MINNESOTA

HERPETOLOGICAL

SOCIETY

NEWSLETTER VOL. 16 NO.8

August 1996

Bullsnake Pituophis catenifer sayi Illustration by Irene McKinnon

from

"The Amphibians and Reptiles of Alberta" by

Anthony P. Russell & Aaron M. Bauer (see Jeff LeClere's article on page 6)

MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Newsletter Volume 16 Number 8 August 1996

Contents

News, Notes & Announcements................................................................................. 1 General Meeting Review by Michelle Stephan......... .... ........... ....... ...... ......... ....... ...... 4 Ecoviews: Do Turtle Excluder Devices Protect Sea Turtles? by Whit Gibbons......... 5 Snakes of Minnesota: Bullsnake Pill/ophis catellijer sayi by Jeff LeClere................ 6 Un-Natural History Note: Minnesota's Deformed Frog Studies by David Hoppe..... 9 Field Notes: Migration by Randy Blasus.................................................................... 10 MHS Business.. ....... ........ ..... .... ....... ........ ... .... ...... ..... .... ......... ................. ......... .... ... .... 11 Calendar of Events.............................................. ........................................................ 11 Classified Advertisements....... ....... ........ ............. ......... ....... .... ........... .... ......... ....... .... 12

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

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

Gloria Anton Michael Gaunt George Richard Michelle Stephan Marilyn Blasus John Levell Bill Moss Donna Gaunt Nancy Haig Mark Schmidtke Vacant

SNAKEBITE EMERGENCY Hennepin Co. Regional Poison Center

(612) 347-3141 Minnesota Poison Control System

Local: (612) 221-2113 Out of Slate: (800) 222-1222

MHS VOICE MAIL:(612) 624-7065 E-mail: mnherpsoc@aol.com

President: Gloria Anton (612) 420-6158 Vice President: Michael Gaunt (612) 754-8241 Membership Secretary: George Richard (612) 623-7620

MHS SPECIAL COMMITTEES

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

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

Minnesota Herpetological Society Newsletter is published monthly by the Minnesota Herpetological Society. Manu­scripts and advertisements may be submitted in any fannat, 3 1/2 inch IBM or Macintosh compatible disks preferred. Thepublication deadline for ads is always the weekend of the MRS general meeting. Submissions should be sent to: MHS Editor, cIa The Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455-0104.

©CopyrightMinnesota Herpetological Society 1996. Con­tents may be reproduced provided that all material is repro­duced without change and proper credit is given authors and

MHS Newsletter Volume 16 Number 8

News, Notes & Announcements Upcoming Meeting Highlights When: Sept. 6, 1996 - 7:00 PM. Where: Borlaug Hall U of M St. Paul Campus.

Editor's Note: At the time of publication the program and speaker for September's meeting have not yet been set. See the Vice-preside nt's report elsewhere in this newsletter for more infonnation regarding the program for this meeting. PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THE RA TIFICA TION VOTE FOR THE AMENDMENTS TO THE BYLAWS OF THE MHS WILL ALSO TAKE PLACE DURING SEPTEMBER'S MEETING (for more info see page 2 of this newsletter). JPL

Call It Animal Magnetism Every year, sea turtles perfonn remaekable feats of

navigation, swimming across thousands of miles of trackless sea to return to the very beaches on which they hatched. How they manage these trips has long baffled scientists, but research by two biologists at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seems on the verge of solving the mystery.

Two years ago, Kenneth and Catheriue Lohmann discovered that baby Loggerhead Sea Turtles could determine latitude at sea by reading the Earth's magnetic field. Now, in more recent experiments, the two turtle esperts have found that the reptiles also can monitor magentic field intensity, which corresponds roughly with longitude. "Our work shows sea turtles indeed posess the minimal sensory abilities necessary to approximate global position using a bicoordinate magentic map," says Kenneth Lohmann, adding that more research is needed to confmn the findings.

Editor's Note: The previous article, author unknown, has been reprinted from the Aug.lSept. 1996 issue of National Wildlife magazine. JPL

August's Raffle Donors Twin Cities Reptiles Roseville Cattle Co. Pretty Pets Tropical Concepts Serpent's Tale Alan Kwong Randy & Marilyn Blasus MHS

Assorted Cage Accessories Midori Iguana Iguana Food Assorted Reptile Magazines Posters Vita Flies & Hide Log Gator Grape Jelly Shirts, Magazines, Hot Rock

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 or donated items.

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12th Annual Midwest Herp Symposium

Greetings from the St. Louis Herpetological SOCiety, Plans are in place for the 12th Annual Midwest

Herpetological Symposium and we hope you'll be able to join us. The Symposium will be held October 18 - 20, 1996, at the Holiday Inn - Airport North. The Hotel. which has an indoor pool and holidome (come prepared to playa little volleyball), is located a few minutes west of the airport.

We'll start off the weekend on Friday night with the Breeders' Exposition and Dry Goods Sale which will run from 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM. The Dry Goods Sale will continue to run all weekend. Those of you who take pride in your collection of Symposium T-shirts will be relieved to find them available for this year's event. The hospitality room will be open after the expo for our guests.

On Saturday we have a full day of guest speakers planned. We have already hooked H. Bernard Bechtel, author of Reptile and Amphibian Variants: Colors, Fatrems and Scales, Al Baldogo, a private breeder, Jeff Ettling, Curator of Herps at the St. Louis Zoo, Stephen Hammack of the DallasIFt. Worth Zoo, andJohnMcGrath, our salamander expert. Saturday evening we will hold the traditional banquet, with Banquet Speakers Dave and Tracy Barker, authors of Pythons of the World, Vol. 1. Australia and owners of V.P.I. Pythons, the largest and most diverse collection of pythons in the world. Capping off the evening is The Auction. The hospitality room will be open following the auction.

On Sunday morning we will be parting with tradition by offering tours of the SI. Louis Zoo Herpetarium instead of the usual round table discussions. More information will be provided at the Symposium for our guests who wish to take part.

As you can see, it should be a great weekend - the only thing missing is you! So please join us for the 12th Annual Midwest Herpetological Symposium in St. Louis, MO. For more information, contact ChrisHimstedt at (314) 677-6652 (before 10:00 PM please) or write to SLHS, P.O. Box 410346, St. Louis, MO 63141-0346.

Editor's Note: As anyone who has ever attended a "Mid­west" can attest, the annual get together of members from the midwestern herpetological societies is one of the most enjoy­able events of the entire year. This year's event promises to be no exception as not only will we get to attend the swap, listen to the great programs, enjoy the banquet, socialize, and partici­pate in the auction, but we'll be treated toa tOUf of the St.Louis Zoo's "World Class"berpetological collection as well. In past years the MHS has always been among the "leaders" for most members in attendance, which is not surprising since the MHS originated the event way back when, a tradition we will hopefully continue this year (especially since it sounds like the SLHS is challenging us to a volleyball game). Anyway, the "Midwest" is something everyone interested in amphibians and reptiles should experience at least once and I plan on seeing a whole bunch of you there! JPL

MRS Newsletler Volume 16 Number 8

Official Notification Proposed Changes to the Bylaws of the Minnesota Herpetological Society Ratification Vote.

Where: Room 335, Borlaug Hall, U of M St. Paul Campus. When: September 6, 1996 - 7:00 pm. Who: All Active MHS Members in Attendance.

It is the position of the MHS Board of Directors that the following revisions to the MHS Constitution should be adopted. These resolutions will establish a minimum age requirement for board members of at least eighteen (18) years of age and will help clarify who is able to hold office. In the proposed changes listed below deletions are designated by .hike tlnough type, while additions are designated by bold underline. The fina1 decision regarding these proposed revisions resides with the membership of the 1\1HS present at the September 1996 general meeting and all active members are encouraged to attend.

ARTICLEll. MEMBERSHIP Section 2.06 Active Members Rights.

