March 2000 Newsletter

Upcoming Meeting The ExVice-president's Report

April General Meeting Program :

Costa Rican Odysseys: An Introduction to the Amphibians, Reptiles, and Other AnimaIs and Plants of Costa Rica

Guest Speaker: Carrol Henderson

As the original supervisor of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Nongame Wildlife Program (1977 to the present) as well as the author or co-author of several best­selling books including Landscaping for Wildlife (1987), Woodwotking for Wildlife (1992), Wild About Birds: 11", DNR Bird Feeding Guide (1995), the Traveler's Guide to Wildlife in Minnesota (1997), and Lakescaping for Wildlife and Water Quality (1998), Carrol Henderson is undoubtedly already familiar to a fair percentage of Minnesota Herpetological Society members.

At the same time, however, many may not realize that Carrol also manages to find time to serve as tlnaturalist/ guide" on a number of popular €Co-tourist excursions to the more tropical climates so typical of Central and South America. Over the past several years in fact, Henderson's travel adventures have included several semi-annual trips to Costa Rica, a naturalisfs paradise of a country rivaled by few other eco-tourism destinations on earth. Considering his frequent explorations of the region, it is also not surprising that Henderson1s rtfirst-handl! knowledge of Costa Ricats diverse flora and fauna is likewise rivaled by very few of his fellow Minnesotans. In fact and certainIy not

THE MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY

unexpectedly, Carrol has also nearly completed work on a soon to be published eco-tourisfs guide to the plethora of animals, plants, and natural areas found within the borders of this outstanding Central American nation. Better yet, Carrol has most graciously agreed to share some of his more memorable Costa Rican experiences with us at April's general meeting of theMHS.

Naturally, Carrol Henderson is a talented photographer as well, a fact that is readily evident by his numerous winning entries in our society's annual photo contests. While focusing primarily on amphibians and reptiles, Carrol has nevertheless also promised to provide a pictorial introduction to a wide assortment of Costa Rieals other spectacular natural wonders. So plan on attending the April MHS meeting, as it is one that surely shouldn't be missed. I'll see you there and thanks for yet another great "tour of dutyrt as your V.P. See ya - JPL.

Upcoming Meetings: June 2, 2000 - John Hogston's

l!Monitor Lizards: An Overview of the Varanids of the World. It

October 6, 2000 - Dr. Robert Powelrs IIAdventures in the Caribbean: Herpetology on Tropical Islands." JPL

English Spot

Volume 20 Number 3

MHS Board of Directors March 2000

President Bill Moss

Vice President Tony Gamble

Recording Secretary Julie Beauvais

Membership Secretary Mark Schmidtke

Treasurer Marilyn Blasus

Newsletter Editor NancyHaig

Member-at large Jodi Aherns Mike Burpee Nancy Hakomaki Micbelle Hewitt Keith Tucker

Outgoing Board Members

Vice-President John LeveU

Past President George Ricbard

Members at Large Gordon Merck Janell Osborn

For all the hard work you did in 1999, the MHS says Thanks!.

Dutch

Jim's Rabbit Shack "Where Spots Are Tops"

JIMDALUGE 763-295-2818

8700 Jaber Ave. NE Monticello, MN 55362

Board of Directors President Bill Moss (651) 488-1383

Mngatorguy@mindspring.com

Vice President Tony Gamble (612) 818-@61

Agamble@pclink.com

Recording Secretary Julie Beauvais (612) 321-0958

beaurOO1@tc.unm.edu

Membership Secretary Mark Schmidtke (651) 481.{)127

meschmi@USWestcom

Treasurer Marilyn Blasus (952) 925-4237

mblasus@arbitrade.com

Newsletter Editor Nancy Haig (612) 434-8684

nanchaig@citilinkcom

Members at Large Jodi L. Aherru Mike Burpee

(612) 588-9329 (651) 894-8722

mbreptiles@aol.com Nancy Hakomaki (651) 631-1380

nmgatorgal@mindspring.com Michelle Hewitt (651) 6()4.()314 Keith Tucker (612) 321-0958

tuckozz@te.umn.edu

Committees Adoption Sarah Richard (612) 781-3868

RealSarah@aol.com

Education Jan larson (507) 263-4391

jan.skunkhollow@juno.com

Northern .Minnesota Jeff Korbel (218) 586-2588

Rodent Sales Tina Cisewski (612) 856-2865

Herp Assistance Amphibians Greg Kvanbek (651) 388-0305 John Meltzer (612) 263-7880 John Moriarty (651) 482-8109

