MINNESOTA

HERPETOLOGICAL

SOCIETY

NEWSLETTER VOL. 16 NO. 5

MAY 1996

Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, Crotalus adamanteus llIustration from The Crocodilians, Lizards and Snakes of North America

by Edward Drinker Cope (see Michelle Stephan's Speaker Review on Page 3)

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MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Newsletter Volume 16 Number 5 May 1996

CONTENTS

News, Notes, and Announcements.. ........................................................ I General Meeting Review by Michelle Stephan.......................................... 3 Ecoviews: Fashion and Ecology Don't Always Mix by Whit Gibbons........... 4 Updated Records for MN Amphibians and Reptiles by John J. Moriarty......... 5 Notes from the Hinterlands: Almost Spring by Todd Daniels........................ 8 Larry Weber's Backyard Almanac· Book Review by John P. Levell............... 9 Barry Nielsen's Snake Keeping· Book Review by Wayne Hill...................... 9 Calendar of Events................................................................................ 10 MHS Business............. .... ........... .......... .................... ..................... ...... II Classified Advertisements....................................................................... 12

The Minnesota Herpetological Society is a nonprofit organization associated with the:

MHS VOICE MAIL: (612) 624·7065

James Ford Bell Museum of Natural History University of Minnesota

MHS Statement of Purpose: to further the education of the membership and the general public in care and captive propagation of reptiles and amphibians; to educate the membership and the general public in the ecological role of reptiles and amphibians; and to promote the study and conservation of reptiles and amphibians.

MHS Board of Directors

President Vice President Membership Secretary Recording Secretary Treasurer Editor

Gloria Anton Michael Gaunt George Richard Michelle Stephan Marilyn Blasus John Levell Bill Moss

E-mail: mnherpsoc@aol.com

President: Gloria Anton (612) 420·6158 Vice President: Michael Gaunt (612) 623·7620 Membership Secretary: George Richard (612) 623-7620

MRS SPECIAL COMMITTEES

Education Chair: Sean Hewitt (612) 935·5845 Adoption Chair: Glen Jacobsen (612) 757·8268

Editor: John P. Levell (612) 374-5422

't

Immediate Past President Member at Large Member at Large Member at Large Member at Large

Donna Gaunt Nancy Haig Mark Schmidtke Vacant

SNAKEBITE EMERGENCY Hennepin County Regional Poison Center

Minnesota Herpetological Society Newsletter is published monthly by the Minnesota Herpetological Society. Manuscripts and advertisements may be submitted in any format, 3 112 inch IBM or Macintosh compatible disks preferred. The publication deadline for ads is always the weekend of the MHS general meeting. Submissions should be sent to: MHS Editor, c/o The Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455·0104.

(612) 347-3141 Minnesota Poison Control System Local: (612) 221-2113 Out of State: (800) 222-1222

© Copyright Minnesota Herpetological Society 1996. Contents may be reproduced provided that all material is reproduced without change and proper credit is given authors and the MHS Newsletter citing; volume, number, and date.

MHS Newsletter Volume 16 Number 5 Page 1

News, Notes & Announcements Upcoming Meetillg lHlighHgll1ts The Vlce-Presldent's Report

June Program: Basic Veterinary Care for Herps. Guest Speaker: Dr. Teri Schweiss, DVM

So ... you still want to mail order that Pit Viper? I certainly hope that after Dr. Keyler's talk you will think twice (even three or four times) about committing to it. I, like a lot of people, have had a long time interest in venomous snakes. They represent some of the most colorful and fascinating snakes in the world. They also represent the most dangerous. In light of that fact, I think I'll stick to my Boas for now. At least when they bite me (and they have), it's not going to cost $10,000 in medical bills.

As many of you are aware, Dr. Keyler is actively involved in the conservation of the Timber Rattlesnake, Crotalus horridus, in Minnesota. Because of his strong feelings about these animals, he is donating his speaker fee toward this project.

Looking ahead on the calendar, our next meeting will take place on Friday, June 7th. The featured speaker is Dr. Teri Schweiss, DVM speaking on "Basic Veterinary Care and General Husbandry of Herps." Dr. Schweiss did her undergraduate studies at South Dakota State University and she earned her DVM degree at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. She is currently practicing at All About Pets in Golden Valley, Minnesota where she has been for the last 5 years .. Some of the most common animals she sees at the clinic are Iguanas, Iguana iguana, Ball Pythons, Python regius, and Box Turtles, Terrapene sp. Problems most often associated with these animals include mouth rot, respiratory infections and vitamin deficiencies.

The presentation by Dr. Schweiss will focus on common diseases/disorders of reptiles and amphibians. In discussing these problems, she will talk about preventative measures that can be taken as well as general husbandry guidelines.

Thanks to all who brought in animals for "Critter of the Month!" It is especially nice to see the return of several of the past adoption animals. I know there are a lot more out there and I would like to see a continuing flow of them each month. If you do bring an animal to show, please try to have a container of some type to display the animal in. This will help alleviate stress on the animal. Remember, to be able to show your animal, you must sign up during the break.

Locatiou: Borlaug Hall, U of M St. Paul Campus Date and Time: 7 June 1996 - 7:00 p.m. (See map on the inside back cover) Michael D. Gaunt

Howdy Y'all!!! The Minnesota Herpetological Society wishes a warm welcome to the following new members: Lisa Gustafson; Tom Dliese; and Andrew Ryle and Luanne Roby. George Richard

Large and LungJess

This odd, Muppet-like creature floated preserved and ignored in a jar in a museum in Vienna for some 100 years until Ronald Nussbaum discovered its secrets. Nussbaum, a University of Michigan zoologist who specializes in caecilians, the little-known group of amphibians to which this beast belongs, learned of the specimen from one of his graduate students. When Nussbaum dissected the two-and-a­half-foot-Iong .creature, he found it had no lungs. Apparently, like some salamanders, this animal absorbs oxygen and expels carbon dioxide directly through its skin. Not only is this the sole lungless caecilian, it's by far the largest lungless, four-limbed vertebrate known. Most other known caecilians are burrowing creatures, but Nussbaum believes the new specimen's bizarre features suit it to life at the bottom of cool, high-oxygen mountain streams. Researchers have created a new genus for the unique animal called Atretochoana, meaning "closed nostrils." Only one other specimen, collected in Brazil a few years ago, is known. Unfortunately, no records exist showing just where in Brazil the specimen was found. "The curator told us that it was collected within the last three to five years," says Nussbaum. "We're pretty sure that it isn't extinct."

