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I VOLUME iX NUMBER 9 s SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER OCTOBER MEETING DATE: Fri day, October 6, 1989 TIME: 7:00 PM PROGRAM: Captive Propagation in a Private Vivarium SPEAKER Wayne Hi 11 PLACE: 335 Borlaug Hall St. Paul Campus UnIversity of Minnesota This presentation will focus on Wayne's success in breeding albino cobras, Taipans, and White's Treefrogs. Wayne was the founder of the Central F1or1da HerpetOlogical Society and he is cur- rently editor of the Newsletter of the League of Florida Herpetological Soc1eties. Wayne has some very 1nterest1ng s11des so don't m1ss this one. CRITTER OF THE MONTH: Neonates of 1989. Bring in your new critters acquired during the past year. Show off your breeding successes; brag about your purChases. Rem1nder: Venomous species must be cleared in advance wlth Dan Keyler (933- 2055) or Bruce Delles (593-0298). Anyone who does not comply w1th th1s pol1cy will not be allowed to dlsplay their animal. , UPCOMING PROGRAMS: The following programs are being planned. More information will be , available in future newsletters. I ' I Fred Bozvay - Adventures of an Alligator Wrestler or "How I Spent My Summer Vacation" B111 and Kathy Love - Breeding and Genetics of Corn Snakes 1, ________________________________________________________ _ BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY 10 CHURCH STREET S.E. MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55455-0104

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Page 1: Vol. 9 (1989), No. 9

I

VOLUME iX NUMBER 9

s

SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER

OCTOBER MEETING

DATE: Fri day, October 6, 1989 TIME: 7:00 PM

PROGRAM: Captive Propagation in a Private Vivarium SPEAKER Wayne Hi 11

PLACE: 335 Borlaug Hall St. Paul Campus UnIversity of Minnesota

This presentation will focus on Wayne's success in breeding albino cobras, Taipans, and White's Treefrogs. Wayne was the founder of the Central F1or1da HerpetOlogical Society and he is cur­rently editor of the Newsletter of the League of Florida Herpetological Soc1eties. Wayne has some very 1nterest1ng s11des so don't m1ss this one.

CRITTER OF THE MONTH: Neonates of 1989. Bring in your new critters acquired during the past year. Show off your breeding successes; brag about your purChases. Rem1nder: Venomous species must be cleared in advance wlth Dan Keyler (933-2055) or Bruce Delles (593-0298). Anyone who does not comply w1th th1s pol1cy will not be allowed to dlsplay their animal.

, UPCOMING PROGRAMS: The following programs are being planned. More information will be , available in future newsletters. I

'

I Fred Bozvay - Adventures of an Alligator Wrestler or "How I Spent My Summer Vacation" B111 and Kathy Love - Breeding and Genetics of Corn Snakes

1, ________________________________________________________ _

BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

10 CHURCH STREET S.E. ~ MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55455-0104

Page 2: Vol. 9 (1989), No. 9

I

I UPCOMING ACTIVITIES

I October 18 - 20 : M1dwest Herp Symposium, St. Louis, Missouri I November 3: Entry deadline for Photo Contest and Illustration Contest I November 17 - 20: Symposium on The Biology of Pit V1pers, Arlington, Texas I December 2 : Holiday Banquet 1 ______________________________________________________ __

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; 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.

PRESIDENT VI CE -PRES I DENT SECRETARY TREASURER NEWSLETTER ED I TOR MEMBER-AT-LARGE MEMBER-AT -LARGE MEMBER-AT-LARGE MEMBER-AT-LARGE IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

MHS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

John Mori arty Aaron Hampton Kate Anderson Gloria Anton Jo Anne Wetherell-Moriarty Fred Bosman Scott Cords Bruce Haig Cl1ff Lindberg Ann Porwoll

(612) 647-1334 (715) 425-7565 (612) 222-3500 (612) 420-2603 (612) 647-1 334 (612) 476-0306 (612) 757-9759 (612) 789-4637 (612) 572-8834 (612) 489-7853

\

© Copyright Minnesota Herpetological Society. The contents of this newsletter may be I reproduced for inclus10n in the newsletters of other herpetological societ1es provided I that the material is reproduced without change and proper credits are given to the MHS I Newsletter Citing volume number and date. · I

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Page 3: Vol. 9 (1989), No. 9

SEPTEMBER PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Speakers at the September meeting were Ron and Margeret Melick, sales representatlves of Duro-Test (makers of Vita-Lite). They spoke about Vita-Lite wh1ch has been in use since 1968. Its initial use was in hospitals for treatment of Jaundice in humans. Then, someone had a revelat10n - if Vita-Lite 1s good for people 1t must be gOOd for other forms of life. Duro-Test began conducting research and found it was true. Duro-Test is now target market1ng Vita-Lite for plants and animals.

