Vol. 15 (1995), No. 3

NEWSLETIER OF THE

MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY

VOLUME XV L mSTORY

10 CHURCH S1REET SOUTH EAST

NUMBER MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55455-Dl'

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 volunteered to provide assistance. Listed below are the people and their specialties. Please be reasonable about the time of day and how frequently you call.

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

263-7880 533-7723 488-6388 550-9855

Terrestrial turtles and tortoises John Moriarty 647-1334 AnnPorwoll 489-7853 Glen (Jake) Jacobsen 757-8268 Aquatic Turtles Greg Kvanbek Dennis Daly

533-7723 331-8606

Lizards Nancy Haig Bill Moss

434-8684 488-1383

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 VOICE MAIL PHONE NUMBER: 624 - 7065 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 MEMBER-AT-LARGE

(612) 488-1383 (612) 533-7723 (612) 623-7620 (612) 925-4237 (612) 925-4237 (612) 374-5422 (612) 753-0218 (612) 489-8396 (612) 489-8396 (612) 457-8107 (612) 457-4636

Bill Moss Greg Kvanbek George Richard Randy Blasus' Marilyn Brooks John Levell Gary Ash Dan Bergquist Liz Bowlds James Rea Siri Rea

SNAKEBI1E EMERGENCY HENNEPIN REGIONAL POISON CEN1ER

(612) 347-3141

MINNESOTA POISON CONTROL SYS1EM LOCAL

(612) 221-2113

OUTOFSTA1E

(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.

M(][NN18ยงOTA 1[-J[]8RJP> 18TO]LOGl[CAlL ยงOC1[lElrY Table of Contents ...

Upcoming meeting highlights MRS Business General Meeting Review MN Amphibian & Reptile Symposium Info Investigative Herpetology by Randy Blasus MRS Survey Results - part 4 Classified ads

3 5 6 7 9 12 14

From the editor...

Well... it's time to say goodbye. I have really enjoyed being the MHS Newsletter Editor the past couple of years. It was a fun and challenging experience. I'd like to thank you for your patience for the many times the newsletter was late. I hope that those of you who expressed your dissatisfaction will be a little less harsh on the new newsletter editor. Remember, this is a one person job, it's not going to be perfect all of the time and it doesn't have to be. We are not producing a Time Magazine, we do not have a huge staff of editors and columnists to work on this. The editor volunteers his or her time, doesn't get paid, works 9-5 and takes care of the kids when he/she gets home just like everyone else. In the past, the newsletter editors have been overly scrutinized, criticize, and feeling have been hurt. I did my fair share of complaining before I was newsletter editor too. I now know what a difficult job it is. I hope you will be more patient and understanding with John. There will probably be some format changes, as always is expected with a new editor. Look on these changes as fresh slate. If you have any ideas or comments, or have any time you can volunteer to help the editor it is always greatly appreciated. We depend on the positive involvement of the membership. Remember, we are all very unique people, one big happy herp loving family. Show your support, and let the editor know when he's doing a good job. It's great to hear from you.

I'd like to extend a special thanks to Jim Gerholdt for all his encouraging and complimentary letters, they meant more to me than you can possible imagine, Jim. Thanks also to Bill Cope from the Gainsville Herp Society. You both made it all worthwhile!

Michele

Next Newsletter Deadline: April 7,1995 Send all articles, ads, & inquiries directly to the newsletter editor at: MHSEDITOR 531 Penn Ave. N. Mpls., MN 55405

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MHSNewsletter VolwneXV Number 3

Welcome!

Welcome to the Minnesota Herpetological Society! Meetings are presented on various topics, directly and indirectly, related to reptiles and amphibians. Membership rates begin at $15. If you wish to join, please visit the Membership Secretary during the General Meeting or fill out the form on the inside back cover of this newsletter.

The General Meeting is held 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.

Meeting dates for 1995 April 7, 1995 MayS, 1995 ** will be at St. Paul Student Center Theatre instead of regular room May 5-6, 1995 MN Amphibians & Reptiles Symposium, Bell Museum, Mpls.

(See details in this newsletter!)

**

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 answer specific animal related questions you may have. Please look for these people at the General Meeting as well.

General Meeting Agenda Meetings begin at 7:00 sharp. If you are late, please enter through the back door of the lecture room, around corner to the right. The meeting consists of a brief address by the President on pertinent business followed by the introduction ofthe speaker of presentation. After the speaker there is a short break when you can purchase rame tickets for an assortment ofherp related items, buy books, t-shirts, 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. Finally we hold the rame drawing. meeting ends by 10:00 when we must leave the room, although it could end earlier allowing for additional socializing. After the meeting, you may fmd 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 and seek out new members but sometimes there are so many people it may be hard to fmd them. Just look for the information 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 members present. Believe it or not, we have had a problem due to the casual nature of the setting or we wouldn't have to state this! If you need to leave after the meeting begins, please enter and exit through the back doors. For the safety of all members, animals and our standing with the University, 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.

Occasionally treats are donated by a member. Please make sure children take one serving to allow everyone a chance to enjoy! Sales other than MHS merchandise are NOT allowed in the meeting room, transactions may be performed out 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. If you have questions about this policy or feel your animal does not qualifY as venomous, please contact Vice President John Levell. Final permission will be granted by John only.