Editor's Note: The preceding article, author unknown, has been reprinted from the April 1996 issue of Discover. JPL

May "Critter of the Month"

Michael Gaunt

Randy Blasus

John P. Levell

Jim Gerholdt

Mike Petkovich

Sarah Richard

Jake Jacobsen

Dick Palmatier

Striped Boa Constrictor Boa constrictor Plains Garter Snake • Thamnophis radix WoodTurtie Clemmys insculpta Timber Rattlesnake Crotalus horridus Rock Rattlesnake Crotalus lepidus Aruba Island Rattlesnake Crotalus unicolor Massasauga Sistrurus catenatus Painted Turtle Hatchlings Chrysemys picta Common Boa Neonates Boa constrictor Leopard Tortoise Geochelone partialis Burmese Python * Python molurus

Editor's Note: Former MHS Adoption Animals are designated by an • in the list above. Please remember that the PRIOR PERMISSION of the MHS President is required to display VENOMOUS SPECIES at MHS meetings. JPL

MHS Newsletter Volume 16 Number 5 Page 2

This month's column is sbort and sweet. •• 1997 Midwest Conference - Contact Bill Moss (612) 488-1383 or Liz Bosman (612) 476-0306 if you would like to work on tbe Hotel Committee. •• Renaissance Festival - The next meeting will be JUNE 9th at 12:00 noon at cottage on festival grounds. If you want to belp out contact Bruce Delles at (612) 647-4479. ! !HELP!! Rodent Sales Coordinator Needed - Terry Scbeiber resigned as Rodent Sales Chairperson effective May 3rd. He has done a wonderful job and we thank you, Terry. We do need someone from the membership to replace him, however. Tbe job includes: taking orders by phone; calling in the order to our suppliers; taking delivery and freezer storage (you'll need about "4 coolers-full of space" in a freezer); delivery to and sales at tbe meeting. This is a commitment to be at all meetings. In exchange for services, you get to purcbase your rats/mice at cost. Because of the short notice, board members will be filling in this next month, but if we don't get someone from the membership to take over this job, THERE MAYBE NO MORE RODENTS. The Society makes about $1500.00 a year on these sales so it is an important function and a lot of money to lose. PLEASE call Terry Scheiber (612) 440-7482 or Randy Blasus (612) 925-4237 if you are interested in helping out. ** Refreshments Needed - Refreshments are provided at the meetings by members. If we don't have any, it's because no one has signed up. Contact Nanette Jimerson (612) 869-8547 if you want to bring something. Gloria Anton

May Raffle Donors

Bill Baker Lizard of Oz Dick Palmatier MHS

Cage Liners Critter Ligbts Assorted Goodies

A portion of the proceeds from MHS raffle sales are allocated to the MHS Conservation Fund. Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to everyone who purchased tickets. JPL

Snake Smuggler Indicted

On II January 1996, U.S. Attorney Kendall Coffey and Miami FWS Senior Resident Agent Jorge Picon, announced that Tinn Eaton of Tequesta, Florida, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for conspiracy to smuggle over 100 boidae snakes into Miami International Airport from Peru. Eaton was also charged with two counts of smuggling and two counts of faCilitating the transport of smuggled boas in violation of the Endangered Species Act and the U.S. smuggling statute. Eaton faces a maximum penalty of five years in jail and up to $250,000 in fines for each cbarge.

According to the five-count indictment, between February and November 1993, Eaton conspired to smuggle approxinnately 110 Peruvian Red-tail Boa Constrictors (Boa constrictor constrictor), one Rainbow Boa Constrictor (Epicrates cenchris) and three Green Anacondas (Eunectes

murinus) into the United States. All of the species are listed on Appendix II of CITES, which prohibits their import into the U.S. without a valid CITES permit from the exporting country. The Peruvian Red-tail Boa Constrictor is native to the rainforest of Peru and commercial trade in the species is banned by Peruvian law. Because of its distinctive red coloring and rarity on the U.S. market, the Peruvian Red-tail Boa is popular in the collectors trade, and, in 1993, reportedly sold on U.S. market wholesale for $200 to $300 each, which is higher than prices paid for the Common Boa Constrictor.

U.S. Gator Exports Approved

On 21 August 1995, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service published a final rule in the Federal Register approving export from the United States of American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) harvested during the 1995-1997 seasons. This ruling applies to certain states previously approved for export privileges during the 1992-1994 harvest seasons, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, and Arkansas (which was approved for the 1994 export season). This final rule also stipulates that monitoring procedures previously established for American Alligator be continued, and clarifies the description of the manner in which tags are to be attached to the hides (full skins) of this species at the time of export and the conditions for export of parts and products.

Editor's Note: The two previous articles are from the Jan. 1996 edition of Traffic USA. JPL

'Il'1hl <II IE eM H a(I)!!" III 1HI H eM dl (ur. They're Everywhere, They're Everywhere

I don't know if it's just me or what, but over the past couple of months it seems that virtually everything I've pick up to read has had something in it done by, 'or pertaining to, an MHS member. Although I'm not really sure, I think it probably all started with this five page article (complete with color photos) on tbe Northern Watersnake in the 3/4 '96 issue of Reptile & Amphibian (R&A) Magazine, whicb was written by our very own "Mr. Watersnake" binnself; Jerr LeClere. Among the aninnals pictured was one scaleless Watersnake that looked vaguely familiar, as well it sbould bave since it belongs to tbe MHS's #1 book dealer; Eric Thiss. Being the sbarp witted individual tbat I am, I quickly cbecked tbe pboto credits to find tbat, yes, Jim Gerholdt did shoot tbat picture as well as two others in tbe magazine. Tbe next thing I know "ole Jinomy boy" is at it again, as I 'm staring into the eyes of a Treefrog in a Jim Gerholdt front page frog article for tbe Spring '96 issue of the Bell Museum's Imprint. A few days later I open tbemail box to find Allen Blake Sheldon pbotograpbs in a MN Volunteer (5/6 96) article on frogs. Just wben I think it can't possibly get any better, a photograpby article by Blake appears in the 5/6 1996 issue of R&A. And tben, our Immediate Past-President; Bill Moss, and bis toy collection make tbe front page of The Old 'Times. Wbat tbe becks going on bere? Wben will it end? Hopefully never. Way to go Guys! "Nuff Said," JPL

MRS Newsletter Volume 16 Number 5 Page 3

General Meeting Review By Michelle Stephan

Dr. Dan Keyler, from the Hennepin County Medical Center in the Department of Toxicology was May's presenter. Dan's topic was on venomous snake bites, their effects on the human body, and what to do if a person gets bitten. His presentation in no way glorified the keeping of venomous reptiles. On the contrary, it probably discouraged those who may have been thinking about buying one of these fascinating, yet dangerous species.

