VOLUMB X NUMBBR 4

NEWSLETTER OF THE

MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL

SOCIETY

DATE: Friday, May 4, 1990 TIME: 7:00PM

APRIL, 1990

MAY MEETING

PLACE: 335 Borlaug Hall St Paul Campus University of Minnesota

PROGRAM: Cane Toads: An Unnatural History SPEAKER: Dave Hoppe

Dave Hoppe has researched man's introduction of Cane (Marine) Toads (Bufo marinus) around the world as well as the current status of those popu1ations. He will give a presentation on this as an introduction to the video. The video will be about the history of the introduction of these amphibians in Australia. Dave saw the video and became fascinated with the subject.

CRITIER OF THE MONTH: Herps that hop or herps that keep you hopping.

Reminder: Do not bring your sick or injured herps to meetings. Please be considerate of the health of other people's animals and the comfort of your animal. Animals at the meeting are not to be displayed during the meeting except during critter of the month. Be sure to bring a proper container to display your animal.

UPCOMING PROGRAMS The following programs are being planned More information will be available in fu1nre newsletters.

June - Captive Propagation and Husbandry of Gila Monsters (Heloderma suspectum suspectum)

BEll 11USElJM OF NATIJRAL HISTORY 10 CHURCH ST. S.E. MTh~US, MN 55455-0104

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

June 15 - 20 : Annual Meeting of the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, College of Charleston, Charleston, South Carolina

June 20 - 23 : 14th International Symposium on Captive Propagation and Husbandry, Dallas-. Fort Worth Holiday Inn August 3 - 5: Central Florida Herp Society National Reptile Breeders' Expo, Orlando August 5 -10 : Joint Annual Meetings of the Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles and

the Herpetologists League, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana August 9 - 12: Symposium on the Conservation and Captive Husbandry of Turtles and Tortoises

Chapman College, Orange, CA October 12 - 14 : Sixth Annual Midwest Herpetological Symposhnn, Minneapolis, MN

!i ~ II The purpose of the Minnesota Herpetological Society is: to further the education of the II II membership and the general public in care and captive propagation of reptiles and amphi- II II bians; to educate the membership and the general public in the ecological role of reptiles II Ii and amplubians; and to promote the study and conservation of reptiles and amphibians. II II II II II II II II MHS BOARD OF DIRECTORS II II II Ii PRESIDENT John Moriarty (612) 647-1334 II II VICE-PRESIDENT John Meltzer (612) 263-7880 II j\ SECRETARY Dennis Daly (612) 633-8370 II 11 TREASURER Gloria Anton (612) 420-2603 II !i NEWSLEITER EDITOR Jo Arme Wetherell-Moriarty (612) 647-1334 II ii MEMBER-AT-LARGE Fred Bosman (612) 476-0306 1/

II MEMBER-AT-LARGE Fred Bozvay (612) 224-4167 II Ii MEMBER-AT-LARGE Bruce Delles (612) 420-2603 II II MEMBER-AT-LARGE Vence Jimerson (612) 869-8547 II II IMMEDIATE PAST PRES. Ann Porwoll (612) 489-7853 II ~==========================================================~~

© 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 MRS Newsletter citing volume number and date.

AfHS Newsierter, ~TOJ. X, No.4 2

APRIL PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Allen Anderson of Norwalk, Iowa was the speaker at the March meeting. Allen gave an excellent overview of lizard husbandry. The infonnation he presented came directly from his 18 years of personal experience with lizards. Allen also showed slides of a wide variety of species of lizards, many of which he has had in his collection at some time.

Allen provided copies of a five page paper he authored on lizard husbandry. This paper includes a great deal of infonnauon which is beneficial to beginners as wen as experienced keepers of lizards.