CUlTent Constitution: Active members shall be entitled to vote. shall be eligible to hold office and conunittee posts. and shall be entitled to all benefits of MHS.

Proposed Change: Active members shall be entitled to vote, shall be eligible to hold office ",d committee posts, and shall be entitled to all benefits of the MRS. Active members shall beentitied to hold office oro,ided that they are eIghteen (18) years of age or older.

Revised Constitution: Active members shall be entitled to vote. shall be eligible to hold conmuttee posts. and shall be entitled to all benefits of the MRS. Active members shall be entitled to hold office provided that they are eighteen (18) years of age or older.

ARTICLE m. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Section 3.01 MRS Administration

Current Constitution: MHS shall be adnunistered by a board of directors comprised of the elected officers, four active members­at-large and the inmlediate past president or the elected officers and five active members-at-Iarge. Determination will be depen­dent on the requirement that inmlcdiate past president be a one year term.

Proposed Change: MHS shall be administered by a board of directors comprised of the elected officers, four active members­at-large and the inmlcdiate past president or the elected officers and five active members-at-Iarge. all of whom are eighteen (18) years of age or older and who shall be members of tile MRS in good standing. Determination win be dependent on the require­ment that immediate past president be a one year term.

Revised Constitution: MHS shall be adnunistered by a board of directors comprised of the elected officers, four active members­at-large and the inmlcdiate past president or the elected officers and five active members-at-Iarge, all of whom are eighteen (18) years of age or older and who shall be members of the MRS in good standing. Determination will be dependent on the require­ment that immediate past president he a one year term.

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Sea Turtle Egg Thieves Sentenced

On 9 February 1996, Miami Judge William Zloch sentenced Winfred Park to two years in jail and co·defendant Gregory Harmon to 15 months injail for violations ofthe U.S. Endangered Species Act. In May 1995, the two men were charged with stealing 372 endangered Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta) eggs from their nests on a private Florida beach. The men had intended to sell the eggs, which are highly prized as a delicacy in some ethnic communities. to local tavern owners. However, they were stopped for a traffic violation and arrested after aPahn Beach police officernoticed a large cloth bag containing the eggs in the car. A third defendant in the case, James Bivens, is still awaiting sentenc­ing.

Editor's Note: The preceding article. author unknown, originated from the Reuters Wire Service on 2/10/1996 and has been reprinted here from April 1996 edition of Traffic USA. It should also be noted that the Loggerhead Sea Turtleis listed as a Threatened Species by the U.S.F.W .S. ,not "Endan­gered" as stated in the article. JPL

New U.S. Tortoise Importation Regulations

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Notice ofInformation No. 25 (NO! 25), published in the January 23 Federal Regis­ter, prohibits the importation of three Hingeback Tortoise species from Ghana. The Ringeback species regulated are Bell's Hingeback, Kini,ys belliana, the Forest Hingeback, Killi>.)'s erosa, and Home's Hingeback, Kini:rys lwmeallil. The importation of Greek Tortoises, Testudo graeea, from Turkey are also prohibited pursuant to NOI 25.

1st Annual IHS Reptile Show Spollsored by the Iowa Herpetological Society

* See hundreds of fascinating reptiles and amphibians for sale (Captive Bred Only).

* Books. supplies, equipment, reptile related crafts and much more.

* Meet and talk to top breeders and get their expert advice. * Experienced veterinarian available to help answer questions.

Sunday, September 22, 1996 - 10 am - 5 pm Best Western - Des Moines West Hickman Rd., Des Moines. Iowa. (just off Interstate 80/35)

Admission: Adults $4.00, 6-12 $1.00, Under 6 Free

For More Info Contact:

August 25th Almanac Entry

In the spring. ponds echoed with the songs of mating frogs: on May e\'enings as many as five kinds called at once. Since then. the frogs have left and ponds are silent. There are some exceptions to this rule, howe\'er: now. in August. Spring Peepers and Gray Treefrogs begin calling again. Exactly why they call in late summer is unknown. but on August afternoons, they peep from trees as though spring has returned. No mating or even attempted mating takes place at this time, and calls emanate from the safety and seclusion of trees instead of ponds.

Besides calling, these frogs are feeding in the trees and bushes, It is not unusual to see the little brown Peeper with an X on its back in our shrubs, In late summer, Gray Treefrogs that feed call, and hide among the leaves are green. The young are more likely to be green, with the gray suit reserved for adults sitting on bark or buildings. Suction cups on their toes allow frogs to hold unto leaves, but they also affix themselves to glass. Indoor lights attract insects to windows, and Gray Treefrogs gather to hunt on this vertical. transparent plane.

Editor's Note: The preceding is the entry for August 25 entry from Backyard Almanac by Larry Weber. For more info on this neat nature guide see the book review io the May 1996 issue of the MHS Newsletter (Vol. 16, No.5). JPL

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MHS Newsleller Volume 16 Number 8

August "Critter of the Month"

Randy Blasus

James Rea

Keith Tucker

Eric Thiss

Matt Sacchet

Uli Sacchet

Nancy Hakomaki

Virginia Larson

Jake Jacobsen

Donna Calander

Hatchling Bullsnakes Pituophis catemifer sari Red-footed Tortoise Geochelone carbol/aria "Short-tailed" Blood P)1hon Pytlwll cunus Amelanistic Garter Snake 17wmnophis sirtalis Hatchling Beared Dragons Pogona vitticeps Children's P)1hon Antaresia childreni Spotted Python Antaresia maculosa "Smiley" Gator Alligator mississippiellsis Hatchling Hognose Heterodon Iwsicus Leopard Tortoise Geoche/one pardalis Burmese Mountain Tortoise Manouria emys

MRS Newsletter Volume 16 NumberB

General Meeting Review By Michelle Stephan, Recording Secretary

For those of you who missed our meeting this month, you missed a spectacular presentation. Dr. Scott Eckert was our guest speaker this month focusing on one of the largest reptiles in the world: the Leatherback Sea Turtle, Dennochelys coriacea.

The Leatherback is one of seven sea tUitle species in the world including: the Loggerhead, Caretta caretta, the Hawksbill, Eretmochelys imbricata, the Green, Chelonia mydas, the Flatback, Natator depressa, Kemp's Ridley, Lepidochelys kempi and the Olive Ridley, Lepidochelys oUvacea. The most common, which numbers in the millions, is the Olive Ridley Sea Turtle. By a strange twist of fate, the rarest is Kemp' sRidley, which has a population of around 500 adult females. Both of these species come up onto the beaches in droves to lay their eggs relying on shear numbers to keep the population alive. Unfortunately, this stampede breaks an extremely large number of eggs. So many in fact, that a beach in India is drenched 14" deep with egg yolks and shells during the laying season.

The Hawksbill Sea TurUe lives in tropical waters near coral reefs. The turtles eat the sponges that are choking and overcrowding the reefs.

The Loggerhead Sea Turtle is a bottom dweller that eats mollusks and clams. The Loggerhead is the most common sea turtle species nesting on the U.S. Atlantic coast, particu­larly in Florida, while in the Pacific the Loggerhead is the off of the coast of California for part of the year, and then off of Japan's coast the other part. Hatchlings will hatch in Japan and go straight to the water to swim across the ocean to Baja. This explains why scientists only see turtles that are adult and juvenile, there has not been many in-between sizes seen.

The Green Sea Turtle is the one species that is most commonly consumed by humans. They are the grazers of the sea, and they eat so much algae that their internal organs are green.

Then there is the Leatherback Sea Turtle, the one which Eckert has spent most of his time on. This turtle's physiology is so completely different from other turtle species. Its carapace is flexible, it bas no scutes, and its vertebrae are not fused to the shell like other turtles. This turtle is also been able to adapt itselfforcold water by having a black body, cylindrical shell, huge size, and paired blood vessels that use heat ex­change to only allow warm blood to go to the heart. Some even argue that they have a form of internal heat that can keep them warln to a certain extent.