Chameleons Vern & Laurie Grassel (612) 428-4625

Crocodilians Jeff Lang (701) 772-if127 Bill Moss (651)488-1383

Uzards NancyHaig (612) 434-8684

Large boas, Pythons Tina Cisewski (612) 856-2865

Other snakes Jeff LeOere (651) 488-M88 John Meltzer (612) 263-7880

Aquatic Turtles Gary Ash (612) 753-0218 John Levell (507) 467-3076

Terrestrial Turtles Fred Bosman (612) 47MJ306 John Levell (507) 467-3076

The Minnesota Herpetological Society

Bell Museum of Natural History 10 Church Street, SE,

Minneapolis Minnesota, 55455-0104

Voice Mail: (612) 624-7065 Email: MinnHerps@aol.com

Internet http://www.oruampinc.netlmhs/

March 2000 Volume 20, Number 3

The purpose of the Minnesota Herpetological Society is to

• Further the education of the membership and the general public in care and captive propagation of reptiles and amphibians;

• Educate the members and the general public in the ecological role of reptiles and amphibians;

• Promote the study and conservation of reptiles and amphibians.

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

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

Submissions to the Newsletter Ads or Notices must be submitted no later than the night of the General Meeting to be included in the next issue. Longer articles will be printed as time and space allows. All active members are allowed a classified adr run free of charge as space pennits. Business cards are run for $5.00 per month. I terns may be sent to: or Emailed to:

The Minnesota Herpetological Society Attn: Newsletter Editor Bell Museum of Natural History 10 Church 5t, 5E Minneapolis, MN. 55455-0104

nanchaig@citilink.com

Snakebite Emergency Hennepin Regional Poison Center

1 - (800) - 764 -7661 This should work for both local and out state calIs

Copyright :Minnesota HerpetolOgical Society 2000. Contents may be reproduced for non-profit use 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 20 Number 3

NEWS, NOTES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Critter Of The Month

Janell Osborn Desert Kingsnake

Kathy Boron

Lampropeltis getula splendida

BlackTegu Tupinamhis teguixin

Help a Hapless Herp

Animals adopted at the March meeting:

1 Savannah Monitor 1 male Veiled Chameleon 1 8m Common Boa 1 Leopard Gecko

Still available 6 + Common Boas 4 Iguanas 3 Red eared Sliders 2 Burmese Pythons 2 American Alligators 1 African Sideneck Turtle 2 Caimans @ 2ft

If you are interested in adopting animaIs please contact Sarah Richard at (612) 781-3868

New Email address for Newsletter submissions

If you would like to submit something for the newsletter you can contact me directly at nanchaig@dtilink.com. Don't have Email? Then send items to the MHS address c/o The Bell Museum, attn newsletter editor. Remember, if you are sending a reprint article to include the author's name and where it was published (ex. Doug Grow, The Star Tribune, Jan. 1, 2000) -Thanks, Nancy Haig, Newsletler Editor

Thanks to Raffle Donors

Jan Andreasen Reptile flash cards

Marilyn Blasus

Monitor Study George Richard is looking for

individuals with any type of monitors to help in a study to ascertain their ability to see color. The study will last from 6 months to 1 year and will require constant observation during feeding. To participate email g.eohard@aoI.com or contact George at the next meeting

How could I leave out Randy?

During last months' year-end wrap up I somehow left out Randy Blasus's name from the list of volunteers with over 10 hours. You have all seen Randy- helping out with the setup and clean up at the general meeting, bringing the sodas for newsletter folding, contributing articles for the newsletter and working hard on our MHS Grant program, not to mention being OUf

historian and the many hours given to Hands-Ons, surveys and now the library. Mea o,lpa -Rilndy, The Iypo was mine. -ed.

3

White Snake Sale Donors

Thanks to everyone who donated items for our White Snake Sale. From corporate donors like:

Twin Cities Reptiles The Pad And Tortoise Trust

to MHS Members:

Jodi 1. Aherns, Bill Moss, Keith Tucker, Jim Gerholdt, James & Karin Rea, Tony Gamble, Nick Kramarczuk, Mike Burpee, Sally Brewer, Greg Kvanbek, Heather Ingbretson, Brian Ingbretson, The Moriarty's, Jodi Patuoe, Meg Martin, Colleen Siephens, Dennis Daly, Craig J. Renier, John & Connie Levell, Marc Bailey, Randy Blasus, Jake Jacobsen, Donna Calander, Heather Matson & all the others who were too shy to sign up.

Thanks for making this years sale a success.