CRIITER OF THE MONTH

Critter for April was either lizards you are trying to breed or "Iowa" herps. Lizards on display were a Red Tegu (Tupinambis rufescens) - Cliff Lindberg, Pine Cone Skink (Trachydosaurus rugosus rugosus) - Joe Matzke, and House Geckoes - Bruce Delles. Jeff LeClere had the lone Iowa herp -a Prairie IGngsnake (Lampropeltis calligaster caJJigaster). This was a shameful showing. There are many more people out there with lizards. And what about the potential for "Iowa" herps. There are plenty of Com Snakes and Hognose Snakes. What happened to the imagination?

MHS Newsletter, Vol. X, No.4 3

APRIL BOARD MEETING

The meeting was held on April 7 at the home of John Moriarty. The meeting was called to order by John Moriarty at 7:20. In attendance were Gloria Anton, Marilyn Brooks, Fred and liz Bosman, Fred Bozvay, Scott Cords, Dennis Daly, Bruce Delles, Vence and Nanette Jimerson, Greg Kvanbek, John Meltzer, John Moriarty, Bill Moss, Lisa Van Dyke, Mary AIm Waldorf and Jo Anne Wetherell-Moriarty.

The Secretary's minutes were accepted as reaci. The Treasurer's report was read and accepted. 125 people were in attendance at the general meeting.

President's Report John discussed some new developments with the Como Zoo Hands-on. The Zoo would like MHS to fonow the same guidelines as are required of the docents. Board members expressed concerns about the age limitations, liability coverage, and handling of animals. These concerns will be voiced to 'ZDo officials. More will be known at the next board meeting. It was also decided that Como Zoo Days will be limited to 3 times and we would check into doing programs at other locations in and aroood the metro-area.

Vice President's Report Not available because JoOO Meltzer was unable to attend.

Old Business The change to recycled paper will be made as soon as the printer is able to provide samples and order a supply. Switching to recycled paper for the newsletter will cause a total increase of approximately $25.00 per issue. It will not be necessary to raise membership dues at the current time. The display board has been repaired and a carrying case will be made so that it will be kept in better condition.

New Business The Herp Society has been approached by Joe Collins to make a donation toward the publication of a revised edition of Standard Common and Scientific Names for North American Amphibians and Reptiles. It was felt that such a donation would give positive publicity to the society. $100.00 will be donated.

It was suggested that a one-year complimentary membership be given to speakers who are not yet MHS members. The will be done. MRS t-shirts \vere discussed. A contest will be held to design a t-shirt to commemorate the tenth anniversary of MHS and to sell at the Midwest Herp Symposium. Joe Matzke has donated the original drawing used on the 1990 MHS White Pages. The provision is that MHS mount and frame it. TIlls will be done.

The meeting was adjourned at 9: 50 and the group enjoyed Chicken wings, potato salad, and carrot cake.

AfHS Newsletter, Fo1. X. No. 4 4

WANTED: A MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY

In March, 1981 a symposium on The Ecology of Reptiles and Amphibians was held in Cass Lake, Minnesota. Delvin Jones addressed the group on a topic he had been promoting. The title was -Wanted: A Minnesota Herpetological Society". Del had been active in the Massachusetts Herp Society when he lived in that state. Upon moving back to Minnesota, he found that there was a lack of a similar organization. Apparently, some people in the audience (including Jim Gerholdt and Terry Odegaard) caught his enthushmn. They got busy and in May of the same year a group of 30 people gathered at the Ben Museum of Na1ural History. Together they hammered out a constitution and layed the groundwork for the formation of the Minnesota Herpetological Society.

Delvin Jones was elected as the first MHS President with Teny Odegaard as vice-president and Connie Delles as secretary-1reasurer. A can was made for members-at-large and newsletter editor. In June Bruce Delles, John Dee, and Carl Hermann became the first members-at-large and Jim Gerholdt became newsletter editor.

This month's meeting marks the beginning of the tenth year for MHS. As the year progresses, important milestones from the first year of MHS will be noted.

MRS T-SHIRT DESIGN CONTEST

MHS has had the same T-shirt design for over 6 years. With our upcoming tenth anniversary as wen as the Midwest Herp Symposium coming up it was felt that a change is in order. This is to announce a T-shirt design contest open to an members.