The turtle also has a very long esophagus and small stomach designed to eat jelly fish. This does not mean that an occasional fish or something wiII not be picked up if it happens to be floating by.

Every other year a female goes to the beach of her birth to lay 6to 7 clutches of eggs. This is a strenuous task for her to lift her350kilo body out of the water, diga hole. and then

4

proceed to lay 85 eggs. If she gets overheated in the process she "blushes" in order to cool herself off. After she covers tbe eggs in the nest and makes the site larger than it originally was to confuse predators, she leaves the eggs to their own destinies. In 60 to 70 days there will be movement in the nest. When it is cool enough in the day, the hatchling will emerge. They will head towards the brightest hOrizon, which will hopefully be the ocean. Once in the water, they will swim in a straight line for many days, then they will slow down and start to eat all they can find.

Once mature, the Leatherback can dive down to at least 1200 meters. This is not a typical dive. Instead, they mostly shallow dive during the night to catch food that is close to the surface. In the daytime, food is deeper. If they want to geUt, they will, but this is not often. To avoid nitrogen narcosis in the body, these turtIe' s lungs have evolved to be very tiny so as not to allow much nitrogen into the body to have nitrogen exchange.

Unfortunately, the Leatherback is endangered. Their populations have been greatly diminished due to driftnets and long line fishing. Man even kills these animals to eat and use the oil. Even though the killer whale and the white shark are their natural enemies, these predators do not do nearly the amount of damage as one drift net that can drown several of these giant sea reptiles. Those who are not killed in man's nets, still contend with the pollution humans had thrown into the ocean. At least 80% of these creatures have plastic in their intestines.

This was a wonderful talk. I think Dr. Eckert would be a good candidate for the symposium next year. Those of us who did not know much about these creatures leamed a lot of valuable infonnation. I also think that people who have studied sea turtles were fascinated as well by Dr. Eckert's greatlecture. Thank You, it was a truly wonderful program.

Editor's Note: To learn more about marine turtles the following books are recommended.

Bjorndal, Karen A. (ed.). 1995. Biology and Conservation of Sea TurtIes, revised edition. Smithsonian Institution Press. Washington, DC.

Bustard, Robert. 1972. Sea Turtles: Their Natural History and Conservation. Taplinger Pub!. Co. New York, NY.

Carr, Archie F. 1984. The Sea Turtle: So Excellent A Fishe. University of Texas Press. Austin, TX.

Carr, Archie F. 1979. The Windward Road: Adventures of a Naturalist on Remote Caribbean Shores. Florida State Univer­sity Press. Tallahassee, FL.

Ripple, Jeff. 1996. Sea Turtles. Voyageur Press. Stillwater, MN.

MHS Newsletter Volume 16 Number 8

ECOVIEWS By Whit Gibbons DO TURTLE EXCLUDER DEVICES PROTECT SEA TURTLES?

Not long ago, an estimated 55,000 sea turtles were killed annually by U.S. shrimp trawlers. However, baning an upswing in other sources of mortality, researchers from Nortb Carolina State University and Soutb Carolina's Department of Natural Resources offer an optimistic outlook for their recov­ery. L. B. Crowder, S. R. Hopkins-Murphy. and J. A. Royle publisbed their statistical analysis of fourteen years of records in the scientific journal ~.

In 1980 the National Marine Fisheries Service estab­lished a network to detennine the numbers of dead sea turtles washed asbore, especially due to shrimp trawling in the South. The number of nesting turtles on beaches are a secondary measure of whether sea turtles are declining or increasing in an area.

The investigators tallied results of patrols along South Carolina beaches to establish trends in the numbers oflogger­head sea turtle carcasses stranded from 1980 to 1993. Their focus was on whether the use of turtle excluder devices (TEDs) by shrimp trawlers reduced the number of turtles killed. TEDs are grid attachments within trawl nets that retain shrimp but allow most turtles to escape. Without TEDs, shrimpers kill turtles, albeit incidentally and unintentionally, by drowning them in their nets.

Federal laws passed in 1989 require U.S. shrimp trawlers to use TEDs, although court challenges were made. Also, critics claimed that no quantitative scientific evidence was available to support contentions that TEDs saved turtles.

During the first eight years of the study on logger­heads, no TEDs were in use. During the last four they were on all shrimp trawlers in South Carolina. Based on the decrease in numbers of dead loggerhead sea turtles over the years, TEDs had reduced mortality by approximately 44 percent.

Before the use ofTEDs, when shrimp season opened in South Carolina and Texas, the number of beached turtles quadrupled. When shrimping stopped, stranded carcasses de­creased in nwnber. Nesting populations in South Carolina, where shrimp trawling is high, were declining, but have stabilized since TED use began. In the parts of Florida where shrimp fishing is absent, nesting was stable or on the increase.

Akey point about the published study is that political rhetoric is removed from the environmental issue of whether traditional shrimp trawling has an impact on sea turtles. The problem became apparent in the 1980s when an environmen­tally sensitive Congress ordered an independent review of the conservation status of sea turtles. The committee of scientists was to determine if cOlrunercial fishing and shrimping caused mortality of sea turtles. They considered environmental impact only, not sociological or economic issues.

The 1990 book "Decline of the Sea Turtles: Causes and Prevention" declared shrimp trawling to be the most significant cause of death to sea turtles along U.S. coastlines. With the loss of eggs and hatchlings under control. the loss of older age classes was judged to be the plimary problem in the decline of sea turtles. The suggested remedy was to require the

5

use ofTEDs. Five species of sea turtles occur in U.S. coastal waters

in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. All are protected under the Endangered Species Act, which remains intact despite special interest attempts to demolish it. The U.S. shrimping industry operates from Cape Hatteras in North Carolina to the Texas­Mexico border in the Gulf, with the exception of central to southern Rorida on the Atlantic side, where less shrimp trawling is done. Forceful conservation measures must con­tinue if sea turtle populations are to persist.

Many shrimpers, especially in the Gulf states, Con­sider TEDs an inconvenience that reduces the shrimp catch. Proponents argue tbat TEDs do not reduce the catcb apprecia­bly and that shrimpers are resistant to the idea because they do not want to be told how to run their business. Whatever the effects on the economics of catching shrimp, tbe published study demonstrates that TEDs do indeed reduce sea turtle mortality.

Unfortunately, the Young-Pombo bill being proposed in Congress would eliminate the requirement tbat TEDs be used. If Congress passes tbe bill, they will eliminate a lot of Sea turtles, and a lot of environmental progress.

Editor's Note: Dr. J. Whitfield Gibbons is professor of ecology at the University of Georgia and is the division head at the Savannab River Ecology Laboratory in Aiken, South Carolina. In addition to his numerous articles in scientific journals, Whit is probably best known for his many books including; Their Blood Runs Cold: Adventures with Rep­tiles and Amphibians and The Life History and Ecology of the Slider Turtle among otbers. Dr. Gibbons also writes a weekly ecology column for various newspapers (including the New York Times) and he has kindly provided the preceding article for publication in the MHS Newsletter. Other sbort stories on ecology by Whit Gibbons may be found in another ofbis books, Keeping all the Pieces, a title which isamustread for everyone interested in natural history. JPL

MHS Newsletter Volume 16 Number 8

Snakes of Minnesota Bullsnake (Pituophis catenifer sayi) By Jeff LeClere

Description: The Bullsnake is largest species of snake in Minnesota. This snake ranges in size from 37 to 72 inches in length with the record being 100 inches (Conant and Collins 1991). Their ground color varies from straw yellow over the entire body to white on the neck and fore part of body. dull yellow on the body, and a cleaner, brighter yellow on the tail. Bullsnakeshave over40 large, dark body blotches on the body alone. These blotches are usually black on the neck and fore part of the body turning lighter into brown or reddish brown on the body. These blotches turn into black bands on the tail. There are also smaller lateral spots on the sides, sometimes connecting and even fonning a network or checkerboard effect. The lateral scales are also tipped with brown or black giving the snake a speckled effect on the sides. The head is yel­low or brown and boldly marked with blackmark­ings including a stripe across the top of the head from eye to eye, barring on the labial scales. and a stripe from the eye to the corner of the mouth. The belly is porcelain white on the throat and fore part of the body be­coming yellowish with brown squares or spots thereafter. In the southern and western portions of its geographical range, the Bullsnake takes on a more brownish appearance; the ground color is entirely brown and all the blotches are brown. In the northern and eastern portions of its range (including Minnesota). it displays the black to brown color change described above. This snake has an enlarged rostral scale, keeled scales and a single anal plate.

