Vol. 23 (2003), No. 1

THE NEWSLETTER OF THE

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January 2003

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Volume 23

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Number 1

Board of Directors President Randy Blasus

Bell Museum of Natural History, lO Church Street Southeast, Minneapolis Minnesota 5545S-0104 952.925.4237

reblas@msn.com Vice President Tony Gamble

763.424.2803 Igamble@allbLcom

The S

Minnesota o

Herpetological

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Recording Secretary

Barb Buzicky

612-916-7575 zzzbuzzi@aol.com

MHS We bpage: http://www.belimuseum.org/herpetology/Main.html

Membership Secretary Nancy Hakomakl 651.631.1380 MHS Group Email: http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/mnherpsoc.

9ator9al@boxfrog,com Voice Mail: 612.624.7065 Treasurer Marilyn Blasus 952.925.4237 ........_ ..._ ..............._ _..._ ......._ ..._ ...._ ..........................._ ..._ ..._ __ blasus@msn.com Newsletter Editor Bill Moss mngatorguy@msn.com

January 2003 651.488.1383

Members at large Heather Clayton

651.291.2546

heatheroid@hotmall,com Brian Ingbrelson

763.572.0487

Philip Woutat

952.924.9128 pmwoutat@yahoo.com Heather Ingbretson 763.572.0487 h_ingbretson@yahoo.com Immediate Past President Jodi L.Aherns 612.588.9329 groundgeckofreak@yahoo.com

Committees Adoption Sarah Richard

612.781.9544 ReaiSarah@aoJ.com

Education Jan Larson

Volume 23

Number 1

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; • Educate the members and the general public in the ecological role of reptiles and amphibians; • Promote the study and conservation of reptiles and amphibians.

The Minnesota Herpetological Society is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization.

Membership is open to all individuals with an interest in amphibians and reptiles. The Minnesota Herpetological Society Newsletter is published monthly to provide its members with information concerning the society's activities and a media for exchanging information, opinions and resources.

General Meetings are held at Borlaug Hall, Room 335 on the St. Paul Campus of the University of Minnesota, on the first Friday of each month (unless there is a holiday conflict). The meeting starts at 7:00pm and lasts about three hours. Please check the MHS Voice mail for changes in schedules or cancellations.

507.263.4391 jan.skunkhol!ow@Juno.com

Northern Minnesota Jeff Korbel

218.586.2588

Library 8eth Girard

763.691.1650 bglrard@worldnet.att.net

-or~

Webmaster Anke Reinders anke@umn.edu

Herp Assistance Amphibians Greg Kvanbek John Meltzer John Moriarty

651.388.0305 763.263.7880 651.482.8109

Chameleons Vern & Laurie Grassel

763-428-4625

Crocodilians Jeff Lang 8m Moss

651.488.1383

Lizards Nancy Halg Heather Matson

763.434.8684 612.554.8446

Large Boas, Pythons Tina Cisewski

612.856.2865

Other Snakes Jeff Leclere John Mellzer

651.488.6388 763.263.7880

Aquatic Turtles Gary Ash John Levell Terrestrial Turtles Fred Bosman John Levell

Submissions to the Newsletter Ads or Notices must be submitted no later than the night of the General Meeting to be included in the next issue. Longer articles will be printed as time and space allows and should be in electronic file format if possible. The business card rate is $5!month.

Submissions may be sent to: The Minnesota Herpetological Society Attn: Newsletter Editor Bell museum of Natural History 10 Church St. SE. Minneapolis, MN 55455.0104

Bill Moss 75 Geranium Ave East Saint Paul, MN 55117 ~or­

mngatorguy@msn.com

701.772.0227

763.753.0218 507.467.3076 763.476.0306 507.467.3076

Copyright 2003, Minnesota Herpetological Society. Except where noted, contents may be reproduced for nonprofit, non-commercial use only. All material must be reproduced without change. Proper credit will be given Including the author/photographer and the MHS Newsletter citing: volume, number and date.

The Newslcttcr of thc l\Hnnesota Hell)ctologicai Socicty

The Vice-president's Report

By Tony Gamble Artwork by Tony Gamble January General Meeting Friday, Jan. 3rd, 2003, 7:00 PM Program:

Reptile Ranching at the Center for Reptile and Amphibian Propagation Guest Speaker:

Ron Tremper Corporate slogans are rare in herpetoculture. With the exception of "if we don't have it, we can get it" most dealers and breeders have steered clear of making too many claims.