CORRECTIONS: Vol XIV, #12 pg. 12 - eastern hognose snake (H. platyrhinos) is listed as H. n. nasicus.

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MHS Newsletter Volume XV Number 3

Upcoming Meeting Highlights APRIL 7, 1995 PROGRAM: GRAY'S MONITOR LIZARD SPEAKER: DR. WALTER AUFFENBERG

In what promises to be one of the most exciting and entertaining herpetological events to occur in the Twin cities area in recent memory, renowned monitor lizard expert Dr. Walter Auffenberg "visits" the membership of the Minnesota Herpetological Society for the first time at April's general meeting. widely acknowledged as the world's leading authority on the natural history and behavior of varanid lizards, Dr. Auffenberg is one of those relatively few individuals who has managed to combine a lifetime's worth of extensive, and often adventurous field research, with a wealth of more sedentary academic and literary achievements.

Highlights of his distinguished career include: past curator of both herpetology and paleontology at the Florida State Museum, professor of zoology at the University of Florida, fellow in the American Association for the Advancement of Science, plus numerous prolonged expeditions in various exotic locations including: India, Komodo, and the Philippines.

In addition, Dr. Auffenberg's monumental and pioneering publication, The Behavioral Ecology of the Kornodo Monitor, won the Wildlife Society's prestigious "Wildlife Book of the Year" award in 1983, and his third major monograph on varanid lizards, The Bengal Monitor, was released in 1994.

While undoubtedly best known for his publications on lizards of the family Varanidae, Dr. Auffenberg has authored numerous titles on a wide variety of herpetological subj ects including: the herpetofauna of Komodo, feeding behavior of the Calicos Ground Iguana, eye lura earinata, and both living and extinct species of turtles and snakes. projects currently in progress include: a monograph on the amphibians and reptiles of Pakistan, and research into the religious and mythological significance of the "Dragon/Snake" motif to various human cultures worldwide.

In keeping with the overall monitor lizard mystique, however, Dr. Auffenberg's presentation in April will focus on the Butaan, Varanus olivaeeus, the subject of the second book of his varanid trilogy, Gray's Monitor Lizard. Despite reaching adult lengths in excess of 5 feet, Gray's Monitor was known from only two specimens for over 130 years and the species was presumed extinct by the scientific community until "rediscovered" by Dr. Auffenberg in the mid 1970s.

As dramatic as the discovery of a living, breathing "extinct" species may be, this facet of the Gray's Monitor saga just might be overshadowed by the amazing aspects of the lifestyle

4

MHS Newsletter Volume XV Number 3

of this species revealed by Dr. Auffenberg's subsequent research.

So leave this date on your calendars open, as you don't want to miss this highly entertaining speaker tell the fascinating story of one of the most interesting and truly unique reptiles on earth. As if his considerable talent as a storyteller is not enough, the quality and thoroughness of Dr. Auffenberg' s research remains unrivaled. Each of his three monitor studies are perfect examples of how all wildlife research projects should be conducted, and this feature alone makes this a "must see" program.

Plan on getting there early though, as this meeting promises to be standing room only!

JPL Special Upcoming Meeting Announcement

The month of May promises to be both busy and enlightening, when the Minnesota Herpetological Society co-sponsors a special two day herpetological conference, Minnesota's Amphibians and Reptiles: A Symposium on Their Conservation and Status, in conjunction with our regularly scheduled meeting.

Starting at noon on Friday and running through Saturday, this event will feature a series of slide illustrated lectures on a variety of subjects pertinent to Minnesota herpetology including; protective legislation, conservation and management, and recent field survey activities.

As a highlight, the program for the MHS general meeting in May; Benign and Maligned: Reassessing Reptiles and Amphibians in the Environmental Age, presented by well known herpetologist and author Dr. J. Whitfield Gibbons, will also serve as the keynote address for the symposium. While a nominal registration fee is required to attend the presentations on friday afternoon and saturday, the monthly meeting, including the symposium's keynote address by Dr. Gibbons, may be attended by MHS members free of charge. Due to a larger than average expected turnout, May's general meeting will be held in the St. Paul Campus Student Center Theater rather than the usual Borlaug Hall location.

As the herpetological conference promises to be highly informative, however, I'd plan on attending the entire symposium as well as our monthly meeting.

JPL

* Further information on the symposium, including a complete schedule of speakers and topics, is provided elsewhere in this newsletter.

5

MHS Newsleller Volume XV Number 3

MRS Business August Board Meeting Highlights

Raffle Donors

By Randy BIasus, Recording Secretary

Karin Rea Marilyn Brooks Diane Miller Dan Bergquist

The monthly meeting ofthe MHS Board of Directors was conducted March 4, 1995, at the home of Glen Jacobsen. The board took the following actions:

WANTED: SECOND AUDITOR A motion passed to find and purchase a plaque to commemorate the work the Walter Breckenridge has done in The auditors review the books ofMHS to ensure there Minnesota for presentation to him. reasonability. The auditors go through a list of items to check. It is very easy and no experience is needed. The A motion for the new t-shirt design was made to be a two auditors meet with the Treasurer for about 3 hours two color design of an original drawing done by Siri to complete the audit. If you are interested or have any Rea on two colors of shirts. questions, please call Marilyn at 925-4237.

