Vol. 23 (2003), No. 7

THE NEWSLETTER OF THE

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JUL'i 2003

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VOLUME 23

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Board of Directors

Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church Street Southeast, Minneapolis Minnesota 55455-0104

President

Randy Blasus

952.925.4237 reblas@msn.com

Vice President Tony Gamble

763.424.2803 tgambla@attbLcom

The

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Minnesota o

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Herpetological

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Recording Secretary

Barb Buzicky zzzhuzzi@aol.com Membership Secretary Nancy Hakomaki

MHS We bpage: http://www.belimuseum.org/herpetology/Main.html 651.341.5707

MHS Group Email: http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/mnherpsoc.

galorgal@boxfrog.com

Voice Mail: 612.624.7065

Treasurer

Marilyn Blasus

blasus@msn.com

Newsletter Editor Bill Moss mngatorguy@msn.com

Members at large Heather Clayton heelhuh@aol.com Brian Ingbretson Ingelizard@yahoo.com Philip Woutat

952.925.4237 ...._ . ._ . . . ._ ..................._ . . . . . . . . . ._ . . . . . . . ._ . . . . . . . . . . . . . ._

July 2003 651.488.1383

612.788.4664 763.572.0487

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 RealSarah@aoJ.com

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Number 7

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 l opinions and resources.

General Meetings are held at Borlaug Hall, Room 335 on the SI. 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 larson jan.skunkhollow@juno.com Northern Minnesota Jeff Korbel

218.586.2588

Lib.rruy Beth Girard

763.691.1650 bglrard@worldnet.att.net

Webmaster Anke ReInders theMHSwebmaster@yahoo.com AmphibIans Greg Kvanbek John Meltzer John Moriarty

Herp Assistance 651.388.0305 763.263.7880 651.482.8109

Chameleons Vern & laurie Grassel

763-428-4625

CrocodiHans Jeff lang Bill Moss

701.772.0227 651.488.1383

lizards Nancy Hafg Heather Matson

763.434.8684 612.554.8446

large Boas P}1bQns TIna Cisewski

612.856.2865

Other Snakes Jeff leclere John Meltzer

651.488.6388 763.263.7880

Aquatic Turtles Gary Ash John Levell

763.753.0218 507.467.3076

Terrestrial TYdJes: Fred Bosman John levell

763.476.0306 507.467.3076

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 rnay be sent to: -orThe Minnesota Herpetological Society Bill Moss Attn: Newsletter Editor 75 Geraniurn Ave East Bell rnuseum of Natural History Saint Paul, MN 55117 10 Church SI. SE. -or· Minneapolis, MN 55455.0104 mngatorguy@msn.com

Copyright 2003. Minnesota Herpetological Society. Except where noted, contents may be reproduced for nonprom. non-commercial use only. All matelial must be reproduced viilhout change. Proper credit will be given including the author/photographer and the MHS Newsletter citing: volume. number and date.

The Newsletter of the Minnesota HelvetologicaJ Society

The Vice-presidents report

By Tony Gamble

July General Meeting Friday, July 11th, 2003 Program:

Reptiles Underground: Systematics and Evolution of Amphisbaenians Guest Speaker: Maureen Kearney Amphisbaenians, or wormlizards, are perhaps the most poorly known group of reptiles.

This is due to the fact that all of the 150 or so species are fossorial, spending their whole lives underground Amphisbaenians have long, snakelike bodies and, with the exception of the genus Bipes from Mexico, have no limbs. The evolutionary history of this group has presented a problem for taxonomists and herpetologists for well over a century and has also contributed significantly to the conflict surrounding higher-level relationships among squamate reptiles, the reptile Order that contains Cover: Oxybelis aeneusj Brown Vine Snake photo by John White

July 2003

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lizards, snakes, and amphisbaeni- order to test previous morphologyans. Despite decades of descrip- based hypotheses. tive, functional, and taxonomic work on this group, no hypothesis Dr. Kearney's talk will provide an of relationships based on an explic- excellent introduction to this mysteit phylogenetic analysis was avail- rious, under appreciated reptile able until very recently. The first group and provide an overview of cladistic analysis of amphisbaenian higher-level squamate taxonomy. relationships was recently complet- This is a perfect chance to learn ed on the basis of morphological about amphisbaenians, a group of characters and this resulted in a reptiles most herpetoculturists revised classification of the group. have never heard of let alone seen.