Ron Tremper's Center for Reptile and Amphibian Propagation (C. R.A. P.) though has not only made claims, he's backed them up.

You see, Ron really has been "BRINGING You EXCELLENCE IN HERPETOLOGY ... " Since 1981, C.R.A.P. has been an innovator when it comes to selling reptiles and amphibians. Ron imported some of the first herps Cover: MHS member Jeff LeClere

Jmmary

2003

Volume 23

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from Madagascar into the U.S. in many of the leopard gecko the late 1980s. With Bert "morphs" available today includLangerwerf, he introduced super- ing the "jungle", striped, giant, worms (Zoophobas morio) to the and albino phases of leopard diet of thousands of captive gecko. This year he produced his herps. In addition to brokering 24th generation of leopard and importing herps, Ron has gecko. Ron's pioneering goes been a pioneer in the efforts to further than just figuring out how produce lizards and frogs in cap- to breed animals. He is also an tivity. He was one of the first peo- innovator when it comes to marple to commercially breed keting them. Ron was an early Argentine Horned Frogs entrant onto the World Wide Web (Ceratophrys ornata), African with herpindex.com. Additionally, Bullfrogs (Pyxicephalus adsper- he was one of the first herp sus), Leopard geckos breeders to post pictures of indi(Eublepharis macularius), vidual animals for sale at his Bearded Dragons (Pogona vitti- website leopardgecko.com. ceps) , and Veiled Ron Tremper is the former Chameleons curator of reptiles at the Fresno zoo. He is also coauthor of the Advanced Vivarium Systems books "The Leopard Gecko Manual" and "Care and Breeding of Panther, Jackson's, Veiled and Parson's Chameleons".

Ron's talk will / focus on his recent work breeding leopard gecko morphs as well as some of the other herps he works with at his ranch in central Texas.

Don't miss this chance to hear one of the true pioneers of herpetoculture.

(Chamaeleo calyptratus).

Recently Ron has focused on selectively breeding leopard geckos. He is the originator of

Upcoming Meetings: Friday, February 7 th , 2003 - TBA

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TIle Newsletter of the Minnesota HCI])ctological Society

januaJ)' 2003

Volume 23

Number I

News, Notes & Announcements Hands-On Opportunities

by Jan Larson, Public Education Coordinator

Mark your calendars for the following Hands-On events already scheduled for 2003.

February 16: Eden Prairie Nature Center April 6: Annual Vet School Open House on the U of M st. Paul campus.

More details will be forthcoming on these and more events. editors note: Lets all try to make at least one hands-on event this year to help support both Jan and the MHS mission of public education. This is a very important purpose for the MHS.

December Raffle Donors December Report Thanks to the following for their generous donations to the raffle

Marilyn and Randy Blasus Dan Monson, Blue Lagoon Book, Plants, Glass fish Wendy Beyers and Jake Lee Bearded Dragon food, anole food, Walnut bed ding Fred and Liz Bosman Reptiles Magazine Gordon Merck Repti-Safe

Adoption

Thanks for a wonderful year!

Without people who are willing to open their hearts and homes to these guys we would not have an adoption program.

In December we received eight animals. One small Burmese python, a Leopard gecko, a Russian and a Herman's Tortoise, two small Red Eared Sliders and two Bearded Dragon's. They all found homes.

Additionally, we placed three foster Ig's so we had a net decrease on those. What a nice way to wrap up the year! We raised $60.00 for the society as well. The total for the year was 277 animals.

Wowl

December Critter of the Month

We placed 48 boas (30 juvies from one nature center) and 42 Iguanas (down slightly from last year). A copy of the report will be available a next months meeting.

Speaking of thank you, Anyone who helped the adoption program in any way (except adopting, sorry) please contact me ASAP so I can Those listed below brought ani- include you in my list for volunteer mals to show us. hours.

Ann Porwoll Corn snakes I frog, one of 40-odd snakes, turtles river creatures that are part of a II art project on the Mississippi riverfront the Hennepin Avenue Bridge and the Federal Reserve building (background).

