send all information to: Frank Slavens, P.O. Box 30744, Seattle, WA 98103. FAX 206 546 2912.

MRS Newsletter Volume XIV Number 6

20

Classified ads continued ...

REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS IN CAPTIVITY BREEDING, LONGEVITY, & INVENTORY, CURRENT JANUARY I, 1993.

521 pages

Compiled by Frank and Kate Slavens

Featuring.. lAMS .. Natural Ufe ... Science Diet Tetra .. Toppers .. Other Specialty Foods

VIVARIC:YI PETS A Full Line of Pet Supplies & Unusual Pets

65 t 9 Nicollet Ave. So. Richfield. MN 55423

Gloria Anton

612-861-8868

For more information contact: Frank 1.... Slavens, P.O. Box 30744. Seattle. WA, 98103. or FAX 206 546 2912

(

TIMBER RATTLESNAKE - LIMITED EDITION PRINT

By DAN KEYLER This print is from an original pen & ink drawing and is limited to an edition of 141 signed and numbered prints. Each print will cost $15.00 and can be personalized upon request.

MHS members interested in purchasing a print should contact the artist at MHS meetings or by calling 347-8760 (w) or 933-2055 (h). Proceeds will be used to recover printing costs and further Timber Rattlesnake research in Minnesota. So place your order soon - they won't last long.

CLASSIFIED AD INSTRUCTIONS: Ads are run as a free service to paid members.

MHS takes NO responsibility for legality or health of animal advertised here. Ads may be run for three consecutive months at which time ads may be re-submitted. The editor reserves the right to omit ads when space is limited so as to allow all members a chance to advertise. Size of ad is limited to four (4) typed lines or one (1) standard size business card. DEADLINE for all newsletter items is one week before the general meeting.

NON MEMBER & EXPANDED SIZE ADS: Line ads:$.l0 per word.

Business Cards: $5.00 per month.

One month only Three or more months Quarter page ads: $10.00 per month $7.50 per month Half page ads: $20.00 per month $15.00 per month Full page ads: $40.00 per month $25.00 per month

Six or more months $5.00 per month $10.00 per month $15.00 per month

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

MEMBERSHIP AND T路SHIRT ORDER FORM MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY NAME(S) ________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS ___________________________________________________________________ CITY ____________________________ PHONE ___________________________

STATE ________

ZIP CODE

LIST IN MHS DIRECTORY?

NO ____

YES

HERPRELATEDINTERESTS: ______________________________________________________

TYPE OF MEMBERSHIP? MEMBERSHIP LEVEL?

NEW ____ RENEWAL ____ ___-'SUSTAINING ..... $60.00

____INSTITUTION .... $25.00

____CONTRIBUTING ..... $30.00

____.oBASIC .... $15.00

Are you currently ( or will be) a University of Minnesota student? _ _<check if yes) HOW DID YOU HEAR OF MHS? _______________________________________________________

Newest T-Shirts

Two Designs

($17.00 includes postage)

NEW

($14.00 postage included)

Circle Choice

North American Turtles

POISON DART FROG T路SHIRT

Iguana (Head Shot)

Indicate how many of each size

Indicate how many of each size

ADULTS:

SMALL___ MEDIUM

LARGE ___ X路LARGE___

KIDS

SMALL___

LARGE ___

MEDIUM

X-LARGE_

ADULTS:

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

Non-Profit Rate U. S. Postage

MINNESOTA

PAID Mpls.MN Pennit No. 2275

HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY 10 CHURCH STREET S. E. MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55455-0104

+

+

,

+ DELIVER BY JUNE 29, 1994

"