F acts about Vi ta-L 1 te: - It radiates the full color and ultra-violet spectrum of sunl1ght, with a color rendering index

of 9 1 (Natural sun light is 100). - It 1s warranted for 2.5 years. - It has an average life of 20-22,00 hours. - The power tw ist provides 15% more power than a regular tube. - After 12-15,000 hours a V1ta-Lite will have 75-80% of its ortg1nal brightness. - Optimally, animals should be no more than 200 foot-candles from the light. Use a light meter

to measure the exposure. - Glass filters out the beneficial rays from Vlta~Lite (or natural sunlight). Do not place glass

between the light and the an1mal or by plastiC that is labelled "UV transmitt1ng".

Trouble Shooting: - Use a good quality fixture. - A bad starter will wear out the light faster. It's a gOOd 1dea to change the starter when

changi ng the bu I b. - Ballast quality varies, A fixture with a bad ballast will cause the tube to blacken on only one

end. With some fixtures it is cheaper to replace the fixture rather than just the ballast. - Vita-Ute makes a tube holder that prevents the tube from fa1l1ng from the fixture (EspeCially

helpful if your critter 11kes to hang from the light fixtures).

SEPTEMBER BOARD MEET I NG

The meeting was held on September 10 at the home of Ann Porwoll and began at 3:36 PM. Those 1n attendance were Fred Bosman, Marilyn Brooks, Bruce Haig, Nancy Haig, John Mor1arty, Ann Porwoll, and Jo Anne Wetherell-Mor1arty.

The minutes of the last meeting were read and accepted. The Treasurer's report was read and accepted.

PreSident's Report: The 1990 M1dwest Herpetological Sympos1um w111 be held at the Bell Museum. The format and possible speakers were discussed. The ON!=< has formed an Exotic SpeCies Task force to address possible problems that may arise as a result of the presence of exot i c species (plants and an ima ls) in the state. John has been asked to be a member. The· f1rst meeting will be Sept. 13.

Vice-Presi dent's Report: Aaron was not present. The October speaker and critter were discussed.

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Page 4: Vol. 9 (1989), No. 9

(Board f'teet ing Conttnued)

Old Business: The state fair d1splay went very well. Several new volunteers participated. Next year the DNR building 1s scheduled to be re-organized. John is fairly certain the herp display will be included due to its popularity with the public. The buttons were finished and avail­able at the general meeting. The cost was lower than expected. No one has volunteered to chair the holiday banquet. It was decided that 1f no one volunteers by the next meet1ng) it w111 be cancelled. John got a member list from Del and found that there are 65 people who were members 2 or more years but did not renew. This group will be sent reminders to renew.

New Business: Greg Kvanbeck will be the new student chapter president. The DNR has been getting a lot of phone calls from people with questions about keeping herps in captivity. They would like MHS to put together a pamphlet on this subject. The DNR will cover printing costs. Everyone agreed that this should be done. Help from non-board members will be solicited. The board member handbook will be updated and rewritten for use as a general membership handbook. This will help inform all members as to the work1ngs of the society. Bruce Oelles has requested that we find a new volunteer to coordinate assembly of the newsletter. He will st1l1 allow us to use his store. John asked Marllyn to take this on and she agreed.

Roundtable: Bruce Haig suggested that we write a letter of thanks to the Ames, Iowa animal control officer for sending the Black and White Tegu to MHS for adoption. The board agreed to do so. Bruce also volunteered to write a piece for the newsletter about tt. Nancy told us that the rattlesnake prints are ready (for the thank you gift to legislators). She will get them to

John some time in the next week. Karln Rea has volunteered to help Nancy with the 11brary. There is a problem with lack of space for critter of the month. It was decided that the name badge box will be moved to a side table so that the front table will be freed up. Members need to be reminded to label their critters and bring containers to display them in. Jo Anne volunteered to make up cards for members to " fill in the blanks". These would be put out with the critter signup sheet. Several board members had received complaints from members at the meeting concerning disrupt1ve children. A rem inder to parents will be run tn the newsletter. John wiJ 1 speak to the parents of regular offenders.