Of the 45,000 snakebites reported each year in the United States, 8,000 bites are from venomous snakes. Of those 8,000 venomous bites, there are 9 to 15 fatalities each year. 65% of all venomous bites are from Rattlesnakes which have the most widespread distribution in the United States. Copperhead bites consist of about 25% of the calls, 9% are from Cottonmouths, and less than I % are from Coral Snakes.

A person's chances of getting bit by a venomous reptile increase depending on where they live, their occupation, recreation, and religion. Obviously, people who work with these animals have a higher risk of getting bitten. Some people who work with them become immune to the venom, while others become sensitive or allergic to the venom after being exposed numerous times. People who are not practiced in handling snakes, yet handle them for religious reasons have a really high risk of getting bit. Those who live in the southeast comer of the United States live in an area where the population of venomous snakes is very high, so their risk of being bitten is higher than someone who lives in a state like Maine which has no native venomous reptiles. A child is more likely to get bit than an adult, and a man is statistically more likely to get bitten than a woman. A man who is in his twenties and is drunk is statistically more likely to get bitten than anyone. Alcohol and handling any snake is a horrible idea.

All snakes bite in order to protect themselves. Venomous snakes bite for the same reason, as well as to obtain and digest food. Different snakes have different ways of biting and injecting venom. Many snakes, such as Vipers and Pit Vipers, open their mouth very wide, strike, puncture the skin, and release. Cobras and Coral Snakes grab and chew. Most snakes, like the Timber Rattlesnake, Crotalus horridus, have a fang with a hollow tube in the middle called a lumen, that acts much like a syringe to inject the venom. Other snakes have a sheath or groove that the clear, straw colored venom travels down. The amount of venom released depends on the size of the prey item, how good of a strike the snake gets, and the type of snake. For defensive bites to humans, many are ~ry .bites, lacking venom. Unfortunately, some ~~Cles like Russell's Viper, Vipera russel/ii, will always IOJect venom, and a Cobra will inject venom 50% of the time. This does not mean that professional medical u:eatment should not be given even if it seems to be a dry bite. Remember what was said earlier about sensitization.

Snake venom can do many strange things to the body depending upon which species gave the bite. Most venom blocks the blood's platelets from clotting. Others

cause pro-coagulation, which means all of the solid components of the blood clots and the watery substance that remains flows. Kraits have venom that attacks the respiratory system. Other species have neurotoxins in the venom or use the lymphatic system to expedite the venom's travel through the body, this is an extremely dangerous bite to endure.

Some of the signs and symptoms of a venomous snake bite are bleeding, diaphoresis, nausea, vomiting, fasciculation, numbness and tingling in the mouth or throat, andlor shock. A bite is considered minimal if the symptoms are confined to the area of the bite. It is a moderate bite if symptoms spread beyond the area, and a severe bite if the whole limb is effected. If a person is bitten several times it is severe. If the venom is injected directly into a vein it is extremely severe, and could be fatal even with antivenin. It is the doctor's job to not have a minimal bite become a moderate pite. Not an easy task when someone is bitten by a non-native species and antivenin is not available right away or insufficient quantities are available.

Antivenin, which is subject to FDA approval, is a drug made by injecting horses with small doses of venom. After a few months, blood is taken from the horse and the antibodies and proteins are processed into a ~g for treating s.nakebite victims .. One dose of the drug IS normally too httle to be effecl1ve. Most mild cases require at least 5 vials of antivenin. At a cost of $157 per vial for Rattlesnake antivenin, it is a costly lesson for the person bitten. This is not a painless or quick cure for a bite, but it does save lives. Especially if the antivenin is diluted, administered slowly, and given within 4 hours of a bite.

An extreme case for a bite involved a 17 foot King Cobra, Ophlophagus hannah, that had latched on to an individual for about 8 minutes. The victim required 150 vials of antivenin that cost $300 per vial, but the person did survive. Tiger Snake antivenin costs $800 per vial. Even more specialized snakes from other countries require a permit to obtain antivenin. To get the vials, a doctor has to sponsor the person and be responsible for knowing how to administer the drug properly. After going thorough all of that paperwork, time, and expense, the drug has a shelf life of only 5 years.

The moral of the story is: If you really have to obtain a venomous snake, learn everything you can about the animal. Learn how to cage it safely. Learn how to handle it safely. Learn the proper ways to clean the animal's cage. Know which hospitals carry the appropriate antivenin for the species you are working with, and make sure they keep vials in stock. If you do get bitten, seek medical attention immediately. Have an extractor kit ($12) next to the cage that can take out up to 30% of the venom right away. Be responsible.

Thank you Dan for the very informative and interesting lecture. I learned some valuable information, and I hope others did as well. THANKS!!!

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MHS Newsletter Volume 16 Number 5 Page 4

ECOVIEWS

FASHION AND ECOLOGY DON'T ALWAYS MIX By Whit Gibbons

Sometimes ecologists and environmentalists need to return to lighter fare. Fall fashions seem light enough, thus my tom blue jeans experience deserves repeating.

Like most professionals, ecologists have clothing styles and fashions. Some have distinctive hats (usually old) or special shirts (also usually old, with memorable stains, strange drawings, or clever sayings that endear or inflame, depending on the audience). Some have lucky boots or a favorite belt buckle. I'm rather fond of old, faded-and-patched blue jeans I wear on field trips. On this particular outing I learuet! that Tom Cruise apparently does not go on many ecology field trips.

Here's how I acquired this intriguing insight. I have seen Tom Cruise on interview shows wearing blue jeans with a big hole in the knee. Now we all know that a Hollywood movie star can afford new blue jeans and that the hole in the knee is a fashion statement. I don't know whether blue jeans are actually sold with holes in the knees, but I am observant enough to notice that a lot of younger people wear them in such a state. But I can confirm that not many real field ecologists wear such garb on a regular basis.

One day in late summer, Vinny Burke of the University of Georgia and I went on a field trip to look for aquatic turtles. As we left for the field, I grabbed a pair of blue jeans, field shoes, and T-shirt and hurriedly began putting them on as we rode along. The process went even faster after Vinny suggested that he drive.

Field ecologists depend heavily on blue jeans because they offer protection from a lot of biting, stinging, and thorny things. As I put this old and worn pair on, I ripped a huge hole in the right knee, just below an earlier patch. How fashionable, I thought. I will look good in the field, like Tom Cruise. I asked Vinny if he had brought a camera.

I may have looked good (although possibly not as good as Tom Cruise), but I would soon feel awful. I first realized that fashion and ecology do not necessarily go hand in hand as we made our way from the truck to a pond. We walked through an enormous patch of blackberry bushes about the size of Vermont. Blackberries are the silver lining of a very black cloud known as blackberry briars. By the time I reached the water, my right knee looked like an angry bobcat had used it as a scratching post.