Deadline: May 31, 1990. All entries will be reviewed by the MHS Board. Three finalists will be selected. The winner will be chasen by a vote of the membership at the June I meeting.

Rules: Only one color designs will be considered. The design must incorporate a Minnesota theme. The board reserves the right to cancel the contest if no acceptable entries are submitted.

RAFFLE

The following are the raffle winners and their prizes: Peter YaDZ - t-shirt and cage cover, Cliff Lindberg - t-shirt, Becky Helgeson - heat tape, Joe Matzke - heat tape and mice, Aaron Riedel­hand-painted egg, Lynne Cason - cage cover. Proceeds from the raffle were $34.50. Thanks to all who donated prizes and purchased tickets.

Do you have any unwanted herp-related items? MHS is always happy to receive donation for the raffle at the monthly meeting. Proceeds from the raffle go offset MHS operating expenses.

MRS Newsletter, Vol. X, No. 4 5

REFRESHMENTS

Refreshments at the February meeting were provided by Vicki Smestad. Thanks.

Mary Ann Waldotf is the refreshment chairperson. If you would like to provide refreshments for a meeting be sure to notify Mary Ann in advance. Please see her at the meeting or give her a call at (612) 699-0475.

HELP A HAPLESS BERP

Adoptions at the March meeting were an Eastern Box Turtle by Gary Ash and a Musk Turtie by Bill Sander.

At the time of publication there were no adoption animals. Anyone with animals to go up for adoption should contact Fred Bosman prior to the meeting.

SOME HBRPS GO TO SCHOOL

by Becky Helgeson

Recently I loaned my larger amelanist:ic Com Snake to a friend who is a St Paul kindergarten teacher. He took the snake to his kindergarten classes and used her to ten the children about snakes in general. The kids were so delighted that they drew pictures of snakes in thanks and asked if they could create a story about snakes. My friend insists that he had nothing to do with the content of the following stoIy -- the kids themselves told him each and every thing in it

OUR SNAKE STORY

Usa was a yellow snake. Bob was a brown snake. They went to visit Grandma and Grandpa Snake. They went to visit Cousin Snake. They decided to get married.

Wedding food list: Apples, mice, crickets, steak, watermelon, com.

Wedding guest list: Grandma and Grandpa Snake, Orange Snake, Pipe Snake (smoking a pipe), Ground Hog, Dooley, Darlene, Justine, and Derrick, Bryan the Brown Bear, Cobra Snake and Rattl.esnake - they had to spit out their poison first, and Green Frog - the snakes promised not to eat him up.

Julie Rattlesnake was the minister. She said to Lisa Snake, WWill you marry this lovely snake Bob?" Lisa said, try es, I do." She said to Bob Snake, "Will you marry this lovely snake Lisa?" Bob said, "Yes, I do." "You may put the rings on each other." Bob and Lisa put red rings around their necks. "I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss each other." They kissed with their tongues. Everybody was crying and laughing at the same time. The End.

MHS Newsiett1:r, Vol. X, No.4 6

SOME SNAKES LIVE AT SCHOOL

Jack Wa1sh is an :MIlS member who lives and teaches in Cumberland, WlSOOnsin. The following is a press release put out by his school district.

Merwin Moen ~of8ohaol8

(7111J 1i2J.4t11

Anthony DISalvo Sr. Htoh IIchooI PrtncIpeI

(715)822-22111

John ModJuki &1m. 8ctIOOI PnncII=I

P.O. BoII_ (7111J1I2N6t8

John Banka Jt. HIgh School PrtnaipaI OII'ector of lnetructlon

(7111J II3N2I!II

Accredited by North Central Aaociation

SE State Evaluation

Consortium Member K·12

Cumberland School District 1000 Eighth Avenue, P.O. 80)(87, Cumberland, WISCOnsin 64829-0087

PYTHON (Python molurus) lays Eggs Bertha, a 148 inch, gravid Burmese Python, and a resident of the

Biology room #210 at Cumberland High School since 1976, laid about 25 eggs on March 2, 1990. The Asian reptile immediately coiled herself around and over the eggs and will brood them for 55 to 65 days. She will remain in place on the eggs without eating until the expected 18-24 inch, baby pythons emerge.