(Skyway News 11/18-11/24. 2002)

Page 4

Jeff LeClere Leopard Frog (Kandiyohi morph; Brown snake

Sarah Richard Adoption Chair Minnesota Herpetological Society 612-781-9544

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The Newsletter of the Minnesota Herpetological Society

by Randy Blasus Photos by Jeff Leclere

Volume 23

always reached his goal, eventually.

ongtime Minnesota Herp Society member and avid amateur herpetologist, Jeff LeClere and Professor James L. Christiansen of Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa, together, recently published a paper on an important herpetological nomenclatural change in Iowa.

L

Jeff is well known, and pitied, by some of the older MHS Members for he is afflicted with a peculiar disease whereby a bite from a snake in the Natracine family (watersnakes) is actually an enjoyable experience!

He also speaks very highly of a state most

January 2003

Anyway, Jeff is also known to show a deep appreciation for road kill. Very few herps left dead or dying will be overlooked by his ever-searching gaze (except those that the raccoons grab). Each putrid corpse and herp pancake must be peeled from the

Adult Copper-bellied Watersoake

Minnesotans' are loath to even drive through, let alone view as a vacation retreatl That would be Iowa, of course.

Regardless, Jeff has staunchly supported his adopted state and has worked tirelessly (O.K., played endlessly) in his search for the states' elusive herpetofauna.

Elusive? Well, yes. You see, little has been published on this states' herps, so any find was potentially remarkable and at the least, worthwhile.

Over time, he would leam the habitat and the habits of every herptile in the state. Make no mistake, once he has determined the object of his quest; it may as well crawl up onto the road and surrender. Well, sort of. He has

road and examined, preferably downwind, of course. Jeff prefers to let nothing go to waste; each find is important. Laugh (or puke!) you may, but he has gained from these experiences mightily.

For while he observes the pitiful remains, he searches for knowledge that can be gained in spite of its demise. Why was it here, what was it doing, where did it come from? Assessing the surrounding habitat, its condition, and even the time of year are all clues to help in answering these questions.

For one year in particular, this habit of old brought about fruit of an inconceivable nature. While in pursuit of

Number 1

his avocation, Jeff chanced upon one pancaked, dried and crusty remnant that shone out to him, as would the light of the sun! He picked up the decrepit remains looking for clues.

He found on one small portion, that some skin still remained. Now Jeff may be self-taught, but he has developed a very keen eye for species recognition, especially for this area of the country. This particular find resembled a Yellow-bellied Watersnake (Nerodia erythrogaster flavigastel) a species known from Iowa, but itself extremely rare.

However, instead of the expected yellow wash on the ventral scutes, it had what appeared to be orange and, more importantly, incursions of black pigment near the margins of the belly scales.

This was exciting for Jeff, as it would represent a whole new snake for Iowa!

Jeff initiated and has maintained a professional relationship with Dr. Christiansen; however, theirs is an odd coupling. Picture a short, young, leather-jacketed man with a goatee and a ponytail alongside a thin and genteel bow tie wearing academic.

Yet, it seems that the relationship is genuine if not somewhat mutualistic.

Dr. Christiansen receives information on the herps from the hinterlands of Iowa thanks to Jeff's effort, thus allowing his knowledge base to expand. Jeff's' reward in this conPageS

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nection he has forged with Dr. Christiansen, a cornerstone for the herpetology of Iowa, is a professional outlet for all his efforts, adding depth and providing worth to his continuing

Head close-up of the copper-bellied watersnake.

quest. Jeff was to bring the find to the Professor, who did not see the importance of it immediately. However, after a second glance and a lively debate, Jeff would leave the academic with his curiosity piqued. Jeff would keep the location of this find in his mind and was to visit it frequently over the next few years.

To put this subject more in perspective, only three specimens of the rare "Yellow-bellied Watersnake" have been documented in Iowa until Jeff's find. Christiansen and Bailey originally believed that this was the species present in Iowa based on their proximity to the Yellow-bellied Watersnakes further south in Missouri. Jeff's assertion would question the validity of this assumption. If true, this would be very significant as the nearest population was fully across the state of Illinois along the Indiana border. The three old specimens provided little information to the current situation as the preservation process, coupled with time, washes out all of the ventral color.

Page 6

Jeff would continue to find and locate herps in his forays, often in contact, if not actually working with, the Iowa professor. On one of these trips, fate struck again. With, of course, another roadkill. This one was a juvenile whose ventral pattern matched no other local watersnake and it was fresh! Jeff stood in the tropical air, debating the relative merits of entering the mosquito infested swamp against the likelihood that live specimens, like the dead juvenile, were still nearby. Needless to say, the debate was short and the mosquitoes gained a contribution to their next generation.