The meet1ng was adjourned at 5:39 PM.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

HOLIDAY BANQUET COMMITIEE - A chairman is still needed to plan this event scheduled for Dec. 2. This person will set up a committee to reserve a room, plan a menu, and arrange for refreshments. Sally Brewer has done th1s for the last few years and can answer questions about it. Anyone who wishes to volunteer should contact John Mortarty. If there are no volunteers by the next meeting the banquet will be cancelled.

SOCIETY HISTORIAN - Someone is still needed to organize the society's scrapbook and gather information on past and present MHS activit1es. Contact John Mor1arty.

ADOPTION COMMITTEE - Bruce Cutler, Glen Jacobsen, and Mark Kelly volunteered to serve as alternates. They wi! J sit in on adoption committee meetings for the next few months.

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Page 5: Vol. 9 (1989), No. 9

CRITTER Of THE MONTH

Many sun-loving critters made what may be a final appearance of the summer. (This is especially true considering the weather outside -- the temperature is dropp1ng quiCkly and the flrst frost warning for the entire state 1s out. Also, I just heard the first w1nd chill report.) Critters displayed at the September meeting were Collared Llzard, variety of copperheads, Common Iquana, Common Boa, Bimini Boa, Eastern Painted Turtle, Great Plains Sk1nk, Blue Tongue Sklnk, Shingleback Skink, Savannah Mon1tor (2), Common Snapping Turtle, Sonoran Black Kingsnake, and European Glass Llzard. Members who brought the1r critters included Barney Oldf1eld, Fred Bozvay, Zachary Strand, Megan Strand, Glen Jacobsen, Greg Kvanbeck, Joe Matzke, Chase Delles, Brandon Delles, Connie Delles, Jam1e King and Gloria Anton.

SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT CRITTER Of THE MONTH

One I mportant purpose of critter of the month is to teach your fe llow members about your cr1tters. People seem to have forgotten about a few basics about show1ng your critters.

1. Do a little homework and br1ng some facts about your critter. - What is the scientific name? Common name? - What country or continent does it naturally occur in? - What does it eat? - What are the special requirements for keeping this spec1es in captivity? - How long have you had it? - Is it an adult or a juveni 1e? - What sex is it?

Cards will be available at the meeting so that you wlll be able to properly label your ani­mal. Pick one up when you fi 11 out the s1gn-up sheet. Mount 1t on your display box after you show your animal. This will be helpful when members are looking at the animals at the end of the meeting.

2. Bring a gOOd container 1n which to d1splay your animal. Members enjoy looking at other people's animals. Make it easier for them. Plastic shoe boxes and small aquariums work well. It can be difficult to find a good display box for large animals but there should be something suitable for most animals.

REFRESHMENTS

At the September meeting there were initially no refreshments. After Brenda gave the membersh1p a well deserved speech about member participat10n, an anonymous person snuck out and bought some cookies. (Thanks!) Please be an active participant in MHS. There are usually at least 80 members at our monthly meetings. If each member prov1ded refreshments one time then that would take care of the next 7 years!

I f you can vo I unteer to bring refreshments to a meet i ng contact Brenda Be 11 at 429-1205 or see her at a meeting.

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Page 6: Vol. 9 (1989), No. 9

HELP A HAPLESS HERP

Adoptions at the September meeting included a Black and White Tegu Lizard that went to James Dorfler and an Elongated Tortoise that went to Michael Fiereck. At the time of publication there were no adoption animals for the October meeting.

IOWA TEGU CONNECTION

Three cheers for the Police Department in Ames, Iowa. When a two-foot Black and Wh1te Tegu showed up in a resident's yard 1n August, the pol1ce were called to remove the invader. They responded by trapp1ng it alive and set out to find the owner. After no one in Ames c la1med ita search for a foster home was vigorously pursued by Lorna Lavender, the Animal Contro I Supervisor. Local herpers declined to adopt it so she called Jim Gerholdt of the Minnesota Herpetolog1cal Society to see 1f he could help. Jim responded by send1ng her the herp society's standard release form authorizing the society to take responsibil1ty for the animal. Lorna returned the form and the tegu in a styrofoam cooler by overnight del1very. Upon receiv1ng the tegu, Jim promptly fed it several mice. It has now been adopted by an experienced MHS member with whom it w1l1 live happily ever after. After frequently hearing about the 19norance-based actions by police and animal control officers in other cities it 1s wonderful to find that reason st111 prevails in Ames, Iowa.