Don't Forget to return your White Page

Updates

The February Newsletter contained a fonn for updating the MHS White Pages. Please return these before March 31". Don't forget to check your area code and make sure you have the new lis ting for your area. Thanksl

MHS Newsletter Volume 20 Number 3

I FROM OUR MEMBERS

2000 Grant Program

TItis year the board of directors selected four of nine total requests for funding through the annual Grant Program, which has been in operation since the last Midwestern Herpetological Symposium that Minnesota hosted in 1997. The total amount given was $3,431. The following were funded by the Society for this year:

Andrew M. Simons, The Bell Museum, U of M - requested a storage tank for preserved turtle specimens. This tank will be used in the herpetology collection and will replace deteriorating five-gallon buckets. TItis donation should help by contributing to the viability and usefuJoess of the collection that is currently undergoing a major update and renovation. The collection currently has a limited budget for their operations from the University.

Robert Hay, WI DNR - requested for public education programs. Twenty workshops were performed in the southwestern area of Wisconsin in 1998. These were designed to educate landowners of the conservation needs and importance of snakes, identification of the serpents and prairie management guidelines. The funding will bring the workshops into southeastern MN this year in addition to ones to be performed in Wisconsin.

Tony P. Murphy, MN Frog and Toad - funding for survey program. The funding provided will go toward the production of education materials for the Frog and Toad Survey materials and for distribution and solicitation of volunteer participants. The MNDNR is also contributing to this program and is now active in the administration.

Dan Keyler, Leslie Tannahill, Kimberly Fuller, independent study -MN Timber Rattlesnake Transient Movements. This study will assess the movement, gene flow and population viability along with producing management strategies for Timber Rattlesnakes in southeastern MN.

TItis year the board entertained many worthwhile projects submitted through the Grant committee. The purpose of this committee is to solicit and to insure submissions to the society for Board consideration. It is not intended to limit submissions nor to set a yearly timetable. If any person or organization has a need for funding at any point in time, they are encouraged to submit their request to the society. Moreover, if anyone knows of others 50 in need~ please inform them of our program or refer them to any Board member or to the Grant Committee chair. The SOciety has given many grants prior to the current program and will continue to do so as long as funding is available and the membership considers it a priority. -REBIasus

Note: New Library Books

Two books were received late last year and are: from the Herpetological Library Series of Advanced Vivarium Systems Essential care of Chameleons, (1999) by Philippe de Vosjoli and What's Wrong with My Iguana? (1998) by John Rossi. TItis month, March, the book received was the Field Guide to Amphibians and Reptiles of Illinois (1999) by Christopher A. Phillips, Ronald A. Brandon and Edward O. Moll. An article donated by our March speaker, Bruce Means, will be available; it is found in the BBC Wildlife, February 2000 issue.

One of the missing books has been replaced (at cost) Minnesota's Endangered Flora and Fauna (1988) Barbara Coffin, Lee Pfannmuller ed. However, all the missing books are still outstanding.

Next months arrivals will include; Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) DNA: Haplotype and Lineage in the Upper Mississippi River Valley (2000) Daniel E. Keyler funded from a 1998/99 MHS grant Another publication by Bruce Means was purchased this is Diamonds in the Rough (1994) and is an excerpt from a book that he is currently working on. -REBlasus

4

The Animal Humane Societies

WALK FOR ANIMALS

On Saturday, May 6th the area Humane Societies are having Walks for fund raising. These are their largest fund raising events of the year. There are walks in Hennepin County (Golden Valley), Ramsey County (Woodbury and Como Park). These are great opportunities to get out with other pet owners and show off your Herps as pet too. I have been doing this for 5 years and enjoy bringing my alligators to this walk.

People don't believe that there are these types of animals here in Minnesota. The last couple of years there have been more and more unusual (reptiles) animals at these events. Having very short legs or no legs, most reptiles will need to ride in wagons or be carried. Wagons work best because you can still walk and others can still look at your pets. In the past I have had my gators photos in the paper and on the news because they are some of the most unusual animals there.

There are over 7000 people at the Golden Valley walk, with over 4000 animals- horses, goats, rabbits, mice, rats, ferrets, iguanas, birds, and many dogs and cats. I know that some herp owners also have dogs or cats and may have even gotten them at the Humane Sodety, this is an opportunity to show others that we care about all unwanted and abandoned animals.

Bruce Kelly

MHS Newsletter Volume 20 Number 3

FROM OUR MEMBERS

A Review of Albinism By Tony Gamble

Originally published in "Olit Glat: Newsletter of the Global Gecko Association, Number 3"

When most people get face to face with an albino reptile the first question out of their mouth is usually, "Why isn't it white?"

When placed side by side, an albino mouse certainly does look different than an albino com snake (a situation that unfortunate albino mice are put in very frequently). The mouse has white fur, pink skin and the characteristic pink eyes. The corn snake, on the other hand, does possess the pink eyes but the skin has a bright orange and red pattern. How can they both be called albinos?