However, several interesting prob- Don't miss it. lems persist, including conflict with the fossil record, and questions Maureen Kearney is an Assistant surrounding amphisbaenian ori- Curator in the Division of

:I~:ro~U:P~O:f~a:n:im~a;les::::t:~~~

gins. This poses a classic pro b -

Amphibians and Reptiles at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago.

She is also a lecturer for the Committee on Evolutionary Biology at the University of Chicago. Her research interests include systematics and evolution of reptiles (especially amphisbaenians and snakes), conceptual issues in phylogenetics (philosophical and theoretical issues related to systematics; morphological character coding; homology; :---~-=::=;:;:;:::C:::ÂŁ:::::;;~t.J.7. combined analyses), and the Iem comparative anatomy and to phylogeny reconstruction due to development of reptiles (morphoextreme morphological transforma- logical evolution; development of tion. There is widespread morpho- skeleton; limb reduction/loss and logical convergence associated body elongation in various squawith a burrowing lifestyle in squa- mate groups). mates (such as snakes and several varieties of limbless lizards).

Therefore, separate sources of evidence such as molecular and behavioral data are needed in Page 3

TIle Newsletter of the Minnesota HelpctoI~gical Society

July 2003

Volume 23

Number 7

News, Notes & Announcements July Adoption Report

Critter of the Month

by Sarah Richard, Adoption Chair

The following critters made it to the A total of 15 animals came in for a June meeting. total of 82 for the year. The totals at June of last year were 20 for the Jody L. Aherns month and 168 ytd. The 168 includBall python morphs ed over 100 animals from two collections, so if you remove those Alfie van Gildep (?) blips we are actually up from last Corn snake and Jungle car year. pet python At this time we have 10 Iguanas in foster homes. If you know anyone who would like one please contact Raffle Donors Liz Redmond or Jamie Pajak. A big thank you to these guys for taking in Thanks the following people for these hapless Herps! generously donating items to the monthly raffle.

We also have two Sulcattas in foster right now, with another possible Marilyn Blasus three coming in within the next Gator lights month. Please let me know if you are interested.

Heather Matson Chameleon book and stuffed critter

Thank you all for your support.

Lisa Haider Box turtle boxes Dan Monson, Blue Lagoon Mosscloth, Hyggrometer, Reptical (2)

Dave Asleson Reptiles Magazine

MHS Tortoise food

Page 4

Is That a Snake in Your Pants, Or..... ?

HONOLULU -- A United Airlines flight attendant made an unusual discovery in a passenger's pants pocket Wednesday. In the man's pants was a 20-inch rosy boa constrictor. The man declared the snake on his plant and animal declaration form. The 23-year-old was not aware that snakes are illegal in Hawaii. The man said he carried the snake in a zippered pocket of his pants. Officials said the man was cooperative when the plane landed at Honolulu International Airport and was met by agricultural inspectors and deputy sheriffs. The man told officials he was moving to Hawaii and declined the opportunity to send the snake back to the mainland. The rosy boa will be handed over to the Honolulu Zoo, where it will most likely be sent out of the state. article submitted by Sean Hewitt

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The Newslctter of the :Minncsota HellJctoiogical Society

July 2003

Volume 23

Number 7

Retul'n to the Renaissance

by Nancy Hakomaki

September 13 & 14 Highland Fling

Well, it's that time of year again ... Renaissance Festival. Heavy Games event, Highland When men prance around in tights Dance competition and Scottish dog waving swords and corseted exhibit women are worshipped for their personality.

All volunteers are expected to be in period costume during your shift hours. Our Cottage has costumes available for people to borrow. The only thing we don't have to lend is footwear.

Depending on the weather, Festival starts August 16th simple leather sandals or a and runs every weekend plain boot are usually th acceptable. Not acceptthrough September 28 . able are platforms, Dr. Volunteers can sign up for Martens, sandals with one day or as many days nylon straps, or brand as you want. name sports shoes (Nike, Adidias.) Check Goodwill, Savers, or Unique Thrift Weekend themes this year: stores for cheap footwear.