Broce Haig

MONTHL V RAFFLE

Raffles having been getting rather pitiful lately, mainly due to a decrease in the number of interest 1ng prizes. Last month's raffle did garner $26.00 to he lp the soctety. Prizes donated were a package of slimy slurps, a styrofoam cooler, several small astroturf mats, two Schaeffer pens and a light bulb note pad. The winners were Marla Wilber, Jim Gerholdt} Mark Kelly, Jack Walsh} Jim Schneider, Brandon Delles} Laura Peterson} and Gloria Anton. Thanks to all those who donated prizes and bought t1ckets .

.... ~.

:.?·<~~-T~~= ... "--~< o!.. _ _ .~:.:';..:,£f~'····~~~ .. ...

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Page 7: Vol. 9 (1989), No. 9

SNAKE HUNT.

What a bummer! Rain and more rain and heavy overcastl That was how my snake hunting day began. I ro lled over and slept another two hours; meanwhile my fully laden fanny pack, snake sticks, and hiking boots waited patiently on the floor. By 10 a.m. it seemed hopeless, so I sorted through the mail and began catching up on some overdue correspondence. I mused to mysel( "I f I could only arrange the weather for good snake hunting on my days off?" "Oh well there wi 11 be another time - I'm sure." I stepped outside at 3 p.m., and a little bit of sun was poking through. "Ah, maybe - no it's too late in the day to cross the river into Wisconsin and start climbing hills," I grumbled to myself.

I had the timber itch! It had been late May since I had last seen my favorite snake in the Wild. In went the equipment and I was on the road at 4p.m. in the old red beater. Expectations were low, but at least I would get some exercise and take in some wonderful habitat.

I climbed at a good pace and was heaving by the time I reached the summit of my most dependable rattlesnake hill. There was nobody home in the usual places. I had several marked females at a secondary Site; surely they would be waiting to see me. No, they were out for the evening. I did find a nice milk snake wedged in a rock crevice. I gave up attempting to extract it when I thought I was going to pull the snake in half. With thoughts of going home I descended the hill.

My plans changed. I drove down river to see if the sun was sti 11 hitting the rock face of another snake hill. I hadn't hunted this hill in late August before, so I didn't know what to expect. Although it was not all that warm, the rocks were still aglow w1th sunshine. The pack was strapped on, and I was on the hill in record time. Before my heart rate had sett led, I had spotted a beaut1ful female timber rattlesnake coned under a protruding rock. My fanny pack was off, and the camera gear was out. I began tak1ng shots. Her tongue flicking told me she was nervous; she was going to run. I wanted biological data, so , quickly placed the camera on a rock and reached for the snake stick. Handl1ng her was easy as she was a real pussy cat. She was definitely pregnant as her 42" body weighed in at two pounds. I could also palpate the young snakes in her distended abdomen.

I left the bagged snake where I had found her and cl imbed to the second tier. I wanted to get in some more hunting before releasing and photographing her. Less than three minutes later, I spotted another rattlesnake loosely coiled in the vegetation at the base of the rock shelf. I had grasped the camera when the snake started to crawl. Again I changed missions. At the very instant that I slid the foot of the snake hook under its body,' saw the third one, The biggest and most colorful of the three lay stretched out full length facing me about three feet away. I finished making the capture of the one I had. She was a beauty, another gravid female with a 41" body length excluding the eight rattles. With only one snake bag some distance away, , was in a bind. I decided to leave the th1rd 1n hopes it would stay put while I weighed the second. I left my camera bag propped open against the rock face. After delays in removing the cable tie from the occupied bag while hanging onto number two, I f1gured there would be little hope in processing the big one. Sure enough upon return, no snake could be found. After carefully scouring the area for another 10 minutes, I assumed it had holed up.

Planning to depart I reloaded gear into my pack. Just as I pulled the cover down, a snake sounded off. This one was colled 1n the crevice directly behind where the cover had been propped. I processed another pregnant female about 3 feet in length. Within 20 minutes and 1n an area not much larger than my house I found 4 adul t timbers, and I knew that three of them would be having babies within the next 10 days. Reproduction had been poor last year due to the drought, so this was GREAT. My euphoria was to linger for days.