The term albino is typically used to define an animal 1/ deficient in pigmentation." Since mammals have only one kind of chromatophore (pigment cell), the melanin producing melanophore, you end up with a white and pink animal (the pink color comes from blood vessels under the skin).

Reptiles, on the other hand, have four types of chromatophores (pigment celIs): melanophores-synthesize melanin and are responsible for black and brown colors as well as some yellow and red colors; xanthophores- store carotenoids which are yellOWiSh to reddish pigments that are taken in tluough food; erythrophores­synthesize the pteridine pigments that make most red and orange colors; and iridophores-cells that produce color by reflecting and refracting light off of stacks of purine platelets, they are responsible for many of the green colors in reptiles and for the iridescence in many snake species. A fifth kind of chromatophore, the mosaic chromatophore, is also known. These types of celIs are like hybrids of the above mentioned chromatophores and can possess, potentially, any combination of these pigments. Currently, these celIs are fairly rare (they are found for example, in the

II A Whiter Shade of Pale"

dorsal stripe of Thamnophis proximus) but as more research is performed on reptilian skin, they will probably shown to be more common.

Chromatophores are found primarily in the dermis, the underlying base of the skin that aIso contains blood vessels, temperature and pain receptors, and connective tissue. The epidennis, the outer layer of skin, contains only epidermal melanophores. Dermal melanophores (melanin producing celis in the dermis), by the way, are the celIs that are responsible for most of the rapid color change that occurs in many lizard species.

An albino reptile could have a problem producing pigment in any one of these four types of cells yet still have the other three to produce some color. A good example is the albino com snake again. They do not produce melanin (so no blacks or browns) but still have healthy xanthophores and erythrophores to produce the yellow, orange, and red colors that make albino com snakes so distinct.

Some common tenns used to explain these pigmentation defects are:

Amelanistic-Iacking melanin Anerythristic-Iacking red color Axanthic-Iacking yellow color Hypomelanistic-reduced melanin I..eucistic-white Melanistic-excess black color Xanthic-excess yellow color Keep in mind that often, no One

knows exactly what the underlying cause of a color defect may be so these terms are used somewhat loosely.

Figure 1

How is Melanin Produced?

Another source of variety in color mutations is that prodUCing pigments is a process that occurs in steps and that a defect can occur at anyone of those steps. The amelanistic tyrosinase+ /tyrosinase- mutations are a good example of this. Tyrosinase is an enzyme that is essential to the production of melanin (see figure 1) and tyrosinase- albinos cannot produce melanin as a result. Tyrosinase+ albinos can produce tyrosinase but, for whatever reason, still cannot produce melanin. There is, in most instances, a difference in color between the two varieties.

Humans, possessing only melanophores, have had six· distinct types of albinism identified and each one is the result of a different, defective gene. Each type also looks a little different The increased complexity of reptilian coloration would then, naturally lead to an increased complexity in the problems that afflict their integument As a result, each case of aberrant coloration in a reptile needs to be examined independently and a level of understanding needs to be reached regarding the terms that describe these differences. Our understanding of these mutations will hopefully continue to grow and so will our appreciation of the animals.

Selected references: Bechtel~ H B. 1995. Reptile and

Amphibian Variants Colors~ PaHerns mid Scales. Kreiger, Malabar, FL

Cooper, W. R and N. Greenberg. 1992 Replilian coloralioll a"d behavior. In! C. Gans and D. Crews (eds) Biology of the Reptilia, Volume 18. The University of Chicago Press, Chicago.

Heafemeyer, J. W.~ R A. King. and B. LeRoy. The Fads About Albitlism. International Albinism Center, Minneapolis.

Taylor, J. D. and J. T. Bognara. 1972 Denual diromatoplwTes. American Zoologist 12:43-62

Tyrosinase Tyrosine

Tyrosinase .. (an amino acid)

Dopa .. Dopaquinone

Eumelanin '--------:heo!lanin (black and brown colors) (red and blonde colors)

5

MHS Newsletter Volume 20 Number 3

THE ROOT RIVER NATURALIST

"SNOW SNAKES" Despite the positively balmy last

days of March, lingering patches of snow still adorn the landscape throughout most of southeastern Minnesota. Indeed, wherever one goes in the blufflands this persistent reminder of the season just past yet blankets north facing hillsides and fills the valleys and gullies below. Our trees too, perhaps awaiting the arrival of April's fabled showers, seem reluctant to awaken and still stand silent, forlorn and naked in their drab winter clothes.