However, all was not in vain as two more specimens were found alive!

These, he firmly believed, were the same species as the old roadkill found and presented to Dr. Christiansen, Copper-bellied Watersnakes (N. e. neg/ectal.

Unfortunately, the adult pattern and color is used as the key in determining the subspecies affiliation of each.

Copper-bellied Identifying the Watersnake (N. e. neg/ectal from its' nearest biological and distributional relative, the Yellow-bellied Watersnake (N. e. f/avigastei) is well defined. But just as with the nominate species, the Red-bellied Watersnake (N. e. erythrogastei), they must first go through an ontogenetic pattern change as they mature.

Juveniles of all these subspecies appear similar having broad crossbands dorsally that with age darken and fill out into a pattem-Iess velvet black. Meanwhile, the ventral color is true to the common name of each snake. Copper-bellied Watersnakes have an additional key characteristic, black pigmentation intruding on their ventral scales. Due to these con-

straints, definitive proof would have to wait.

As such, these snakes had to be raised over the next year to view their development. They grew rapidly in captivity over the ensuing months.

The next spring their origin became clear proving Jeff's first diagnosis, the snakes he had found in Iowa were not the Yellow-bellied, but in fact were the recently federally protected Copper-bellied Watersnake! The two researchers would soon compile their past findings and, along with several more specimens found the following year, would publish the material in the peer reviewed journal, Herpetological Review Vol. 33 #2, June 2002.

The future of this remnant population is somewhat secure at the moment.

Further research will be forth-coming as funding from the Federal

Juvenile copper-bellied watersnakes are very similar In appearence with their close cousins the yellow-bellied and the red-bellied watersnakes.

Government to help protect this population. In all, this is the story of a dedicated amateur who has made a valuable contribution to a state few of us know thanks to a professional who is willing to take the time to listen to an earnest and ambitious enthusiast. ยง

The Newsletter of the nJiullesota Herpetological Society

J;muaJ)' 2003

Volume 23

first saw a group of these Yellow-spoiled Night Lizards lizards come in with a ship- remind me more of monitor lizards, ment of reptiles a few years Varanus. ago. I was immediately intrigued by The family Xantusiidae is divided these interesting looking creatures. into two subfamilies; Xantusiinae The body shape, head, and scala- and Lepidophyminae, the laller, of tion were different MO.....- -...... . -.......- - - - - - - : : - : - -.................. from any other lizard I had ever seen. They were labeled with a misnomer of "bark lizard" with no other information (i.e. scientific name) about them, which is rather common in the reptile trade.

The more I leamed, the more fascinated I became with theml Yellow-spotted Night lizards belong to the family Xantusiidae.

The entire family is strange. Xantusiidae consists of course, to which the Yellow-spots about four genera. Systematically, belong. The genus Lepidophyma they are difficult to place with any contains roughly nineteen species. other group. Indeed, they seem The Yellow-spoiled Night Lizard most closely related to skinks, but grows to about ten inches in total also seem to be connected to length. Its body is elongate and, geckos and teiid lizards as well. although most references state The skeletal structure bears char- that the limbs are small, I would acteristics of both gecko and skink tend to disagree, saying they are of osteological systems. Even the moderate size among the lizard scalation appears to be a combina- world. The toes are similar to an tion of both geckos and teiids. iguana's toes, each with a claw at General body shape varies among the end. There are no adhesive toe the genera placed in Xantusiidae. pads. The tail is easily broken and One genus, Xantusia, which readily regenerated. In my opinion, ranges into southwestern United if one were to cross a gecko with States closely resembles typical an ameiva, this is what it would geckos in general form. However, look like. The differences among

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the scales from one part of the body to the other give it the appearance of being created like a Frankenstein monster. The head is rather blunt when viewed from the side, but seems more pointed when viewed from the top ... almost triangular.

The top of the head is covered with large plate-like scales. These lizards lack eyelids and have a clear spectacle over each eye as in the lidless geckos. They have a verticalIy elliptical pupil, but this is sometimes difficult to see; the eyes are unusually dark.

The neck is rather long. The body and neck have small, granular scales like ameivas, but unlike ameivas, there are also larger spinelike tubercles arranged in rows on the back and sides. The belly is covered with large rectangular scales, much like ameivas or whiptaillizards. The tail is covered with whorls of somewhat large, heavily keeled, spikelike scales separated by smaller keeled scales.