Barney Oldfield

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Page 8: Vol. 9 (1989), No. 9

TIME TO BUY DUCK STAMPS

The 1989 Federal Mlgratory Blrd Huntlng and Conservation Stamp (duck stamp) 1s now on sale. These stamps are needed by all who hunt ducks, but you do not have to hunt to buy them. The money ra1sed by sale of duCk stamps can only be used for habitat acquisition. Most of the land purchased is wetlands. The main intent is to get land for raising ducks, however these are also important sites for amphibians and reptiles. There are not many opportun1ties to pay a tax to the feds and know where your money is going. The stamps are $12.50 each and are available at most Post Offices.

WRITERS WANTED

The DNR Nongame Program has asked MHS to write several leaflets on basic herp care. These would be made available to individuals who call the ON!=< with questions on keeping herps in captiv1ty. Three leaflets are planned. The topics would be snakes, turtles, and amphiblans. They would include very basic information about housing, foods, care, natural history) and a list of baste references. One person need not do all three leaflets.

A new MHS Member Handbook 1s planned. Th1s would be an updated vers10n of the current Board Member Handbook. The new handbook wi 11 be distributed to all current members and to new members to help fami I iarize them with the society. I t wi 11 include a description of the duties of all MHS committees, duties of board members, policy statements (adoption, sale of animals, etc.) and annua I act1vltles.

Any MHS member interested in working on either of these projects should contact John Moriarty. Typing assistance will be available.

APPEAL TO PARENTS

Parents of jun10r members hear our plea I t's great that MHS 1s a fam1ly organ1zatlon. What a great way for k1ds to learn. However) there have once again been complaints about unruly children at the meetings. Keep 1n mind that three hours is a long t1me for ch1ldren to sit still. Please be conSiderate of your fellow members. I f your kids get restless please accompany them out 1nto the hall to give them a chance to move around. Please do not send them out alone. At the September meeting there were kids running wi Idly and screaming in the halls during the meeting, the break, and after the meet1ng. Also, please accompany your k1ds to the refreshment table and see that they take one or two cookies and leave some for other people. If you already do these things your consideration is greatly appreCiated. On behalf of the ent1re membership thank you for your cooperation.

STATE FAIR THANKS

May I extend my heartfelt thanks to all the fOllow1ng who were 1nvolved 1n making the 1989 State Fair herp display a success and my job as committee chairperson so easy. You bullt the cages, provided the animals, and serviced the exhibit every day. Thank you to Dennis Albrecht, Gloria Anton, Brenda Bell) The Bell Museum of Natural History, Fred and Liz Bosman, Marilyn Brooks, Scott and Cheryl Cords) Bruce De 11 es, The Frog Fai ry, Jim Gerho ldt, Bruce and Nancy Ha1g) Aaron Hampton, Jeff Hering, Jo Ann James, Jamie King) Greg Kvanbeck, John Me ltzer, John Moriarty, Brint and Sue Spencer, Chris Thorson) Vado's Live Ba1t and Tackle, and Dav1d Wiener.

Kate Anderson

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Page 9: Vol. 9 (1989), No. 9

III

PREVIOUS WINNERS

It's contest time again! MHS is conducting its 5th annual illustration contest. Prints of the winning entry are used as a "Thank You" to MHS susta1nlng and contributing members for the 1989-1990 membership year. We encourage previous winners as we 11 as new entrants to participate. A prize of $100.00 wi 11 be awarded to the winning drawing.

THE CONTEST RULES ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. Drawing size no larger than 14" by 17". 2. Drawings to be done in black ink on white paper. Line drawings only, no washes or pencil

shading. 3. Drawings must be of Minnesota herps. Excluding - Wood Turtle, Timber Rattlesnake, Five­

lined Sk1nk, and Grey Treefrog (our previous winners). 4. Drawings should focus on adult herp with some Minnesota flora in background. 5. All entries must be received by November 3, 1989. Entries can be maned or turned in at

the November meeting. 6. Mail all entr1es to: MHS Illustration Contest

CIO Sally Brewer 1990 I g1 ehart St. Paul, MN 55104

7. If you wish entries (or entry) returned, it MUST be accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. They may also be picked up after the contest has been jUdged.

8. All entries must have contestant's name, address, phone number attached to the back of the drawing. Each drawing must have a protect1ve cover (paper flap, clear plastic wrap, or plastic). No glass unl ess turned in at the month ly meeting. DO NOT MAl L GLASS. Entr1es do not need to be framed.