Well, I thought, once I start wading around, my knee won't feel so bad. This was momentarily true when we reached an area of knee-deep water. Then I discovered a second hazard of a good-looking tear in blue jean knees: a small insect known as a

backswimmer. Backswimmers defend themselves by jabbing their mouthparts into the body of anything they consider a threat. They are not poisonous and won't hurt you at all unless you provoke them. But their "bite" hurts like a bee sting for a minute or so.

Blue jeans, socks, and shoes generally confer protection from backswimmers, which only bite people when they are pressed against a person's body and cannot escape. Do you think a big hole in a pair of blue jeans would let in a half-inch long backs wimmer? Yes, quite a few. One after another ended up inside my pants leg, pressed tightly against my right leg. Being squeezed between denim and tender flesh provoked them, and each proceeded to protect itself. The experience was not enjoyable. (Tom Cruise always seems quite content in knee-torn blue jeans when being interviewed. But I have never seen him interviewed while he was standing in water infested with backswimmers.)

Upon leaving the water, I encountered a low­lying broken branch that aimed right for my Achilles knee. Later, a horsefly decided my exposed knee was the most delectable eating spot in the county. The final blow came when I knelt down to observe a hole in the sand dug by a lizard. Sure enough, the only sharp-edged rock within a hundred yards was lying right where I put my knee.

I plan to discard this fashionable pair of blue jeans. But if Tom Cruise needs another pair, he's welcome to them.

Editor's Note: Dr. J. Whitfield Gibbons is a professor of ecology at the University of Georgia and is the division head at the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory in Aiken, South Carolina. While he is prohably best known for the herpetological titles; Their Blood Runs Cold: Adventures with Reptiles and Amphibians and The Life History and Ecology of the Slider Turtle, Dr. Gibbons also writes a weekly ecology column for various newspapers including the Aiken, SC Standard. and the preceding article has heen reprinted from the August 27. 1995 edition of that periodical. In addition, Whit is also the author of a great book entitled Keeping all the Pieces, which is a collection of short ecology essays similar to those appearing in this column, and the book is highly recommended reading for anyone interested in natural history. As always, the previous material has been provided for publication in the MHS Newsletter through the kindness of Dr. Gibbons and his helpfulness and consideration is most sincerely appreciated. Thanks! JPL 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

MHS Newsletter Volume 16 Number 5 Page 5

Updates to the Distribution Maps in Amphibians and Reptiles Native to Minnesota

By John J. Moriarty

Over the last 2 years a number of new and updated county records, as well as one State record, have been reported for amphibians and reptiles in Minnesota. These records have come from persons submitting photographs (preferably slides) or specimens (mainly DaR's) with locality data. I would like to thank everyone who has submitted reports, but I would especially like to thank Randy Blasus, Tom Jessen, and Jeff LeClere for their many contributions, and Carol Dorff Hall for providing a summary of the Minnesota County Biological Survey (MCBS) records. Individuals interested in reporting additional distribution records should photocopy the form provided at the end of this article. Please try to document any records with a photograph or specimen. .

AMPHIBIANS

Blue.spotted Salamander Ambystoma laterale

Chisago Co. Jeff LeClere & Dav Kaufinan 1995 photo Polk Co. Ross Hier 1994 photo

Tiger Salamander Ambystoma tigrinum

Lyon Co. Dean Jorgensen 1995 specimen Scott Co. Randy Blasus 1994 photo (JFBMP·197)

Four·toed Salamander *. STATE RECORD ** Hemidactylium scutatum

Itasca Co. MCBS (USFS) 1994 specimen (JFBM·13472) Mudpuppy Necturus maculosus

LeSueur Co. John P. Levell 1996 specimen Eastern Newt Notophthalmus viridescens

Hennepin Co. Randy Blasus & Jeff LeClere 1994 photo (JFBMP·204) Itasca Co. MCBS (Carol Dorff Hall) 1994 specimen

Redback Salamander Plethodon cinereus

Kanabec Co. Steve Stucker 1993 photo American Toad Hulo americanus

Dodge Co. MCBS (Chris Van Gorp) 1995 specimen (JFBM·13492) LeSueur Co. Jeff LeClere & John P. Levell 1994 photo (JFBMP·201) Wright Co. Randy & Marilyn Blasus 1994 photo (JFBMP·21O)

Canadian Toad Hulo hemiophrys

Polk Co. MCBS (Gerda Nordquist) 1995 specimen Cope's Gray Treefrog Hyla chrysoscelis

Cass Co. MCBS (C.D. Hall, S. Stucker) 1994 specimen LeSueur Co. Jeff LeClere 1994 photo (JFBMP-199) Mower Co. MCBS (VanDeWalle, Van Gorp) 1995 specimen (JFBM-13480)

Gray Treefrog Hyla versicolor

Anoka Co. Jeff LeClere & Randy Blasus 1994 photo (JFBMP-209) Cass Co. MCBS (CD. Hall) 1994 specimen Dakota Co. MCBS (Karen Maier) 1993 specimen Polk Co. MCBS (G. Nordquist) 1995 photo

MHS Newsletter Volume 16 Number 5 Page 6

Spring Peeper Pseudacris crucifer

Cass Co. Dodge Co. Marshall Co. Roseau Co.

Western Chorus Frog Pseudacris triseriata

Cass Co. Bullfrog Rana catesbeiana

Douglas Co. Green Frog Rana clamitans

Anoka Co. Dakota Co. LeSueur Co.

Pickerel Frog Rana palustris

Olmsted Co. Mink Frog Rana septentrionalis

Anoka Co. Sherburne Co.

Wood Frog Rana sylvatica

Cass Co. Wright Co.

Smooth Softshell Apalone mutica

Nicollet Co.

Spiny Softshell Apalone spinitera

Cass Co. Douglas Co. Wabasha Co. Pipestone Co.

Snapping Turtle Chelydra serpentina

Cass Co. LeSueur Co. Lincoln Co.

Painted Turtle Chrysemys picta

Cass Co. LeSueur Co. LeSueur Co. Roseau Co. Polk Co.

Northern Prairie Skink Eumeces septentrionalis

Carver Co. Pope Co.

Timber Rattlesnake Crotalus horridus

Wabasha Co.