A preliminary inventory of all MHS property was handed out for revision.

A printer was found for the MHS informational 1/4

sheets, So as soon as they are revised, more will be

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! To all who helped with the running of the White Snake Sale! It was the biggest success ever, making over $1400 for the Society!

made.

A motion to purchase a microphone to allow better sound quality when meetings are videotaped was passed.

A motion to exchange with the League of Florida Herp Societies and to resume the interrupted exchange with the Smithsonian Institute passed.

HERPS ON TAPE! FILM AT 1O:00!

I've been fooling around with my local cable access station lately and I came up with (borrowed actually) a great idea:

Why don't we produce a Cable Access Show on herps and the Society?! With all the access channels looking for programs this could be a great tool for the society. If you have any TV audio experience, are certified, certifiPresented and accepted were: Treasurer's Report, Mem- able, have ideas, suggestion, or are just interested in bebership Report & Board Meeting Minutes. ing on TV, please call me and we'll see what we can make happen.

General Meeting Highlights George Richard 623-7620 See Meeting Review by Randy Blasus page 6.

A motion for MHS to join the National Herpetological Alliance passed.

Special thanks to the PetersoniMackenzie Family for [editors note: Bill Moss & I did a Cable Access show, suppling cookies for the meeting! appearing as guest on a information talk show. The station told us that it was a big success and they continue to If you would like to donate a refreshment, such as cook- rerun it when they need to fill space. We were only ies, for a meeting, contact Refreshment Chair Nanette guest and could only talk for a few minutes about herps, Jimerson at 869-8547. Or, please make a donation in so having our own 112 hour show would be a great idea, our Donation Frog on the table to help us purchase cof- the public loves it!] ree and kool-aid.

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MHS Newsletter Volume XV Number 3

March General Meeting Review Our guest speaker this month was Dr David Hoppe whose presentation was on 'Freaky Frogs.' It seems that even in this state where there is not a preponderance of exotic species; there is still plenty of unusual incidences to investigate.

Two of the locally common variations are both from genetic variation in the Leopard frog species (Raila pipiells). The two forms are named Burnsi and Kandiyohi. The former was named after it's discoverer and the last named from the locality where the animal was first found (Kandiyohi County). These were originally described as a different species when they were fOlmd.

Later, it was discovered that the pattern variation was because of a recessive gene and were, therefore, mled as merely a natural color variation. This same factor causes the frogs to be either green or brown in overall coloration. Genetic polymorphism is where the mutated animals have a statistically significant stable populatiou (at least 1%). This is the case in our state of Minnesota with these two forms of Leopard frog. However, in other parts of the u.s. they would be considered a freak having no significant number in relation to the total local population. More research needs to be done to determine why these forms are so abundant here and not elsewhere.

One possible explanation for the high percentage of these forms (Kandiyohi and Burnsi) is that they pose a seasonal advantage. This is where at one time of the year, the animals abnormal pattern helps it gain an advantage over its normal kin by being less susceptible to predation. This seasonal advantage may prove a detriment to survival at another season and would explain why it has not become the predominate pattern. As an example, the Kandiyohi form, which is mainly a species of the prairie potholes, bas shown that it has a faster rate of metamorphosis. One last uuusual Leopard frog that could qualify as a freak was received from a supply house and proved to be a double mutation of both pattern phases.

Woodfrogs (Raila sylvalica) also have a color variation; one that is much less dramatic then the Leopard frogs. The farther north and west one proceeds in Minnesota, the frog changes from one possessing a uniform dorsal color to one with a middorsal stripe.

The Western Choms frog (Pseudacris I. triseriata) show a change from a brown color to a more greenlbrown as the locality in which they live is farther north in our state or in the case of mountainous areas, as elevation increases. Also as the babitat grows darker and thicker there is more color variation noticed. It has been shown that there is a seasonal selection of certain variations of this species in the state of Colorado. The green animals tend to metamorph faster, but are disfavored over the brown after leaving the pond because of more rapid desiccation due to their darker color (they absorb more heat). The animals studied there, along with the Western toad (Bulo boreas) and Wood frog, are now all gone! They are now part of the mystery that scientists are currently studying

about our declining amphibian popUlations.

The next animals that show variation are in the family of the salamanders. One is the Redback salamander (Pie/hod011 cillerells) who has a phase known as leadback. This variation increases in nnmber the farther east one goes and is not present in our state. There is also the Tiger salamander (Ambysloma t. figrillllm) which can be a uniform olive to dark brown color called the diaboli phase. A few Tiger salamanders have been found tbat are all black; one such color was caught in North Dakota. Farther west in North Dakota, this color is found more frequently.

Lastly, there are the freaks which are just chance occurrences and are not a normal variation. This includes animals that are amelanistic, albinistic, unusually pigmented and physically mutated animals. For albinism, an absence of all color, all it would take is for two animals to mate who were both carries of a recessive gene and a population would be "discovered." Such an incident happened in Pine county with the green frog several years ago. Some animals are produced for research that are albinistic, such as the African Clawed frog.

There are also examples of amelanistic animals, those lacking one or more color, such as an American toad (Bufo americanus) found in LeSeur County. In Rice COlmty, a population of Leopard frogs was fOlmd tbat might be possibly leucistic, as they lacked all color except for the eyes which were pigmented.