9. Contest is open to M.H.S. members on ly - 10ca lly or out of state, inc ludi ng past w j nners .

All entries will be judged on originality, accuracy, composition, and clar1ty. It must be a good, clean drawing that can be easily reproduced. The winning drawing and all rights to It become the property of N.H.S .. We will take all possible precautions to ensure the safety of all entries, but M.H.S. will assume no responsibllity for lost or damaged drawings.

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Page 10: Vol. 9 (1989), No. 9

1 989 MHS PHOTO CONTEST

There are two months left before the deadl1ne for this year's photo contest. Everyone has time to get those last p1ctures taken and select their entries. Th1s year the contest w1l1 be for prints only. The cha1rperson for the contest isJim Adams. Ribbons will be awarded for the top entries and there will be prizes for first place and the winner of the People's Choice award.

Contest Rules:

1. Entries may be made by MHS members only. Entries from previous contests are not elig1ble.

2. Entries are for prints only. Categories include: a) Herps with people b) Herps in a natural setting. All entries are elig1ble for the People's Choice award. This category is voted on by the members at the December meeting.

3. A contestant may enter up to 5 prints.

4. All entries must be postmarked by Nov. 3 or turned in at the November meeting.

5. Entries to be returned by mail must be accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Entr1es may be picked up at the December meeting.

6. Size of prints may be 4".x 6", 5" X 7", or 8" x 10'. They must be mounted on cardboard or matboard at least 8" x 10", but no larger than 11" x 14". Framed prints are discouraged.

7. The entrants name, address, and entry category must be on the back of every print. Do not place names on the front of the print.

00 IE \}'£J IMlIE IMHB3 rE ~ $ PLEASE ADD THESE NAMES TO YOUR WHITE PAGES

Mark Bates 304 3 1 stAve. N Fargo, NO 58102

James Doerfler 112 Big Circle Drive Littl e Canada, MN 551 17

Vincent P. Herman 208 10th St. N Sarte 11, MN 56377

Curt Baumgarth 25 1 5 W. Manda 1 ay Lane Phoeni x, AZ 85023

Daniel Engblom 9919 321st Ave. Pr1nceton, MN 55371

Herlin Johnson 1 23 63 112 Way Fridley, MN 55432

Ed Stone PO Box 17961 Ml1waukee, WI 53217

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Vicki Brown 1 820 Co 1 umbus #202 Minneapo lis, MN 55404

Earl R. Fa1rbanks 1 004 S. Front St. Hudson, WI 54016 .

Douglas P. Shelley 6909 Paiute Drive Ed1na, MN 55435

Page 11: Vol. 9 (1989), No. 9

BREEDING NOTES

Aaron Hampton (correction from last month)

Desert Kingsnake. 2 females. Female I. Mated on 25 and 26 March. Laid 8 eggs on 1 May, which hatched on 16 June. She mated again on 9 May and laid 7 eggs on 15 June. They hatched on 9 August. Female 2. Mated on 26 and 27 March. Laid 7 eggs on 2 May wh1ch hatched on 18 and 19 June.

Mex1can Black K1ngsnake 1 femal e. Mated 5 times between 11 and 29 March. 9 eggs were laid on 23 April. 5 eggs hatched between 13 and 16 June. Mated again on 9 May and la1d 7 eggs on '5 June. All eggs hatched on 9 August.

All snakes were hibernated for 2.5 to 3 months at 55 to 60 degrees F. Eggs were tncubated at 80 to 84 degrees F 1n damp vermiculite.

MHS DELI: Order frozen rats and rat pups no later than 7:00 PM the Monday before the meeting. Call Bruce at 593-0298 to place an order. Umit: 3 dozen pups or 6 adult rats.

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

FOR SALE: 1.0 Flor1da Klngsnake. Long term captive, great feeder, about 5 ft. long) $35.00. Also several cages and aquariums. Contact Brenda Bell at (612) 488-8519.

FOR SALE: 16 c.h. 89 Oketee Corn Snakes, $15.00 ea.; 0.2 c.h. 88 Oketee Corn Snakes,$40.00 ea.; 1.1 Blotched Goln; K1ngsnake, $130.lpr. Also many exotic frogs, toads, and m1ce. Call David at (612) 444-9773.

FOR SALE: Gentle Touch (Ttv!) natural animal bedd1ng for rodents or herps. Absorbent, natural aroma, bio-degradable. Significantly reduces odors. A little goes a long way. Retail value $12., sale $ to. Also a variety of reptiles and amphibians. Let us find that hard to get herp. RJ Repti les, John and Ruth Meltzer, Box 3695, Mpls, MN 55403 (612) 263-7880.