MCBS (Steve Presley) MCBS (Terry VanDeWalle) MCBS (Steve Presley) MCBS (G. Nordquist)

MCBS (C.D. Hall)

G. Larson

Konrad Schmidt MCBS (K.Maier) Tom Jessen

MCBS (C.D. Hall)

Jeff LeClere & Dav Kaufman Jeff LeClere & Dav Kaufman

MCBS (C.D. Hall) Randy Blasus

Bob Bellig

MCBS (C.D. Hall) J. Loftness MCBS (C.D. Hall) Tom Jessen

MCBS (C.D. Hall) John P. Levell Tom Jessen

MCBS (C.D. Hall)

REPTILES

Jeff LeClere & John P. Levell John P. Levell MCBS (G. Nordquist) MCBS (G. Nordquist)

Jeff LeClere & Randy Blasus Jeff LeClere

MCBS (C.D. Hall, R. Hanson)

1994 specimen 1995 specimen (JFBM-13493) 1992 specimen 1991 specimen (JFBM-13467)

1994 specimen

1993 photo (JFBMP-189)

1994 specimen 1993 photo

1995 photo

1995 specimen

1994 photo (JFBMP-207) 1994 photo (JFBMP-208)

1994 photo 1994 photo (JFBMP-196)

1994 specimen (Gustavis)

1994 photo 1993 photo (JFBMP-188) 1995 photo 1995 photo

1994 photo 1995 photo 1995 photo

1994 specimen 1994 photo (JFBMP-203) 1995 specimen 1991 specimen 1991 photo

1995 photo 1995 photo

1995 photo

Fox Snake Elaphe vulpina

Redwood Co. Renville Co.

Western Hognose Het'Todon nasicus

Clay Co. Eastern Hognose Heterodon platirhinos

Pine Co. Northern Water Snake Nerodia sip.don

WabasbaCo. Gopher Snake Pituophis cateniler

Benton Co. Carver Co.

Brown Snake Storeria dekayi

WabasbaCo. Redbelly Snake Storeria occipitomaculata

Carver Co. Goodhue Co. Pine Co. Pope Co.

Plains Garter Snake Thamnophis radix

Morrison Co. Common Garter Snake Thamnophis sirtalis

Cass Co.

LeClere, Berquis~ & K vanbek LeClere, Berquis~ & K vanbek

Gordon Yalch

Jeff LeClere & Dav Kaufman

MCBS

MCBS (Steve Presley) Jeff LeClere & Randy Blasus

MCBS (CD. Hall)

Jeff LeClere Jeff LeClere & Randy Blasus Jeff LeClere Jeff LeCiere

MCBS (C.D. Hall)

MCBS (S. Stucker, S. Presley)

MHS Newsletter Volwne 16 Number 5 Page 7

1995 specimen OOR 1995 specimen OOR

1993 photo (JFBMP-I71)

1994 photo (JFBMP-206)

1993 . specimen

1994 specimen 1995 photo

1995 photo

1995 photo 1995 photo 1995 photo 1995 photo

1992 specimen

1994 specimen

MINNESOTA AMPHIBIAN AND REPTILE DISTRIBUTION REPORT

Species: _______________________ Date: _____ _

Location: County ____________ T __ R __ Section ____ ~ __

Site Name: __________________________ _

Closest Highway and Direction: ___________ -,-________ _

Site Description: Vegetation: _________________ -,.-______ _

Terram: __________________ -,.-______ __

Water: _________________________ _

Specimen: __ _ Photo: __ _ Sighting: __ _ (contact for shipping instructions) (attach) (attach detailed description)

Col!ectorName(s): ________________ ~---__:-------

Admess: __________________________ ------

Phone: Home: _____________ Work: _______ ~-----_

MHS Newsletter Volume 16 Number 5 Page 8

Notes from the Hinterlands (Dodge County in Southeast MN)

Chapter 5: Almost Spring By Todd Daniels

March 18: the. second maple sap run of the '96 season was tapering off,iuK\ not a day too soon. This was the ftrst year I had tried ffiaking maple syrup from trees on our place. It's amazing that we could have lived here for almost fifteen years now before I got the idea to give it a trY. We have silver maple here (also called soft maple), not sugar maple. For some reason I'd assumed it had to be "sugar" maple to get maple syrup. Not too swift for a guy who likes hiology. Last spring I saw sap dripping out of a big old maple I'd pruned, and then I spied a fly sitting on the cut. Ding-g-g-g! The bell went off in my head: I figured the sap that attracted the March fly must be sweet. So I bought some supplies and tapped four trees this last February.

Turns out it's pretty fun. It's science, like raising herps, ftguring out what temperature, humidity, and living conditions they want. Figuring out what they like too eat, wbat's bealthy for them, how often to provide water, what the best substrate is, etc. Only for maple sap, one researcbes wbat minimal supplies one needs to give it a shot, whether to collect into plastic bags or run tubing into milk jugs. Then how to cheaply boil the sap down 30- to 40-fold to get something resembling syrup. I decided to use the woodbuner in the house full-time, and get heat and moisture as well as syrup out of the deal. I also ftred up the woodburner in the workshop. Thrice a day Maggie the Rottweiler and I would bug Lauri until she'd agree to come out with us and "harvest the bounty of Nature," which translates into spilling a quarter of the stuff on the ground trYing to get it from a bag into a milk jug. Then toss a couple of logs into the woodburners and replenish the pots on top. Figure out a cheap way to ftIter out this white flocculant precipitate that forms (a coffee filter in a Fleet Farm funnel works pretty well), and how to tell when it's syrupy enough to put in a jar.

We had some warm weather earlier in March. After February temperatures reaching a record 34 below here in Dirge County, the warmth was more than welcome. I got home the day it reached 61°, let out the dog and just walked around the property, squinting into the sun sporting a big grin which was due partly to squinting, but partly due to the wonderful feeling of just being alive and in the sun. It made me think that for all our species' accomplishments, from the ability to communicate through the printed word to developing microcomputers, we're still animals which can be fundamentally enriched just by being out in nature. Whether herping or "sapping," Mother Nature is great to spend time with.

After a few more warm days, the ice on Wally's Pond started to pull away from the shore at the east end. I was down there one day checking the contents of the minnow trap (or "harvesting the bounty of the Sea," as I preferred to think of it), when I heard a strange crunchy-

splashy sound. I looked over to see that Maggie had walked a little too close to the edge of the ice and had fallen through. She was flailing away like a canine icebreaker, and I could see the whites of her eyes from where I was, so I trotted on over. Within a couple of seconds she reached open water. She stopped panicking and slowed down to leisurely swim the ten feet to shore. She even gave me a dog-smile, as if to say, "Yeah I meant to do that."

By March 15 we knew Spring would be here pretty soon. We had spotted returning sparrow hawks, boat-tailed grackles, red-winged blackbirds and (unfortunately) lots of starlings. A pair of great homed owls had been calling since early February. We looked forward to the frrst berp sighting of the year, maybe in April.

On March 16 the three of us went for a walk around the property on the nature trail. Part way down we heard a couple of Canada geese talking to each other, so we stood still (well, Lauri and I stood still) as the great birds flew over our heads at about twenty ftve feet. They reminded me of those Romulan or K1ingon starships from the original Star Trek series. They flew on to the pond, circled and left because it was still 90% ice covered. The temperature was still in the 40's, but it takes a while for the ice to melt. Just then it struck me: Criminy, I thought. There's no italics in this story yet. Better put some in, even if they don't further the plot.