SUbspecies: The Bullsnake is considered a subspecies of the Gopher Snake, Pituopllis carenifer, which contains about six subspecies, the rest of which occur west of the Bullsnake's range. Although many authorities recognize Pill/ophis melalloleuCIIs sayi as the Bullsnake's scientilic nmne.1 have chosen to use the scientific name, Piruophis catent(er sayi as specified in Collins, 1990. The Bullsnake j, the only suhspe­cies of Piruophis catellifer (and the only memher of the gcnus Piruophis) found in Minnesota.

6

Range: The range of the Bullsnake is huge, and it is found from Canada south to Texas and east to Illinois and west to Colorado. In Minnesota, the Bullsnake is mostly found in the southern portion of the state. The snake is found along the St. Croix. Minnesota, and Mississippi Rivers; and there are few confmned records far from these rivers. There are sightings in central and south central portions of the state that need to be investigated further to be sure they are not actually reports of the Fox Snake, Etaplle vulpina, a Minnesota species that may occur in those regions also.

Habitat: Generally, sandy areas tbat allow burrowing and contain many marmnal burrows are areas Bullsnakes live. Bullsnakes favor open prairies, especially in the northern and central parts oftbeir Minnesotarange. Bluff lands and open, grassy meadows bor­dered by woodland are home to many southem Minnesota Bullsnakes.

Habits: Bullsnakes emerge from hibernation in late April. They can be

Photo by leffLeClere found sunning them-selves on top of gopher

mounds just outside the opening of the burrow where they spent the winter. They breed in May; the males may combat with one another for a female. The male crawls alongside and over the female, making rhythmic motions with his body. Just before copUlation, the male may grasp the female's head or neck in his mouth. Sometimes, copulation can become quite violent. with both snakes wrapping about each other. Copula­tion may take from several minutes to hours. Aftermating, the pair splits up and the male will wander about the prairie in search of food, and males usually have mucb larger home ranges than females. The species is oviparous and females lay about a dozen eggs in the sand or other protected areas wbere they incubate without the aid of the female. Late June and into July are common egg laying months. The young will hatch in August or September. They are just over a foot at hatching (8 - 18 inches) and differ from the adults in having an all around grayish coloration, which is lost after their first shed.

12th Annual

Midwest Herpetological Symposium Hosted by the St. Louis Herpetological Society

October 18-20,1996 st. Louis, MO

Breeder, Supplier and Symposium Registration Form

To register: please complete this form and mail it with payment to St. Louis Herpetological Society, 1996 Midwest Symposium, P.O. Box 410346, st. Louis, MO 63141-0346. Make check or money order payable to SLHS.

[ 1 Breeder [ 1 Herp-oriented merchandise supplier

Name ____________________________________________________________________________ __

Address~ ______________________________________________________ ~ ________________ ___

City ___________________ State ________ ----'Zip Code ________ _

Phone numbers: Oay _______________________________ Evening, ______________________________ _ NameofCompany ____________________________________________________________________ _

Animal species or merchandise to be sold, _____________________________________________________ __

Quantity Event Price Total Please list attendees'

names on a separate sheet

Symposium $50

Symposium $55 (after September 25)

Banquet $23

Breeders' Tables $25 (Friday night only per 6' table

Open to the public) (1/2 table $15)

Suppliers' Tables $60 3 days per 6' table

(Open to the public on (or comparable donation Friday night only) to auction - list below)

Total

• Auction Donations ______________________________________________________________________ __

Hotel Registration: SLHS has reserved a block of rooms at Ihe Holiday Inn - Airport North Hotel, 4545 N. Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63044. You can reach the hotel directly by calling (314) 731-2100 or 1-800·STL-6202. DO NOT SEND HOTEL REGISTRATION TO SLHS. When making reservations, please indicate that you afe a Midwest Herpetological Symposium attendee. You should receive a rate of $64 for a single/double. The Holiday Inn is located 1 mile west of Lambert International Airport and provides free shuttle service 24 hours a day. It is also easily accessible from 1-70 by taking the Lindbergh Blvd. exit north for 1/4 mile. Free parking.

Rooms will be held for us only until Wednesday, September 25, 1996. After that date there may be additional rooms available to us at the discounted price, but there are no guarantees, so we strongly recommend that you make your reservations early. For more Info/questions: contact Chris Himstedt at(314) 677-6652 (before 10;00 PM please).

12th Annual

Midwest Herpetological Symposium

Reptile Breeders' Expo and Sale October 1Sth-20t

\ 1996

Hosted by the St. Louis Herpetological Society

at the Holiday Inn-Airport North Hotel 4545 N. Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63044

EXPO OPEN TO THE PUBLIC 6:00-10:00pm

Admission $4.00

NO WILD CAUGHT ANIMALS CAPTIVE BRED ONLY

Lots of Cages, Books, Supplies, Reptile Merchandise, and Animals galore!!!

For Vendor or Symposium information, call Chris Himstedt at (314) 677-6652 (before 10:00pm), or write to:

S.L.H.S., P.O. Box 410346, St. Louis, MO 63141-0346 Attn. Symposium

Symposium Rules and Regulations 1. CAPTIVE BRED ANIMALS ONLY! 2. No Missouri native species allowed. 3. No turtles under 4 inches (no exceptions). 4. No crocodilians, arachnids, or venomous animals. 5. Table reservations are non-transferable. 6. Shared tables must include the names etc. of all vendors at said table. 7. Endangered species must have appropriate documentation. A copy must be presented to the

expo coordinator prior to their exhibit. 8. Event officers reserve the right to order any animal removed from the expo. Vendors who refuse

to remove the animal(s) will forfeit their table(s) and leave the expo. Reasons for animal removal may include (but are not limited to) visible parasites, diseased appearance, or question of origin. Event officers also reserve the right to order a display or product removed from the vendor's table.

Upcoming Meeting Highlights The Vice-President's Report

September Program: Effects of Oil Production on Ampbibian Communities in the Neotropics

Guest Speaker : Seboya Harris

Geez, miss one lousy deadline and you get your article stuck on a newsletter insert ...

Well, I hope everybody that made last months meet­ing enjoyed the presentation. It was nice to see such a big turn out of people. Special thanks are in order to Scott Eckert for his research perspectives on Leather­back Sea Turtles. I wish him the best of luck in his studies, and you can bet he'll be asked to come back to talk with us in a few years for an update on his research.

Sehoya Harris, our September speaker, is a bit more local than Dr. Eckert In fact, she's currently about 100 yards from our meeting location. Sehoya is currently in year four of the University's Ph.D. program in Conser­vation Biology. Her work focuses on amphibian communities in the neotropics (primarily Ecuador) and how they are affected by oil production in the region.

One benefit of doing this type of research is the necessity of doing field studies. Sehoya has spent three seasons in Ecuador's Yasuni National Park over the past two years. She will be discussing the site that was selected for the study, the herpetofauna of Yasuni, and some preliminary conclusions about amphibian distri­bution in the area.