Animals have also been found tbat were blue in color. That's right blue! One such animal was a Copes Gray Treefrog (Hyla chlysoscelis) found in Wright County tbat returned to normal green after tbree weeks.

The physical deformities that can be found are numerous.

Some animals can be multi-limbed. This can be natural or can be caused by environmental conditions. Several snch Leopard frogs with either tbree legs or missing an eye were found near Granite Falls; some twelve out of twenty-five that were collected in the summer of '93. An investigation in 1994 didn't reveal any others deformed animals but the site was found to contain arsenic, cadmium, PCB's and other toxic waste. Another physical anomaly happens in the tadpole stage.

This is displayed by animals baving one or two kinks in their tail. These animals generally don't survive to metamorph.

Some with a double kinked tail were kept alive in captivity and metamorphed with a displaced hip. They did not survive after for they were unable to accurately catch prey and tended to leap .at the target food item ouly to miss to one side or the other.

Lastly, Dr Hoppe mentions that any mutations and variations should be reported and documented, so that further studies can be made; animals wanted dead or alive.

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MHS Newsletter Volume XV Number 3

Minnesota's Amphibians & Reptiles A Symposium on their Conservation & Status MAY 5 - 6, 1995 BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY & the St. Paul Campus Student Center University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Campus Sponsored By: Minnesota Herpetological Society - Bell Museum of Natural History Minnesota Zoological Society Minnesota DNR Nongame Wildlife Program U.S Forest Service North Central Experiment Station The Symposium is organized to highlight current amphibian and reptile research, survey activities, and regulations in Minnesota and to promote the conservation and protection of Minnesota's native amphibians and reptiles.

Friday Afternoon Session: Regulations and Protection Saturday Morning Session: Conservation and Management Saturday Afternoon Session: Surveys and Ecology Friday Evening Minnesota Herpetological Society Meeting and Keynote Address Benign and Maligned: Reassessing Reptiles and Amphibians in the Environmental Age by well known author Dr. J. Whitfield Gibbons Professor of Ecology - University of Georgia Registration: $10.00 ($7.00 for MHS, BMNH, and MZS members) Friday Night Only: $3.00 non-members of Sponsoring Organizations Preregistration is requested by April 28, 1995. All those preregistering will be entered into a drawing for the new book; Amphibians and Reptiles Native to Minnesota by Barney Oldfield and John J. Moriarty Mail Registrations to: Minnesota Amphibian and Reptile Symposium Bell Museum of Natural History 10 Church St. SE Minneapolis, MN 55455 For Further Information Call: 612 624-9050

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MRS Newsletter Volume XV Number 3

MINNESOTA'S AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES A Symposium on their Conservation and Status Tentative Program Friday, May 5 - Bell Museum of Natural History Auditorium 12-5:00 pm

Regulations and Commercialization

12-1:00 Registration James Konrad Roy Johannes Michael Grupa John Levell 3-3:30 Break Richard Baker Rick Giovengo 5-7:00 Dinner

Commercial Trade in Minnesota Species Current MN Regulations New MN Regulations and Enforcement Model Legislation Endangered Species List Revisions Federal Wildlife Regulations

Friday, May 5 - St. Paul Campus Student Center Theater 7:00 pm

Minnesota Herpetological Society Meeting

Keynote Speaker - Dr. J. Whitfield Gibbons Benigned and Maligned: Reassessing Reptiles and Amphibians in the Environmental Age 10-12:00

Minnesota Herpetology Reception

Saturday, May 6 - Bell Museum of Natural History Auditorium 8:00 am - Noon

Conservation and Management

8-8:30 Registration Richard Buech Barney Oldfield Michael Lannoo 10-10:30 Break Madeleine Linck John Moriarty David Hoppe 12-1:15 pm

Wood Turtles on the Clouquet River Timber Rattlesnakes Bullfrogs and other Exotic Species Blanding's Turtle Bullsnakes Leopard Frogs

Lunch

1:15-5:00 pm Delvin Jones Judy Helgen Carol Dorff 2:15-2:45 Break John Probst John Levell John Moriarty

Surveys and Ecology History of Herpetology in MN and the MHS Frogs and Environmental Contaminants MN County Biological Survey Results Turtles of the St. Croix River Kasota Prairie MN Frog and Toad Survey

9

MHS Newsletter Volume XV Number 3

Investigative Herpetology

by Randy Blasus In the September 1994 Newsletter of the Minnesota Herpetological Society (Vol. XIV 1t9, pp 12-13), there appeared an article entitled, "Paper work for Herpetology." In this article, several methods were discussed for keeping records on amphibians and reptiles in captivity. Some may argue that there is a large difference between "herpetology" and "herpetoculture;" however, I believe that they are still closely related and even can be interconnected in certain areas. The keeping of herps can lead to a deeper interest in the field of herpetology. What can follow is the keeper noting something interesting about his animal no One may yet have seen or documented. This is how new discoveries can be made by the everyday hobbyists.

gllttata guttata. The P. t1l. sayi has shown a very dramatic growth rate. This was first noted when he was compared to that of one of his siblings in a conversation with the animals' breeder.

Unfortunately, his records do not match mine to make a complete data relationship.