This fleeting, all too brief season when winter melts imperceptibly away into spring, howevert is perhaps the best time to take a walk in the woods. Certainly the very bareness of the trees, the absence of low growing foliage and the disappearance of autumn's carpet of fallen leaves allows us an unobstructed view of our woodlands unavailable at any other time of the year. Ponds, rocks and other topographic features, so efficiently hidden by the grass, shrubs and leafy trees of summer, now all plainly visible and so readily explored. Better still, no stinging, noxious plants and no pesky biting insects yet expect to extract their painful payment for all this outdoor fun.

At the same time, the milder weather and gradually melting snow has stimulated our long slumbering wildlife. Early woodland wildflowers sprout and expose their colorful, fragrant blossoms to the soon to be stolen sun. Swanns of hatching midges and other aquatic insects feed ravenously hungry trout, who in tum may soon feel the sting of the hook and end up in some angler's frying pan. Raccoons and opossums, now fully aroused from their long winter naps, busily forage for food, while squirrels of all shapes and sizes angrily scold and chase after neighbors as they seek to re-established the boundaries of their territories. Birds, including many species that haven't been seen for months, arrive in ever increasing numbers as well.

Of all these early spring anirnals, the Common Garter Snake is surely among the more interesting and is the one species I am always most happy to see. Occurring in virtually every county of the state, Garter Snakes are certainly the most common and readily recognized of all of Minnesota's 17 or 50 resident snake species.

Widespread throughout the rest of the continental United States as well, these inoffensive serpents are often and perhaps more appropriately called 'Garden Snakes' due to the frequency with which the species are found in both rural and urban gardens and yards. While their presence in such situations may be somewhat disconcerting, Garter Snakes are not venomous and are therefore completely harmless to humans. Like most wild animals, however, these snakes will bite in self-defense if molested but are incapable of inflicting more than superficial scratches that cause relatively little if any pain.

Unlike most terrestrial reptiles, Common Garter Snakes are quite tolerant of cooler weather conditions and the species is nonnally active well before winter's snow has fully melted. In fact, here in southeastern Minnesota I have personally observed these supposedly 'cold-blooded' animals rapidly crossing snow-covered patches of ground on numerous occasions. Other researchers have reported the utilization of snow as a source of fresh drinking water by these snakes as well.

This almost uncanny ability to not only survive, but actually thrive in adverse climates has allowed the Common Garter Snake to colonize areas inhospitable to most cold­blooded vertebrates. Not surprisingly, the species is found much farther north than any other reptile in the New World with colonies of literally thousands of Garter Snakes known to occur at least as far north as central Manitoba. There, in one of the most spectacular sights in the animal kingdom, huge aggregations composed entirely of this species gather annually for mating each spring. In the frenzied orgy of activity that follows, dozens of male Garter

6

By John P. Levell Snakes may all be attempting to mate with a single, much larger female. Males that successfully breed deposit a 'post-copulatory' plug in the female's cloaca or vent:, which minimizes the chances of fertilization by other competing males. In an even more bizarre evolutionary twist,. some 'feminized' males secrete a glandular substance that mimics the scent of female Garter Snake pheromones, which theoretically confuses potential rivals and increases the chances of breeding success.

Again unlike most reptiles which lay eggs, Garter Snakes give birth to fully formed living young typically in late summer or early fall. This is yet another adaptation to colder climates, as it allows females to select the environmental conditions most advantageous to the embryonic development of her offspring. Litter size averages betvveen 15 to 20, although some exceptionally large females have been known to give birth to as many as 100 young.

Although often found near water, Garter Snakes are highiy adaptable and will inbabit a tremendous assortment of habitats including marshes, praInes, woodlands, pastures, vacant city lots, cemeteries and even golf courses. By no means finicky feeders, Common Garter Snakes consume virtually any animal that can be captured and subdued. Worms, insects, fish, frogs, salamanders, birds and small mammals are all included in the extensive list of prey species eaten by these snakes.

While certainly widespread and numerous, the behavior, adaptability and success of the Cornman Garter Snake makes it far from commonplace indeed!

Common Garter Snake Facts

Order: Squamata Suborder: Serpentes Family: Colubridae Scientific Name: Thamnophis sirtalis Average Length: 16-28 inches Record Length: 4 ft. 3 5/8 inches

Origil1ally published ill the April 5, 1999 edition of tbe Fillmore CoUllty Journal.

MHS Newsletter Volume 20 Number 3

New Book On Deformed Frogs due out

in March

From a review by Tom Meennan of the Star Tribune, March 8, 2000, page A16.

nyou wouldn't think that a book about frogs would be all the interesting. Herpetology is after all, "the filmy, dank science of slithery things living in dark, wet places," according to Minnesota writer, William Souder. But, "A Plague of Frogs" - Souder's first book- is not about ordinary frogs. "The Horrifying Tme Story," as the subtitle says, begins with an incident that cast Minnesota as a principal player in a continuing national and international scientific mystery.u

More Notices

The article goes on to cite when schoolchildren near Henderson, Minn. noticed young frogs with missing and shortened hind legs in 1995. Souder chronicles the next four years of research and speculation. Covering the story as a writer for the Washingtem Post, he became an active participant, wading through wetlands, peering through microscopes and seeing the politics involved in scientific research and hypotheses.