Or you can buy china flats August 16 & 17 at the costume shop when Royal Ale Festival you arrive for you shift.

The cost is approximately Free beer tastings & Battle $6 - 8. However, if you of the Bartenders expect to join us for multiple days, you may want to August 23 & 24 consider a costume of your Mid East Mirage own. Before you buy or build your costume, please Belly dancing & Arabian check with "Gatorgal," Horse show a.k.a. Nancy Hakomaki for costume ideas & taboos.

30, 31 & August We are expected to follow September 1 I t a I ian official Renaissance cosCarnivale tume guidelines in terms of appropriate and inappropriate fabrics, colPasta-Eating contest & mask makors, styles & accessories. A brief September 20 & 21 ing in the Children's Realm guideline will be available at the July Wine Gala meeting. Should you need or want September 6 & 7 more information, a copy of the offiWine tastings & charity wine auction Irish Heritage Festival cial Renaissance Costume Guide will be available to look at.

Traditional dancing, Celtic story- September 26, 27 & 28 telling & Hot Potato contest Chocolate and Romance (... renaissance continued on page 9)

WOOing & pie-eating contests Page 5

The Newsletter of the "Minnesota Herpetologica1 Society

BRECK Walter John Breckenridge past on May 23, 2003 at the age of 100. Breck, as he was known to his friends and colleagues, was Minnesota's premier naturalist. He was born on March 22, 1903 in Brooklyn, Iowa. After graduating from The University of Iowa in 1926, he moved to Minneapolis to work for Thomas Roberts at the Bell Museum of Natural History as a preparator/taxidermist. Breck's influence can be found in many of the dioramas. He received his MA in 1937 for doing research on Marsh Hawks and his PhD in 1941. He became the director in 1946 and remained in that position until his retirement in 1969.

DIE S

July 2003

AT

for 50 years and was in print for 40 years. Breck's first herpetological paper was published in 1937 and over the next 30 years

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tiles of Minnesota He also did in depth studies on Black-banded (Northern Prairie) Skinks, Canadian Toads, and Spiny Softshells. The Northern Prairie Skink work was the first detailed study on the life history of this lizard. This work was done as part of his dissertation and was later published in American Midland Naturalist. The softshell turtle work was done on the island in the Mississippi River that was his backyard.

Professionally Breck was more closely associated with the ornithological community. He was a life member of the Minnesota Ornithologist's Union.

He published a number of papers on Breck is survived by Minnesota birds and his wife of almost served as the seventy years, President of the W i Iso n Dorothy. Daughter Barbara Franklin, Ornithological son Thomas, five Society.

His grandchildren and 6 ornithological great grandchildren accomplishments Walter Breckenridge at his 100th birthday in March, 2003 were honored by the Photo by daughter Barbara Franklin Breck was best creation of the known in amphibian Breckenridge Chair he authored or co-authored 29 in Ornithology at the Bell Museum. and reptile circles for his book, Reptiles and Amphibians of more articles. The accompanying bibliography lists all of Breck's Minnesota, which was published From the beginning of his career to in 1944. The book was a poputhe present Dr. Breckenridge has amphibian and reptile papers. been a well-known artist and illuslarized edition of his 1941 Ph.D. of the same title. His book was A number of Breck's articles were trator. He drew all of the line drawthe only reference for Minnesota on the general amphibians and rep- ings in his books and articles. His Page 6

The Newsletter of the Minnesota Helpetologicai Society

July 2003

Volume 23

Number 7

Wood Duck Ways, Spring Comes to the Subarctic, and Migration Mysteries. Breck traveled the country presenting these films as part of the Audubon film series. The Bell Museum has recently restored these classic nature films.

A longer biography on Breck's interesting career can be found in an article by Gayle Crampton and Don Luce 1987, entitled A Life in Natural History, in Bell Museum Imprint (Vol. 4, No.1).

John J. Moriarty

As a Naturalist, the outdoors was home to Breck Courtesy of the Bell Museum of Natural History

Spiny Softshellillustralion.

Cover of Reptiles of Minnesota (MNDNR 1943)

and amphibians of Minnesota.

Minn. Wildl.