FOR SALE: ALBINO Burmese Pythons (P,vthon M. bivlttatus) 2-2 1/2', $2300.lpr. Many other snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs, etc. also for sale. Send a self-addressed, STAMPED envelope for a sample list or send $5. for the next 6 lists to: Twin Cities Reptiles, 540 Winnetka Ave. No., Golden Valley, MN 55427 (612) 593-0298.

FOR SALE: Boa Constrictors, c.b. 4/89, $ t 30. ea. or $230.lpr. Frozen adult mice $6.1doz.; adult rats $2.ea.; med. SZ. shorthalr guinea pigs $1.50 ea Call Vence or Nanette at (612) 869-8547

FOR SALE/TRADE: Hatchling Desert Kingsnakes, $55/pr; Mexican Black Kingsnakes, $100.lpr. Custom cages start1ng at $30. Aaron Hampton, 1135 S. Fork Dr., River Falls,WI 54022, (715) 425-7565. Free TC delivery daily.

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Page 12: Vol. 9 (1989), No. 9

FOR SALE: c.b. Boa Const. $120 ea., $200.lpr; Rabbits $1.50/1b.; Rats - Large adult 50/$60, pinkies 50/$23.; Mice - hoppers 501$23" pinkies 501$20, Call Jeff Ronne at (612) 431-6813

WANTED: Adult Boa Const Trades or cash paid. Jeff Ronne, see ad above.

WANTED: Young, female Mexican Red-leg Tarantula (Brachypelma sm1th!), 1mmature specimens welcome. Refer to book: "Tarantulas" by Al David to ident1fy spec1es wanted. Contact Don Voiov1ch, 6420-38th Avenue North, Crystal, MN 55427 (612) 537-6569,

WANTED: Anyone 1nterested in ordering reptiles from HERPP in Stafford, VA and 1n spl1tt1ng shipping costs. Call Terry Scheiber at (612) 892-7482 by October 15. HERPP's current list ava1lable.

WANTED: Old price 11sts, I wi 11 pay $$$ for reptile price l1sts dating earlier than 1970, either U,S. or foreign. For details write: Dr. Richard Ross, Box 2227, Stanford, CA 94305.

WANTED: Home videos of you, someone you know, etc., w1th reptiles. Contact Aaron Hampton at October meeting.

I I INSTRUCTIONS' Ads are run as a free service to members. Paid ads from non-members are not I

accepted. Ads for venomous species, illegal species, or s1ck anImals will not be run. MHS I takes no responsibility for legality or health of any animal advertised here. Size of ads is I limned to 4 typed l1nes or 1 standard s1ze business card. Deadline for all newsletter I items is the 15th of the month. Send all newsletter 1tems to: ATTN: Newsletter Editor, Minnesota Herpetological Society, Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church St. I S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55455-0104.

I

cl1p and save

~ ~ II SNAKEBITE EMERGENCY II II Mlnnesota Polson Control System 222-2113 (outstate 1-800-222-1222) II

II Hennepln Reglonal Polson Center (612) 347-3141 II ~==============================================================~

12

Page 13: Vol. 9 (1989), No. 9

FIFTH ANNUAL MIDWESTERN HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY CONFERENCE

SPONSORED BY THE ST. LOUIS HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Speakers to Include: William LDve, GLades Herpetoculture, Alva, Florida Richard Fife, Tortoise Breeder, Phoenix, Arizona Terry & Jan Primas, Educators, Duke, Missouri Allen Anderson, African Fat-Tail Gecko Breeder, Des M:>ines, Iowa fun Hamper, Breeder of Rare and Errlangered Reptiles, Columbus, Chio Ann Day, Head Reptile Keeper, St. LDuis Zoo

October 19-20-21, 1989 HGlARD JCHNSON H01EL 5915 Wilson Avenue St. LDuis, M) 63110

Doug Pemikoff, D.V.M., Ho~ersh:ll Veterinary Clinic, St. lDuis, Misoouri Dr. Ralph W. Axtell, PHD, Herpetologist Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, Donal Me Boyer, Supervisor Departrent of Reptiles & Amphibians, Dallas Zoo Ron Goellner, Urrator of Reptiles, St. LDuis Zoo, Keyrote speaker

Registratim:

Illinois

Due to possible space limitations it is imperative that you register as soen as possible. The registration fee is $35.00. This incluies admission to a Thursday evening ice-breaker. Friday/ Saturday ccnference, and TIursday, Friday, Saturday hospitality roan. The Zoo Banquet fee is $20 .. 00.. Registration after September 22nd will require an additional $10.00 fee.