The mother python deposited all her eggs in one clutch and after a few hours, they become firmly attached to each other; will remain in that position the remainder of the incubation period.

It is now possible to observe 4-16 muscle spasms per minute that run down Bertha's coils arid make it possible for the snake to keep it's body temperature as much as five degrees FO above the temperature of the environment.

The Burmese Python's instinctive behavior of brooding, warming, and protecting the eggs is unique among the reptiles.

On March 31, 1989 Bertha laid 19 eggs that failed to hatch at the end of the two month incubation period.

The following are possible reasons for not hatching:

1) Bertha and'her mate Khan were not separated for a period of four to six weeks before mating.

2) The male Khan's spermatozoa were not present in sufficient quantities during mating or they were not viable.

3) The eggs were taken away from Bertha and placed in an isolette that controlled temperature and humidity.

The techniques listed below have been undertaken in hopes of overcoming last year's failure:

1) Bertha and Khan were kept in separate cages for six weeks prior to mating.

2) It has been discovered that spermatogenesis in pythons seems to be temperature-related. Also, in numerous world habitats where the serpents live, seasonal changes of temperature occur when the rainy season ceases. Therefore, it is decided to cool the snake cages from a normal temperature of 84° F to 70° F for six weeks.

3) These large serpents have been hatching eggs without any human help for millions of years. This year it was decided to let Khan and Bertha take over.

Parents, children, students, Brownies, Cub-Scouts, etc., you are invited to come and visit Khan, Bertha, or the eggs. Please contact Jack Walsh at Cumberland High School.

MRS Newsletter, Vol. X, No.4 7

HERPFUL HINTS

Edited by Greg Kvanbek

.. Do your snakes ever spill their water dish? Dan Nedrelo, the famous Wisconsin herper, recommends gluing a flat rock to the bottom of a water dish. Slate works well. Dan uses Elmer's glue (only as an adhesive) because it is non-toxic. I've tried rocks inside the water dish but never under it

.. As long as you're putting rocks in your cages, Aaron Hampton suggests using clay flower pots as biding places for your little buddies. Just break the pot into several pieces and places the pieces in the cage. (For turtles, use a hack saw to cut the pot in half.) Sounds pretty easy, doesn't it1

.. If you are not in the habit of disinfecting your cages, maybe you should be. Cages should either have ?1?? interiors or be epoxy painted or sealed. Untreated wood is difficult to disinfect. Scott Cords has a nice set-up. He uses Cheer laundry detergent ~ .. one-half teaspoon per gallon of water. Wipe or spray this in the cage and then wipe thoroughly 10 remove it. Not disinfecting cages will cause your snake problems down the road.

It! If you've never had a herp with mouth rot, consider yourself lucky. Mouth rot occurs when a snake or lizard injures the outside of it's mouth, bacteria gets inside and causes swelling. Mouth rot is disgusting and difficult to treat One of Jo1m Meltzer's Great Plains Ratsnakes got mouth rot during hibernation. Jo1m discovered that the cause was a piece of wood shaving in the back of its mouth. This brings up an interesting question. Are wood shavings a proper substrate to keep reptiles on? Let me know your opinions. As for a cure for mouth rot, I reconunend that you see your vet as soon as possible for the best chance of saving your animal .

.. Allen Anderson's talk last month was fun of herp hints. If you missed it, the best hint was the one cautioning you against sneaking up on your Basilisk. Some people believe it can be fatal to stare at a Basilisk. It apparently can be fatal for the Basilisk..

• If your Gharia1s (Gavialis gangeticus) tend to lie motionless in the water, facing the current with their mouth open, they are probably hungry. If you put fISh in their enclosure they will locate them by swishing their head and neck sideways. They do this very quickly with little body movement. Most fish will be captured at the end of the snout Don't you believe that I really have Gharia1s?