Cons. 1st Short Course Proc. pp36-40.

HERPETOLOGICAL BIBLIOGRAPHY OF WALTER J. BRECKENBreckenridge, W.J. RIDGE Minnesota turtles.

Vol. 2(7):11-16.

Compiled by John J. Moriarty

1941.

Cons.

paintings were published in many W.J. 1941. books, including Thomas Robert's Breckenridge, W.J. 1937. A correc- Breckenridge, Minnesota rattlesnakes. tion in the range of Birds of Minnesota. He was also Cons. Vol. 1(6):10-12. active with the Minnesota Wildlife Potamophis striatulus.

Heritage Foundation participating in Copeia 1937:231. their annual art show into the early 1990s. Breck only did two reptile Breckenridge, W.J. 1937. Watch for paintings during his career. He reptiles. Flicker 37:3. painted a Six-lined Racerunner Breckenridge, w.J. 1938. Additions to the herpetology of Minnesota.

Copeia 1938:47.

Frog illustratlon Reptiles and Amphibians of Minnesota (1944)

in 1986 and a Spiny Softshell in 1995.

Breckenridge, W.J. 1938.

Minnesota Lizards. Breck n;;;'~~"'nn Minneapolis Pub. Lib. Mus. play Courtesy of the Bell Museum of Natural History Nat. Note 1:10-12.

W.J. 1941.

Breckenridge, W.J. 1940. Reptile Breckenridge, Amphibians and reptiles of and amphibians of Minnesota.

Proc. Minn.

Minnesota.

Minneapolis Acad.

Sci. 9:67-68 Pub. Lib. Mus. Nat. Note (abstract).

3:411-418.

Breck was a pioneer in wildlife photography. Some of his earliest work included the last nesting Peregrines on the northshore and caribou in the peatlands. He went on the make a number of popular films including Breckenridge, W.J. 1940. Reptiles

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July 2003

Volume 23

Number 7

Breckenridge, w.J. 1941. Snake Breckenridge, W.J. 1943. Those myths versus facts. Cons. puzzling salamanders. Breckenridge, W.J., and J.R. Tester.

Vol. 3(13):11-14.

Cons. Vol. 6(31):9-12.

1961. Growth, local movements and hibernation of the Manitoba toad, Buto hemioBreckenridge, W.J. 1941. The Breckenridge, w.J. 1943. Reptiles amphibians and reptiles of of Minnesota. MN. Dept. phrys. Ecology 42:637-646.

Minnesota with special referCons., Cons. Bull. No.3.

Ross, B.A., J.R. Tester, and W.J. 24pp. ence to the black-banded skink, Eumeces septentrionBreckenridge 1968. Ecology of northa/is (Baird). Ph.D. Thesis. Breckenridge, w.J. 1944. The pilot mima-type mounds in Univ. of Minnesota, black snake in Minnesota. western Minnesota.

Ecology Minneapolis. 398pp.

Copeia 1944:64.

49:172-177.

Breckenridge, w.J. 1942. Frogs Breckenridge, w.J. 1944. Reptiles and toads of Minnesota. and amphibians of Minnesota.

Univ. of Cons. Vol. 5(27):32-36.

Minnesota Press, Minneapolis, 202pp.

Breckenridge, w.J. 1942. Ringnecked snakes in Minnesota.

Copeia Breckenridge, W.J. 1955.

1942:128.

Observations on the life history of the softshell turtle Breckenridge, W.J. 1942.

Trionyx terox, with especial Minnesota's non-poisonous reference to growth. Copeia snakes.

Cons.

Vol. 1955:5-9.

4(21):10-15.

Breckenridge, w.J. 1957. A large Breckenridge, w.J. 1942. A large spiny soft-shelled turtle. hognosed snake from Copeia 1957:232.

Minnesota.

Copeia 1942:128.

Breckenridge, w.J. 1957.

Specirnens of toads wanted.

Breckenridge, W.J. 1942.

Minn. J. Sci. 1:38.

Amphibians and reptiles of Minnesota.

Proc. Minn. Breckenridge, W.J. 1960. A spiny Acad. Sci. 9:67-68. soft-shelled turtle nest study.

Herpetologica 16:284-285.