General coloration ranges from gray to brown to black with yellow spots on the back, sides, and neck.

There may be light spots on the tail as well, or the tail may be lizard.... continued on page 12

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Volumc 23

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The Newsletter of thc Minnesota HCll)ctologicai Society

January 2003

Volume 23

Number 1

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by John P. Levell "Ron Orenstein's Turtles, superficially resembling the approach With over 300 color photographs Tortoises and Terrapins: utilized by Obst in his similarly titled and an attractive dust jacket featuring Survivors in Armor (2001): A Turtles, Tortoises and Terrapins a North American Wood Turtle, the Review" (1986), Orenstein's much stronger book is stunningly beautiful in appear-

After waiting more than a decade (Emst and Barbour's Turtles of the World was released way back in 1989), another volume can finally be added to the list of quality English language publications providing popular coverage of the world's chelonians.

Considering the significant advances made in turtle research over the last 10 years or so, not to mention ever-growing concems regarding turtle conservation, an updated synthesis of relevant information certainly seems far from unwarranted.

Unlike most "popular" worldwide turtle overviews including those of Pritchard (1967, 1979), Alderton (1988), and Ernst and Barbour (1989), which concentrate mainly on species diversity and identification, Orenstein's Turtles, Tortoises, and Terrapins: Survivors in Armor instead focuses more attention on exactly what turtles are and why they do what they do.

Only 63 of the volume's 320 pages, for example, review chelonian diversity on a worldwide basis. With the exception of an additional 48 pages devoted to chelonian evolution and general anatomy, most of the book is comprised of individual chapters covering topics such as turtle physiology, reproduction, migration, and survival threats both on land and in the sea. While Page 10

emphasis on chelonian conservation issues sets his volume apart from that or any other previously released popular worldwide turtle review.

Although by his own admission primarily an omithologist, Orenstein has produced an accurate, thoroughIy researched, and highly informative text. In fact, his view of turtles through

ance as well. Contributed by some of the world's leading wildlife photographers including fellow Minnesota Herpetological Society member A. Blake Sheldon, the book's color photos are invariably of exceptional quality. Indeed, many easily rank among the finest chelonian photographs ever included in any widely available turtle publication.

Unfortunately, the photos also constitute the title's most significant flaw, as the captions of a select few clearly misidentify the species depicted. The turtle illustrated on page 70, for example, is obviously a Spiny Softshell (Apalone spinifera) not the Smooth Softshell (A. mutica) as claimed in the caption. This fact is readily apparent from the diagnostic "transverse nasal septum ridge" so evident in the photo of the Softshell specimen illustrated. The "basking" Chicken Turtle (Oeirochelys reticularia) on page 115 and the "mating sliders" (Trachemys scripta) on page 179 are likewise almost certainly some sort of Cooter (Pseudemyssp.).Ofcourse,

the "eyes of a birder" has perhaps allowed Orenstein to identify important topics of interest that may be overlooked by those more narrowly focused on turtles and tortoises.

it is possible perhaps even probable that such mistakes in species identification actually rest with the original photographers, as Orenstein's ornithological background makes it unlikely he is expert in the identification of all turtle species. A meager, thirty-eight title

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bibliography may prove too brief for the tastes of many as well.

These comparatively minor flaws, however, cannot overshadow the extent of Orenstein's accomplishment nor does it diminish the overall value of his wonderful book. The fact-filled and up to date text will undoubtedly prove easily readable ·for even the most casual of turtle observers. At the same, Turtles, Tortoises, and Terrapins: Survivors in Armor undoubtedly contains some tidbit of previously unknown information that will prove of interest to anyone regardless of their level of overall chelonian expertise. As such, this exceptional hard cover volume certainly ranks among the "must have" editions for any well-stocked chelonian library. At the same time, with a suggested retail price of only $45.00, Orenstein's book is worthy of a place on more general herpetological bookshelves as well.

JanUalY

200,3

Volume 2.1

Roseville Man Surprised His Gator is Illegal

STAR- TRIBUNE (Minneapolis Minnesota) 16 November 02 (AP):

A Roseville man found himself in jail on a probation violation after buying an illegal alligator.

Jason Hegstrom, 27, said he forgot to pay a fine and appear in court last month after his 18-inch-long female alligator was found in a neighbor's swimming pool in midJuly. Alligators and other wild animals are illegal in Roseville, unless you obtain a permit with specific conditions.