Location: Howard Johnoon Hotel, 5915 Wilson Ave., St .. Louis, ill 63110. This location is approximately 1 mile from the St .. Louis Zoo.. (See map on back .. ) Roan space may be a problem depending on attendance. There is an adjacent Red Roof Inn which will handle overflow. Please register as scim as possible for tre nights of October 19, 20, 21. (We recoomend you guarantee your roan with a credit card.) Roan rates, excluding tax, are $46.50 single and $53 .. 50 for a double, plus tax. Call 1-314-645-0700 for reservations. Please specify that you are atteniing the Midwestern Herpetological Conference in order to receive these special roan rates ..

Times: Registration will begin at 5:00 p .. m. on TIursday and will continue throoghout the ice breaker wch will begin at 6:00 p .. m.. Registraticn can also be made on Friday morning 8:00 a .. m. until the 9:00 a .. m .. conference time (coffee/donuts 8:30).. We will break. for lunch at 1 :30. At 3:00 busses will shuttle attendees to the St .. Louis Zoo living World exhibit.. AI.. 5:00 there will be a behind the scenes open house at the Herpetarium.. At 6:30 we willlIEet back at the Living World Education Center for a keynote address -by Ron Goellner, Curator of Reptiles, and our Barquet.. You IruSt sign up and pay in advance to attend the bmquet.. Busses will shuttle the atten::iees back to the rotel at 10:00 p.rn.. The Ccnference will resune at 9:00 a"m .. Saturday (coffee/donuts at 8:30) and nm until 1 :30.. You will have free time for the Zoo, Botanical Gardens, Arch, etc .. until 7:30 p.m.. At. 7:30 p"m. we will reet, drinks end snacks provided, for an for an Auction at 8:00 p.m.. Space will be provided from 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. during the Saturday free time for societies end individuals to sell herp-related itans.. We do ask that you make a donation to the auction and that you reserve space in advance of the conference"

('.aIuIIpn t s : Please note that the buying, selling and trading of animals at symposiums and conferences has professional am. amateur Herpetologists at odds with themselves and each other.. This argument will no doubt cootinue for some tine; ani some on both sides will never walk ccmnon ground. We would simply remind you the primary plrpose of our conference is the dissemination of information.. We ask that those who attend keep that purpcse in mind and th.3t any entreprenrurlal endeavor be of a secorrlary nature" Time and space is provided for these activities.. If you are caning only to sell your wares, am are not attending the presentations, don't ccmel N) VEHlDJS RE'PITIES We are making every effort to be as successful as our predecessors at providing a quality ccnference.. We are especially grateful to the St. Louis Zoo for their participation.. We look forward to your visit to St .. LDuis" If you have any questions please call Harry Steirnrann at 314 821-0184 heme or 314-821-4545 work ..

Page 14: Vol. 9 (1989), No. 9

lvfINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL

SOCIETY

lEU. ~ 011 HATUUL HIm:JIIIY

UP c:M.8QIlJUrr.u. • ~ YD • ..,X", ~10J'

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N s MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY

BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY 10 CHURCH STREET 5.1:. • MINNEAPOLIS. MINNESOTA 55455-0104

ADDRES~S ____________________________________________________________________________ __

cny~ ___________________________________________ STATE ______ _

PHONE~ ______________________________ lmEU~!~ ____________________________ _

00 YOU WISH mE ABOVE INFORMA nON USTED IN THE MRS DIRECTORY [J NO

1"\'PE 0' MEMIDlSHIP IJ NEW 0 RENEW o SUST AlNlNG .............................. 550.00 o CONTIUBtn'ING ........................ , .. 525.00 o fAMILY ................................... $12.50

A.dmib IilllMmbnl of lB family to monthly meetinp o lNDMDUAL .............................. $10.00

OFFICIAL MHS T-SHIRT SO MO LO no S7.00 acb iDcludeI ~

PLEASE ENCLOSE PAYMENT WITH APPUCA nON. MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY. MEMBERSHIP IS FOR 12 MONTHS FROM TIm DATE OF JOINING. YOU WILL RECEIVE YOUR MEMBERSHIP CARD BY RETURN MAIL. A RECEIPT WILL BE SEW. ONLY UPON REQUEST.