His animal is maintained at room temperature whereas the study animal is maintained with supplemental heat. The E. vulpina specimen has shown to have a visibly slower growth rate. The E. g. guttata is a fairly stabilized adult and exhibits steady growth. The ages of each at the start of the study were : a hatchling in its first year, over one year, and over three years, respectively. All were also captive hatched.

This article will attempt to show a way in which data from even simple records can be utilized to introduce follow trends, collate information, theories, and how it can generate new ideas to further investigate. The information is taken from care sheets as illustrated in the previously mentioned article.

All animals were fed on a weekly schedule of food measured 'to meet their age and size. The P. t1l. sayi showed an eagerness to dine which could have sped it's growth considerably. It was decided that his diet should be moderated (weekly meals of 1-2 items), and not become an exercise in power feeding which could shorten the animals lifetime or result in excess body fat. The E. vulpina was fed as much as it would readily accept (she still only accepted a moderate diet and refused food on numerous occasions) and exhibited less growth as compared to the P. t1l. sayi. The E. g. guttata showed steady, moderate growth with a diet similar to P. til. sayi, only seldom refusing food.

What will be investigated here is the growth and feeding between different species. The weights and lengths of the specimens are randomly sampled whereas the feeding is monitored monthly (also plotted are the times of shedding activity). The data presented is an example of what can be extracted from animal records, and any incorrect conjecture or theories brought forth are merely this author's informed opinion.

The measured variables are: average weight of food items, weight and length of specimens. The food items were averaged from twelve weighed animals, all were frozen at the time. The weights are as follows: pinkies I fuzzies at .125 oz., hoppers I juveniles at .291 oz., and adults at .708 oz. Alliengths are expressed in inches and weight in ounces.

The time period for the records encompasses the same months in order to have the same variability as to temperature or housing changes (a couple of moves were made by the au thor and his collection during the time in question). The study period is a total of seventeen months in length but the weight and length figures are calculated for twelve months.

The specimens are: a male Piluopitis t1lelanolellcus sayi, a female E/ap/le vulpina, and a male Elaphe

By looking at the charts (Bull snake - Fox snake Corn snake) we can see the relationship between weight, length and consumption of the specimens.

The growth rates show proportional inflation, while the amount fed fluctuates. Further, by comparing the total growth in twelve months, we find some interesting information. P. t1l. sayi has increased in length by 28 inches and gained 13 ounces. E. vulpina grew 13 inches and 3 ounces, respectively (which may be close to average individual development in the wild). E. g. guttata has marked growth for an 'adu1t' animal (10 inches) and it will be interesting to compare to the previous specimens when they attain the same age.

The sibling P.m. sayi (the breeders) has been fed on a seasonal cycle with less food offered in the winter, and maintained at room temperature (no exact records exist). It was recently measured and found to be 23 inches in length. The difference between the two snakes being a whopping 26 inches!

10

Further investigation in this area has revealed a couple of studies that have been made with this species in the wild. One study has shown that P.m. sayi grows about 14 inches in its first year from a beginning length of 15 inches. The same author reports that an animal of 49 inches is estimated to be five to six years old (Imler 1945). A more thorough analysis of growth was made later with close to the same results by Dwight R. Platt that is too detailed to delve into in this short paper.

No doubt the quantity of food does playa part in each individual animal's ability to increase in size.

Most would agree that lack of feeding will retard growth and excessive feeding would lead to obesity.

However, relationship of growth versus food intake does not seem to be as critical in creatures with slow metabolic rates. Specimen mass did not fluctuate with feeding trends; however, it may be more noticeable if the specimens weight was measured monthly or more often. Over the period of 12 months, a steady physical size increase was also exhibited.

It should be noted that even though the animals

display different growth; they also aUain different sizes in the wild. The P. m. sayi can aUain between 37 to 72 inches. Currently, at 45 inches, he is within average, but is far from the maximum of 100. The E. vulpina ranges between 36 and 54 inches with the maximum being 705. She would then be just shy of this range at 31.5 inches. The E. g. guttata is already at the maximum average size at 48 inches (30-48 is the range). However, he is short of the record size of 72 inches (Conant and Collins).

MHS Newsletter Volume XV Number 3

The E. vl/lpina has displayed moderate growth. This is based on the information that shows she has attained a length close to a small adult size by her third year (Conant and Collins). Her low appetite may have allowed her to grow at a rate closer to her wild kin.

It is also known that snakes continue to grow

throughout their lives, but few have closely measured the rate. It will be interesting to follow the E. g. guttata in this respect and to not the declining amount of growth as he ages.

One last interesting fact to note is that of shedding.

All three show both pre and post - hibernation shedding activity in 1993. This occurred even though none were hibernated. It is conjectured that this is the result of several possible factors. One may be incomplete records as during the time in question the author was in the middle of his second move in four months and some records may have been lost. Second is the possibility that the temperatures were lower and allowed the snakes to become semi dormant. The last option is that it is controlled genetically. This last possible factor is the least likely as these animals are shedding at this time of year in 1995.

These questions need to be further examined to achieve satisfactory results.

In summation, much can be learned or interpreted by this form of information storage and retrieval.

Inevitably as hypothesis are weighed in this manner new questions arise. These in tum lead to other investigations which may provide important information on our amphibian and reptile friends.