• I might change the name of this column to Jo1m and Aaron's Herp Hints. If you look through a few recent issues of this newsletter I think you can figure out why. If you think that sounds ridiculous why don't you call me and give me some herp hints? Maybe you'll win the t-shirt! My phone number is (612) 533-7723.

BALL P'r'TUoN

MHS News/etter, \/01. X, No.4 8

HERPS AT HOME

Edited by Aaron Hampton

Well, since I didn't hear from anyone else out there, this month we'll hear some more about my own animals. I thought that since om last program was on lizard husbandry that I'd relay an observation on attempts of saurian reproduction in my collection.

BREEDING SOCIAL LIZARDS

When I speak of socia1lizards, I'm discussing those that live in colonies or groups exhibiting some fann of social dominance or hierarchy. (Although some of us do have some real party animals!) These groups are made up of a dominant male or pair and a number of subordinate animals. The key to successfully breeding these animals in captivity is knowing how they will interact with one another. If you're not sure if the lizards you have are social or not, check a book from the MHS Ubrary or talk to one of our MHS herp assistance people. Finding out as much as possible about the species you plan to work with is imperative! Not only must you provide the necessary factors for sustenance but you must also mimic the social structure of a breeding group. Sometimes this consists of several males for each female and sometimes several females for each male.

To illustrate how important this is I'n share a rather tragic experience of mine with Rankin's Dragons (Ampbibolurus ran1dni). I started outwith a young pair of captive-hatched animals. At first I wasn't sure I that even had a pair but at several months of age the two started displaying some con1rasting behaviors. I decided that the more aggressive one was probably a male and the larger, more passive one was a female. At about eight months of age the dragons were fun grown. At this time I noticed that the right, front foot of the female had been bitten completely off. She appeared fine and no infection was apparent. I had seen the male displaying dominance to the female and I assumed that the injury was sustained from territory fights or aggressive breeding. Several weeks later the female had similar injuries to one of the rear legs. The animals were separated but the chance of a captive breeding opportunity forced them to co-habitate. After aU, mating takes two.

To make a long sto:ry short, the female suffered yet another attack but did go on to lay nine eggs, none of which hatched. She lived only a few more months - far short of the life expectancy for that species. Had I read enough before attempting to breed these lizards, I would have found that they live in socially structured groups where the males may mate with several females. My set-up all.owed the male only one outlet for his passions. Cage size and hide spots may also affect breeding responses. So, if there is anyone planning to do some lizard breeding make sure you do justthat, PLAN!

NEWSLETIER ASSEMBLERS NEEDED

Volunteers are needed to assist in assembling the monthly newsletter. Please give an hour or two of your time to help support your society. Please call Marilyn Brooks at (612) 533-7723 or see her at a meeting if you have questions or would like to volunteer.

MHS Newsletter, Vol. X, No.4 9

II II II 1\ II HERP ASSISTANCE PEOPLE II

II II II Do you ever have a question about one of your herps and wonder who might be able to provide an 1\

II answer? Most people who keep pets of any kind have been in this situation at one time or another. II II A group of MHS members has volunteered to provide assistance . listed below are the people and II II their specialties. Please be reasonable about the time of day and how frequently you can. II II II II Large pythons and constrictors Other Snakes 1\ 1/ Glen (Jake) Jacobsen 757-8268 Del Jones 938-8555 II

1/ JackWalsh,Jr. (715)822-8726 JohnMeltzer 263-7880 I II II II II II Lizards Ampbibiall8" 1\ Nancy Haig 789-4637 John Meltzer 263-7880 II II Barney Oldfield 1-923-4856 Greg Kvanbek 533-7723 II II II II Terrestrial turtles and tortoises Aquatic Turtles II

II John Moriarty 647-1334 Barney Oldfield 1-923-4856 II II Ann POlWoll 489-7853 Dennis Daly 633-8370 II II II II II II Minnesota Herps I II Greg Kvanbek 533-7723 II II John Moriarty 647-1334 II 1\ II J !