Ylh!JJ.plot? Lauri thought, thoughtlessly. Aaarrghhn, whoo/woww! Maggie added. After our walk Lauri checked the pond outlet for

obstructions while Maggie and I split off to scope out a little 10 x 25-foot brood pond nearby, that happens to have an artesian bubbling up into the bottom, so it stays in the mid 40's all winter, at least when the ambient temperature is above zero. I noticed part of the bank had tumbled into the water on the steep northern edge, and a movement caught my eye. I saw a Leopard Frog scramble from the edge of the water about a half a foot, where he disappeared into the dirt on the bottom. I could hardly believe it: a frog in mid-March. I figured maybe it was due to the warm artesian flow, or maybe the critter had been hibernating in the dirt bank which had fallen into the water. Whatever the reason, it was THE FIRST HERP OF THE SEASON!! I jumped around whooping and playing a creditable air-qui tar version of Stevie Ray Varanid's "Voodoo Chile" while Maggie ran circles in the mud around me, slavering and barking. Lauri, 50 feet away, shook her head in disgust and headed off toward tbe house to look up "Attorneys at Law" in the yellow pages.

Well that's enough (and perhaps too much) from Dirge County. Todd

MHS Newsletter Volume 16 Number 5 Page 9

Book Reviews Backyard Almanac· by Larry Weber with Illustrations by Judy Gibbs

Review by Jobn P. Levell • One of the best things about being in the natural history book business, for myself anyway, is getting the chance to "preview" a tremendous assortment of publications during the course of any given year. While this review material has undoubtedly contained some truly outstanding titles, I must admit to being pleasantly surprised by the arrival of Backyard Almanac (in a package addressed to the MHS Editor no less) a couple of months back. Despite the unpretentious title, this book has proven to be one of the most enjoyable and informative "nature guides" that I've seem in quite some time.

For starters, the actual topographical area covered is so much broader in scope than the term "backyard" would lead one to believe. In fac~ containing information on plants and animals found in a variety of habitats, including those of forest, grassland and aquatic environments, the book could have just as easily been entitled Woodland, Meadow & Wetland Almanac as anything. At the same time, the book is decidedly Minnesotan, not only being written and published in the state, but focusing on the wildlife of the north country as well. The book's author, Larry Weber, lives on a farm in northeastern Minnesota and his knowledge of northland wildlife and love of the outdoors is evident from this title's very first page. A teacher by trade, Weber was honored as the Minnesota Science Teacher of the Year in 1993, and if this book is any indication, it is an award he very much deserves.

In format, Backyard Almanac most closely resembles one of those 365 Single Day Planner notebooks bound into paperback form. For each day of the year, however, Weber provides a brief, but tantalizing entry on a natural event occurring in northeastern Minnesota on or around that date. Averaging three paragraphs in length, these short "journal-style" entries most prominently display Weber's skill as a teacher. Each of these entries, despite their brevity, manages to provide enough descriptive information to clarify some (often little known) aspect of plant or animal life, so much so that even the most "seasoned" of naturalists is bound to learn something new. For example, did you know that there are a host of insects and other invertebrates active throughout the winter, both indoors and out? Or that lichens are actually two separate organisms, algae and fungus, living together in symbiosis? These facts and more may be found between the covers of this wonderful book.

At the same time, We be r' s writing style, in combination with the shortness of the day to day entries, allows him to capture and hold the attention of even the most uninterested of readers. Filled with interesting facts about a wide variety of north country wildlife - including mushrooms, wildflowers, trees, insects, birds, and mammals - Backyard Almanac is an exceptional, educational guide to nature in Minnesota. Elementary and High School level science teachers in particular, could utilize the daily accounts to introduce their students to a broader discussion of that date's topic. Parents and children will, likewise, enjoy and learn from this publication, and planning weekend family outings to observe some of the week's topics could be a fun and educational activity.

Naturally, Minnesota's amphibians and reptiles (including Chorus, Wood, Leopard and Green Frogs, Spring Peepers, Gray Treefrogs, Toads, Blue-spotted and Redback Salamanders, the Painted Turtle, and Garter, Smooth Green and Red-bellied Snakes) are represented as well with a total of 14 of the daily entries are devoted to these animals. Each and everyone of the daily entries also features a related blw drawing by Judy Gibbs, many of which are exceptional (particularly those of birds and plants). In addition, each month starts out with a drawing of the same small section of countryside which illustrates the changing appearance of the area throughout the seasons.

All in all, Backyard Almanac is a book that can be highly recommended to everyone wanting to learn more about, or with an interest in, north country wildlife. Although written from the perspective of northeastern Minnesota, with some slight modification to its timetable the book's information remains pertinent for most of the state. In reading the daily entries it soon becomes clear that Mr. Weber is one of those exceptionally rare and gifted individuals who, if we were really lucky, we may have had the good fortune to have teach us once in our lifetime. In fac~ I could find only one small mistake, which just so happens to be on the book's front cover. On this cover it states that the book contains 365 day to day entries, but the author has taken leap year into consideration and has provided an entry for February 29th, for a total of 366 calendar dates. If only every book was plagued with such problems.

So do yourself a favor and pick-up a copy of this exceptional book. Heck, purchase several as you'll probably want to pass copies along to loved ones and friends. The 408 page Backyard Almanac, which was published in 1996, may be obtained at a cost of $19.95 + $4.00 shipping from: Pfeifer-Hamilton Publishers, 210 W. Michigan, Duluth, MN 55802-1908, (800) 247-6789 ..

Snake Keeping: Proven Techniques Everyone Can Use • by Barry C. Nielsen

Review by Wayne Hill • Recently I received a review copy of Snake Keeping: Proven Techniques Everyone Can Use from its author, Barry C. Nielsen. This is a common occurrence for me and does not always result in a written review. Having kept snakes for over forty years, I have developed some strong opinions about the techniques and equipment used in the herp hobby and business. When I received this book I was anxious to read it and see if there were any areas of agreement. I was pleasantly surprised.

Snake Keeping is a paperback book that uses the 8 1/2 x 5 112 format. It is 61 pages long with two black and white photos and one graph. It is saddle stapled in the center.

There are no new techniques or information for the expert or professional snake-keeper in this book. There is a wealth of proven techniques and useful information for the beginner. It is skillfully compiled in one easy to read book. The information is up to date with references to the use of heat-strips and pads, topless plastic boxes with slide-in shelving, vitamins and U-V lighting.