"Everybody's making fun of me 'Crocodile Man,' " Hegstrom said Alderton, David. 1988. Turtles & from jail Friday.

Tortoises of the World. Facts on File.

New York, New York.

Hegstrom, an alligator devotee since childhood, said he was surErnst, Carl H. and Barbour, Roger W. prised to learn he was being 1989. Turtles of the World. booked on the gator charge when Smithsonian Institution Press. he turned himself in for a probation Washington, DC. violation related to a 1994 robbery Obst, Fritz Jurgen.1986. Turtles, charge.

Tortoises and Terrapins. St. Martin's Hegstrom said the pet shop where Press, New York, New York. he bought the gator did not tell him Orenstein, Ronald. 2001. Tortoises that it was illegal to own one. and Terrapins: Survivors in Armor, Firefly Books, Inc., Buffalo, New York. Sarah Richard, volunteer adoption Literature Cited:

Number 1

Tenant - Turtles Bath Costs Landlord Dearly STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - Mystified by soaring hot water bills, the landlord of an apartment building in southern Sweden installed watersaving shower nozzles and checked for leaking pipes before finally discovering the culprit.

A pet turtle had enjoyed living in a stream of running water at a steady temperature of 36 Celsius for 18 months.

The local utility estimated the turtle's consumption at 5,000 cubic meters of water and 160,000 kWh of district heating at a cost of $15,150, a local newspaper in the town of Helsingborg reported Wednesday.

The tenant, who has agreed to repay the landlord for the extra costs, and the turtle still live in the apartment but nowadays the pet only gets fresh bathing water every now and then, the newspaper reported. §

chairwoman for the Minnesota Pritchard, Peter C. H. 1967. Living Herpetological Society, the gator Turtles of the World. T.F.H. has been "placed" elsewhere, but Publications. Jersey City, New Jersey. she declined to disclose where.

Pritchard, Peter C. H. 1979. § Encyclopedia of Turtles. T.F.H. Publications. Neptune, New Jersey.

§ Page 11

January 2003

Lizard... continued from page 7

unmarked. The top of the head is dark; the lips are marked with light bars. It often looks as if the lizard has no lips and the light bars are teeth I The belly is gray, yellow, or brown. The specimens I have are brown in over all coloration with an orangish brown belly.

This species ranges from southern Mexico to central Panama.

Since these species are from moist forests, I set mine up with a few inches of potting soil on the bottom of the tank. Cypress mulch and an orchid bark mixture were placed on the top. I keep two to a ten-gallon tank. Densities and territories are not well-known in this species; when I kept more than two to a tank, they would all utilize hiding areas together with no problems, except they would fight over food, so I began keeping only two to a single set-up. I gave them two water dishes, and excavated burrows under pieces of bark or slate for them. In addition, I glued together 1" PVC piping to form a "T'. The top end was buried in the potting soil so there was a long entrance tube leading to the surface. This piping is by far the most commonly used shelter in the cage. I added some plastic plants and branches for climbing. A screen lid was placed on top.

Although these lizards are called Night Lizards, most references state that they are diurnal. A few claim they are nocturnal. I use a dome lamp over the screen lid for heat and light. Even though they come from Central America, they prefer to be cooler; around the mid 70's F. I selected a bulb wattage that would give me these results. At a 12-hour Page 12

daylight cycle, they are clearly active in the evening to at least just after dark. Because I do not know how natural sunlight affects the behavior of night lizards (that is, perhaps they would be diurnal if they were exposed to an environment with natural sunlight), I can not say how this behavior compares to wild populations. A few facts are consistent among my research; they appear to be very secretive and largely terrestrial. There were periods where I would not see my Night Lizards for days (or nights as I checked in on them then, as well).

Some would climb into the plants on occasion, but it was only a few of the same individuals; most of them did not take advantage of these structures. Most of them would spend a lot of time in the water dish, especially when the water is shallow. It seems as though they appear to like sitting in damp to actually wet conditions. I raised the humidity and I spray the cage once a day (dry season, December to March) to several times daily (wet season May to early December), but it does not change the consistent usage of the water dishes. None of them have developed any skin lesions as a result. They seem to be healthy. I think that if they are going to give these lizards an ambiguous trade name, they should be called "swamp lizards"!