.:.. :"P"'_ • ..._ .. ~: .. ~... <0-

C' - ~_. :~;::~'.~"- ::~: •. _ ... : .....

MHS Newsletter, Vol. X, No.4 10

1.0.0 = male; 0.1.0 = female; 0.0.1 = unknown

MHS DELI: Order frozen rats and rat pups no later than 7:00 PM the Monday before the meeting (or Saturday if Monday is a holiday). Call Bruce at 593-0298 to place an order. limit: 3 dozen pups or 6 adult rats.

Fresh frozen rats - $2.00 each Fresh frozen rat pups - $5.00 per dozen

FOR SALE: I still have some Ball Python and Gila Monster T-shirts left but they're going fast! Now is the time to get yours! I'n send you a brochure or bring one for you to a meeting. Call Greg Kvanbek at (612) 533-7723 ..

FOR SALE: 3 ft 0.1 Com Snake; 1.1 Baja Kingsnakes, ch 1989; Gulf Coast Box Turtles: E. Spadefoot Toads: Green Snakes; 0.1 Canary Cal. King; 1.1 Mex. Dwarf Pythons (Loxocemus bicolor); Much more! Aaron Hampton, 1135 S. Fork Dr., River Falls, WI 54022 (715) 425-7565.

FOR SALE: 0.1 Ball Python, nice color. $150. or best offer. Contact Larry Yank at (612) 436-6774 or 439-4796.

FOR SALE: Frozen adult mice $6./dz. Aduh rats $2. ea live rodents available upon request, Call Vence or Nanette Jimerson at (612) 869-8547.

WANTED: Male western Hognose Snake for breeding loan. Also female Yellow-bellied Slider Turtle for breeding loan. Contact Carol at (612) 379-7540.

WANTED: Person taking hatchling house geckoes at the last meeting please contact Bruce or Gloria at (612) 593-0298 or 420-2603.

INSTRUCTIONS: Ads are run as a free service to paid members. Paid ads from non=members are not accepted. Ads for venomous species, illegal species, or sick animals will not be run. MHS takes no responsibility for legality or health of any 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 ads is limited to 4 typed lines or 1 standard size business carel. Deadline for all newsletter items is the 15th of the month. Send all newsletter items to : ATIN: Newsletter Editor, Minnesota Herpetological Society, Ben Museum of Natural History, 10 Church St. S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55455-0104.

MHS Newsletter, Vol. X, No. f1. 11

MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL

SOCIETY

BBLL MUSBUM OF NATURAL IDSlORY 10 CHURCH STRBBT S.B •• MINNBAPOLIS. MN 55455-0104

MEMBERSHIP AND T-SHIRT ORDER FORM MINNESOTA HERPTELOGICAL SOCIETY

NAMB(S)

ADDRBSS

CITY ____________________________________ __ STATE __ _ ZIP CODB _____ _

PHONB ____________________________ _ LIST IN MHS DIRECTORY? YBS__ NO __

HBRP-RBLATBD INTBRBSTS _______________________________________________ ___

TYPB OF MBMBBRSHIP? NBW__ RBNBWBL __

__ SUSTAINING •••••••• $50.00 __ FAMILY ..•••••• $12.50

__ CONTRIBUTING ••••• $25.00 __ INDIVIDUAL •••• $lO.OO

OFFICIAL MHS T-SHIRT - $7.00 inchadea postage (indicate how many of each)

Adult: small __ mcdium__ lugc__ x-Iugc __ Kids: 6-8__ 10-12 __

Pleese enclose payment. MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: Minnesota Herpetological Society. Membership is for 12 months from date of joining. A membership card will be sent by return mail. A receipt will be sent only on request. MAIL W: Minnesota Herpetological Society. Bell Museum of Natural History. 10 Church St. SE .• Minneapolis. MN 55455-0104