"It's a complicated mystery with more questions than answers. After four years of research, writes Souder, no one can say with certainty why frogs in Minnesota and elsewhere have occurred or what that could mean.

William Souder's book "A Plague of Frogs: The Horrifyillg True Story" (Hyperion, 299 pages, $23.95) will be published Mard.15.

-~ ~ ~.. --..-­------

7

czil ? .' .

t~ 2001 will mark our 20th

anniversary. To help commemorate the occasion I hope to borrow an idea from other anniversary celebrations and create a 'memory book' for the library.

These 'glimpses from the past' will be compiled into a scrapbook. If enough members contribute, we should have a great picture of the past 20 years from wide point of view.

It doesn't matter whether you are a brand new member or a moldy oldie, simply share a MHS memory by writing a short paragraph or sending a favorite photo or cartoon. It could be your first meeting or Hands-Onsi a particular speaker program or field trip experience that impressed you; Or

something/ someone in the society that helped along the way. If you send photos showing MHS activities be sure to include the event, date and names of the individuals involved. (Items will not be returned unless requested.)

So put on your thinking caps, stroll down memory lane and help take us on a 2001 MHS o.!dt!f Odyssey by sharing a special story.

Send items to: Nancy Haig 511 229 th lane NE, East Bethel, MN 55005 or email nanchaig@citilink.com

MHS Newsletter Volume 20 Number 3

I Even More Notices

Renfest Sewfest Good Show - JOYI

Time again to start thinking about your costumes for the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. We will be starting to work on costumes and snake bags for the HCottageU sometime in April/May. If you have questions concerning your own style of costume or simply want to get together and talk fest while working on general things watch for notices in the next newsletter.

Newsletter Folding

The newsletter folding committee meets on a Thursday at 7:00 PM in the usual room, 335 Borlaug Hall, 13 days after the general meeting. People who sign up are notified by phone a few days in advance. There is rarely a change in schedule. The more people who show up, the less we each have to do. Questions can be directed to the committee chair, James Rea at (651) 457-S107.

Shelley LeTendre. 612-943-4011

Call For An Appointment

Joy Norquist was on Channel 5's 5:30 A.M. News the other day. Featured in her presentation were a rat, a snake, a tortoise and a millipede. As part of her /I All Creatures Great and Small" program she was uses the animals to teach respect and understanding of other animals to high school students in hopes they can learn to respect each other as well as themselves.

Heather C Matson c::eao Breeder & Photographer

612871.7334 ml<lil gecko@Vlxk-hoie.com

2433 Grand Ave #207 Minneapolis, MI;~ln=t<l

:xi405

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The K;U)faf City Herpe+o(ogica(

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8

Ground Gecko freak

African Fat- Tailed Gecko Leucistic Leopard Gecko 5 Other Morphs of Leopards Homonota Horrida

2946 Thomas Ave. N. Mpls .. MN 55411

612-588-9329

MRS Newsletter Volume 20 Number 3

M.H.S. BUSINESS

Are you looking for a change?

MHS is seeking a fun loving, outgoing person to fill sales position. As the MHS Sales Manager, you will oversee the monthly sale of MHS merchandise.

Job Duties: -Accepting money -Giving correct change -Marking sales on Form -Handing over Merchandise -Talking to those who approach you -Counting total money at end of night -Smile

No prior sales experience necessary -WE WILL TRAIN.

Work only one night a month!

For interview, please call Marilyn at 952-925-4237, or any other Board member.

MHS is an Equal Opportonity Employer.

MHS Coming Events

April 7, 2000 MHS General Meeting - "Carroll Henderson- Costa Rican Odysseys" 335 Borlaug Hall, U of M SI. Paul Campus, 7:00 PM.