Breckenridge, w.J. 1943. Do you recognize Minnesota's Breckenridge, W.J. 1981. lizards?

Cons.

Vol. Minnesota herpetology 6(33):21-24.

Ecological and historical perspective.

Page 1 in Breckenridge, W.J. 1943. The life Ecology of Reptiles and Amphibians in Minnesota: history of the black-banded Proc. of a Syrnp., Cass skink, Eumeces septentrionLake, MN. Elwell, L., K. alis (Baird). Am. MidI. Nat. 29:591-606.

Cram, and C. Johnson (eds.) 64pp.

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Tester, J.R., and w.J. Breckenridge.

1964. Winter behavior patterns of the Manitoba Toad, Buto hemiophrys, in northwestern Minnesota. Ann. Acad.

Sci. Fenn. Ser. IV BioI. 71 :423-431 Tester, J.R., and W.J. Breckenridge.

1964. Population Dynarnics of the Manitoba Toad, Buto hemiophrys, in northwestern Minnesota. Ecology 45:592-601.

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The Newsletter of the Minnesota HC1vetoiogicai Society

July 2003

Volume 23

Themed menus are planned for each weekend so just ask what is When you arrive, we will schedule needed when you sign up. you for two shifts of two hours (out of a lO-hour day.) Between those shifts you are free wander around to see the shows and shops.

Unfortunately, your animals GANNOT go with you while you wander away from the Cottage per festival rules. (.... renaissance - continued from page 5)

For anyone coming for the first time, it is important to remember it is a long day and multiple animals may be needed so as not to overuse or stress an animal. This is probably not a good time to break in a new animal or bring in a young one. If In order to participate, call or email you suspect Ellen Heck at (763) 593-5414 or any dis- emheck@earthlink.net by the eases . or Tuesday before the weekend you par a Sit e s want to participate. On the day you (S.UCh) as have volunteered to attend, arrive at DO Festival by 8: 15 am with your animites NOT BRING mals CONTAINED IN BAGS OR A TO I FEST!- CARRIER. Go in what is normally VAL. For the exit and head for the booth outthose of you side "C" gate to get a daily pass, who want to which allows you to get onto the v 0 I u n t e e,r Festival grounds at no cost. Once but do~ t inside the gate head for Como have a cnt- Cottage' just past the Washing ter to bring. o~t, don't let that stop Wenche~ stage. ยง you from slgmng up. We usually have critters to lend or you can work in the turtle pen.

MHS has a tent available if you want to work both days in a weekend.

Just bring your own sleeping bag.

Please check availability when you sign up!

Saturday night after gate is closed we have a potluck. If you are working on Saturday and would like to join us, bring a dish to share.

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Don't Mess With Texas Toads: The Houston toad has found an unlikely friend in a "gun-toting, redneck, Texas Republican preacher," and local GOP chairman who has "volunteered to make his 550-acre ranch a 'safe harbor' for the palm-

sized amphibian" in exchange for "more control over his property in the future - provided that the toad population there doesn't decline from current levels" says the Houston Chronicle 5/31.

The preacher will plant native grasses, reduce the size of his cattle herd and fence off ponds where the endangered toad breeds. With 94% of the state in private ownership, safe harbor agreements and other voluntary conservation programs are crucial to the survival of imperiled species such as the Houston toad. Before the preacher met the toad he "couldn't spell 'environmentalist.' Now I am one," he said.

(GREENLines, Wednesday June 4, 2003, Issue 1878)ยง

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Twin Cities Reptiles Celebrates a Quarte.....Century bringing Reptiles and Amphibians to the Region ex-wife Connie then moved to Twin Cities Reptiles, and owner Hopkins and opened their first retail Bruce Delles, have just passed the store - a miniscule 300 square foot 25 year milestone as a major reptile storefront with a second floor that breeder and supplier not only this Twin Cities area, but in the entire Midwestern region of the country.

by Bill Moss (staff writer)

the retail business. Bruce is quick to point out that if it wasn't for Connie, the Twin Cities Reptiles would not have succeeded.

About a year later approximately 1981, TCR moved to a larger retail store in a strip mall on Excelsior Boulevard, still in Hopkins.

This new As with most businesses, store almost doubled their TCR had modest beginretail space corning in at a nings born of an interest whopping 500 square feet.