In wild populations, the genetic variability insures

the continuation of the species. Certain individuals may be able to exploit one condition better than another through their special adaptation. The obvious advantage in this case is that the P. III. sayi may attain a larger size (conditions permitting) at an earlier age which should increase his chance of survival in the wild. The growth difference between this animal, the breeder's snake and wild animals shows this individuals ability to utilize favorable conditions to prosper. By being maintained year round at a constant temperature, this animal has exceeded the average size for its age compared to wild animals (size is comparable to one 2-3 years old) and the artificial environment has allowed for more growth then its kin. This may have an effect on its longeVity, though.

Bibliography: Imier, R. H. 1945. Bullsnakes and their control on a Nebraska wildlife refuge. Jour. Wildl. Mgt., 9(4): 265-273.

Platt, Dwight R. 1984. Growth of Bullsnakes (Pituophis melanoleucus sayi) on a Sand Prairie in South Central Kansas. Vertebrate Ecology and . Systematics - A Tribute to Henry S. Fitch. Museum of Natural History, The University of Kansas, Lawrence. p 41-55.

Conant, Roger and Collins, Joseph T. 1991. Peterson Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians Eastern and Central North America, Third Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston. vii-450 pp.

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MHS Newsletter Volume XV Number 3

Bull snake Pituophis melanoleucus sayl

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.i'·

20t---------------------~#~-------------------

!ill! Weight IillI Length X Shed

x Aug 93

Oct 93

xx Dec 93

Feb 94

X

Apr 94

X

X Jun 94

Aug 94

X Oct 94

X

Dec 94

Fox snake Elaphe vulpina

40.--------------------------------------------

I11III Amount fed

10+------------------------

IillI !ill!

Weight Length

X Shed X

Aug 93

Oct 93

X

Dec 93

Feb 94

X X X

Apr 94

X

X

Jun 94

X

Aug 94

X

Oct 94

Dec 94

Corn snake Elaphe guttata guttata

50.-------------------------_.•;::§ ······················· .. ······.·.·.·.w.~··

4Ot---=--=-~,.,~.'w.-:". .,..-.. . -.....-...-....-....-....-:" . .,. .-.. .-:" . ,.,.-=----:J' . . /""-,.- - - - - - - - 30+---------------------------------------------I11III Amount fed

Il!liI Weight IillI Length X Shed

o -X

Aug 93

Oct 93

X

X

Dec 93

Feb 94

Apr 94

Jun 94

X

Aug 94

X

Oct 94

Dec 94

12

MHS Newsleller Volume XV Number 3

MRS Survey Results Compiled by Marilyn Brooks

Part Four: Projects & Profiles Projects

Tell us about yourself!

23. Are there any conservation projects that interest you that you feel the society should become involved WITh? One member asked why we don't do anything with the DNR anymore. I asked the DNR not too long ago the same question. I was told that the projects we had helped with In the past were no longer being worked on because of lack of funding and that current projects are not directly in our field. This question revolved around doing conservation projects like hab~at protection, head starting Wood Turtles, the park partners program, Adopt-A-Highway, or rainforests that were mentioned.

Others used this space to name other projects to consider like working wijh pet shops, and taking up the legal side of keeping herps and of land preservation.

28. List other herpetological organizations you belong to: The top responses were: American Federation of Herpetoculturists AFH (11 ) Chicago Herpetological Society CHS (10) Society for the Study of Reptiles & Amphibians SSAR (3) Varanix (2) It was Interesting that five members said they belong to no other organizations.

24. Would you be interested in Participating in a local minibreeders expo?

-15 - Yes -12 - No Suggestions?

There were offers for volunteers to help out.

Most interest was in going as shoppers, not as sellers.

25. Have you participated in the MHS Frog Survey?

- 8- Yes - 21 - No No, why not?

The biggest repose was lack of time, followed by no interest in doing the routes.

28. Are there any surveys that would interest you?

Noted within the answers was the Kasota Prairie Survey that was done this summer. Turtles were the favorite response, followed by snakes.

27. Would you be interested in any field collecting for relocation of animals?

- 19 - Yes - 7 - No If yes, which animals?

Most members answered "any." Next, a few responded with amphibians, then snakes and lastly turtles as specific mentioned. There were a few that used this space to express their concerns about the validity of most re-Iocation projects and survival rates.

If you wish to have more information on one or more of the

above questions or answers, please call me or the President.

29. What is your main herpetological interest? List in order of preference 1 being greatest 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 13 2 4 General husbandry 6 8 4 Captive breeding 3 3 4 8 1 3 Conservation 4 Education 5 7 4 3 3 3 1 Research 2 1 1 Veterinarian medicine 1 1 Other 3 3Q. What h!![P5 are your preferences (P l or general interest (I)? ~

1

15 16 4 8

5 5 15 14

8

8

4 2 1

9 7 1

Snakes Lizards Frogs Turtles Tortoises Salamanders Crocodilians Other

31. Are you breeding any species now or plan to in the future?

- 22 - Yes - 7 - No Types.; Group by type per response: Snakes of various species (14) Lizards (8) Turtles (5) Amphibians (2) Tortoises (1) 32. What herpetological publication do you subscribe to?