We had lots of animals for 'Critter of the Month' at the last meeting; thanks to all who brought their crea­tures. We also had a lot of adoption animals go out, so I'd like to see them back at a future meeting to see how they are doing.

And finally, just as a reminder, the October meeting will take place on Friday the 4th. Dav Kaufman will be speaking on 'Herps of the Southwest Desert' See you soon ...

Michael D. Gaunt

Location: Borlaug Hall, U ofM Campus Date & Time: 6 September 1996 - 7:00p.m. (See map on the inside back cover)

MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY Membership Application

Name(s): ___________________________ _

Address: ______________________________ _

City: __________________ State: __ Zip Code: ______ _

Phone: ________ Fax: ________ E-Mail: ___________ _

Herpetological Interests: __________________________ _

Include above infonnation in the annual MHS Phone Directory: Yes _ No _ Date of Birth: ______ _

Membership Level: Sustaining $60 _ Contributing $30 _ Institutional $25 _ Family $15 Basic $15

Membership Type: New _ Renewal_ Driver's License Number: ______________ _

Are you currently or soon to be a University of Minnesota Student? _ (check if yes)

Mail application (please enclose payment) to: Minnesota Herpetological Society; Attn. Membership Secertary; Bell Museum of Natural History; 10 Church SI. SE; Minneapolis. MN; 55455-0104. PLEASE MAKE ALL CHECKS OR MONEY ORDERS PAYABLE 10: MinnesotaHerpetological Society. Memberships run for twelve months from date of joining. Receipts provided upon request only. Please allow 6·8 weeks for processing.

MRS White Pages Update The following names, addresses and phone numbers represent additions or corrections to the current MHS membership directory. These changes should be added by "cut & paste" or otherwise noted in your copy of the MHS White Pages.

Rebecca Barnisb 1510 Maywood St. Paul, MN 55117 (612) 489-6676

Michelle Ellison Anlmalia Exotica, Inc. 17151 Isleton Ave. Lakeville, MN 55044-7624 (612) 882-0337

Steve Estebo 20953 ixonia Ave. Lakeville, MN 55044 (612)985-5728

Vern and Laurie Grassel 16597 59th St. NE Elk River, MN 55330 (612) 428-4625

John Hager 2740 W. 66th St., Apt. 17 Richfield, MN 55423-1954 (612) 824-1775

Jared Kirby

Sean Meuke 5301 Pinewood Trail Edina, MN 55436 (612) 922-2608

Madelynn Peterson 6821 Quantico Lane Maple Grove, MN 55311 (612) 557-0964

Mike Rohleder 1348 Birchview Maplewood, MN 55119 (612) 779-7393

Tom Sasse 137 Finrud Ave. Redwing, MN 55066 (612) 388-3107

Sue Schaubschlager 1883 Montreal Ave. S!. Paul. MN 55116-2036

722 SE Fulton St. Minneapolis, MN 55414-2918 (612) 623-4562

Book Announcement University of Texas Press

Snake Lover's Lifelist & Journal By Cbrls Scott Publ. Date July 1996

Lists and describes every species of snake found in the U.S. and Canada. plus many subspecies, color phases, intergrades and hybrids for a total of 438 different forms. Blank report forms allow for the personalized recording of sightings for each form. Includes 92 color photographs plus quality line illustrations to aid in field identification. This 288 page hardcover book retails for $19.95 and is available from the University of Texas Press; Box 7819; Austin, TX 78713; (800) 252-3206.

Book Announcement Western Australian Society of Amateur Herpetologists

A Guide to the Reptiles and Frogs of the Perth Region Western Australia By Brian Bush, Brad Maryan, RobertBrowne-Cooper and David Robinson Puhl. Date May 1996

Complete detailed descriptions of the diverse he!petofauna found in the area of the capital city of Western Australia, Perth (one of the mostisolated cities on earth). Includes color photos and 1.0. keys. 226 pages, softcover. Cost $20.00 Australian (bank draft!cheque). Order from: WASAH; 169 Egina St., Mount Hawthorn 6016; Western Austra1ia; Austra1ia.

Forthcoming Books from the SSAR

Gecko Fauna of the USSR and Contiguous Regions By Nikolai N. Szcerbak and Michael L. Golubev Publ. Date Dec. 1996

Comprehensive coverage of the geckos of the Soviet Union; Mongolia, western China, Mghanistan, Pakistan, the Middle East; eastern Europe, and northern Africa Individual species accounts cover systematics, biology, type locality, reproduc­tion; variation, and more. l11ustrated with24colorphotos, plus numerous b/w photos and figures. Also includes 1.0. Keys and distribution maps. Hardcover with 230 pages. Pre;publication price: SSAR Members $35, Institutions and Non-members $48. Order from: Dr. Robert Aldridge, SSAR Publications Secretary; Department of Biology; St. Louis University; 3507 Laclede Ave.; St. Louis, MO 63103 (314) 977-3916.

Herpetology of Japan By Leonhard Stejneger Publ. Date Sept. 1996

A SSAR Facsimile Reprint of Stejneger' s classic "The He!pe­tology of Japan and Adjacent Territory," still the only com­plete coverage of Japan's he!petofauna. Also covers the amphibians and reptiles of Taiwan, Korea, Manchuria, adja­cent coastal China, and easternmost Siberia Includes accounts of 156 species with synonymies, descriptions of typical speci­mens, variation, habitat, distribution and a list of specimen localities. New Foreword and taxonomic update by Masafumi Matsui. 684 pages, 35 plates, 409 text figures, 1.0. keys. Hardcover. Special Pre-publication price: SSAR members $45, Institutions and Non-members $58. Order from: Dr. Robert Aldridge, SSAR Publications Secretary; Department ofBiology; St. Louis University; 3507 Laclede Ave.; St. Louis, MO 63103 (314) 977-3916.

In spring, Bullsnakes spend much of their day sun­ning outside their burrows. but into the summer they spend most oftheir time underground. They have a pointed head and the tough rostral scale helps them burrow through loose sand or penetrate manunal burrows. Due to their fossorial habits. they Seem less likely to hide under cover such as tin or boards. but a number of these snakes can be found by flipping such junk. Many times there is no junk in prime Bullsnake habitat so observing them out and about (whether it be sunning or hunting in the morning or evening. or crossing road~ at night) is the best way to find them. With their yellow and black coloration, they blend in perfectly with the prairie grasses and they can 'disappear' before your eyes.

Bullsnakes, like most snakes. have varied ways of reacting to humans in the wild. I have seen more than one Bullsnake act completely tame right away as if it had been in captivity for years, but the majority react badly to disturbances. Escape is their first line of defense, but if they feel cornered, they flatten their head and spread their jaws giving their head a diamond shape, puff their bodies up with air, and let out a hair raising hiss. No other North American snake can hiss like a Pituopizis can! It is not only loud, but very raspy sounding because of a flap of cartilage in front of the trachea whicb vi­brates as air passes by it. Furthennore, they vibrate their tails producing a buzzing sound. Some­times, this is merely a bluff and they may be slow to actually bite, but many times they will strike and bite with vigor.

Bullsnakesretire into hibernation in October. In open sand prairies. they hiber­nate alone or with Garter Snakes, Hognose Snakes. or other Bullsnakes in mammal burrows. In bluff prairies, they usually hibernate in rock crevices and share their hibernaculums with Racers, Rat Snakes, Timber Rattlesnakes, and Milksnakes.

Food: Mammals are the number one food item. Pocket go­phers, meadow mice, voles, shrews, ground squiITcls. rabbits. squirrels, birds and birds' eggs, frogs~ and lizards are con­sumed. They kill larger prey by constriction and simply swal­low smaller prey alive. They are powerful snakes and can kill rodents met in a bunow by pres~;;ing the rodent against the wall of the burrow with part of its body. I have heard of Bullsnakes hanging around chicken coops eating the eggs and young chicks, but these snakes are really one of the most beneficial snakes found in Minnesota. These snakes have appetites' They can easily save a fanner hundreds of dollars every year because of the amount of rodents they can consume. They can go into

7

MHS Newsletter Volume 16 Number 8

burrows. holes in the walls of barns, weave in between bails of hay, and go places dogs and cats can not go. The sman farmers know this and are glad tosee Bullsnakes around their farm. The ignorant farmers waste their time killing these snakes. and waste their money buying trap after trap to eradicate a nuisance that the Bullsnakes would have eradicated for free.