Subjects like very specialized arboreal snakes and venomous snakes were not discussed. Since the book is for

MHS Newslelfer Volume 16 Number 5 Page 10

beginners, these subjects should have been omitted. The major topics that are necessary to have a working knowledge of snake keeping were included .. I could find no glaring gaps.

One of the trends in herp literature in the 1990's has been the production of herp books by professional writers. Many of these writers have no personal knowledge or experience with the subject about which they are writing. This is not the case with Nielsen's Snake Keeping. Nielsen has kept snakes for over thirty years and his expertise is evident in his writing.

The reader must keep in mind that Nielsen is writing from his experience in working with snakes in a cool climate. Herpers in South Florida or Hawaii might wonder about some techniques in the book; however most herpers experience some cool weather and these techniques would be useful.

I highly recommend this book for all beginners. The price of the book ($7.99 + $2.00) is reasonable. The book can be purchased from Best Pets, P.O. Box 200, North Billerica, MA 01862.

.... ~L 8100mloglon Velerlnary .

.Ytl~ Hospllal, P.A. 8830 Lyndale Avenue South.

Bloomington, MN 55420 TEL: 884-3228 • FAX: 884-7357

I.A. Sweeney DVM W.H. Sweelley DVM Hospital Hours

M-T-W-T 8:00 AM TO 9:00 PM FRIDAY 8:00 AM TO 6:00 PM SATURDAY 8:00 AM TO 1;00 PM

Please Ask Fol' Dr. Weber

JOHN & RUTH MELTZER (612}263-7880

WE HAVE A GREAT SELECTION OF CAPTIVE BRED

HERPS.

CAll FORA COMPLETE LISTING!

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

June 7, 1996 MHS General Meeting. Guest Speaker: 1ERI SCHWEISS, DVM; Program: GENERAL VETERINARY CARE OF HERPS. Borlaug Hall, U of M, St. Paul Campus. 7pm.

June 15·16 MHS Field & Camping Trip. BLANDING'S TURTLE NESTING SURVEY AT CAMP RIPLEY. For more info: Contact: John Moriarty at (612) 476-4663 or John Levell at (612) 374-5422.

June 22·23 MHS Field & Camping Trip. BLANDING'S TURTLE NESTING SURVEY AT CAMP RIPLEY. For more info: Contact: John Moriarty at (612) 476-4663 or John Levell at (612) 374-5422.

June 27.29, 1996 20th Annual International Herpetological Symposium. Sheraton Fiesta Hotel, San Antonio, TX. Registration fee: $125.00 (does not include hotel room fees). For more info Contact: David Huhnes, 361 VanWinkle Ave., Hawthorne, NJ 07506, (201) 427-0768. Hotel reservations Call: (800) 535-1980.

July 5, 1996 MHS General Meeting. Guest Speaker: JIM GERHOLDT; Program: ARACHNIDS. Borlaug Hall, U of M, St. Paul Campus. 7pm.

July 13·14, 1996 International Reptile Breeder's Convention. San Diego Concourse Plaza Hall, San Diego, CA. For more info Contact: Ray Busby (800) 497-3550.

July 24·29, 1996 391h Annual Meeting of the SSAR. University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS. For more info Contact: Cathy M. Dwigans, Academic & Professional Programs/Continuing Education, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045 (913) 864·3284, fax (913) 864-5074

Aug. 2, 1996 MHS General Meeting. Guest Speaker: DAV KAUFMAN; Program: A ROAD TRIP TO SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. Borlaug Hall, U of M, St. Paul Campus. 7pm.

Aug. 17·18, 1995 National Reptile Breeder's Expo. Radisson Twin Towers Hotel & Convention Center, Orlando, FL. Contact: Wayne Hill, P.O. Box 3277, Winter Haven, Fl 33885 (813) 294-2235.

Aug. 24.27, 1996 3rd Annual Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians Conference. Holiday Inn, Bush Gardens, Tampa, FL. For conference registration info Contact: Dr. Wilbur Amand, P.O. Box 605, 1 Smi!hbridge Rd., Chester Heights, PA 19017. Fax: (610) 892-4813

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Board Meeting Highlights By Michelle Stephan

The monthly meeting of the MHS Board of Directors was conducted on May 5th at Michael Gaunt's home. A quorum was present. The hoard took the following actions:

The board decided not to purchase T-shirts or sweatsbirts at this time. When it is decided to do more shirts, the shirts will bave the MHS logo on them.

Dan Bergquist resigned from his Member-At­Large pOSition. Since Chase Delles had the next highest number of votes in the election, he was a candidate for the position. The board voted against him. 2 YES, 4 No, and 2 Abstaining. The hoard then decided not to appoint a person to tbe position for tbis month.

Anotber motion was made to for a committee to write an amendment to the MHS constitution. This amendment would address the issue of age limits for hoard members and voting age limits. John Levell, George Richard, and Mike SChmidtke will be on the committee.

Tbe 1996 budget was presented and accepted. A few cbanges were made to clarify exactly wbere some money will go, and the conservation fund was increased.

Tbe hoard also decided to buy 5 Neodesha cages for $150. These will allow tbe adoption animals to be displayed without upsetting tbe animals as much during tbe meetings.

The decision was made to allow tbe librarian to make the decision to exchange Newsletters witb other groups.

A motion passed to allow 20 reams of recycled paper to be purchased for the printing of the White Pages.

Presented and accepted were: Treasurer's Report, Membership Report, and Board Minutes.

English Spot Dutch

. ': di·· ".~'~ ':t:.:' " ,"

Polish

Jim's R.abbit Shack Where Spots Are Tops

JIM DALUGE 8700 Jaber Ave. N.E. Monticelio. MN 55362

(612) 295-2818

• Reptiles .-Amphibians .-'nvertebrates. Small-Mammals. Fish· Birds. Complete line of Cages, Food, Books & Supplies for All Animals

&

2363 University Ave. W., SI. Paul, MN 55114 (612) 647- 4479

MHS Newsletter Volume 16 Number 5 Page 11

April 1996 Treasurer's Report Prepared by Marilyn Brooks Blasus

Beginning Checkbook Balance

Income: Membership Raffle Sales Donation Fines Other

Total Income:

Expense:

345.00 57.00

301.50 339.51

2,00

Newsletter 400.90 Misc. Print/Post Program Library Books Supplies Refreshments Other

Total Expense:

Net IncomelLoss:

50.00 47,96

15.00 850.78

Ending Checkbook Balance: Funds Allocated to Unpaid Expenses: Funds Available:

Conservation Fund Balance: 98.43

For Sale or Petting Zoos Parties or Promotions

3,220.53

1,045,01

1,364.64

(319.63)

2,900.93

2,900.93

ANIMALS OF WALTON'S HOLLOW Exotic & Farm Animals

Bill & Jean Walton 5425 Peterson Road

White Bear Lake, MN 55127-6713 (612)426-8163

SECORD'S EXOTIC ANIMAL HOUSE BILLY SECORD - (612)920-1987

LARGEST PROD! rCER OR SMALL EXOTIC MAMMALS IN MINNESOTA!