July 15, 2000 MHS PICNIC, Locke Park more details later

October 13-15, 2000 16.h Midwest Herpetological Symposium, hosted by the Kansas City Herpetological Society

Hands-On(s)

April 1, 2000- (Sat.) Fish Fair, 10-4, Maple Grove Community Center

April 9. 2000 -(Sun) Vet School Open House. U of M . SI. Paui., 11-5

April 27, 2000 - (Thurs) Boy Scouts, Ramsey Jr. Jigh 6:30pm

April 29, 2000 -(Sat) Science Fest, Eagan

Contact Jan Larson 1-507-263-4391 Or Email jan.skunkhol1ow@juno.com for more information on these events

9

Treasurer's Report of February 2000 Prepared by Marilyn Brooks Blasus

Beginning checkbook balance: Income:

Membership: Library Fines Raffle Rodent Sales Donations Adoptionj placement White Snake sale Misc (Adopt don.) Misc. (rt check) Mise. (ads)

Total income:

Expense: Newsletter Mise. prtjpost. Program Library Supplies Refreshments Rodent costs Mise (Hoi Banqt) Vol Award cost

Total Expense: Cash increasej (decrease)

Ending checkbook balance:

Unpaid Expenses

Total

croc vet work adoption cages Business cards

Funds available

Placement of cash holdings

345.00 0.00 0.00

117.00 0.00

65.00 1,585.50

300.00 110.00 10.00

264.00 0.00 0.00 8.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

14.45 467.18

100.00 200.00 80.00

380.00

Checking account 4,965.57 Savings account 14,000.00 Cash on Hand,_~~~--"5",0",.00,,,

Total 19,015.57

3,186.70

2,532.50

753.63 1,778.63

4,965.57

4,585.57

MHS News/eller Volume 20 Number 3

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS

Classified ads are free to the membership. Deadline is the night of the g<'neral Jll('I('ijng to be induded in the next fl(':wsletter. Mail to: MHS Editor, Bell Museum of Naturallfutory. 10 o.un:h st, SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455 1.0.0= male, 0.1.0 = female, 0.0.1 ,. unsexed, cb= capth>e bred, obo = or best offer, -t,. times run. (ads are run only 3x unless requested to continue.)

For Sale: 1.1.0 Pure Jungle Carpet Pythons, CB 97/98 (Vandeventer/Lazik) $3oo/pr.; Argentine Boas, CB %/97 (Ronne/Bessette) $250/pr. These are all beautiful snakes but I don't want to have to move into my garage!!! Pairs may be split, trades considered. Pics available by email Mike Burpee 651-894-8722; mbr~tiles@aol.com +

1.0.0 Black Tegu 5 years old @ 3 ft Has been to many Hands-On(s) $150. To a good home and experienced herper. Call Kathy (612) 753-4509 +

58 Gallon Reef Aquarium 175 watt Hamilton metal Halide canopy w /2 vho actinics ets protein skimmer, eheim return pump. Call derek (651) 638-1928 +

Hatchling Leopard Tortoise babies (G. pardalis babcocki) , Hatch Dec. '99 & Jan.'oo. Well started and very active. $75. -$100. May consider chelonian trades Jake at (507) 43::1-3006 or herplaw@rconnectcom +

1.0.0 Ball Python@3ft- $30. 0.1.0 Bullsnake @5 ft; and 1 Albino Kingsnake, best offers. Also, I will be moving at the end of April (29"> -30"') and could use some help. Contact Gordon Merck (763) 566-2001 +

Extra 1.0 carpet python 6'+, feeds extremely well; also 0.0.2 Mexican Rosy Boas, captive born 10/99, $40.00 each. Can deliver to Twin Cities, Rochester, or laCross areas. Call Connie 507467-8733(w) or 507-467-3076(h) or email: rnyzoo@means,net. ++

All glass custom terrarium/aquarium, water tight, 45"long. 23" wide, 20"high. No top. $100., All glass 30 gal aquarium w / screentop $50. Both in excellent condition. Can deliver to MarchMHS meeting. (320) 745-2602 after 6 pm. +

Complete, uninterrupted set of Reptiles Magazine from premier issue (Oct 1993) through December 1998. Best Offer (320) 745-2602

Veiled Chameleons, babies $40., Adult Breeders $50., Screen cage setups $75. Call Vern (612) 428-4625 +++

Ground Gecko Freak-. ::I-male Bolivian Prickly Gecko $30. Each, Cb 98; Viper Geckos cb. 2000 4 wks old $40. Ea; Frog eyed Gecko (Teratosdnus przewalsla) Male sub-adult breeder- wild caught, I have had 6 months - looks great $60., Leopard Geckos cb 2000- normal, jungle, Hi-yellow, patternless, good to go March I". Call Jodi L Aherns (612) 588-9329 + ++

10

Alligator Snapping Turtle cb. shell length 6-7 inches $250.00 a pair or $150.00 each; Albino Male Bullfrog cb $125.00. Call Josh at (651) 698-4489 will take trades on female Ball Pythons or cash. +++