Central American Night Lizards are insectivorous. I offered them crickets, mealworms, earthworms, and wax worms. Earthworms were refused by all of them. I figured as much, but thought that I would try anyway. What surprised me is that all of them did not relish the mealworms like I expected them to. They

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will eat a few, but not many. They prefer crickets of moderate size, to a little on the larger side. They generally do not like crickets that are too small, but well within a size class that they could easily eat (in other words, I am not offering pinhead crickets to the adults). They never rush around to catch their food. Their movements are slow and deliberate, and they will wait for a meal to move close enough for only a lunge or quick chase. They have very powerful jaws. Even though they are small lizards, their bite is rather painful! I have tried fruit and various forms of plant material, but it is never readily consumed.

Some of the sweeter baby foods are lapped, but I do not believe they are a really big fan of the herbivorous lifestyle.

Even the reproduction of Night Lizards is different. Some populations are parthenogenetic (females can fertilize eggs without sperm).

Obviously, these populations keep producing females. There are northern populations, however, where males are present. This represents bisexual reproduction in at least some areas of their range. As with all members of the family Xantusiidae, females are ovoviviparous and give birth to about four to six young during the rainy season. I have not had any births yeti This is a great group of lizards to work with. They are extremely hardy and seemingly easy to care for. It has been fun and exciting to "learn as you keep" as there is not a lot of published information about them, and then pass the experience on. ยง

The Newsletter of the Minnesota Herpetological Society

.I anuaJY 200a

Volume 23

Number I

Minnesota Herpetological Society Treasurer's Report Prepared by Marilyn Brooks Blasus, Treasurer English Spot

Dutch

Jim's Rabbit Shack ""Where Spots Are Tops·

JIM DAlUGE (763) 295·2818

8700 Jaber Ave. NE Monticello. MN 55362

For the Month Ending: November 30, 2002 Income:

530.00 (284.18) 330.95 69.75 1.00 646.57

Membership Sales (Net) Donations Raffle Mise

Total Income: Expenses: Newsletter Printing & Postage Other Printing & Postage Program Conservation/Donation Supplies & Refreshments Mise

Total Expense: Net Gain/(Loss):

o 75.00 50.00 800.00 9.76 606.75 1541.51 (894.94)

-Reptiles -Amphibians -Invertebrates -Small Mammals -FishComplete Line 01 Cages, Food, Books &Supplies lor ALL Animals . rllllMe:.

(612) 7Sj:9544

'"B" US;:, , ,', (65" ',1),,3,6-3,700,, , F;>x: (651)639-6418- '_ 5<U<lbrichanl@ediMn.'a]ty.",m

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1 Hours: Mon •• Fri. 10·8 Sat. 10-6 Sun. 12·5

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The LARGEST, BEST Selection in the Twin Cities Since 1979

REPTILES 2363 Universi~ Ave. W. St. Paul, (1/2 Blk E. of Raymond) Only $5 Per Month ...... $55 Per Year

(651) 647·4479 www.twlncltlesreptlles.com GE'I' .,.HE RAG'I'S ... NO.,. .,.HE HYR& -----------------~

Page 13

Classified ads are free to the membershIp. Deadline is the night of the general meeting for inclusion In the next newsletter.

1.0.0 = male, 0.1.0 = female, 0.0.1 = unsexed, cb "" captive bred, oba = or best offer, + = times run ( ads are run 3 times unless specifically requested to continue).

For Sale 2003 Turtle Calendars - Two different formats (Sea Turtle or Plowshare Tortoise covers) $12 each. Can be delivered to the December MHS meeting andlor Holiday Banquet or mailed for $2.50 postage and handling. $1.00 of each calendar sold will be donated to the World Chelonian Trust.

John Levell, NorthStar Herpetological Associates, P.O. Box 389, Lanesboro, MN 55949, 507467-3076 emys@turtlebookshop.com. ++

FOR SALE: One female ablino or ame-

Wanted

lanistic corn snake - it is bright orange, pink red and white, so you can choose either of the types you wish to decribe it.

She has laid eggs for the last 6 years, is 10 years old and about 4 feet long. I've never had a prolern with feeding or handling, this is a very mellow critter. $60.00. Call 507-536-9575 or email to jsummerfield8@charter.net

Frozen Rabbits - all sizes.