Care: Bullsnakes are not difficult to keep and breed. They are hardy and good feeders. They vary considerably in individual temperament, but many respond well to frequent handling.

Bullsnakes are large and therefore will require a large cage. Twenty gallon long aquariums and up will work, but you may find that a custom made cage will be better suited to housing this species. Make sure tbat the opening to the enclo­sure is secure because these snakes are very powerful and can easily push lids up and doors open. Substrate may be anything that works best for you. They will make a huge mess out of anything you place in the cage. Astroturf and newspaper are good substrates, but Bullsnakes will push and scrunch these

materials up. Aspen shavings, orchid bark, or other similar sub­strates may be better, but they will push that around too leaving one section piled up with the material and another section bare floor. Al­ways provide a bowl of fresh drinking water, but make it sturdy and untippable because these snakes will push water bowls across their cages or tip them over completely. I know that I have said that about

Photo by Jeff LeClere water bowls before, but this is one snake that

will really put water bowls to the test! Ventral heating is recommended, and may be all the heat that is needed. If the cage is not in the mid to upper 80's during the day however, placing a dome light on one side of the cage will help bring up the temperature. Bullsnakes really do not spend that much time climbing, but if there is room for some branches they may be well used. The use of a hide box may be detennined on an individual basis, but is often used by most specimens that have access to it. If the snake is not eating, constantly moves about the cage, or hides under the substrate a lot, a hide box may help. Many Bullsnakes go through a period of constantly moving about their cage and rubbing their nose even though cage conditions appear perfect. These are usually males that natu­rally have extensive home ranges or females about to lay eggs. If their noses become raw, treat them with antiseptic.

Bullsnakes can range widely in individual tempera­ment. Some are very docile from the beginning, while others are vicious hissing and striking at the slightest disturbance.

MHS Newsletter Volume 16 Number 8

Some will always be high strung. but most will tame down very nicely with handling. Even though many are very docile.most tend to be active during handling. twisting and pushing out of your grip. Nonetheless, they are generaiIy good captives.

Feeding is usually not a problem. Unlike the Fox Snake, Elaphe vulpilla, Bullsnakes are often gluttons eating as many food items as are presented to them. They consume mice and rats in captivity, and they will usuaUy not refuse food unless they are sick or cold. Theonlyproblems that Bullsnakes have ever presented to me are young from the wild that refuse rodents. All of these have not refused Prairie Skinks. Ewneces septeruriollalis. and then pinkies scented with these lizards. It only took two feedings of scented pinks before they ate unscented pinkies (most young will consume pinkies from the beginning; the finicky skink eaters are very rare). Be careful not to over feed the snake, as many Bullsnakes will overeat if given the chance and they can become overweight which is unhealthy. A sign of obesity is that the scales are separated from one another, and the skin is clearly visible. This is particularly noticeable around the trunk area of the snake. In obese snakes, this separation will not go away after a meal has been digested or after it has defecated (a larger than normal meal may also cause this stretching posteriorly, but it will recede after defecation). Keep them on a regular feeding schedule and you should have no problems.

Breeding may be achieved in the same manner as other Minnesota colubrids. They should be hibernated at 50 degrees F for about three months. Warm them up gradually and feed them a few times. Make sure the female is in good weight. Place the pairtogetherby placing the female in themale' s cage. I do not put two males together or place more than 1.1 pair in a cage. To stimulate breeding, I usually do not clean the male's cage for a week or two prior to the introduction of the female. I wait forthe female to shed forthe first time out of hibernation, and place her shed skin along with her in the male' s cage. An interested male will foUow the female about the cage flicking her with his tongue. Then, he will crawl on top of the female and make spasmodic rhythmic movements with his body. Unlike many of the Rat Snakes, copulation can be violent; the male grabbing the female's head orneck in hisjaws and the two may thrash about the cage. I usually remove the male after I witness copulation. In the next few weeks, I feed the female well until she stops eating. Then I watch for the pre-lay shed. Before she sheds, I place a plastic shoe or sweater box full of damp sphagnum moss with a hole cut in the side into the cage. The female will spend a lot of time in the box, and often sheds her pre-lay shed in it. After she lays the eggs, I move them to the incubatoLI offer the female fresh water and offer her food, although she may not eat until a day or two after laying. I keep the eggs 3[82 to 84 degrees F. and they hatch in 50 to 60 days. The young are large and often rather colorless until their first shed. After they shed, I offer them pinkies. Many eat right away, but some will not eat until after a few tries. I have never had to use pinkie scenting techniques on captive horn Bullsnakes. They grow very rapidly, and males may he ready to breed at two years of age and females at about three.

Bullsnakes make good captives and are readily cap-

8

tive bred. As Bullsnake habitat is disappearing, it is not recommended you go out and catch your own Bullsnakes or introduce them onto a farm or plot of land that may not have suitable habitat. A reptile breeder can provide you with a young captive bred Bullsnake, and if you go to a pet retailer, look for young Bullsnakes that are labeled captive bred. There are albino Bullsnakes that are available, and they are among the most beautiful albino snakes anywhere. I also believe that normal B ullsnakes are among the most beautiful normal snakes anywhere.

Selected References:

Collins, Joseph T. 1990. Standard Common and Current Scientific Names for North American Amphibians and Rep­tiles. Soc. Stud. Amp. Rep. Herp. Circ. #19.

Conant, Roger and Collins, Joseph T. 1991. A Field Guide to the Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America, 3rd ed. Houghton Mifflin Co. Boston, MA.

Oldfield, BarneyL. and Moriarty, JohnJ.1994. Amphibians and Reptiles Native to Minnesota. University of Minnesota Press, Minneapolis, MN.

Rossi, John V. 1992. Snakes of the United States and Canada. Krieger Publishing Co. Malabar, FL.

Vogt, Richard Carl. 1981. Natural History of the Amphib­ians and Reptiles of Wisconsin. Milwaukee Public Museum, Milwaukee, WI.

Reptiles. Amphibians. Invertebrates· Small Mammals. Fish· Birds Complete Une of Cages, Food. Books & Supplies for ALL Animals

&

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

NT'S TALE

ERIC THISS (612) 470-5008

FAX (612) 470-5013

464 Second Street. Excelsior, MN 55331

MHS Newsletter Volume 16 Number 8

UNNATURAL HISTORY NOTE: By David Hoppe University of Minnesota, Morris "Minnesota's Deformed Frog Studies"

This is a brief update for those of you who have been following the continuing saga of Minnesota frog deformities that came to national attention because of media coverage and Internet information related to the site near Henderson, MN. We are happy to be using gambling and cigarette tax revenues through a grant from the Legislative Commission on Minne­sota Resources to study the deformed frog situation. Included in the studies are Dr. RobertMcKinneIl ofthe U. ofM., St. Paul Campus, Dr. Deborah Carlson of Augustana CoIlege, Judy Helgen and Mark Gemes of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), myself, and others - including numerous U. ofM., Morris students who have graciously done much of the really dirty work.

My own major task in the research is to study the biology of the situation, addreSSing questions such as where are deformed frogs found, in wbat frequencies, in wbich species, what kinds of defects, etc. The main fmding I can report for now is that the problem is not confmed to Leopard Frogs, Rana pipiells. I have found limb defonnities tbis summer in 5 species of anurans in addition to Leopard Frogs: American Toads, Bufo americal1lls, Mink Frogs, Raila septelltriollalis, Wood Frogs, Raila sylvatica, Spring Peepers, Pseudacris crucifer, and Gray Treefrogs, Hyla versicolor complex. In all five species, the deformities have been in newly-metamorphosed juveniles.