- 15 - Vivarium - 15 - Reptiles - 12 - Reptile & Amphibian Magazine - 8 - Captive Breeding - 4 - Others

13

MHS Newsletter Volume XV Number 3

Tax Deadline April 15, 1995 You may wonder what your tax returns have to do with MHS. When, some of the money you spend with MHS is deductible, it has a lot in common.

Not all the money you so graciously give is a write off. Let me summarize in a list what you should be allowed to deduct.

1) Contributing or Sustaining memberships are partially deductible. That is, the difference paid over a basic membership is a write off. If you paid for a Contributing membership in 1994, you can take $45.00 off your tax return and a Sustaining membership can take $15.00.

2) Raffle tickets purchased, but there is a catch.

You have to subtact the value anything you won from the money spent buying the tickets during 1994. No fun task to keep track of it all, but you have to keep a total. Now, on the flip side, If you won more that you spent, you should technically claim that as income.

3) An unreimbursed expense of MHS. You had to have purchased something solely for MHS use and not received any compensation for it. Let me give you an example: I went out and got the pencils for the White Snake Sale; they were used at the Sale, and are now sitting in the supply box, but MHS never paid me for them (because I never turned in the receipt) - I can deduct that cost.

4) Board Members can deduct mileage to and from Board meetings at the rate of $.12 per mile.

You have to list your mileage in a log with date, place, etc. Actually, anyone can deduct the mileage to a Board Meeting, a MHS Education Program, or any specific travel for MHS (unless there is an element of recreation). But it probably is not worth the hassle, unless you are on the Board or do a lot of Programs for MHS. 5) Any direct contribution made to MHS of money is deductible. For example, the money put in the frog at meetings or a donation made to us.

The bad news is that most of the money you write out to MHS is not deductible: buying books, tshirts, or other small items; your basic membership; or items you got at the White Snake Sale.

The burden of proof and documentation is your responsibility.

There is little reason to have even read this article if you are using the standard deduction and filing with a 1040EZ or 1040A form, but if you are itemizing your deductions, you should pay attention to what is above.

As I am not you tax advisor, these are just tips on some of the areas you can look into with you tax preparer when you are filing your taxes this year.

Lastly, MHS is incorporated as a 501 (c)(3) under the IRS definition of charity organizations, making all these deductions possibly.

If you have any questions, please call me.

Hope you do better that me this year - Ouch!

Marilyn Brooks Treasurer

14

MHS News/eller Volume xv Number 3

Classified Ads 1.0.0 = male, 0.1.0 - female, 0.0.1

= unknown, ad rates on inside back cover of newsletter

For Sale

Two 0.0.1 caimen alligators, 2 ft long, will trade for a snake or $60 ea or $100 pair. Will deliver to MinneapoDesigner wooden cage - finished, with glass doors, brass lis area. All calls returned - (701)772-9148 or accents, light fixture, storage compartment, wheels for (701)746-1055 - ask for Janet or Todd. easy movement, looks great in the living room! Ideal for small iguanas, tree boas, chameleons. 3ft W x 2 ft D 30" American alligator, 3 Ft water monitor, 3-4 ft nile x 5 ft H. $200 or best offer. Call Michele (612)224monitor, all long term captives (2+ yrs), healthy. Also 7212. feeder rabbits, frozen only, $1.00 lb. Call Dan (612) 489-8396.

1.1 Cornsnakes, 2.5 yr old + cage, $35 ea, $50 for cage, or best offer. Call Ryan (612)938-8615.

Aug '94 hatchlings all feeding on frozen mice: Cornsred albino, normal & Okatee; white oak phase grey rats, 1.1 No. pines - 1992 hatchlings, $125 pr. 1994 albino mex. black kingsnakes. 0.1 mex black king, 5 yrs. Call San Diego gophersnake, $50. Dav (612)550-9855.

Connie or John Levell for prices (612)374-5422.

African spurred tortoises (Sulcatta), variety of sizes, also leopard tortoises, adults to CB hatchlings. Call Mark Domka (612)822-7996.

1.0 CB 93 desert rosy boa, $100; 1.1 CB 93 Mid Basa rosy boas, $300 pr; 2.2 CB 91 Mexican rosy boas, $300 pr; 3.3 CB 91 coastal rosy boas, $250 pr; 1.1 CB 94 Columbian rainbow boas, $175 pr. Trades considered for CB bluetongue sklnks, Dumeril's boas, jungle carpet pythons. Can deliver to Twin Cities. Contact Mark Wendling (319)857-4787.

Solomon Island boas, Candoia carinata pau/soni, captive bred subadults, feeding well on dead mice, $75 $175. Neonates born 114/95. Steph Porter, SI. Paul, MN. (612)690-2589.

FREE to a good home: 0.0.1 common green iguana.

Approximately 2.5 yrs old, paranoid, bad disposition, can't be handled. Made nuerotic by cats when young.

Healthy, good eater. Call Mike (612)647-0930.

Wanted Looking for current & back issues ofherp related magazines, symposia, journals, & newsletters from around the world: US, England, Europe, Australia, Africa,.etc.

Please call Joel at (814)724-8351. PA. All the shed snake skins in the world, always, to use at hands-on programs to give to kids. Bob Duerr 5410362.

Misc.