Prices very reasonable - pinkies to adults. Jim Daluge 763.295.2818 Flighlless Fruitflles - Excellent food for dart frogs, mantellas, hatchling geckos, baby chameleons, spiderlings, and other small herps. Two species available: Drosophila meianogaster (small) and Drosophila hydei (large). $5/culture or $25/6 cultures. Each culture contains 30 to 50 adult flies and has potential to produce several hundred young. Also, Mealworms, two sizes available - regular and mini. $5/1000. Can be delivered to MHS meetings. Call Tony Gamble 612-747-6682 or email tgamble@attbi.com ++ FOR SALE: 0.0.6 Black Ratsnakes (E.o.obsoleta), $10.00 each.

Contact D.K.Compton, 612.872.7266 or compto01 @tc.umn.edu+ FOR SALE: 2.0 Chinese Leopard Geckos

(Goniursaurus araneus) $100 ea; 0.0.10 Viper Gecko $40 ea; 1.0 Belize Banded Gecko (Coleonyx eleganus) $100; 1.2 Albino Leopard Gecko - Rainwater strain $300Ilrio; 1.1 Albino Leopard Gecko - Bell strain $300/pair. Call Jodi L. Aherns 612.588.9329 or email to groundgeckofreak@yahoo.com+ For Sale: Leopard geckos, leucislic (patternless) x high yellow cross $20.00.

Leucislic x albino cross $25.00. Discounts on two or more. Call Craig 952-368-9689

+

IF

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FROMMHS

(JOT IT?

Pinkies Fuzzies

$7/dz

Fuzzies

$15/dz

Hormers Adults

$8/dz $10/dz

8m Adult

$18/dz $24/dz $30/dz

Med Adult .!..g Adult

For pick-up at monthly meetings only. Orders Must be placed at least one week in advance of date of meeting at which the frozen rodents are to be delivered.

Place orders with Jody Holmstrom at 651.224.7212 or jodyalso@yahoo.com Page 14

•

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$1.1 ® [f)[§!ru iMI@U'ilIl'Illl $1.11.1 ® [f)[§!ru W[§£!,\!ru'"

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'12th month is free on a one year commitment

• Advertising Policies

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MHSAD RATES Business card

1/4 Page 1/2 Page Full Page * Note:

$5/Month $10/Month $20/Month $40/Month

MHS Ad Policy: The MHS assumes NO RESPONSIBILITY regarding the health or

legality of any animal, or the quality or legality of any product or service advertised in the MHS Newsletter. Any ad may be rejected at the discretion of the Newsletter Editor.

Due to space Iimitattons, unpaid and complimentary advertisements are sUbject to

occasional omission.

$55Near*

Classified Ads: All acl1ve members are allowed a classlffed ad, run free of charge as space permits. Ads may be ran three consecutive months, after which time they may be resubmitted. Corresponding members are allowed a compUmenlary business card advertisement monthly as space permits. Due to federal restricllons on Non-profit mailIng permits, we are not allowed to run ads for travel, credit or Insurance agencies.

$110Near* $220Near* $440Near*

Submissions:

12th month is free on a one year commitment

~:;'.!Ii;~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I!

All advertisements should be submitted to the MHS Editor, Bell

Museum of Natural History, 10 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Deadline

•

Is the night of the General Meeting for inclusion In the next newsletter. Make checks payable to: Minnesota Herpetological Society.

r--------------------------~--------------------, Name

New Renewal Membershipll

Address City, State, Zip, Phone

Type Check II

Email

List in MHS Directory?

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No

Herp related interests

MinnesotaHerp etolo 'cal Society Membership Application Active Memberships: Sustaining ($60/year) Corresponding Memberships:

Contributing ($30/year) Basic ($15/year)

Basic Commercial ($25/year 2 Bus Cards) Silver ($75/year 21/2 pg Ads)

Bronze ($50/year 2 1/4 pg ads) Gold ($1 ~O/year 2 Full pg Ads)

check info. Drivers Lie II State DOB L Required _______________________________________________ J

Non-Profit Rate U.S. Postage PAID Mpls, MN Permit No. 2275 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

POSTMASTER: DATED MATERIAL PLEASE DELIVER BY DECEMBER 30

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA- ST. PAUL CAMPUS

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Next Meeting: Friday, January 3, 2002 7:00PM Room 335 Borlaug Hall, U of M St. Paul Campus

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MHS Voice Mail: 612.624.7065

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MHS Web Page:

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THE NEWSLETTER OF THE

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FBBRUARY

2003

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VOLUMB 25

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