Bruce always had in repThis was home for about tiles.

Growing up in another year at which time Northern California, he TCR moved to the basehung around at a pet shop ment of "Down in the that piqued his growing Valley records" located on interest in these critters.

Highway 55 and Winnetka Some years later, in the in Golden Valley. This middle '70's Bruce got out store provided over 1200 of the service and moved square feet of retail space to Minnesota. He began for Bruce's growing busito frequent the only reptile store in the area at that ness. The emphasis of this store was strictly reptime, a place called "The Pet Dragon". Bruce found tiles and amphibians, all himself spending more fish and general pet store goods where discontinand more time there and eventually went to work ued. In addition to a retail part time at the store. outlet, Bruce (as you may or may not know, was a founding member and forSome years later, the mer President of MHS) owner of The Pet Dragon volunteered his store for decided to leave the busiuse after hours as the ness and Bruce bought the mail order lists. Thus meeting place for the began Twin Cities Bruce Delles, owner of Twin Cities Reptiles with two of the lat- monthly MHS newsletter Reptiles. est ball python color phases folding. TCR remained at this location from 1982 till For about the first year or two, the served as the Delles residence. At late 1991 when the city of Golden business consisted entirely as a that time, Bruce was working full- Valley decided to raze and redevelmail-order business. Bruce and his time at another job and Connie ran op the entire northeast corner so Page 10

TIle NeloysJetter of the Minnesota Herpetological Society

July 2003

Volume 23

TCR was forced to move yet again. San Francisco (but they are on the third set of owners).

This move took TCR to Richfield where he joined forces with Over the years Bruce has seen the Vivarium Pets, a store owned and peaks and valleys and then someoperated by Gloria Anton. Bruce times second peaks in popularity of moved his retail reptile business into a commodity that is govemed by this store while he continued to supply and demand as well as the operate the reptile breeding side of whatever the current "hot" species the business out of a warehouse or color morph might be. He has seen animals go from 'mortgage the that remained in Golden Valley. house' expensive to 'can't give them Time to move again .... away' status a few years later.

Bruce recollected that years ago, In February 1994, after about a year emerald tree boas were $200 and to a year and a half in that location, you couldn't get a green tree Bruce and Gloria decided to move python.

Now the situation is their businesses to TCR's present reversed and you can get the green location on University Avenue, just tree python for a couple hundred off 280 in Saint Paul. The current and the emeralds are $700 and store, which later absorbed over. Bearded dragons were priced Vivarium Pets under the Twin Cities and $100 when they first came in Reptiles name, is now 7000 square and nobody wanted them, now their feet (or approximately 23 times that popularity has made them a mainof TCR's humble beginnings). In stream reptile pet. TCR was the first in Minnesota to handle baby v e i led chameleons, the first out-of-theegg babies for $600 a pair now they retail for $35-$50 each. At one time, albino leopard geckos sold for $1000 to $1500 each, The current store on University Avenue in SI. Paul now they are addition to reptiles and amphibians, $45 to $75 animal. The first albino the store features a full line small California Kingsnakes that Bruce animals, fish and general pet sup- bought cost him $700, after many plies. TCR is, as far as Bruce is generations of captive bred animals aware, the second oldest pet store they are now around $35 each o~ specializing in Reptiles in the USA - the retail market. In 1997, baby the first being East Bay Vivarium in albino Burmese pythons sold for

Number 7

three thousand dollars each. By the time Bruce made the investment in the babies, grew them for three

years and had babies, the price had dropped to $2500/pair. The next year they were $1000, then $700 and as recently as a couple years ago, they were basically worthless from a retail standpoint. That price made the big breeders move on to more profitable animals causing a market shortage. Now the price is up again to the $100-$150 range.

The popularity of reptiles seemed to begin to take off in the late 80's early 90's and it hit with a boom as opposed to a subtitle increase in popularity. The keepers of reptiles were more mainstream, not the stereotypical seedy, underworld characters that many people perceived to be the only types to be interested in such a thing. The wave of popularity continued to grow, peaking in about 1998 or 1999. The popularity, and resulting sales, flat-lined for a couple years and has now begun to wane a bit, Page 11

July 2003路

quite possibly due to economic conditions as much as anything else. Bruce thinks the people who are really supporting the hobby today are the more serious collectors rather than the peopie who are or were into it for the 'cool' factor.