My Wood Frog, Spring Peeper and Gray Treefrog sample sizes are not yet large enough to analyze, but I have recorded data on 100-600 individuals each from individual populations of North em Leopard Frogs, American Toads, and Mink Frogs, and see a strong correlation between occurrence of limb defonnities and aquatic habits of the species. The highest frequency of defects (about 45%) and widest array of gross limb defects in my collections was in a population of Mink Frogs from north-central MN. This is perhaps the most aquaticMN species, as MinkFrogs overwinter and breed in the water, their tadpoles spend 1-2 years as aquatic larvae, and adults stay in or close to water much of the summer. The Leopard Frog is more semi-aquatic, as the tadpoles usually metamorphose in a couple months and the adults range consid­erably from water during the sununer; limb defects were found in about 10% of juvenile Leopard Frogs in the same population as above. The more highly terrestrial American Toads, which spend even less time as tadpoles and overwinter on land, had a limb-defect frequency of only about 3%. These biological observations support the hypothesis that something in the water is causing the defects, but as yet we have no data as to what that "something" might be. Media speculation regarding pesticides, heavy metals, trematode parasites, etc. remain speculation at this point.

Regardless of cause, the abundance and distribution of deformed frogs has become disturbing. We have confunned deformities in 10 MN counties (multiple sites in some of those), and 3 more reports are being checked out this week

9

alone. We have found as low as 1% and as high as 60% defonnities, and have reports from concemed citizens of even higher frequencies. We have even found defects at randomly selected sites in areas where defonned frogs had not been reported before. The array of defects includes extra limbs (as bad as 9-legged frogs), missing limbs (2- and 3-legged frogs), mal positioned limbs, malfonned limbs, split limbs, stump limbs, club feet, missing feet, and occasional eye defects.

Both the popular media and the scientific media have made the important point of amphibians being "miners' canar­ies" to wetlands quality, and in this case, perhaps to water quality factors that could affect other species, including hu­mans. Beyond all that, I would like to state my concern for the amphibian populations themselves. These defonned frogs show poor survival even when pampered under lab conditions, and I assume their survival in natural habitats is even worse. The increased sacrifice of reproductive success in a population having 50% or more deformed juvenile frogs must certainly lead to diminished frog abundance in those areas.

Hopefully, there will be some sort of forum this fall forpublically reporting and discussing the various reports and fmdings regarding frog deformities.

English Spot Duich

Jim's Rabbit Shack

~ 0.jJ;] Polish

Where Spots Are Tops

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

(612) 295·2818

~~. ,., "'''' BloomIngton Veterinary "Yl'''''IP!!'11'VV"'Bfiu HOSpital, P.A.

8830 Lyndal~ Avenue South. Bloomington, MN 55420

TEl.: 884-3228 • FAX: 884-7357 I.A. Sweeney DVM W.H. Sweeney 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 /-(J)' nr. W"her

MHS Newsletter Volume 16 Number 8

Field Notes: MIGRATION by Randy Blasus

The instinctive movement of animals has al­ways been fascinating to many people. How do the animals know where they are going? Where is their destination? Many animals travel long distances to reach their destinations. Herps are a more sedentary group, however, and their journeys tend to be far short of what other animal groups travel.

Amphibians and reptiles generally spend the whole of their lives in an area known as their home range. Some will emigrate from their birth site, while others will remain close. Snakes may have a range as large as a kilometer, while a frog may hibernate in the same pond in which it will breed.

On a wet August night, one trip led two herpers through an interesting variety of herps and habitat. Leaving St. Paul and heading north, the first herps to be seen were anurans crossing a rain slicked and heavily traveled road. In the space of one hour, a half mile of road \vas canvassed. Here, twenty Green Frogs~ Rana clamirQllS, two Wood Frogs, Rana sylvQticQ, seven American Toads, Bufo americanus, and two large Leop­ard Frogs, Rana pipiens, (alive and dead) were counted. At this spot, two dead Painted Turtles, Chrysemys picta, a dead Eastern Garter Snake, T/wmnophis sinalis, and four road killed hatchling Snapping Turtles. Chelydra serpentina, were also found.

At the next stop, which was several miles fur­ther north, the only herps seen were several small Ameri­can Toads and one large Wood Frog. This area was noteworthy because of the extensive wetlands and open water surrounding the road. Later, a lone Tiger Sala­mander, Ambystoma tigrinum, was caught. This speci­men had very reduced yellow dorsal blotches.

The next find was upon a stretch of road that split a cattail swamp for several miles. Here, both American Toads and Cope's Gray Treefrog, Hyla chrysoscelis, were prevalent. but no other species. Then, within the space of less then a mile, the swamp was left behind and trees rose up along with the elevation of the ground. Suddenly, there were Tiger Salamanders every­where, crossing the road in profusion! One poor indi­vidual that had been hit by a passing car measured II 1/ 2 inches in length. At this momentous point the trip ended as it was around 1:00 am and the next day's work awaited.

10

These animals were obviously moving and changing their locality to a more suitable one for their fall activities. But, it is interesting to note the species composition at each stage of the trip. Different habitat attracts different animals through their needs.

This column's purpose is to present interesting obser­vations, other findings and reports of amphibians and reptiles from fellow MHS members. The timing and content of this column will depend on the number of contributions received and on personal expel'~ences. Anyone interested in submitting material to Field Noles please contact Randy Blasus at (612) 925-4237.

SPECIAL NOTICE

Several "orphaned" Green Iguanas are as yet unadopted and are in need of good homes. These animals are of various sizes, disposition and physical condition, and may be adopted by anyone including out-of-state individuals. Shipping charges may apply. If you are willing and able to provide care for a homeless Iguana or Iguanas please contact Glen Jacobsen at (612) 757-8268. Thanks!

For Sale or Petting Zoos Parties or Promotions

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

!.ARGESI eBQIlI!CER QR SMA!.L EXQIIC MAMMALS IN MINNESOTA!

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

MHS Newsletter Volume 16 Number 8

M.H.S.Business August Board Meeting Highlights By Michelle Stephan, Recording Secretary

July 1996 Treasurer's Report Prepared by Marilyn Brooks BUuius

The montWymeeting of the MRS Board of Directors was conducted on August 3rd at Barb Radanke' s home. A quorum was present. The board took the following action:

Amotion was made that will require minors attending any overnight MHS function to have written parental consent and be under the direct supervision of an approved "of age" chaperone. 8 YES, I NO,

Library overdues were discussed. A motion was made to have the librarian call after the fIrst month overdue, send a postcard reminder after the second month overdue, and after the third month overdue, the name will be pubJishedin the newsletter, the board will get the name, and a bill will be issued. 8 YES, I NO.

A letter will be sent to PETsMART and the Ramsey Co, Humane Society from the board concerning the cheap price they are selling iguanas for which may lead to impulse buying,

There will be another change to the MHS constitution concerning membership categories. More on the categories will be discussed later.

Beginning Checkbook Balance:

Income: Membership Raffle Sales Donation Fines Other

Total Income:

Expense: Newsletter Misc. Printing/Postage Program Library Books Supplies Refreshments Other

Total Expense:

Net IncomelLoss: Ending Checkbook Balance:

235.00 80.25 5.10

239.71 3.00

84.00

258.55 86.80 50.00

0.00 5.07

15.00 238.00

Amotion was made toputdowna S350depositfor the Canterbury Inn for the Midwest Symposium next year. 9 YES, o NO.

Funds AIlocated to Unpaid Expenses:

Presented and accepted: Treasurer' s report, Member­ship report, and Board Meeting Minutes.