HEDGEHOGS, DUPRASIS, ZEBRA MICE, PYGMY MICE, GIANT AFRICAN POUCHED RATS, JIRDS, MOUSE LEMURS, BRUSH-TAILED KANGAROOS, AND MUCH, MUCH MORE! - US.D.A LICENSED

MHS Newsletter Volume 16 Number 5 Page 12

Classified Ads

1.0.0 = male, 0.1.0 = female, 0.0.1 = unsexed c.b. = captive bred, o.b.o. = or best offer

For Sale

Baby Boas, Boa constrictor c.b. 4/30/96, fed & shed $50-$75. Will deliver to MHS meetings. Call Sarah at (612) 223-0407.

Veiled Chameleons $45, Bearded Dragons $50, Water Dragons (males) $40, Brown Basilisks $20, Firebelly Toads $3, all species c.b. Also Monkey-tailed Skink $100, Contact Andy or Luanne (612) 221-9119.

Leopard Tortoise Hatchlings $150 ea. Call Jake (612) 757-8268.

2.1 Dumeri!,s Boas, Acrantophis dumerili, c.b. babies 10/95. Feeding well on small mice. $250 ea. or $400 for pro Call Connie or John (612) 374-5422

Mice and Rats. Call Little Critters (612) 421-0097

Rabbits - Fryer size, current listed market price. Discounts for orders of 6 or more. Rat size $1.50 ea. or 6 for $7.50. Adults $2 ea when available. All sizes currently available. Call Jim Daluge (612) 295-2818.

Wanted

ALL THE SHED SNAKE SKINS IN THE WORLD, Always, to use at hands-on programs to give to kids. Bob Duerr (612) 541-0362.

Mild tempered Milk Snake, Lampropeltis triangulum, Fox Snake, Elaphe VIIlpina, or Black Rat Snake, E. obsoleta, for use for "hands-on" presentations at the Easbnan Nature in Elmcreek Park Reserve. Cabn, easily handled specimens a must. Contact Vicki (612) 420-4300

C.B. 94-96 (or older if good tempered) Fox Snake, E/aphe vulpina, Black Rat Snake, E. obsoleta, or Eastern or Western Hognose, Heterodon platirilinos, H. nasicus. Please call Michelle or Chris (612) 578-9003.

Wanted: Any Day Geckos (Phelsuma). Call Dean R. Montour (612) 257-2462.

Wanted: One hard cover copy ofMinn of the Mississippi. Willing to pay any reasonable price. Call John at (612) 374-5422.

Herp related news clippings, original articles, artwork, cartoons, etc. for publication in the MHS Newsletter. Authors and artists will receive compensation in the form of volunteer hrs, good towards one "priceless" MHS coffee mug. Send submissions to: MN Herp. Soc.! Editor, clo Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church SI. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455-0104.

My female Rough-scaled Sand Boa is ready to breed this year. Looking for a male as a breeding loan. Call Chase; (612) 374-5422.

Miscellaneous

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

SEA TURTLE SURVIVAL LEAGUE, announces its' line of eco-promoting sea turtle merchandise, for a free catalog write: Sea Turtle Survival League, P.O. Box 2866, Gainesville, FL 32602-2866 or call (800) 678-7853.

MHS Rodent Sales

Mice: pinkies $6.00 dozen (12) fuzzies $6.00 dozen (12) adults $9.00 dozen (12)

Rats: pups $10.00 dozen (12) adults $12.00 six (6)

$24.00 dozen (12)

For pickup at monthly meetings only. Orders must be placed at least one week in advance of date of meeting at which frozen rodents are to be delivered. Place orders with Terry Scheiber (612) 440-7482.

All proceeds from MUS rodent and mercbandise sales go toward tbe operating costs of tbe society sucb as; speaker fees, library purcbases, cbaritable donations, etc. Tbe MUS is a completely volunteer run, non-profit organization.

Advertising Rates and Instructions

Classified Ads: Are run free of charge to paid members. Non­member rates are ten cents per word, per month. Ads may run three (3) consecutive months, after which time they may be re­submitted. Business Cards: Institutional members may run one standard sized business card free of charge. Non-member rate for standard sized business cards is $5.00 per month. Display and Expanded Size Ad Rates: Ad Size Month 3+ Months 6+ Months 1/4 Page $10.00 $7.50 $5.00

1/2 Page $20.00 $15.00 $10.00 Page $40.00 $25.00 $15.00 (All prices are per month) Submissions: All advertisements should be submitted to the' MHS Editor, Ben Museum of Natural History, 10 Church St. SE,' Minneapolis, MN 55455. MAKE CHECKS PAY ABLE TO: Minnesota Herpetological Society. MHS Ad Policy: The MHS assumes NO RESPONSIBILITY regarding the legality or health of any animal, or the quality or legalIty of any product or service advertised in the MHS Newsletter. Any ad may he rejected at the discretion of the Newsletter Editor. Due to space limitations Unpaid and Complimentary advertisements are subject to occasional omission.

Amphibian & Reptile Information

Specific questions concerning amphibians and reptiles are best answered by contacting the following individuals at the numbers provided. Please remember to be reasonable about the time of day and how frequently you call.

Amphihlans & Reptiles in John Moriarty (612) 482-8109 Greg Kvanbeck (612) 263-7880

Large Boas & Pythons Karl Hermann (612) 730-6265 Glen Jacobsen (612) 757-8268 Terrestrial Turtl.es John Moriarty (612) 482-8109 Glen Jacobsen (612) 757-8268 Lizards Nancy Haig (612) 434-8684 Bill Moss (612) 488-1383 Amphibians Greg Kvanbeck (612) 263-7880 John Meltzer (612) 263-7880

Minnesota

Other Snakes John Meltzer (612) 263-7880 Jeff LeClere (612) 488-6388 Aquatic Turtles

Gary Ash (612) 753-0218 John Levell (612) 374-5422 Crocodilians

Jeff Lang (701) 772-D227

Location of MHS Monthly Meetings

utHVERSITY OF MINNESOTA- ST. PAUL CAMPUS

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MINNESOTA

HERPETOLOGICAL

SOCIETY BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

10 CHURCH STREET S. E. MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55455-0104

ADDRESS CORREGnON REQUESTED

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POSTMASTER: DATED MATERIAL

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Non-Profit Rate U. S. Postage

PAID Mpls.MN

Pennit No. 2275