The joumey has been an interesting o~e for Bruce ~nd TCR, and one not "':Ithout press Inv~lvemen~; B~uce cited the ~tory of Rambo, a skinny 6+foot reticulated python that a customer purchased back around 1990.

One day the customer opened the cage to do something with the snake and in struck and constricted on the man's hand and arm. The snake began swallowing this persons hand while his panicking girlfriend was shoving a broomstick down the snake's mouth in an attempt to dislodge it. In the meantime, the Fire Department was called and arrived at the scene to extricate the man's arm from the hungry reptile. Of course the press got involved and made a bid todo about the whole episode. The man later admitted that he had been handling rodents and didn't wash his hands prior to going into the snake's cage.

Another one of the sagas of TCR involve a younger and more naive Bruce Delles being talked into making a deal with an organization called the Atlanta Wildlife Exchange for some wood turtles and an alligator snapper.

They told Bruce that the wood turtles originated in Pennsylvania and the alligator snapper was wild caught in Georgia. Bruce agreed to buy the animals. It tumed out that the wood turties are endangered in PA as were the alligator snappers in Georgia. The Atlanta Wildlife Exchange turned out to be a Federal sting operation and in a nationwide bust, people all over the Page 12

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US were raided and arrested, all with- KES KINDERGARTENERS GET in 20 minutes of one another - includHAND LOOK AT ing Bruce. But TCR survived the fines A FIRST and embarrassment of this situation to REPTILES continue to be run years later by an older, wiser businessman.

Current interest at TCR is leaning toward the various color morphs of the ball pythons. They are attractive as pets not only because of the striking colors being produced but because the fill the need for many .. people to have a python. In addition, they stay small. enough that 'pe~ple can keep them In a smaller Vivarium as well as stay within the maximum size guidelines that many city ordinances are leaning toward in animal control regulations.

Bruce is concemed about the future health of the hobby because of the lack of an organized effort by herpers to present a united front. He sees a lot of regulations being passed at all levels, city, state and national that the average herper dismisses as not important because of no apparent immediate effect on them.

John Levell of North Star Herpetological Associates visited Marilyn Erdman's kindergarten classes last Thursday and Friday. He shared information about his spurred tortoise, Pink, with the students.

(Spring Valley Tribune photo by Gretchen Mensink Lovejoy)

TCR has a reputation as a top level reptile store. Bruce is proud of the fact ed note: John Levell is an MHS memthat he, and his employees, present ber living in Lanesboro, MN customers with both the pros and cons of the animal being considered for purchase. The loss of a potential sale is acceptable to him because the positive word-of-mouth that will result. It's a business model that has served him well.

Congratulations to TCR for 25 years and here's to many more. 搂

'I'he Nc,\'sJetter of the :t\1innesota HClllctological Society

July 2003

Volume 23

Number 7

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

Dutch

For the Month Ending

Jim's Rabbit Shack "'Vv'here Spots Are Tops" JIM DALUGE

(763) 295·2818

8100 Jaber Ave. NE

Monticello. MN 55362

'~12.. 554.84~6 . ~.H¢MP~OT9G~PHY.(~OM ,-

Income: Membership Sales (net) Donations Raffle Misc.

Total Income:

$ $ $ $ $ $

Expense: Newsletter Printing and Postage Other Printing and Postage Program Conservation I Donation Supplies and Refreshments Misc.

Total Expense:

$ $ $ $ $ $ $

Net Gain I (Loss):

•RepU~s' Amphibians t Invertebrates' Small Mammals' Fish· Complete Line 01 Cages, Food, Books &Supplies for ALL Animals

Hours: Mon•• Fri. 10-8

The LARGEST, BEST Selection in the Twin Cities Since 1979

Sat. 10.6 Sun. 12-5

REPTILES

~~­

2363 University Ave. W. St. Paul, (1/2 Blk E. of Raymond)

mUM

(651) 647·4479 www.twlncHlesreptlles.com GEl" THI EAOTS NOT THI H'lRI

Only $5 Per Month...... $55 Per Year

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Page 13

The Newsletter ofthc Ivlinncsota HCl])etological Society

July 2003

Volumc 23

Numher 7

Classified Advertisements Classified ads are free to the membership.