Funds Available:

Conservation Fund Balance:

Calendar of Events

Aug. 31- Sept 2,1996 Minnesota Renaissance Festival. Shakopee, MN. Contact: Gloria Anton (612) 420-6158. Sept. 1, 1996 Como Zoo (tentative), Midway Pkwy & Kaufman Dr. St. Paul. MN. II am - 4 pm. For more

info Contact: Sean Hewitt (612) 925-5845.11 am - 4 pm.

2,446.00

647.06

531.85

115.21 2,561.21

0.00 2,561.21

165.86

Sept. 6, 1996 MHS General Meeting. Program: TO BE ANNOUNCED. Borlaug Hall, U ofM St. Paul Campus. 7 pm Sept. 7-8, 19% Minnesota Renaissance Festival. Shakopee, MN. Contact: Gloria Anton (612) 420-6158. Sept. 14-15, 1996 Minnesota Renaissance Festival. Shakopee, MN. Contact: Gloria Anton (612) 420-6158. Sept. 21-22, 1996 Minnesota Renaissance Festival. Shakopee, MN. Contact: Gloria Anton (612) 420-6158. Sept. 22, 1996 First Annual Iowa Herpetological Society Captive Bred Reptile Show & Swap Meet. Best Western - Des

Moines; West Hickman Rd.; Des Moines, Iowa. 10 am - 5 pm. Admission $4 for adults & $10 for ages 6-12. For more info Contact: Ed Tewdt (515) 292-3074 or Tom Weidner (515) 276-3059.

Sept. 28-29, 1996 Minnesota Renaissance Festival. Shakopee, MN. Contact: Gloria Anton (612) 420-6158. Oct. 4, 1996 MHS General Meeting. Guest Speaker: DA V' KAUFMAN Program: HERPS OF THE SOUTHWEST

DESERT. Borlaug Hall, U of M St. Paul Campus. 7 pm Oct. 18-20, 1996 12th Annual Midwest Herpetological Symposium. Holiday Inn - Airport North; 4545 N. Lindbergh

Blvd.; St. Louis. MO 63044. Registration fee $50( $55 after 9/2511996), Banquet fee $23 per person. For more info Contact: Chris Himstedt c/o S.L.H.S.; P.O. Box 410346; St. Louis, MO 63141-0346; (314) 677-6652. Hotel Room Reservations must be made through the Holiday Inn at (314) 731-2100 or (800) STL-6202.

11

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

For Sale: 0.1 Vamllus albigularis (White-throated Monitor, Approx. 3 ft. SI50 o.b.o. Will consider trade for python or boa. Also cage 18" x 18" x 5 ft. $100. Contact Emily or Tyler (612) 466-2439

4.0 Bullsnakes c.b. 7/21/96. All have shed and accept frozen! thawed pinkies. $10 @. Call Randy (612) 925-4237.

1.1 Malaysian Blood Pythons. Male 4+ ft and Female 5+ ft. Both good red, female spectacular. S600.00 for the pair. Contact Sally at (612) 647-0661.

Hatchling Leopard Tortoises, I available + 5 eggs $150 @. 31/ 2 yr.LeopardTortoise4"-5", 2 available $200@. 21/2 Sulcata (African Spur-thighed) Tortoise 2 available $200 @.CallJake or Donna (612) 757-8268.

Baby Boas, Boa constrictor c.b. 4/30/96, fed & shed 550-$75. Will deliver to MHS meetings. Call Sarah at (612) 223-0407.

Hog Island Boas, c.b. 5/96 52OO-S275 @, Yearling "Keeper Select Holdbacks" $325 @. Brazilian Rainbow Boas c.b. 4/96 from Orange Red adults, 5225 females only. Columbian Rainbow Boas c.b. 4/96, males $65, females $85. Albino Speckled Kings c.b. 7/96 $40. Albino and Hetero Corns $20. Hetero for albino Bulls $40. Will deliver to Twin Cities. Call Mark Wendling (319) 8574787 (Iowa).

1.0 Dumeril's Boa, Acmmophis dumerili, c.b. babies 10/95. Feeding well on small mice. $250 Call Connie or John (612) 374-5422

Rabbits - Fryer size, current listed market price. Discounts for orders of 6 or more. Rat size S 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 triallgulum, Fox Snake, ElaplJe vulpillO, or BlackRat Snake, E. obsoleta, for use for "hands-on" presentations at the Eastman Nature in Elmcreek Park Reserve. Calm, easily handled specimens a must. Con­tact Vicki (612) 420-4300

Wanted: 1.0.0 Nonnal, hetero, or albino Prairie Kingsnake for breeding project. Prefer young adult c.b. specimen. Call Randy at (612) 925-4237

HeIp related news clippings, original articles, artwork, car­toons, etc. for publication in theMHS Newsletter. Authorsand artists will receive compensation in the form of volunteer hrs, good towards one "priceless" MHS coffee mug. Send submis­sions to: MN HeIp. Soc.! Editor, c/o Ben Museum of Natural History, 10 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455-0104.

Miscellaneous: BREEDING INVENTORY SURVEY: Everyone keeping live reptiles and amphibians is asked to contribute to this annual report. Please submit the following info currentJan. 1st of each year: (1) 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 SURVIV ALLEAGUE, 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 fuzzies $6.00 dozen adults $9.00 dozen

pups adults

Rats

$10.00 dozen $12.00 six $24.00 dozen

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 Tina Cisewskl at (612) 835-7220.

MHS Merchandise: In addition to rodents, the MHS offers an assortment of heIp related sales items including; books, magazines, posters, t-shirts, notecards, buttons, stick­ers, decals, and patches. Look for the merchandise sales area at the far right side of the meeting room. Transactions can be handled before the meeting, during the break, or after the meeting as time permits.

All proceeds from MHS rodent and merchandise sales go toward the operating costs of the society such as: speaker fees, library purchases, charitable donations, etc. The MHS is a completely volunteer run, non-profit organiza­tion.

Advertising Rates and Instructions

Classified Ads: Are rlln free of charge to paid members. Non-member rates are ten cents per word, per month. Ads may nm three (3) consecutive months, after which time they may be fe-submitted. Business Cards: Institutional members may Hill one standard sized business card free of charge. NOll-member rate for standard sized business cards is $5.00 per month. Display and Expanded Size Ad Rates: Ad Size Month 3+ Months 1/4 Page SlO.OO $7.50 1/2 Page $20.00 $15.00 Page $40.00 $25.00 (All prices are per month)

6+ Months S5.OO SlO.OO S15.00

Submissions: Alladvertisementsshould be submitted to the; MHS Editor. Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church St. SE. Minneapolis, MN 55455. MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: Minnesota Herpetological Society. MHS Ad Policy: The MHS assumes NO RESPONSillILlTY regarding the legality or health of any animal, or the quality or legality of any product or service advertised in the:MRS 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 omission.

Location of MRS Monthly Meetings

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.

Amphibians & Reptiles in Minnesota Greg Kvanbcck (612) 533-7723 John Moriarty (612) 647-1334

Large Boas & Pythons Karl Hermann (612) 730-6265 Glen Jacobsen (612) 757-8268 Terrestrial Turtles John Moriarty (612) 482-8109 Glen Jacobsen (612) 757-8268 Amphibians Greg Kvanbeck (612)533-7723 John Meltzer (612) 263-7880 Crocodilians Jeff Lang (701) 772-0227

1694

Other Snakes John Meltzer (612) 263-7880 Jeff LeClere (612) 488-6388 Aquatic Turtles Gary Ash (612) 753-0218 John Levell (612) 374-5422 Lizards Nancy Haig (612) 434-868 Bill Moss (612) 488-1383

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MINNESOTA

HERPETOLOGICAL

SOCIETY BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

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

ADDRESS COARECTlON REQUESTED

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POSTMASTER: DATED MATERIAL

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Non-Profit Rate U. S. Postage

PAID Mpls.MN

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