Corn Snake Breeding Project: I am scaling back, and the following com snakes are for sale: 2.2 snow corns, 1.3 amelanistic corns, 1.1 "red okee!ee" (greatly reduced black, brilliant red ground color), .1 okee!ee with slight "zipper" pattern, all are young adults, ::1-5 years old; all are proven breeders. The entire group is for sale $ 500.00. This is an excellent and inexpensive opportunity to get started in com snakes, or add to an existing breeding colony. Call Greg Kvanbek at (651) 388-0305 or (612) 701-9454 Will deliver to Twin Cities area. +++

Frozen Rabbits - all sizes. Prices very reasonable- pinkies to adults. Jim Daluge (763) 295-2818

Wanted: All the shed snake skins in the world. Needed for giveaways at educational programs contact Bob Duerr 541-0362

Information Request: Please send the following: 1. A complete inventory of all reptiles and amphibians living in your collection as of January 1. Include numbers of males, females or unknown sex. 2. A list of all species bred during the previous year. Bare minimum would be to mark the species bred and indicate if they laid eggs or gave live birth. If possible include more detailed notes of a paragraph or more. 3. List of all species, living or dead which you may believe may be record length. 4. Be sure to list your name, address and telephone number, fax as you want them listed. Please be legible. Anonymous submissions will be considered, try to at least list your name and state. 5. If you know of a person keeping reptiles and amphibians in captivity that has not responded please encourage them to do so. All collectors should respond. Send to Frank L. Slavens, PO Box 30744, Seattle, Washington, 98103, or Fax 206 546 2912

MHS Hats are still available by special order. They are white will a blue logo or khaki with a green logo. One size fits all, $8.00ppd or $10.00 if you want your name embroidered on the back. Contact Gordon Merck (612) 566-2001

Advertising Policies MHS Ad Policy: The MHS assumes NO RESPONSIBILITY regarding the health or legality of any animal, or the quality or legality of any product or service advertised in the MHS Newsletter. Any ad may be rejected at the discretion of the Newsletter Editor. Due to space limitations, unpaid and complimentary advertisements are subject to occasional omission.

Classified Ads: All active members are allowed a classified ad, run free of charge as space permits. Ads may be run (3) consecutive months, after which time they may be resubmitted. Corresponding members are allowed a complimentary business card advertisement monthly as space permits. Due to Federal restrictions on Non-profit mailing permits, we are not allowed to run ads for travel, credit or insurance agencies.

Display Ad Rates: Ad Size per Month V. page $10.00 'h page $20.00

full page $40.00 Business card advertisements may be purchased at $5.00 per ad, per month.

Submissions: All advertisements should be submitted to the MHS Editor, Ben Museum of Natural History, 10 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Deadline is the night of the General Meeting for inclusion in the next newsletter. Make checks payable to: Minnesota Herpetological Society

New Renewal Membership #

MRS Rodent Sales

Mice Pinkies $7.00 dozen Fuzzies $7.00 dozen Hoppers $8.00 dozen Adults $10.00 dozen

Rats SID. Pups $12.00 dz. LgPups $18.00 dz. Juvn Rats. $24.00 dz. Adults $15.00 six

$30.00 dz.

For pick up at monthly meetings only. Orders must be placed at least one week in advance of dale of meeting at which the frozen rodents are to be delivered. Place orders with Tina (Rat Girl) Cisewski at (612) 856-2865.

All proceeds go toward the operating costs of the society. The MHs is a completely volunteer run, non-profit organization.

Membershi lication

Type Check #

Name ____________________________________________________________________________ __

Address __________________________________________________________________________ __

CiIy ___________________________________________ State Zip ____________ __

Phone ________________________ ---.email List in MHS Directory? ____ yes ____ No

Herp related interests __________________________________________________________________ _

Active Memberships: _____ Sustaining ($60/yr) _____ Contributing ($30/yr) ____ Basic ($15/yr)

Corresponding Memberships: ____ Gold Commercial ($100/yr 2 full pg. ads) _____ Bronze Commercial ($50/yr 2 1/4pg ads)

_____ Silver Commercial ($75/yr 2 112 pg. ads) _____ Basic Commercial ($25/yr 2 Bus cards)

Required check info Drivers Lic # State DOB ________ __ Please enclose the proper payment with your application. MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY. Membership is for 12 months from the date of approval, a receipt will be sent only upon request. MAIL TO: Minnesota Herpetological Society, Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Please allow 6 - 8 weeks for processing.

UNIVERSITY OF MiNNESOTA- ST. PAUL CAMPUS

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

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

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+

Next Meeting:

April 7, 2000

Rm. 335 Borlaug Hall, U of M st. Paul Campus

Start time: 7:00 p.m.

MHS Voicemail: (612) 624 - 7065

Internet: http://www.onrampinc.net/rnhs/

+

+

Non-Profit Rate u.s. Postage

PAID Mpls.MN

Permit No. 2275

POSTMASTER: DATED MATERIAL