Deadline Is the night of the general meeting for Inclusion In the next newslelter.

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

For Sale For Sale: Two female orange-glow bearded dragon I got from Weis Reptiles at the Daytona Show. Saved $300 because the tips of their tails are miSSing. $450/0BO for both or trade for Corn snakes. Marty at mncornsnakman@aol.com ++

For Sale: Aquariums w/screen tops: (2) 20 gal tall, $10 ea.; (2) 27 gal hex, $30 ea.; 25 gal tall, $15; 1.0.0 Gian Day Gecko $10 OBO; 0.0.2 Gold Bell Frogs (Litoria aurea) $10 OBO; 1.0.0 White-lipped treefrog (Lito ria infrafenata) $10 OBO; 1.0.0 Fire belly toad $5 OBO. Call Sara at (952) 949-6690 or litoria76@visi.com ++

Wanted Wanted: All the shed snake skins in the world. Needed for giveaways to kids at educational programs.

Call Bob Duerr 651-489-5087

For Sale: Dart frogs. 3 yellow galacts, 3 oyopok tincts, 1 leucomelas. Mark Hauge, 320-202-971 or whitneywee@charter.net ++ Frozen Rabbits - all sizes.

Prices very reasonable - pinkies to adults.

Jim Daluge 763.295.2818

Flighlless Frultflies - Excellent food for dart frogs, rnantellas, hatchling geckos, baby chameleons, spiderlings, and other small herps. Two species available: Drosophila melanogaster (srnall) 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 +++

Pinkies Fuzzies Hoppers Adults

$7/dz $8/dz $10/dz

For pick路up at monthly meetings only.

Pinkies Fuzzies ~MYlt

MedMYlt LgAduit Jumbo

$15/dz

$18/dz $24/dz $30/dz $36/dz

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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:$11 ® [¥l[§~ [j\j]@lfiliJiXI :$1111® [¥l[§~ W[§£!,\~"

'12th month is free on a one year commitment

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• Advertising Policies

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• MHSAD RATES Business card 1/4 Page 1/2 Page Full Page

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

$55Near* $110Near* $220Near* $440Near*

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 limitations, unpaid and complimentary advertIsements are subject to occasional omlssion.

Classified Ads: All active members are allowed a classified 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 complimentary business card advertisement monthly as space permits. Due to federal restrictions on Non-profit mall· Ing permits, we are not allowed to run ads for travel, credit or Insurance agencies.

Submissions: All advertisements should be submitted to the MHS Editor, Bell

Note: 12th month is free on a one year commitment Museum of Natural History, 10 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Deadline ~J~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~;3~~ Is the night of the General Meeting for Inclusion In the next newsletter. Make checks :*

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payable to: Minnesota Herpetological Society.

r-----------------------------------------------, Minnesota Herpetological Society Membership Application : New

Name

Renewal

Address

Membership#

City, State, Zip,

Type

Phone

Check #

Herp related interests

Email

..

Active MembershIps: Sustaining ($60Iyear) Corresponding Memberships:

List in MHS Directory?

Contributing ($30fyear) BaSIC ($15fyear)

Commercial ($25fyear 2 Business Card Adsfyear)

Yes

No

I I I I I

Required check info. Drivers Lie # State DOB I Please enclose the proper payment with your application. Make Checks Payable To: Minnesota Herpetological SOCiety.

I Membership is for 12 months from the date of approval, a receipt will be sent only upon reques!. Mail to: Minnesota I Herpetological Society, Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church SI. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Please allow 6-8 weeks I for processing.

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

MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY 10 CHURCH STREET SE MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55455-0104

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

POSTMASTER: DATED MATERIAL PLEASE DELIVER BY JULY 2

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UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA- ST. PAUL CAMPUS

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MHS Voice Mail: 612.624.7065

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MHS Web Page: www.bellmuseum.org/herpetology/main.html

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Next Meeting: Friday, July 11, 2003 7:00PM Room 335 Borlaug Hall, U of M St. Paul Campus

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