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 completed survey you will receive a chart showing the subspecies, their scale counts and range. William Joy, P.O. Box 300703, Arlington, TX 76007, USA. INTERNET: 7223.220@COMPUSERVE.COM

Hatchling speckled kingsnakes, $20; black ratsnakes, $12. Contact D.K. Compton at (612)872-7266 days and HERP CLASSIFIED (Formerly Fauna Classifieds) weekends.

Monthly classified for herpetofauna, food, supplies, lit"Animal TRACKS" since 1986 - Complete animal man- erature, societies, much more ... excellent information source, worldwide circulation, published since 1983. agement software for managing your personal animal collection or field notes for herps/birds/mammals. IBM Send .33 cent stamp for free sample. Write: $14/yr, $26/yr, first class. MCNisa. Great Valley Serpentarcompatible. Full program $100.00. Working demo ium, 2379 Maggio Cir, Unit C, Lodi CA 95240, $10.00 deductible with purchase. For more info or or(209)369-7737, Fax (209) 369-3907. dering: Frank Slavens, P.O. Box 30744, Seattle, WA 98103. Ph. (206)542-6751. Fax (206)546-2912.

15

MHS Newsleller Volume XV Number 3

Classified Ads Continued...

ANIMALIA EXOTICA, INC

MHS Merchandise RAT & MICE SALES Mice:

Rats:

Breeder Owned & Operated

Handfed Babv Birds

Pinkies - $6.00 doz.

Fuzzies- $6.00 doz.

Adults - $9.00 doz.

Reptiles, Other Exotics

882-0337 1939 W. Burnsville Pkwy Burnsville. MN 55337

Pups - $10.00 doz.

Adults - $12.00 six $24.00 doz.

Orders taken by Terry Scheiber only. Must be at least one week in advance of general meeting where they will be delivered. Tel: (612)440-7482.

Desert Water Reptiles, Inc. (Reptiles, Fish, Birds and other Furry Critters)

Dennis Steinlicht

MISC. MRS also offers an assortment of other herp related items for sale at the general meetings including: books

buttons

m~gazines

stickers

posters notecards t-shirts

bumper stickers patches

Hours: M-S 10-7 Sun 10-5

1625 NE Highway 10 Spring Lake Park. MN 55432 Phone (612)783-1612 Fax 783-0650

For Sale or Petting Zoos

Parties or Promotions 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 ends if time allows. All proceeds

from the sale of MRS merchandise goes towards the costs of running the society such as: Speaker fees, library books, charitable donations, etc. MRS is a nonprofit organization and is volunteer run.

ANIMALS OF WALTON'S HOLLOW Exotic & Farm Animals Bill & Jean Walton 5425 Peterson Road White Bear Lake, MN 55127-6713 (612)426-8163 Largest Selection or Reptiles & Amphibians in Minnesota Cages, Books, Feed & Supplies

M路F 10-8, Sat 10路6, Sun 12-5 2363 University Ave. W.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

647-4479

16

MHS Newsleller Volume XV Number 3

SECORD'S EXOTIC ANIMAL HOUSE BILLY SECORD - (612)920-1987 WE HAVE A GREAT SELECTION OF CAPTIVE BRED HERPS. CAll. FORA COMPLETE LISTING!

JOHN & RUTH MELTZER (612) 263-7880

LARGEST PRODUCER OR SMALL EXOTIC MAMMALS IN MINNESOTA! HEDGEHOGS, DUPRASIS, ZEBRA MICE, PYGMY MICE, GIANT AFRICAN POUCHED RATS, JIRDS, MOUSE LEMURS, BRUSH-TAILED KANGAROOS, AND MUCH, MUCH MOREl - U.S.D.A LICENSED

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 or 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.

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 and can be personalized upon request. MHS members interested in purchasing a print should contact the artist at MHS meetings or by calling (612)347-8760 (W) or (612)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.

MRS takes NO responsibility for legality or health of animal advertised here. Ads may be run for three consecutive months at which time ads may be re-submitted. The editor reserves the right to 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, 531 Penn Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55405.

MEMBERSHIP AND T-SHIRT ORDER FORM MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY NAME(S) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ ADDRESS, _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ CITY _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ PHONE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ___

STATE _____

ZIP CODE

LIST IN MRS DIRECTORY?

NO _ _

YES

DATEOFBJRTH _ _ _ _ __

DRIVERLIC#

HERPRELATEDINTERESTS: _____________________________________

TYPE OF MEMBERSHIP? MEMBERSHIP LEVEL?

NEW ___ RENEWAL _ _ _ _SUSTAINING .....$60.00

--.-lNSTITUTION ....$25.00

_ _CONTRIBUTING ..... $30.00

___DBASIC ....$15.00

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

T -Shirts Two Designs Circle Choice

($17.00 includes postage)

North American Turtles Iguana (Head Shot)

Indicate how many of each size ADULTS:

SMALL_

MEDIUM_

LARGE_

X-LARGE_

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

MINNESOTA

Non-Profit Rate U. S. Postage

PAID

HERPETOLOGICAL

Mpls.MN Permit No. 2275

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

ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED

+

+ 1174 12/99 G

Attn: MHS Recording Secretary 3224 Idaho Avenue S St. Louis Park, MN 55426

+

+ DELIVER BY MARCH 29, 1995